Okay, today I discovered, accidentally, that I was the subject of a very long (and not very nice) conversation here in Lysis’ daily “Hillary News & Views” diary. The nature of the conversation was somewhat ironic given that Lysis started today’s installment with a plea for restraint.
I have to admit, I was flattered (especially the post that discussed what I write and mentioned Plato!), even though most of the talk was not complimentary. Some people, it seems, really, really, really don’t like me.
And some of the comments were truly hilarious. One guy apparently thinks I’m some sort of deep cover GOP troll!
artmartinJan 27 · 11:25:46 AMYou know I’ve always firmly believed that the right would resort to long term infiltration of the Democratic Party, inserting moles who would play the game for years establishing their credibility and, when the stakes got high enough, activate them in a disruptive fashion. When I hear people on here defending long term highly visible diarists and posters who have amply established their liberal and progressive cred, a little red flag goes up in me. It is not CT to consider the notion that deeply embedded trolls exist on here because it is a valid although unethical political maneuver used throughout history. We are certainly and rightfully prohibited from ever making direct accusations without some overwhelming proof (which would be nearly impossible to get) but I see nothing wrong with reminding people to take everything they read or experience within the world of online politics as suspect, even my own posts. A good spidey-sense is a valuable asset these days.
Yes, art, your “spidey-sense” is tingling! You’re onto me! (And five people recced that gem!)
I digress…
The discussion started because a poster asked:
mattakarskohayesIs there any actual evidence Hillary “pushed” for fewer debates?
Poster, Pacifist, pointed out that I had posted a link highlighting how DWS made sure Clinton got what she wanted in terms of debates at the outset of the campaign.
Here’s the link and the relevant highlights:
Democrats took an idea from the Republicans, who had announced there would be penalties on their candidates if they went outside the Republican National Committee’s sanctioned debates. If Sanders or O’Malley tries to test the DNC, they would risk getting aced out of the other debates. Ditto for a media outlet that tried to mount something separate on the side, as they would risk losing Hillary Clinton as a contender.
Oh, and about Hillary Clinton wanting fewer debates?
Lobbying by the campaigns has been intense, with Clinton’s campaign wanting fewer than six debates, while the staffs of Martin O’Malley and Bernie Sanders asking for more than that.
...
One thing is sure, Clinton is going to follow the rules; she won’t do more than the six debates. And the networks understand the DNC has control of the process because Hillary is on board with the plan and she’s not going to show up for any debates that are not sanctioned.
Two things are clear from this link:
Clinton got the debate schedule she wanted from DWS, over the objections of Sanders and O’Malley. Clinton made clear that she was “not going to show up for any debates that are not sanctioned.”So last night’s announcement from a Clinton campaign spokesperson that Clinton would do the New Hampshire debate (which remains unsanctioned) represents a flip-flop from her earlier position.
Let me repeat that I am flattered that folks took time out of their busy days to discuss me and what I have written here. It’s nice to be noticed.
And since so many folks seem to (not) appreciate some of my recent work, here is a list of a few pieces I have published of late. I stand behind each of these pieces as they are well-researched and include cites from reputable sources. I don’t mean to brag, but they’re all worth a read:
David Brock is a symptom, not the disease
How to explain away collecting $675,000 for giving three speeches to Goldman Sachs
Wait... What happened to the juggernaut?
Exhibit A: Hillary's big-ticket Philly fundraiser just days before the Iowa caucus
Clinton campaign made "serious miscalculations." Again.
True (heartbreaking) tales from the campaign trail
Sanders' closing ad in Iowa flips convention on its head
By the way, the story about Clinton’s fundraiser tonight in Philly, above, details how the firm hosting the event is under federal scrutiny for promoting risky investments to middle class investors.
I know this is a bit of a self-indulgent diary, but I got such a kick out of discovering that conversation about me that I had to write about it.
And, yes, I’ve been here since 2003, playing the long game, just waiting for the right time to deploy!
I am having a ball...