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Tag Archives: steele
What's the Excuse Now?
Because you’re so loyal to this blog, you know that same-sex marriages were legalized in Vermont today. Although it’s the fourth state to do so, it’s the first to pass the measure via the legislature. John Aravosis of AMERICAblog explains it best:
“…in Vermont, the legislature made marriage legal. Not the courts, the legislature. Why does this matter? Because Republicans have been arguing for years that the problem with gay marriage is that THE COURTS are making these decisions, rather than the people via their elected representatives.â€
And to illustrate his point, here’s a taste of Republican reactions to a similar measure passed in Iowa only four days ago (albeit through the courts):
Mitt Romney: “I believe marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman and the definition of marriage should be left to the people and not to activist courts.”
Michael Steele: “The Iowa Supreme Court’s decision today to reverse an 11 year old state law outlawing same-sex marriage is sadly another example of judicial activism currently threatening family values in America.â€
Mike Huckabee: “Iowa Sup. Court dec. to allow same sex marriage is disappointing. All Iowans should have a say in this matter, not legislative judges …†(via Twitter, of course)
How will Republicans explain their thinly veiled prejudices now that their evil-activist-courts excuse has been shattered? Let’s hear some creative guesses.
Posted in Blog, Republican Party
Tagged Huckabee, Iowa, republican, Romney, Same-Sex Marriage, steele, Vermont
3 Comments
Man the blogs. Republicans on the Internet!
In another “off the hook” move, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele announced late last week that the Party has named its first-ever official New Media Director. Todd Herman, formerly of Microsoft, will take on the mantle beginning this April 6 as part of the GOP’s ongoing attempt to take over the Internet communications.
For me personally, it is scary to see Republicans even attempting to utilize the Internet as a tool. As Twitter has illustrated, while they may be vastly inept, the Party’s eagerness is intimidating. As of late February the GOP boasted that nearly 25 percent of Republican lawmakers used Twitter, compared to only 8.5 percent of their Democratic counterparts. Not only are more Republicans using Twitter, but they’re also using it smarter, sending our more personal messages and fewer self-aggrandizing tweets (in 160 character or less, of course). All of this makes me fear the day I cannot find 984329 blogs that reinforce my liberal leanings.
Luckily, we’re not there yet.
In a state of panic, I decided to do my research into this Todd Herman character. And here’s what I could discover.
+ He is the guy that invented those ads that interrupt your 30 Rock episodes (basically the guy behind commercials on the Internet)
+ AdAge (now closing its DC office, fyi) named him “the media guy”
+ He was one of the 25 initial inductees into the Streaming Media All Stars (oh boy!)
+ You can friend him on facebook.com
+ He founded SpinSpotter.com, a entirely predictable Republican “spin” site that uses some good wordplay (Spinoculars?!? Kind of brilliant)
+ He writes his own really jank blog, Got Liberty? (Seriously, how do you not know how to use Photoshop, Mr. New Media?)
+ He is a former radio talk show host (Oh lord)
+ And he is a proud member of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth
So, take my research for what it’s worth. The bottom line is that Mr. Herman appears to be a tech guru in the world of online advertising and video streaming who happens to be an excellent, respected software programmer. However, my interpretation is that in all of this Republicans have missed to point and the potential of the Internet. In the official GOP press release, Steele emphasized his success in advertising and financial success as a business leader and CEO. Repbublican leaders seem to be more focused on the economic potential of the Internet rather than its implications is organizing the grassroots. In the next several months, it will be interesting to see how, if at all, the Republican Internet identity shifts. At the very least, expect lots of video content from Todd and friends.
Time to step up the viral videos!
Also, on a personal note, I was surprised to see this gem at the bottom of Herman’s press release: “He currently lives in Washington State, where he works at his most important roles: Christian, husband and father.”
Posted in Blog, Cabinet Appointments, Netroots, Republican Party, Things Republicans Like
Tagged blog, blogg, Hoekstra, new media, new media GOP, off the hook, rnc, RNC twitter, steele, Todd Herman, Todd Herman GOP, twitter
5 Comments
Mark Chou's Take: Attack and Retreat
Everybody ready for some Republican bashing? Then what are we waiting for…DIG IN! So, these days people have been (finally!) realizing that Rush Limbaugh is the voice of the Republican party. Lame? I think so. But it’s true. Democrats got Obama. And the Republicans have Rush. Disparity? I think so too. Anyway, Rush is of the “Republican God” these days (does that hold any value?). If anyone says anything against him, they immediately have to retract their statements. Just today RNC Chair Steele had to apologize to Limbaugh after calling Rush’s radio program “ugly.” What harsh words, Chairman: ugly. But he HAD to take it back. If he didn’t, he would not get the support he needs from his party’s base. Those guys WORSHIP Rush. They don’t like it when anyone attacks him. I beg to ask, however, is he really so weak that he can’t even take a little jab? Whatever it is, I find it ridiculous that Rush can dish out criticism all the time, but once it goes the other way, foul is cried. Whatever happened to some civil disagreements? I guess those just don’t exist within the Republican party. Nor do intelligent representatives.
Posted in Blog, Mark Chou's Take, Republican Party, Things Republicans Like
Tagged Chou, limbaugh, Mark, Mark Chou, michael steele, obama, republican, republican god, Republicans, rnc, Rush, rush limbaugh, steele
3 Comments