Ann Althouse writes: “Politicians who dabble in fiction writing usually throw in sex scenes, and these things nearly always look ridiculous out of context. But do the desire to write a sex scene and the failure to do a very good job of it say anything about a person’s competence as a legislator?”
Ooh, ooh, pick me, teacher, pick me! I know the answer to that one!
I’m with Brendan, it wasn’t a big deal when Scooter Libby was crapping out marginal-to-vomit-inducing sex scenes, either.
Charles, if Mr. Webb ever does any of the things you’re all hot to trot about, I’ll be as outraged as you’ve worked yourself up to be. ‘Til then, I’m just going to avoid reading the Senator’s literature/drivel.
Ummm…what?
Charles, did you get as upset as you are right now when Scooter Libby’s work was revealed? If so, then at least you’re consistent with your (IMO) misplaced moral outrage.
If not, then you are the “definition of hypocrasy (sic).”
A) I am with Brendan and most of the right-wing blogosphere in that this is more disturbing in showing the lunacy and desperation of the Allen campaign than Webb making questionable choices in the FICTION he writes. Note the word stressed there. This is one of the dumbest political moves I’ve seen in a while.
B) Charles has a point on one item here that others have mentioned as well. The GLARING hypocrisy between this incident with Webb and when the Left go all twisted up over Lynn Cheney and Scooter Libby fictional works with sex in them. Further, the Washington Post has mentioned the whole Macaca incident with Allen over 90 times. That ’scandal’ does not rise over the level of Webb’s fiction ’scandal’, which is to say both are about nothing.
I dunno, Brendan. I don’t think this is lower than the fair and objective media’s take that Allen’s mother was a dirty Joo, that makes Allen a closet racist! meme from a few weeks ago.
As for whether or not Webb’s writings make him unfit for the Senate is immaterial. We have to protect the Senate’s pages pre-emptively, just in case Webb takes it to mind to send very naughty IMs to said pages…we do have to protect the children, you see?
Ridiculous, you say? indeed. But we are upon the Season of our Ridiculousness.
Charles, before you call me a hypocrite (let alone a definitional example of one), please point to where I’ve been offended by icky sex scenes written in a novel by a Republican. Please point to a single example. Otherwise, please acknowledge that you don’t seem to know what the word “hypocrisy” actually means. Thanks…
c’mon guys. This would be getting as much if not more play post-Foley if it was a Republican. Still, it has been a particularly nasty campaign season. Although here in Georgia the governer’s race has seemed surprisingly positive. The only out-of-ring sparring I’ve seen on that end is a dirty hands land deal accusation from the Dem (you own land worth 40 million!), and a response (If that’s what you think, I’ll sell it to ya for 20!).
I must agree with Brendan here - lamest scandal EVER.
As some of you know, I’m more conservative leaning, but geez - this is so stupid and lame, I don’t know what to think.
I’m glad I’m not voting between the two schmucks in Virginia. Both have been disgraceful, and I don’t envy Virginia voters, who will be stuck with one or the other.
Objectively, is there any reason to be concerned about Jim Webb? No. But in the world of politics, where “the appearance of impropriety” can be such a killer for a candidate even when no real corruption exists, this is a major deal. If I’m Sen. Allen’s campaign manager, I’m sending glossy mailers to every voter’s home in Virginia with excerpts of Jim Webb’s stories. The media won’t run with this “scandal” like it’s run with the “macaca” “scandal”, but Sen. Allen should get just enough out of this to win. It’s about time the GOP pulled off its own “October surprise” to counter the blown-out-of-proportion sleaze that’s been flung all over the place by the Dems/media. That the Foley thing became such a huge scandal when nothing particularly notable occurred (creepy, sure; worrisome, no), and that the media has completely mischaracterized Rush Limbaugh’s criticism of Michael J. Fox and turned that into a scandal, ought to tell you that this latest bit of craven politics fits right in line with the rest of the mud flying around right now.
I’m with Andrew. When one really stops and looks at it, this isn’t some unsubstantiated allegation about some unprovable event that happened 25 or 30 years ago intended as a political smear, but a currently available porn novel I can go buy from Barnes and Noble or Amazon. It’s hard, concrete fact, and I can read the passages in the comfort of my own living room. Allen’s claim is not fabricated, inuendo, or taken out of context, nor does it imply anything. It brings to light facts in evidence in the public domain. Period. Wouldn’t it be nice if all campaign claims were this straightforward and documented.
The Dhimicrats did it to themselves this time with the 24/7 coverage of Foley by their right arm (the MSM) and implying that even though no crimes were committed that the only solution was resignation. Well how does the shoe fit now? Comfortable? Since moral fiber and character are now a major election consideration (thanks to Foley), this absolutely fits in.
Its about time the Conservatives took off the gloves and started shoveling back at the BAP (Benedict Arnold Party - Dhimicrats), and the good news is that nobody had to make it up - Its available in the public domain for all to read. Bravo Allen!
Frankly I think the more disturbing issue here is that George Allen apparently can’t tell the difference between Fact and Fiction. Do you want your senator to be that clueless? Me neither.
As for you morons on this blog trying to compare Webb’s fiction with Foley’s solicitation of 16-year-olds for sex, you really are desperate for something to hang on the Dems, aren’t you? Have you ever read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Catcher in the Rye or Of Mice and Men? Grow the fuck up.
“If I’m Sen. Allen’s campaign manager, I’m sending glossy mailers to every voter’s home in Virginia with excerpts of Jim Webb’s stories.”
Maybe Webb’s campaign manager should print excerpts from George Allen’s sister’s book “Fifth Quarter.” The book that details how Allen dragged his sister up the stairs by her hair. How he shoved his brother through a plate-glass window and basically mistreated the women he dated in college, when he wasn’t running around with the Confederate flag and making contact with White Supremecist groups in Virginia. It’s all in the public record, right? And in Allen’s case, the shit actually happened.
As usual, Max has the scoop ;-) Allen’s sister’s uncle’s brother’s former roommate’s novel notwithstanding, Webb’s fiction writing is indeed the stupidest campaign issue ever, and Allen is a gimp for bringing it up. I’m a VA voter this year, and it’s a real question for me whether I can hold my nose and vote for Allen . . .
As for you morons on this blog trying to compare Webb’s fiction with Foley’s solicitation of 16-year-olds for sex, you really are desperate for something to hang on the Dems, aren’t you? Have you ever read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Catcher in the Rye or Of Mice and Men? Grow the fuck up.
LOL. That’s exactly what I was thinking.
This is an archived post. Comments are closed.
To leave a comment on a newer post, please visit the homepage.
October 27th, 2006 at 6:01:31 pm
Are you serious, Brendan??
Sucking a little boy’s dick as a form of greeting???
Cutting bananas with a girls pussy??
So you think this guy is okay and think it is fine to send him to the Senate?
If you don’t see red flags a-waving here, then I look forward to the next Republican scandle and see if you hold it in the same disregard.
October 27th, 2006 at 6:18:41 pm
I’m with Brendan, it wasn’t a big deal when Scooter Libby was crapping out marginal-to-vomit-inducing sex scenes, either.
Charles, if Mr. Webb ever does any of the things you’re all hot to trot about, I’ll be as outraged as you’ve worked yourself up to be. ‘Til then, I’m just going to avoid reading the Senator’s literature/drivel.
October 27th, 2006 at 6:25:52 pm
………wow
You are that blind to think that Democrats can live and work by one set of rules and Republicans another.
That is the definition of hypocrasy
October 27th, 2006 at 6:30:09 pm
Ummm…what?
Charles, did you get as upset as you are right now when Scooter Libby’s work was revealed? If so, then at least you’re consistent with your (IMO) misplaced moral outrage.
If not, then you are the “definition of hypocrasy (sic).”
October 27th, 2006 at 6:54:09 pm
A) I am with Brendan and most of the right-wing blogosphere in that this is more disturbing in showing the lunacy and desperation of the Allen campaign than Webb making questionable choices in the FICTION he writes. Note the word stressed there. This is one of the dumbest political moves I’ve seen in a while.
B) Charles has a point on one item here that others have mentioned as well. The GLARING hypocrisy between this incident with Webb and when the Left go all twisted up over Lynn Cheney and Scooter Libby fictional works with sex in them. Further, the Washington Post has mentioned the whole Macaca incident with Allen over 90 times. That ’scandal’ does not rise over the level of Webb’s fiction ’scandal’, which is to say both are about nothing.
October 27th, 2006 at 7:07:21 pm
I dunno, Brendan. I don’t think this is lower than the fair and objective media’s take that Allen’s mother was a dirty Joo, that makes Allen a closet racist! meme from a few weeks ago.
As for whether or not Webb’s writings make him unfit for the Senate is immaterial. We have to protect the Senate’s pages pre-emptively, just in case Webb takes it to mind to send very naughty IMs to said pages…we do have to protect the children, you see?
Ridiculous, you say? indeed. But we are upon the Season of our Ridiculousness.
October 27th, 2006 at 7:11:35 pm
Charles, before you call me a hypocrite (let alone a definitional example of one), please point to where I’ve been offended by icky sex scenes written in a novel by a Republican. Please point to a single example. Otherwise, please acknowledge that you don’t seem to know what the word “hypocrisy” actually means. Thanks…
October 27th, 2006 at 7:28:28 pm
I would think with the furor over Foley that Dems would not touch this one with the proverbial pole. Seriously though, that’s gross.
October 27th, 2006 at 8:38:49 pm
Radley Balko is all over this:
here,
http://www.theagitator.com/archives/027166.php#027166
and here,
http://www.theagitator.com/archives/027167.php#027167
and here,
http://www.theagitator.com/archives/027168.php#027168
“…little more than a celebration of ignorance, isolation, and fear.”
He also uses almost the same post title as you:
“Stupidest. Campaign Issue. Ever.”
October 27th, 2006 at 9:04:16 pm
c’mon guys. This would be getting as much if not more play post-Foley if it was a Republican. Still, it has been a particularly nasty campaign season. Although here in Georgia the governer’s race has seemed surprisingly positive. The only out-of-ring sparring I’ve seen on that end is a dirty hands land deal accusation from the Dem (you own land worth 40 million!), and a response (If that’s what you think, I’ll sell it to ya for 20!).
October 27th, 2006 at 9:05:10 pm
but when you’ve got a double digit lead I guess negative campaigning can only hurt you.
October 27th, 2006 at 10:42:08 pm
I must agree with Brendan here - lamest scandal EVER.
As some of you know, I’m more conservative leaning, but geez - this is so stupid and lame, I don’t know what to think.
I’m glad I’m not voting between the two schmucks in Virginia. Both have been disgraceful, and I don’t envy Virginia voters, who will be stuck with one or the other.
October 27th, 2006 at 10:42:39 pm
Objectively, is there any reason to be concerned about Jim Webb? No. But in the world of politics, where “the appearance of impropriety” can be such a killer for a candidate even when no real corruption exists, this is a major deal. If I’m Sen. Allen’s campaign manager, I’m sending glossy mailers to every voter’s home in Virginia with excerpts of Jim Webb’s stories. The media won’t run with this “scandal” like it’s run with the “macaca” “scandal”, but Sen. Allen should get just enough out of this to win. It’s about time the GOP pulled off its own “October surprise” to counter the blown-out-of-proportion sleaze that’s been flung all over the place by the Dems/media. That the Foley thing became such a huge scandal when nothing particularly notable occurred (creepy, sure; worrisome, no), and that the media has completely mischaracterized Rush Limbaugh’s criticism of Michael J. Fox and turned that into a scandal, ought to tell you that this latest bit of craven politics fits right in line with the rest of the mud flying around right now.
October 27th, 2006 at 11:29:57 pm
I gotta ask …
Why is *anyone* surprised by blue and red politicians producing purple prose ?
October 28th, 2006 at 11:35:40 am
I’m with Andrew. When one really stops and looks at it, this isn’t some unsubstantiated allegation about some unprovable event that happened 25 or 30 years ago intended as a political smear, but a currently available porn novel I can go buy from Barnes and Noble or Amazon. It’s hard, concrete fact, and I can read the passages in the comfort of my own living room. Allen’s claim is not fabricated, inuendo, or taken out of context, nor does it imply anything. It brings to light facts in evidence in the public domain. Period. Wouldn’t it be nice if all campaign claims were this straightforward and documented.
The Dhimicrats did it to themselves this time with the 24/7 coverage of Foley by their right arm (the MSM) and implying that even though no crimes were committed that the only solution was resignation. Well how does the shoe fit now? Comfortable? Since moral fiber and character are now a major election consideration (thanks to Foley), this absolutely fits in.
Its about time the Conservatives took off the gloves and started shoveling back at the BAP (Benedict Arnold Party - Dhimicrats), and the good news is that nobody had to make it up - Its available in the public domain for all to read. Bravo Allen!
October 28th, 2006 at 11:44:12 am
Frankly I think the more disturbing issue here is that George Allen apparently can’t tell the difference between Fact and Fiction. Do you want your senator to be that clueless? Me neither.
As for you morons on this blog trying to compare Webb’s fiction with Foley’s solicitation of 16-year-olds for sex, you really are desperate for something to hang on the Dems, aren’t you? Have you ever read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Catcher in the Rye or Of Mice and Men? Grow the fuck up.
October 28th, 2006 at 12:14:37 pm
“If I’m Sen. Allen’s campaign manager, I’m sending glossy mailers to every voter’s home in Virginia with excerpts of Jim Webb’s stories.”
Maybe Webb’s campaign manager should print excerpts from George Allen’s sister’s book “Fifth Quarter.” The book that details how Allen dragged his sister up the stairs by her hair. How he shoved his brother through a plate-glass window and basically mistreated the women he dated in college, when he wasn’t running around with the Confederate flag and making contact with White Supremecist groups in Virginia. It’s all in the public record, right? And in Allen’s case, the shit actually happened.
October 28th, 2006 at 1:04:25 pm
As usual, Max has the scoop ;-) Allen’s sister’s uncle’s brother’s former roommate’s novel notwithstanding, Webb’s fiction writing is indeed the stupidest campaign issue ever, and Allen is a gimp for bringing it up. I’m a VA voter this year, and it’s a real question for me whether I can hold my nose and vote for Allen . . .
October 28th, 2006 at 2:46:53 pm
As for you morons on this blog trying to compare Webb’s fiction with Foley’s solicitation of 16-year-olds for sex, you really are desperate for something to hang on the Dems, aren’t you? Have you ever read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Catcher in the Rye or Of Mice and Men? Grow the fuck up.
LOL. That’s exactly what I was thinking.