pre-empting Obamaveepfilter

August 22, 2008 2:37 PM

Obama is expected to announce his VP choice tomorrow via text message to the masses. Dozens, or perhaps hundreds, even thousands, of mefites will be notified of the selection all at the very same instant. Several of them may want to make the first crappy post on the subject. Shall we let this happen?

Up until now, the only guideline regarding crappy news/election/obit-filter is basically "take your time so if you post newsfilter, it's worthwhile". More so than with almost any news in the past, there exists the possibility for a few people all to be racing to be the first to post to metafilter all at once. Newsfilter still isn't banned, so it seems undesirable to just forbid posts on Obama's selection. Time limits before posting have been discussed in the past, and seem like a good solution at least in this case. However, for most news stories it's hard to pin down exactly when a story first breaks. Or perhaps we could come up with a clever one time solution just for this case, and continue with the status quo.

posted by gauchodaspampas to etiquette/policy at 2:37 PM (232 comments total)

I'm sure this is something that the mods have already talked about and figured out.
posted by booticon at 2:39 PM on August 22, 2008

There's going to be a post. Multiple ones probably. It will happen, and we know it. My idea for a creative one time solution is to select here and now one person to plan a post for each major potential veep ahead of time. All posts not by the selected person will be deleted. We know most of the major possibilities. There's plenty of time to do some research to find some interesting sites about them. All that's left is perhaps for the author to wait a bit to include a bit of the first media response and then post. Thoughts?
posted by gauchodaspampas at 2:39 PM on August 22, 2008

Dude, you have too much time on your hands.
posted by dobbs at 2:40 PM on August 22, 2008 [6 favorites]

Exactly.
posted by ericb at 2:40 PM on August 22, 2008

Oh, and I'm gonna be his VP.
posted by dobbs at 2:40 PM on August 22, 2008 [2 favorites]

This is just another political news story. Other than cautioning people not to write a crappy post, I don't see a need for heroics or special.... what exactly? Someone could actually start writing a decent post today and be ready to post it tomorrow. If there was an earlier 'OMG CHEK CNN" post we'd delete it in favor of a really good post. We do this very very rarely but we've done it a few times before.
posted by jessamyn at 2:41 PM on August 22, 2008

I sat down at my computer and cruised over to metafilter and though, oh noes, there are going to be some shitty posts tomorrow. And this time we know it and can do something about it. It took me all of two minutes to write the post.
posted by gauchodaspampas at 2:41 PM on August 22, 2008

Rushes to corral-up as much info on dobbs for an FPP.
posted by ericb at 2:41 PM on August 22, 2008

Bring back the siren!
posted by carsonb at 2:43 PM on August 22, 2008 [2 favorites]

I got dibs on the draft Barney Frank post!
posted by kosem at 2:44 PM on August 22, 2008

Someone could actually start writing a decent post today and be ready to post it tomorrow.

If someone wants to prep a Joe Biden FPP ... check out the multitude of links on him as potential (probable?) VP candidate here.
posted by ericb at 2:44 PM on August 22, 2008

Who's Obama?
posted by SeizeTheDay at 2:44 PM on August 22, 2008

I have dibs on Brian Schweitzer.

Oh, who am I kidding, it's not going to happen.

This is just another political news story.

Well, yes and no. For most newsfilter, something happens, then someone rushes to post too early, then it gets deleted, then maybe later someone posts a decent post. And in worst cases, it gets meta'ed and we get to discuss it. For this "news" story, we know it's going to happen. I see it generating a higher probability than normal for crappy posts. So why wait to clean up the mess later?
posted by gauchodaspampas at 2:48 PM on August 22, 2008

ericb, if you think that's good, you should check out David Brooks' glowing recommendation of Biden in his latest op-ed in the Times. Brooks is such a bastard. Try to prop up a candidate that would essentially clinch a GOP win, masked with a sense that he believes in Biden's "goodness".
posted by SeizeTheDay at 2:51 PM on August 22, 2008

Spoiler: Obama announces via text message that his choice for Vice President is Rick Astley.
posted by Parasite Unseen at 2:53 PM on August 22, 2008 [10 favorites]

If the pick is not Hillary, I will craft that FPP from hate.
posted by felix betachat at 2:55 PM on August 22, 2008

Actually, they just announced it.
posted by empath at 2:56 PM on August 22, 2008

DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN
posted by docpops at 3:02 PM on August 22, 2008

James Brown dead=Obama VP?

How about we all just make a pledge to not peak at his selection, thus availing ourselves of a pleasant surprise on that November Tuesday.

"Oh, he went with Kucinich? Never would have guessed it."
posted by klangklangston at 3:04 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Nothing satisfies my hunger more than a MetaTalk post about a possible future MetaFilter post. It's like having heartburn before your meal.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 3:05 PM on August 22, 2008 [8 favorites]

I'm going to have a plate of beans tomorrow. But I'm not sure what kind exactly. Black beans? Kidney beans? I might have a hot date -- will all these options give me embarrassing gas? Are there ways to reduce gas from eating beans? Do those little "beano" pills upset any natural processes? Should I become a vegan? If I'm going vegan, should I also do raw food only? Don't plants have feelings? Have you ever seen an artichoke plant in the wild? Why would someone want to eat one? And what about airplane peanuts? Could they make the bags harder to open during turbulence?
posted by mathowie at 3:05 PM on August 22, 2008 [26 favorites]

Obama/Nader 2008!!!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 3:06 PM on August 22, 2008

Alternatively: Obama/McCain 2008!!! The Real Ultimate Unity Ticket!!!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 3:07 PM on August 22, 2008

I'm just Biden my time until I Kaine check my texts, bayh god!
posted by mattbucher at 3:09 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

I believe Fafblog has already covered both parties pretty well.
posted by Tehanu at 3:11 PM on August 22, 2008 [2 favorites]

I sat down at my computer and cruised over to metafilter and though, oh noes, there are going to be some shitty posts tomorrow. And this time we know it and can do something about it. It took me all of two minutes to write the post.

Not exactly leading by example then.
posted by adamrice at 3:11 PM on August 22, 2008 [2 favorites]

I got dibs on the draft Barney Frank post!

I think you mean "Barney Fag."

But, hey things are moving in the right direction.

Majority [Over 60%] of Americans Would Support a Gay President, According to New Poll.

posted by ericb at 3:13 PM on August 22, 2008

I think the mods should just preemptively ban all of the most vocal Obama supporters, just to be on the safe side.
posted by Dave Faris at 3:13 PM on August 22, 2008

Shugs. People will thread dump and flag the shit out of it regardless of quality, it's not exactly an incentive to put much effort into it.
posted by Artw at 3:16 PM on August 22, 2008

gauchodaspampas: "It will happen, and we know it. My idea for a creative one time solution is to select here and now one person to plan a post for each major potential veep ahead of time."

I'm already three-quarters done with my post on Obama/Haughey 2008. Did you know he runs Fuelly?
posted by Plutor at 3:17 PM on August 22, 2008

Shall we let this happen?

Who's this "we", Kemosabe?
posted by Class Goat at 3:21 PM on August 22, 2008

Jesus, isn't it wonderful how LGF now remote-controls the content of the front page.

Granted, there have been some bad political posts, but the admins have been pruning them. So there's nothing that makes this situation any different.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:22 PM on August 22, 2008

You know, honestly, I really think more people are going to be interested in the choice than in the quality of a post on MetaFilter about the choice. I, you know, I don't want to deflate anyone's expectations, but I honestly imagine that most people won't care about the content of that post at all, and that also most people won't hear the news here first. They'll certainly want to discuss it here, but to keep it real, even on a Saturday -- hell, especially on a Saturday -- every network with a news outlet will be inundating us all (within minutes of the announcement) with every conceivable bit of info that exists on this person, whomever s/he may be, and I think we'll all be pretty sick of his/her biography in very short order, and I also think any post we cobble together would, if really elaborate, at best consist of nothing but every damn story we've been hearing all day long everywhere else about the candidate, and so. Who cares?
posted by kittens for breakfast at 3:24 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

I just got the text message. It's Cliff from Cheers.
posted by popcassady at 3:25 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

My text message said, "Obama/All-you-can-eat-buffet"
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 3:27 PM on August 22, 2008

Kirk/Spock
posted by Artw at 3:31 PM on August 22, 2008

Kittens, I see your point, but I don't think that means a post saying "Check CNN. Discuss." should stay up. If you have your way, that seems the most reasonable thing to do. No use trying to actually craft a good post, as with any other topic.
posted by gauchodaspampas at 3:31 PM on August 22, 2008

Forget the text message. The Kerry-Edwards ticket was first leaked by an aviation enthusiast forum, when someone spotted the campaign plane being re-painted in a hangar.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 3:32 PM on August 22, 2008

Kittens, I see your point, but I don't think that means a post saying "Check CNN. Discuss." should stay up. If you have your way, that seems the most reasonable thing to do. No use trying to actually craft a good post, as with any other topic.

I'm saying there is no use, yes. It's a pointless effort.
posted by kittens for breakfast at 3:35 PM on August 22, 2008

Dude/Walter 2008!

(I stole that from a text ad on facebook)
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 3:36 PM on August 22, 2008

Okay, seriously this time -- Looks like it's Bayh.
posted by empath at 3:44 PM on August 22, 2008

I'm such a fan of the cynicism and misanthrophy that is behind hating things before they even happen.
posted by milkrate at 3:47 PM on August 22, 2008

The primary obstacle that Obama must overcome isn't that because he's black, he's threatening to America, but rather that America feels uncomfortable around non-threatening black people (hence the whole basis for the Urkel character).

So what Obama needs is a running mate who seems like he can kick a little ass. Now, while there are plenty of ass-kicking black men who could be his second (Mr. T, Samuel L. Jackson, Darth Vader), if you look at the most popular two-flavor treats, practically none of them are chocolate-on-chocolate. There's a reason why ho-hos and oreos both have a vanilla center, and that's that America is racist.

Therefore, what Obama needs is an ass-kicking white VP, like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Wolf from American Gladiators. Unfortunately, Ahnold is a Republican and Wolf is gay (c'mon, it's obvious). Chuck Norris is probably both (and, as his blinks kill men across the globe, obviously not likely to be satisfied as merely vice-president).

The best choice, given all that? Kiefer Southerland. He's demonstrably tough on crime, has connections to Canada (our largest trading partner), and would be an excellent Nick Nolte to Obama's Eddie Murphy.
posted by klangklangston at 3:48 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Obama/Deep Blue 2008

Most world wars are the result of human failure.
posted by Dumsnill at 3:48 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

No use trying to actually craft a good post, as with any other topic.

This will be newsfilter, by definition. There's no possible good post in this, as whatever is posted will not be to something cool on the web.
posted by signal at 3:49 PM on August 22, 2008

Actually, I could see the text message angle having some sort of web-relevance. That whole "everyone finds out at the same time" thing and NOT having it be when they hear it on the radio or TV [well there's that too, but you have to be sitting there waiting for it] is an angle that I think is webbish and nifty and could be part of a post about the VP nomination that alos mentioned the candidate.
posted by jessamyn at 3:53 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

CNN is runing a story on domain name speculation, which is way more interesting than this thread. obamabiden.com or obamaclinton.com or....
posted by fixedgear at 3:54 PM on August 22, 2008

Empath, that could mean Bayh is the pick. Or it could mean someone ordered some bumper stickers for their preferred ticket from that print shop.
posted by gauchodaspampas at 3:54 PM on August 22, 2008

How about we all just make a pledge to not peak at his selection

Sure. I promise not to have an orgasm when I hear Obama's veep selection.
posted by kindall at 3:54 PM on August 22, 2008 [3 favorites]

Yeah, it really doesn't look like Obama branding.
posted by empath at 4:04 PM on August 22, 2008

Empath: Not for nothing, but those bumper stickers look not at all like the regular Obama typeface and colors for a campaign which has prided itself on a unified design. I know I read about this on MeFi at some point, and I just can't find it, sorry
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 4:08 PM on August 22, 2008

I need to hit refresh faster.
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 4:09 PM on August 22, 2008

I think we should all thinkl very hard to come up with something nice to post about Old Man Grumpypants. You know, for balance.
posted by Artw at 4:11 PM on August 22, 2008

and Wolf is gay (c'mon, it's obvious)

YOU TAKE THAT BACK! YOU TAKE THAT BACK RIGHT NOW!

Ahhhwwwroooooooo!
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 4:12 PM on August 22, 2008 [2 favorites]

empath: "Yeah, it really doesn't look like Obama branding."

l33tpolicywonk: "...those bumper stickers look not at all like the regular Obama typeface and colors for a campaign which has prided itself on a unified design."

I think what you guys mean to say is "Yeah, that might be a legitimate sticker if Obama was running for State Rep again. That is not a presidential candidacy bumper sticker, Big-O or otherwise.
posted by Plutor at 4:18 PM on August 22, 2008

You might use an end-quote, too. Who knows, really, with you guys.
posted by Plutor at 4:19 PM on August 22, 2008

Theory: Someone put a big bet on Bayh at intrade and wanted to juice the price. It wouldn't cost that much to have some bumper stickers printed off and tip off a local news team.
posted by empath at 4:20 PM on August 22, 2008

Why not name McCain as his choice for VP. When McCain refuses, announce it more insistently.

A vote for McCain is a vote for Obama!
posted by blue_beetle at 4:28 PM on August 22, 2008 [2 favorites]

My favorite thing about the text message thing was a quote I read earlier today (god, I wish I could find it again - it was fairly mainstream) breathlessly saying "The Obama campaign is harnessing text message technology more successfully than any presidential campaign in history."

Wow! More successfully than Taft?!
posted by dirtdirt at 4:33 PM on August 22, 2008 [13 favorites]

Shall we let this happen?

The mods will handle it on case by case basis. If it's halfway decent, it'll probably stay. If it's crappy, they'll delete with a loving piece of snark. Meanwhile life will go on.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:33 PM on August 22, 2008

Obama/Baby Mama '08

would be an excellent Nick Nolte to Obama's Eddie Murphy

Sounds good, as long as it's 48 Hours Nolte/Murphy, not Another 48 Hours.
posted by kirkaracha at 4:34 PM on August 22, 2008

I forgot Americans only learned to text in the last year or two. Wooo! Novelty!
posted by Artw at 4:34 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Wow! More successfully than Taft?!

I hear Taft's campaign was brilliant with telegraphs.
posted by Tehanu at 4:38 PM on August 22, 2008

My favorite thing about the text message thing was a quote I read earlier today (god, I wish I could find it again - it was fairly mainstream) breathlessly saying "The Obama campaign is harnessing text message technology more successfully than any presidential campaign in history."

Associated Content earlier today:

The direction of political campaigns can turn on a speech, a gaff or a debate. But never in the history of politics has a text message been so anticipated. Yet everyone with the ability to get a text message from the Barack Obama campaign is on the edge of their cell phones right now.
posted by cashman at 4:41 PM on August 22, 2008

On the subject of ObamaFilter, does anyone know if MetaMan's exit from Metafilter was voluntary?
posted by Tenuki at 4:42 PM on August 22, 2008

Yes we know. No, it wasn't.
posted by jessamyn at 4:45 PM on August 22, 2008

Clearly all the sexism drove him away.
posted by Artw at 4:45 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

We'll always have SimMetaMan.
posted by Artw at 4:51 PM on August 22, 2008

Ron Paul '08!!!
posted by jabberjaw at 4:52 PM on August 22, 2008

BREAKING: Obama's VP pick, James Brown, is dead!
posted by DU at 4:53 PM on August 22, 2008

You know, I just realized that somewhere in the Obama camp, there's dozens of people huddling around the "tech guy" that will push the button on the text message. And all of them are shouting instructions to him ("Do it now!"), many of them contradicting each other ("Wait, wait, wait!") and many of them clueless ("So, this will automatically show up on everyone's laptops at Starbucks, right?").

I laugh for this "tech guy" or girl or group of people, idly toying with their Heath-Ledger-as-the-Joker action figure or new Indiana Jones Lego minifig, wondering if they should have taken down the ironic hentai posters before the PR guys showed up, their finger hovering over the mouse click that will launch millions of dollars in ads and marketing and historic, international news. I hope he drinks deep from the Bawls, cause it's the only thing keeping him going at this point.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 4:54 PM on August 22, 2008 [9 favorites]

OwlBear/Rust Monster
posted by Artw at 4:54 PM on August 22, 2008 [9 favorites]

I already got the text!

Dear Kate, You're my boo, girl. Love, President Obama

Ok, so the text was from ColdChef.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:55 PM on August 22, 2008 [4 favorites]

Meanwhile, I'm going to be in Central Park for a big chunk of tomorrow afternoon. I'm hoping the message comes then, and Central Park turns into a big party to celebrate.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:58 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

You should see the increasingly needy messages my wife gets from David Plouffe since she used my hotmail account to send the Obama campaign some money. Should I suspect them of having an affair?

Seriously, it's three or four times a day sometimes.
posted by Artw at 4:59 PM on August 22, 2008

I'm hoping the message comes then, and Central Park turns into a big party to celebrate.

The Mike Gravel Riots of 2008. You'll be able to tell your grandkids you were there.
posted by Gary at 5:01 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Still, I guess I'm letting him have his little dream since I haven't looked for a way to unsubscribe him...

The irony is, I'm not even going to vote!
posted by Artw at 5:01 PM on August 22, 2008

All I'm sayin' is that so far Obama HASN'T called me to tell me I'm out of the running.
posted by briank at 5:03 PM on August 22, 2008

Yes we know. No, it wasn't.

You know, I hope one day to leave this place in a loud, kicking and screaming kind of way.

But not yet. Not yet.

::shuffles cautiously::
posted by SeizeTheDay at 5:03 PM on August 22, 2008

I got dibs on the draft Barney Frank post!

I think you mean "Barney Fag."

I have to say that I don't hate much of anyone, but I fucking hate as in want to dick punch, in a manner of speaking, Dick Armey for saying that.
posted by kosem at 5:09 PM on August 22, 2008

"Sounds good, as long as it's 48 Hours Nolte/Murphy, not Another 48 Hours."

No, that's in 2012.
posted by klangklangston at 5:13 PM on August 22, 2008

there's dozens of people huddling around the "tech guy" that will push the button

I doubt it. NPR mentioned that only 6 people have been in on the discussion and that "discipline has been the hallmark of this campaign". I'm sure the tech guy knows exactly who can and can't tell him what to do and the message goes out if and only if Obama gives the word.
posted by DU at 5:19 PM on August 22, 2008

Shall we let this happen?

And what, pray tell, are you fucking going to do about it?

If a good post is made, it should stay; if a bad post is made, it will be deleted. If you think it's the latter, there's a little button inside brackets you can click. That's, by definition, what you can "let happen."

"Select one person?" Jesus, what were you expecting here? Sorry, but even if it wasn't your intention this post came off as insanely pretentious.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 5:21 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Oh, and I'm gonna be his VP.
posted by dobbs at 4:40 PM on August 22 [1 favorite +] [!]

oh.my.god. you're not ... you couldn't be ... THIS dobbs, could you?
cause if you are you just turned a lackluster campaign-to-date into something i can get behind!
posted by msconduct at 5:22 PM on August 22, 2008

Why would there be a tech guy? Obama's a smart guy, I'm sure he can figure out how to click a 'submit' button.
posted by empath at 5:30 PM on August 22, 2008

Ugh, I SO want to sign up to get the text, as I'll be out of TV/radio range when they announce, but I also SO DON'T want the campaign calling my cell everyday for $$...what to do, what to do?
posted by tristeza at 5:33 PM on August 22, 2008

Apparently it's not Bayh or Kaine according to NBC (via Reuters via NYT).
posted by joe vrrr at 5:36 PM on August 22, 2008

Wait a minute! What's happening?
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 5:38 PM on August 22, 2008

The Plane!
posted by R. Mutt at 5:40 PM on August 22, 2008

Obama / Winfrey '08! Tell me that wouldn't be a landslide.
posted by jtron at 5:40 PM on August 22, 2008

I've known for months.
posted by cortex at 5:41 PM on August 22, 2008

I can't wait for the message to come encoded in a slightly-amiss version of that really with-it acronym slang all those breakdance kids are using these days.
posted by Sys Rq at 5:42 PM on August 22, 2008

tristeza, if you don't click the checkbox requesting additional texts, I believe you'll only get the VP text. That's what I did, and I have received anything else.
posted by chiababe at 5:43 PM on August 22, 2008

Whose plane is that? Obama to Biden? Why would he fly there then fly right back? Does he have to go up to Biden's house and ask his mom if he can come out & play?
posted by cashman at 5:43 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

iz jo bi omfg!
posted by R. Mutt at 5:43 PM on August 22, 2008 [9 favorites]

haven't!
posted by chiababe at 5:43 PM on August 22, 2008

Obama/Bloomberg. You heard it here.
posted by SeizeTheDay at 5:44 PM on August 22, 2008

There's an audio feed for Metafilter?
posted by cashman at 5:45 PM on August 22, 2008

tristeza, if you don't click the checkbox requesting additional texts, I believe you'll only get the VP text. That's what I did, and I have received anything else.

Not yet, you haven't. :)

I'd feel better if somewhere on the sign up page they had some disclaimer like "we will only use this number for a text, we will not call you ever ever or sell your number to your local Dems...."
posted by tristeza at 5:48 PM on August 22, 2008

I suspect that they will call you on voting day to make sure you got your lazy, young, distracted butt to the voting station. But yes, actual working cell phone numbers are political diamonds.
posted by R. Mutt at 5:52 PM on August 22, 2008

I think we should get Spock to do it.
posted by pompomtom at 5:56 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Apparently it's not Bayh or Kaine according to NBC (via Reuters via NYT).

My Dad just texted me that a station in Kansas City is reporting that there's a plant printing Obama/Bayh bumper stickers. Obama needs to HURRY UP and press the button, before the news leaks out on its own.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:00 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

that sticker has been around - and has misbranded typeface...
posted by R. Mutt at 6:05 PM on August 22, 2008

Psst, TPS: read back a bit.
posted by aihal at 6:06 PM on August 22, 2008

I imagine they'd get even more cell numbers if there was a drawing where one person gets a call from Obama.

About the bumper stickers:

"We're very disappointed that you would spread this rumor," Gill Studios President Tom Carrico said.

"You didn't print it here?" Mahoney asked.

"I didn't say that. But I'm very disappointed that you would come out and interview us and ask for confirmation and we said we would not confirm," Carrico said.

"Or deny," Mahoney said.

"That's correct," Carrico said.

Mahoney reported that at least three sources close to the plant's operations reported the Obama-Bayh material was being produced.

I love that reporters are staking out a sticker factory, looking for sources nearby.
posted by Tehanu at 6:07 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Sticker factory? My local (Philly) news is camped out on Biden's lawn. Shot of bored cameraman yawning. Looks, here comes a florist delivery truck! They are delivering...looks lke...orchids! It's an orchid, for Joe's mom's birthday.
posted by fixedgear at 6:11 PM on August 22, 2008

I say: if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
posted by kittens for breakfast at 6:12 PM on August 22, 2008

Empath is ThePinksuperhero's father! Search your feelings TPS, you know it to be true.
posted by cashman at 6:12 PM on August 22, 2008

Come on!



....who's with me?
posted by kittens for breakfast at 6:12 PM on August 22, 2008

a florist delivery truck!

That truck would be his escape vector! (Driven by Al Gore, no doubt.)
posted by R. Mutt at 6:17 PM on August 22, 2008

Al Gore does not drive. He floats on a little cloud of carbon-neutral awesome. Bill Clinton is driving that truck. It's totally his style, too.
posted by Tehanu at 6:22 PM on August 22, 2008

I love the cameras pointed at potential veep candidate's homes, as if one of them will burst through the front door jumping up and down when it's announced.

If Obama were truly visionary, he would have had a reality show with participants doing stunts for the chance to be his vice president. Would Hillary eat a hissing cockroach to be VP? Can Kaine finish the ninja obstacle course in record time for immunity? Will Bayh deliberately sabotage Biden's souffle? That's what I want to see!
posted by MegoSteve at 6:41 PM on August 22, 2008 [2 favorites]

Who gives a fuck? The impact of the VP choice is so overrated.
posted by Arch_Stanton at 6:44 PM on August 22, 2008

I announced my VP choice today and nobody seemed to care. It's Astro Zombie 3.
posted by Astro Zombie at 6:48 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Well, fuck you. A call to let me know BEFORE you made the announcement, to let me know it wasn't me, was too much work for you?
posted by Astro Zombie 2 at 6:50 PM on August 22, 2008 [2 favorites]

If you wanted to make the news, you shouldn't have let him eat the press corps.
posted by Tehanu at 6:51 PM on August 22, 2008

You think having Astro Zombie devour the liberal press is going to lose me votes?
posted by Astro Zombie at 7:00 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Just do what I do: every time you hear or see the word "veep", just imagine it uttered twice, in rapid succession, by this creature. Then it will all seem much less important, but curiously entertaining.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:01 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

I'm sorry that it's not Kaine -- with that lopsided crew cut of his he would have made a worthy opponent of Mitt Romney in the battle of the bad hair politicians

still, if indeed McCain does select Romney, Combover Guy & Shiny Pompadour Guy will make an awesome ticket. country first, barbershop later (if at all).

Biden's almost-mullet is not bad either. his hair color is also pretty suspect.
posted by matteo at 7:02 PM on August 22, 2008

Lopsided crew cut? Are you sure you're not thinking about this Kane?
posted by box at 7:12 PM on August 22, 2008

I'll make the post about it, so y'all don't have to. There. It's settled.
posted by sciurus at 7:18 PM on August 22, 2008

Something Awful got a pizza delivered to Biden's house. It got a mention on Hardball and a video of the pizza girl and the cop talking to the goon on the phone made the #1 story on Olbermann. It's also on MSNBC's First Read.

The media is going to eat itself.
posted by chiababe at 7:23 PM on August 22, 2008

Obama is expected to announce his VP choice tomorrow via text message to the masses. Dozens, or perhaps hundreds, even thousands, of mefites will be notified of the selection all at the very same instant. Several of them may want to make the first crappy post on the subject. Shall we let this happen?


NO!

Not at all!!!!!

I swear to god the first person who tries to post something of historical and national importance on this site, I'm gonna drag their sorry asses to the top of the Hancock, toss em through the window of the Signature Room, take the express elevator down, and the last thing they will see before they go splat on the sidewalk is me banging their little sister on an office desk around floor 25.

Or more than likely, there very well will be a whole bunch of folks who want to post about the choice, and the mods will allow probably one. The one with the best news report, the best background piece on the choice, and the most balanced links all around. I think if you look at the mod's records, they speak for themselves.

Then stand by for about 300 opinions in the comments.

Then Matt, Cortex, Jessamyn etc are all going to go chug cheap vodka wondering what the hell they run that has someone about to stroke out over what someone might post about something that hasn't happened yet, and no one really has much control over.

Then it's cheese fries on me!!!!!

I don't on me literally....just I'll pay for them.

carry on wayward sons/daughters
posted by timsteil at 7:25 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

McCain just stepped up to the podium. Says he's ready to announce his running mate.
posted by Eideteker at 7:51 PM on August 22, 2008

OMG It's RON PAUL.
posted by Eideteker at 7:51 PM on August 22, 2008

Wait, "running mate." Not VP. He's handing the presidential nom¹ to Ron Paul, and he'll be running as VP!

¹ nom nom
posted by Eideteker at 7:54 PM on August 22, 2008

There are rumors that Jack Reed's gotten Secret Service protection in the last twenty-four hours.
posted by EarBucket at 7:54 PM on August 22, 2008

"Oh, he went with Kucinich? Never would have guessed it."

Dude, Kucinich has super powers! Obama would be a fool not to pick him.

A fool... or a super-villian...
posted by homunculus at 7:57 PM on August 22, 2008

On the Obama text thing -- I've been on there cell phone list since january. I get a text maybe once every two weeks. Usually when there is a major event in my area, or when they are looking for volunteers, or Obama is about to announce something major. I've never gotten a request for money. (Though i get them via email 3 or 4 times a day)
posted by empath at 7:59 PM on August 22, 2008

The mods should run this like giveaways on the radio. "The 42nd VP post at 888-POL-FLTR will not be deleted!" Everyone else - banhammer!
posted by lukemeister at 7:59 PM on August 22, 2008

I don't get what the point is of staking out Joe Biden's house? What are they expecting him to do?
posted by empath at 8:00 PM on August 22, 2008

They are expecting him to say 'I'm honored to be selected.' He's gonna get the nod.
posted by fixedgear at 8:05 PM on August 22, 2008

Clearly, what we need is a pre-empting of any MeTa posts calling for a pre-empting of Obamaveepfilter.

"veep-veep!"
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:05 PM on August 22, 2008

Clearly, what we need is a pre-empting of any MeTa posts calling for a pre-empting of Obamaveepfilter.


Or how about a whole new page, tentative.metafilter.com, a light sandbox colored background.
posted by lee at 8:16 PM on August 22, 2008

ObamaSingsHappyBirthdayFilter.

He's a little shaky, pitch-wise, on the first "to you", but he gets his bearings after that...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:17 PM on August 22, 2008

a little pitchy, dawg, a little pitchy.
posted by empath at 8:19 PM on August 22, 2008

Obama/mathowie 2008

Psst, I hear mathowie will return your $5 if you vote for him.
posted by Quietgal at 8:22 PM on August 22, 2008

For the last time people!!! The plane WILL take off regardless of whether it's on a treadmill or not! The motion of the treadmill has NO impact on the forward motion of the plane, because the plane's propellers are causing the movement, not the wheels!

I am so tired of this argument.
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 8:28 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

I just read timsteil's rant in a samuel l jackson voice. It sounded good like that.
posted by Nick Verstayne at 8:29 PM on August 22, 2008

Obama/Saban. Roll Tide.
posted by netbros at 8:35 PM on August 22, 2008

The rumor on valleywag is that McCain's going to pick Meg Whitman.
posted by jenkinsEar at 8:37 PM on August 22, 2008

The rumor on valleywag is that McCain's going to pick Meg Whitman.

He mentioned her specifically during the Rick Warren event, so there's some legs to that one.

The rumor, I mean. The rumor has legs. Meg Whitman has legs, too. Nice ones. But we're not talking about them.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 8:40 PM on August 22, 2008

McCain's going to pick Meg Whitman

I don't think I buy it now.
posted by lukemeister at 8:44 PM on August 22, 2008

I see what yall did there. I don't buy it either.
posted by cashman at 8:58 PM on August 22, 2008

If there was an earlier 'OMG CHEK CNN" post we'd delete it in favor of a really good post. We do this very very rarely but we've done it a few times before.

I agree that this is potentially the right thing, depending on the actual posts. You guys have exercised very good judgment in this area in the past and the veep pick is just one more opportunity to continue that winning streak.
posted by caddis at 9:09 PM on August 22, 2008

Several of them may want to make the first crappy post on the subject. Shall we let this happen?

That's right, citizens! Light those torches! Grab those pitchforks!

CITY HALL NEEDS YOUR HELP!
posted by koeselitz at 9:10 PM on August 22, 2008

The secret service has been sent to protect Joe Biden. Looks like Obama/Biden 08.
posted by cashman at 9:10 PM on August 22, 2008

Biden was last seen minutes ago at his Wilmington estate where his extended brood is gathering.

Attention, journalists: "brood" is kind of a funny word, and maybe should be reserved for titles of horror films.
posted by cortex at 9:17 PM on August 22, 2008

Goddamn it, one of my friends just drunk texted me some random bullshit.
posted by empath at 9:19 PM on August 22, 2008

The Brood are a race of insect-like, parasitic, extraterrestrial beings that appear in the comic books published by Marvel Comics, especially Uncanny X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Dave Cockrum, they first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #155 (March 1982).

The Brood possess wings, fanged teeth and a stinging tail. They have a hive mentality and mindlessly follow a queen. To reproduce, they must infect other races with their eggs.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 9:22 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Guy I know -- he's in the business, at the state level -- is convinced Obama's VP choice will be Al Gore. Defuses the Clinton thing, rallies everyone who feels like the last eight years were stolen from us, and Al would have to say yes: it's his chance to fix the earth's climate from a position of power instead of as an outsider.

Wishful, wishful thinking, but I kinda love the idea. I want to buy Al Gore a pizza now. Does anybody have his home number?
posted by ook at 9:25 PM on August 22, 2008

Guys, guys, guys. Enough with the political filter. Try some pictures of birds with arms instead.
posted by The Straightener at 9:27 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Try some pictures of birds with arms

I wish the internet would get some therapy.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 9:28 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Obama/Obama Girl 2008.

Sex sells.
posted by clearly at 9:32 PM on August 22, 2008

"Try some pictures of birds with arms instead."

Or try Dragons with one beefy arm.
posted by clearly at 9:35 PM on August 22, 2008

Shall we let this happen?

by no means. if metafilter stands for anything, it stands for preventing stuff that might happen.
posted by quonsar at 9:42 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Al would have to say yes: it's his chance to fix the earth's climate from a position of power instead of as an outsider.

Eh. He knows he has been able to do much more good out of public office. VPing? Been there, done that.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:45 PM on August 22, 2008

I plan to write in a Haughey/pb ticket.
jessamyn and cortex will go to the senate to represent the state of MetaFilter, and vacapinta will become Prime Minister of England.
All in favor?
posted by Cranberry at 9:53 PM on August 22, 2008

CNN breaking news twitter confirms Obama has made the fucking awful choice of Biden.
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:00 PM on August 22, 2008

(some of the editorializing may be mine)
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:00 PM on August 22, 2008

articulate and bright and a nice-looking guy
posted by lukemeister at 10:03 PM on August 22, 2008

"@everybody: I'm glad to announce fucking awful choice of Joe Biden. Peace out, barry."

"@cheezedogs: p.s. yah i saw that cat video yesterday, SOOOO LOL OMG"
posted by cortex at 10:04 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Aye.
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 10:05 PM on August 22, 2008

I forgot clean. And Poland.
posted by lukemeister at 10:08 PM on August 22, 2008

I knew i should have just said "cnn breaking news." Any mention of Twitter always brings out the ardent desire for removal of damn kids for lawn.

but maybe that's appropriate, since Joe Biden is 112 or whatever.
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:13 PM on August 22, 2008

Over/Under on how many MeFi posts arise about Obama's VP choice of Biden despite gauchodaspampas' concerns: 8.
posted by clearly at 10:27 PM on August 22, 2008

Joe Biden is a good choice for anyone, but his son Beau is a Captain in the National Guard (and Delaware's AG) and Beau Biden will be going to Iraq soon to join a war Joe Biden voted for and argued for expanding, but a war Obama campaigned against. This should be interesting.
posted by Brian B. at 10:49 PM on August 22, 2008

At least he didn't pick Hillary Clinton.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:54 PM on August 22, 2008

Thoughts?

BACON.


NO, WAIT, KITTENS! NO, VODKA... AND BEER! NACHOS! NO, WAIT...

MY FOOT ITCHES. SO DOES MY ELBOW. I REALLY SHOULD QUIT SMOKING. IT'S BEEN WAY TOO LONG SINCE I'VE BEEN LAID. WHY IS EVERYTHING SO MUCH MORE COMPLICATED AND RISKY WHEN YOU'RE OLDER? WHY DOES MY ROUTER SUCK? TODAY WAS OK, BUT THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS WERE QUITE NICE. I REALLY SHOULD WORK ON SOME MORE MUSIC OR ART. DON'T STOP MOVING. OH, STOP GUILTING YOURSELF - YOU'VE DONE A LOT THIS WEEK. WHY IS THE WORLD SO CRAZY? OH, YOU CRAZY FUCKERS, PLEASE NO NUKES. PLEASE DON'T START WORLD WAR 3 OVER THAT STUPID BLACK GOOPY STUFF, I JUST WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE AND BE ABLE TO WALK PLACES WITHOUT A BIO-CHEMICAL-NUCLEAR SUIT. PLEASE STOP FIGHTING. CRAP, I'M SMOKING AGAIN. HOW CAN I BE HUNGRY, TOO? I JUST ATE! SHOULD I EAT THAT AVOCADO OR THE YOGURT? I WONDER HOW SO AND SO AND THAT OTHER GUY ARE DOING? I LIKE THEM. WHAT'S HER NAME IS GETTING FORECLOSED. THAT SUCKS, BUT MAYBE SHE'LL GET THE HELL OUT OF ARIZONA. I MISS MY FAMILY. I WONDER HOW MY NEPHEWS AND NIECE ARE DOING? I HAVEN'T SEEN THEM SINCE I MOVED. MAYBE I SHOULD WORK ON A SYNTH LINE AND MELODY FOR THAT BUS RIDE TEACK. I NEED A HAIRCUT. I WISH I COULD STOP THINKING ABOUT THAT GIRL. I REALLY SHOULD CLEAN MY ROOM. I THINK I'LL EAT THE YOGURT WITH SOME HONEY. BUT I LIKE AVOCADOS. MAYBE I'LL EAT BOTH. I'M GLAD I HAVE FOOD TO EAT.
posted by loquacious at 10:55 PM on August 22, 2008 [4 favorites]

Come on now. You know it has been submitted a hundred different ways and the mods have deleted them all.
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 10:58 PM on August 22, 2008

Brian B. writes "Joe Biden is a good choice for anyone, but his son Beau is a Captain in the National Guard (and Delaware's AG) and Beau Biden will be going to Iraq soon to join a war Joe Biden voted for and argued for expanding, but a war Obama campaigned against. This should be interesting."

Doesn't the president's and VP's family get SS protection? How does that work in a war zone?
posted by Mitheral at 11:00 PM on August 22, 2008

First one's up!
posted by The Straightener at 11:07 PM on August 22, 2008

Doesn't the president's and VP's family get SS protection? How does that work in a war zone?

What makes you think a potential VP's son will be put in harm's way?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:12 PM on August 22, 2008

Second one is up!
posted by Sailormom at 11:16 PM on August 22, 2008

Biden is 24 karat gold - "a noun, a verb, and 9/11"
posted by milkrate at 11:17 PM on August 22, 2008

Second one is the keeper, IMHO.
posted by Artw at 11:20 PM on August 22, 2008

I love that reporters are staking out a sticker factory, looking for sources nearby.

Hopefully while they're there they'll do a hard-hitting investigative piece on what goes into the Banana Scratch & Sniffs.

'Cuz that shit don't smell like no bananas.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 11:26 PM on August 22, 2008 [3 favorites]

Well, I posted twice in the first thread, thereby dooming it deletion. Sorry about that people.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 11:33 PM on August 22, 2008

The thread floodgates have opened. Two posts enter, one post leaves!
posted by Justinian at 11:37 PM on August 22, 2008

I have dibs on the arena-gates flamethrower.
posted by Artw at 11:42 PM on August 22, 2008

It's like the Obama campaign is a perfect timing spammer. It came out when all four mods are away from the switch.
posted by Mitheral at 11:43 PM on August 22, 2008

Nope, Matt's on the case, killed one of them.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:46 PM on August 22, 2008

Doesn't the president's and VP's family get SS protection?

If there really are Schutzstaffel protecting Cheney, that would explain a thing or two.
posted by scody at 11:48 PM on August 22, 2008 [5 favorites]

Yeah, I got the first lamer post deleted and the comments moved over (I have DIRT under my FINGERNAILS from all the SQL QUERYING required!)
posted by mathowie at 11:54 PM on August 22, 2008 [1 favorite]

Yeah, I got the first lamer post deleted and the comments moved over...

That's very cool Matt, and it shows very neatly why this "pre-empt veepfilter" MeTa post was totally unnecessary. But do try to get that dirt out from under your nails. We like our mods to look presentable.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 11:58 PM on August 22, 2008

You deleted my snark! I'm totally taking this to MetaTalk!
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 11:59 PM on August 22, 2008

Obama VP Pick Joe Biden: Good on Civil Liberties, Friendly to Hollywood

But no super powers. Fools!
posted by homunculus at 12:00 AM on August 23, 2008

Ah good, my "the other post was better" comment didn't make it over. Good stuff.
posted by Artw at 12:02 AM on August 23, 2008

Alvy Ampersand writes "You deleted my snark! I'm totally taking this to MetaTalk!"

And my love for the YT Title Adder. Glad to see you guys are deleting that Rick Roll crap.
posted by Mitheral at 12:05 AM on August 23, 2008

MAYBE I SHOULD WORK ON A SYNTH LINE AND MELODY FOR THAT BUS RIDE TEACK.

Do it, loquacious. Straphanger (H201E) deserves it!
posted by cgc373 at 12:17 AM on August 23, 2008

Glad to see you guys are deleting that Rick Roll crap.

Me too, I hate that shit.
posted by grouse at 12:19 AM on August 23, 2008

Glad to see you guys are deleting that Rick Roll crap.

Me too, I hate that shit.

I think it depends on the context and presentation. Some people do it right.
posted by Meatbomb at 12:49 AM on August 23, 2008

I think it depends on the context and presentation. Some people do it right.

Just like goatse.
posted by felix betachat at 12:51 AM on August 23, 2008

You should really check out goatse.cx again, hello.jpg isn't what it used to be. An interloper must have bought the domain again after the registrar deleted it.

Seriously.
posted by blasdelf at 2:33 AM on August 23, 2008 [3 favorites]

That's very cool Matt, and it shows very neatly why this "pre-empt veepfilter" MeTa post was totally unnecessary. But do try to get that dirt out from under your nails. We like our mods to look presentable.

Might I point out that it happened at 3 AM. I wasn't expecting that. But yeah, okay it was unnecessary.
posted by gauchodaspampas at 2:39 AM on August 23, 2008

I think it depends on the context and presentation. Some people do it right.

well, that wouldn't even be an issue if you substituted Klaus Nomi.
posted by UbuRoivas at 2:43 AM on August 23, 2008 [1 favorite]

I swear to god the first person who tries to post something of historical and national importance on this site, I'm gonna drag their sorry asses to the top of the Hancock, toss em through the window of the Signature Room, take the express elevator down, and the last thing they will see before they go splat on the sidewalk is me banging their little sister on an office desk around floor 25.

I'd just like to mention that Mr. Moon works on the 25th floor of the Hancock. (No lie.) So, uh, say hit to him if you happen to see him. And ask him when he's going to come home for dinner.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:42 AM on August 23, 2008

Might I point out that it happened at 3 AM. I wasn't expecting that.

Nobody expects the 3 AM veep pick!
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 5:45 AM on August 23, 2008

my love for the YT Title Adder

Thanks for the reminder about that, I just installed it.

Biden huh?
posted by jessamyn at 6:13 AM on August 23, 2008

I'd just like to be the first hack writer in the world to make a 'Biden His Time' pun.
posted by box at 6:49 AM on August 23, 2008

Box, did you think about that one for awhile, or did it just spring from you unbiden?
posted by cortex at 6:50 AM on August 23, 2008

When I came up with it, I'd been doing a little imbiden'.

(Damn, beaten by hours. That's what I get for going to sleep at night.)
posted by box at 6:55 AM on August 23, 2008

The dude's a Biden.

/lebowski
posted by GrammarMoses at 7:01 AM on August 23, 2008 [3 favorites]

Nobody expects the 3 AM veep pick!

Yeah, but I was expecting you to say that, to the extent that I almost decided to post a pre-emptive meta calling you out.
posted by gauchodaspampas at 7:18 AM on August 23, 2008

I'd just like to be the first hack writer in the world to make a 'Biden His Time' pun.

Pffft... I gotcher Biden pun right here:

Maestro, strike up the band!

*ahem*

Biden time I get to Phoenix
She'll be voting...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:59 AM on August 23, 2008 [1 favorite]

Biden it was too late, flapjax...
posted by quonsar at 8:44 AM on August 23, 2008 [1 favorite]

The "change" candidate picking a 65 year old Washington insider.

A change candidate from politically corrupt Chicago? It would be amazing if true (see first two posts).
posted by Brian B. at 8:58 AM on August 23, 2008

Bob Franken: Biden His Time (HuffPoLink, bad grammar and syntax, yay)
posted by aihal at 9:00 AM on August 23, 2008

We all know that you don't like Obama, Brian, but thin ad hominems supported by someone so discredited? David Freddosos's Hatchet Job.

C'mon, if I might be allowed my own ad hominem, it's from the same folks who put out the Swift Boat book about Kerry.

It wouldn't annoy me so much if I didn't see you repeating that retarded bullshit again and again, just like your idée fixe that Muslims are terrorists.
posted by klangklangston at 9:49 AM on August 23, 2008

I liked this comment: "Obama used the law to his advantage? Okay, thanks for the info."

klangklangston, I swear you are the last MeFi holdout who insists on using "retarded" as a frequent pejorative. You must know that even some developmentally disabled folks vote Democrat, though maybe not in Florida.
posted by jessamyn at 9:59 AM on August 23, 2008

Retarded is an excellent insult and should be used where needed. To me it means when someone who should know better is doing something incredibly stupid.

Developmentally disabled is completely different.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 10:09 AM on August 23, 2008

Retarded is really just the new Moronic, Idiotic, and so on; it's just in that tricky in-between phase where, while rejected by technicians, a lot of laymen still use it in its formerly appropriate context. Which isn't to say that it's just peachy to throw it around as an insult. As the old joke goes, "To call him retarded would be an insult to retarded people everywhere." C'est vrai.

In terms of interpersonal sensitivity, "That's so retarded!" ≅ "That's so gay!"

Of course, retarded is its own word and need not always convey mental retardation; in these cases, however, it has become preferable to use a substitute such as stunted, inhibited, etc.
posted by Sys Rq at 10:54 AM on August 23, 2008

Retarded is an excellent insult and should be used where needed. To me it means when someone who should know better is doing something incredibly stupid.

Then klangklangston qualifies. CNN reported the hardball in Chicago like everyone else, and his link is about everything. Furthermore, he recently counter-accused me of using a strawman when I pointed out that he was framing me as terrorist paranoid to avoid discussion of Muslim "honor" killings (which he denies).
posted by Brian B. at 11:02 AM on August 23, 2008

Wait, so instead of "fucktard" it's "fuckmentally disabled?" Ok, got it now.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 11:53 AM on August 23, 2008 [4 favorites]

fonz picks shark as running mate.
posted by sgt.serenity at 12:03 PM on August 23, 2008 [1 favorite]

Again, Brian, you're straining to construct a narrative where Obama is hypocritical because, what? He's been part of a party machine? He successfully challenged petition signatures, so that makes him less of a change or a reformer? That's stupid. It's just as simple to say that, as a reformer, he wanted to make sure that everyone followed the rule of law, and he did. That makes him an effective reformer.

Second, the CNN piece cites disgruntled former opponents as decrying the tactic, and former supporters as, well, supporting it. And it's also been rebutted, in this MediaMatters piece.

As for the Muslim issue, honor killings was a red herring when discussing the larger issue of publication freedom in America, and has so little to do with either regarding Islam as cause for terrorism or Islam in general.

So, your rhetoric there was based on distortions, lies and red herrings, and your rhetoric here has been based on distortions, red herrings and idiocy.
posted by klangklangston at 12:22 PM on August 23, 2008 [1 favorite]

And it's also been rebutted, in this MediaMatters piece.

They blatantly confirmed it. They are only complaining that it's true for McCain too.
posted by Brian B. at 12:33 PM on August 23, 2008

And it's also been rebutted, in this MediaMatters piece.

CNN claims "Chicago-style politics" in Obama's signature challenges in state Senate race[...]

Outside Chicagoland we call that "Deep Dish" politics.
posted by Sys Rq at 1:29 PM on August 23, 2008

gauchodaspampas picked the wrong day to quit smack, it seems.
posted by krautland at 4:59 PM on August 23, 2008

News results for George Obama.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:40 PM on August 23, 2008

The Chicago Cubs are expected to win the world series this year. Dozens, or perhaps hundreds, even thousands, of mefites are Cubs fans. Several of them may want to make the first crappy post on the subject. Shall we let this happen?
posted by Sailormom at 9:35 PM on August 23, 2008 [1 favorite]

Shall we let this happen?

Hell no! Furthermore, I don't think we should let them call it the "World Series" either, since it only includes US teams! Let's bring in Cuba and Japan, THEN call it the World Series!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 11:56 PM on August 23, 2008

News results for George Obama.

I'm not sure if this is the third or fourth place I've seen you post that. I do not understand.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 5:11 AM on August 24, 2008

I do not understand.

stav, I think I posted it in three Obama related threads. I found it interesting, and thought it would be of interest to other folks. It was also a sort of "pre-empt an FPP on this ObamaNewsFilter story by posting it in all open Obama-related threads".
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:36 AM on August 24, 2008

I don't think we should let them call it the "World Series" either, since it only includes US teams!

EXCUSE ME?
posted by Sys Rq at 7:34 AM on August 24, 2008 [2 favorites]

Ya! Anything including Toronto should be called the Universe Series.
posted by Mitheral at 9:14 AM on August 24, 2008

(Of course, Toronto hasn't been and in all likelihood won't be participating for a very long while, so flapjax may indeed have a point.)
posted by Sys Rq at 9:23 AM on August 24, 2008

They have a hive mentality and mindlessly follow a queen.

But tell us how you really feel about the British.
posted by trondant at 3:10 PM on August 24, 2008

>Let's bring in Cuba and Japan, THEN call it the World Series!


Nah... just change the sport to something the world cares about.
posted by pompomtom at 9:42 PM on August 24, 2008

flapjax at midnite: "News results for George Obama."

I don't think it's a coincidence that both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have half-brothers named George.
posted by Plutor at 6:21 AM on August 25, 2008

George Clinton is Bill's half-brother?
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 2:34 PM on August 26, 2008 [1 favorite]

Haven't you been reading the news?
posted by Eideteker at 3:14 PM on August 26, 2008