Dole an outrage on Meet the Press

Above is a comment from Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Chairwoman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, on yesterday's Meet the Press. These kinds of comments have become so commonplace that in some circles they are routine, but not with me. It's inexcusable for a politician from either party to make comments like this, but I mostly hear Republicans saying it these days, for obvious reasons - they are in power, they set the agenda, and if you don't come along with what they want, well, then you're "for the terrorists."

Notice when Russert tries to let her Democratic counterparts rebut her outrageous claim, she won't STFU, repeatedly talking over everyone, including Russert, in an attempt to qualify her remarks. (No doubt saying to herself, "I just pulled a John Kerry - I'd better take that back!") Why? Because she knows better. Notice the second time she says it, it's qualified. Yes, it's campaign season, but some lines shouldn't be crossed, especially when they are lies.

Dole, known affectionately as "Liddy," (maybe now, she should be called "Dip Shiddy" - she could be a rapper!) ought to be ashamed of herself. No wonder her presidential campaign lasted about 10 minutes - with divisive, inflammatory comments like these, how much appeal could she hope to have?

And to be clear, I listened to all of yesterday's Meet the Press on my commute to work this morning, and Dole's comment in the clip above is NOT taken out of context. If you don't believe me, download the Meet The Press podcast - you can get it for free.

What's more, Dole made herself look absurd with her grandstanding and filibustering throughout the entire show, talking over Tim Russert more than once, making sure she mentioned every single Republican Senator who's in a competitive race. At one point, a clearly exasperated Russert said, "Okay, we know you endorse all of your candidates." I could hardly tolerate listening to it.

She boldly goes on to say that Republicans will retain control of the Senate (surprise). Her counterpart, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), chairman of the National Democratic Senatorial Committee, was more reserved, saying it's "not time to pop the champagne and high five just yet," saying he "didn't want to jinx it." Well said, Chuck.

We'll see if Dip Shiddy's predictions prove true when the returns come in - starting about 36 hours from now.