Conn Carroll: utterly enthralled. http://bloggingheads.tv/diavlogs/133...0&out=00:01:45

Nice to see Conn for once barely able to get a word in edgewise with a fresh presence. Decent pairing, but next time Conn should first down an espresso cuz, after all, he was dealing with this. EW

Quoting Eastwest: Decent pairing, but next time Conn should first down an espresso cuz, after all, he was dealing with this.

EW

That seems a little counterintuitive. At least for a certain subset of Sicilians, the credo isn't gabbiness, but omerta.

Yikes; seriously, Bloggingheads? Methinks John Amato should not have quit his day job with Duran Duran. He just seems uninformed, unintersting, and, at times, boderline illiterate. (Um, he went out on 'the' limb?) Granted, it had been quite a while since I heard someone use the adjective "freaky." (Twice in a span of about ten seconds, no less!) Generally, a boring, insipid, horse-race obsessed diavlog.

Had to stop at 19:50 and say fantastic job to the Sicilian lefty for deflecting the juvenile "we are the world' comparison.
Tough, proactive, unapologetic and aggressive responses to the hidden-agenda nature of the "conservative" interviewer is the only way to move forward, and counter the Rovian attack machine, and it's myriad sub-machines.
In other words: lefties, pay attention, this guy knows what's coming and it's time to follow his lead and grow a set. Not that many of you here on this forum and BHTV aren't ahead of me on this.... never hurts to reenforce I say. Loving this one so far.... nice work to both "heads".

What is it with the Sicilian's about being so special that they have to constantly remind us that they are you know Sicilians. I would like to see a compilation of which parts of southern Europe that have been invaded, pillage and raped, by foreigners the most. It would not surprise me if it was a contest between Sicily and Greece. So why is it that the two parts of southern Europe that quite possibly have the most mutt like genealogy brag about their heritage the loudest and most often.

Quoting graz: (Referencing the EW dingalink of Amato's "I'm a Sicilian, so I don't mind talkin'" comment): That seems a little counterintuitive. At least for a certain subset of Sicilians, the credo isn't gabbiness, but omerta.

Actually, I meant that omerta concept to be implicit in the ballsiness and independence of both his words and what he does. Amato wasn't just running off at the mouth: He also knew to "flip" Conn's BS and slickness (per the stupid "We Are the World 'Quiz'"), but in a civil and even friendly way that still made it sub-rosa clear he was "carrying," tracking the math, and, downstream, would know how to play for keeps. Really, Dems need to quit being such wusses (barely restrained myself from the "p-word" there. Since the Republicans are so predictably going to play dirty, Dems will just have to call their crap, flip it, and hose them with it immediately and every single time, or they'll lose. (I notice he also called correctly the "black man juxtaposed with blonde white babes" subtext where so many others are falling for the decoy "empty-headed celebrity" theme which is really only there to give McCain "plausible deniability.") EW

Quoting piscivorous: ...So why is it that the two parts of southern Europe that quite possibly have the most mutt like genealogy brag about their heritage the loudest and most often.

Now I don't have any vested interest in my verdict here (being without any Italian blood at all), but you really pointed to the reason yourself by noting the multiple genetic inputs. As with laminated wood, as with producing alloys, there's often a special strength from those multiple antecedents which is superior to that of a more mono-genetic and hence less versatile strain. EW

Quoting Eastwest: Actually, I meant that omerta concept to be implicit in the ballsiness and independence of both his words and what he does. Amato wasn't just running off at the mouth: He also knew to "flip" Conn's BS and slickness (per the stupid "We Are the World 'Quiz'"), but in a civil and even friendly way that still made it sub-rosa clear he was "carrying," tracking the math, and, downstream, would know how to play for keeps.

Really, Dems need to quit being such wusses (barely restrained myself from the "p-word" there. Since the Republicans are so predictably going to play dirty, Dems will just have to call their crap, flip it, and hose them with it immediately and every single time, or they'll lose.

(I notice he also called correctly the "black man juxtaposed with blonde white babes" subtext where so many others are falling for the decoy "empty-headed celebrity" theme which is really only there to give McCain "plausible deniability.")

EW

Capisco.

Quoting nikkibong: Yikes; seriously, Bloggingheads? Methinks John Amato should not have quit his day job with Duran Duran. He just seems uninformed, unintersting, and, at times, boderline illiterate. (Um, he went out on 'the' limb?)

Granted, it had been quite a while since I heard someone use the adjective "freaky." (Twice in a span of about ten seconds, no less!)

Generally, a boring, insipid, horse-race obsessed diavlog.

My, you certainly got distracted by the jargon-cluttered superficialities, didn't you? It seems so much so that you failed to note the substance. Yeah, he's a showman, but a good bit smarter than you think and confident enough he doesn't feel the need to put on a high-brow mental suit. I'd like to see you try to go toe-to-toe with him over a cup of coffee. Choose your topic, whatever, but I suspect you'd be looking for the door about 5 minutes in. EW

My exposure to both, and I have considerable through friends, their marriages and business associates in my more troublesome years, has lead me to the opposite it is more an inferiority complex and the need to mask it than a superiority complex.

Quoting piscivorous: My exposure to both, and I have considerable through friends, their marriages and business associates in my more troublesome years, has lead me to the opposite it is more an inferiority complex and the need to mask it than a superiority complex.

How did you get from "strength" to "superiority"? Perhaps your analysis should be turned inward, as those qualities you describe could be attributed to certain forum members.

I feel for you, Mr. Carroll. It must have taken great effort to control yourself.

Quoting piscivorous: My exposure to both, and I have considerable through friends, their marriages and business associates in my more troublesome years, has lead me to the opposite it is more an inferiority complex and the need to mask it than a superiority complex.

That's a little over my head. I was just judging based on what I saw: Very decent intelligence, good humor, ability to strategize, and tendency to not be fooled by BS. EW

Quoting MightyRick: I feel for you, Mr. Carroll. It must have taken great effort to control yourself.

Actually, I have to admit that really is one of Conn's admirable strengths. He's smart (but sometimes smart in a way which subverts forthrightness and wisdom) and also very consistently able to keep his cool. That is a quality worthy of emulation. (Of course one does wonder what tape is actually playing in his head when he's, yes, keeping his cool, but rolling his eyes.) EW

Quoting handle: .... never hurts to reenforce I say.

Loving this one so far.... nice work to both "heads".

Or weenforce as the case might be: retort from John Amato to "We are the world" tactics.

Quoting graz: Or weenforce as the case might be:

retort from John Amato to "We are the world" tactics.

Funny! ahhhh what does %#@$* mean? Looks painful...

I liked this week's TWiB, although I did not not love it. It was good to see John make his debut, because I do like C&L, and I liked some of what he had to say. The discussion on Blue Dog Democrats stood out. Overall, though, (usual complaint coming) this diavlog suffered from the same lack of identity, or structure, or focus, or whatever the right word is, as TWiB has for some time now. It's moved too far away from its starting idea -- covering what's happening in the blogosphere -- and comes off too often as a training camp game played by future TV punditizers. There is some reporting on the blogosphere, but it seems half-hearted and sketchy, and almost never gets beyond the obvious. Someone who only watched this show would think that Chris Bowers and Markos provide 90% of what's written on the entire Web each week. And when material from other blogs is mentioned, it seems most often to be brought up purely to support some nakedly partisan spin on whatever triviality the MSM is currently obsessing over. The fact that John was making a debut suggests one possibility for improving TWiB in general. Maybe every week, or most

Quoting Eastwest: My, you certainly got distracted by the jargon-cluttered superficialities, didn't you? It seems so much so that you failed to note the substance. Yeah, he's a showman, but a good bit smarter than you think and confident enough he doesn't feel the need to put on a high-brow mental suit.

I'd like to see you try to go toe-to-toe with him over a cup of coffee. Choose your topic, whatever, but I suspect you'd be looking for the door about 5 minutes in.

EW

Er, with all due respect, what 'substance' are you referring to? Amato's evidence-free contention that HRC would be Obama's best veep choice because she's a "fighter?" His unwillingness to even consider what would make a good veep, as opposed to a good veep candidate? His threatening "we will take you down" attitude towards moderate Dems? (Moderate on what issues, Amato, naturally, declines to discuss) To consider this a substantive discussion is, well, 'freaky,' to coin a phrase.

Quoting bjkeefe: If there is broad disagreement with what is intended to be my constructive criticism, let me know, and I'll shut up about it.

Fat chance getting you to zip it. (insert smiley).
You more than most, have recommended tweaks and proposed changes. I think you have gone beyond posting them in the forum and have sent requests and ideas directly by forum email to higher ups.
The general consensus seems to be that it can't hurt to create request threads or complaints. But how would you characterize the results of these efforts generally?
I like your particular ideas about TWiB. Maybe Conn, who often joins us here will consider the merits of a change in format. He might welcome the chance to branch out from the Heritage framework. Unless he is contractually obligated or under oath to maintain the party line at all times.

Quoting piscivorous: My exposure to both, and I have considerable through friends, their marriages and business associates in my more troublesome years, has lead me to the opposite it is more an inferiority complex and the need to mask it than a superiority complex.

Paging Dr. fish... Paging Dr. Fish... Please report to Psych Evaluation ward.

Quoting bjkeefe: If there is broad disagreement with what is intended to be my constructive criticism...

Actually, I think you're right. The Conn-Bill pairing usually does best when it just moves very efficiently through a tour of what's going on this week in blogs. I mostly can't stand to read blogs and so, done right, this saves me from remaining completely uninformed about the nature of the chatter. I just figured the usual priorities were on August vacation and so enjoyed this one as a bit of entertaining back-chatter from Amato and enjoyed it. With these "fresh faces," it's always a bit of gamble. I think most of them are an improvement over Bill who, earnest as he is, still seems somewhat bloodless and perfunctory as he rolls through the topics. I like him, but would be bored to hang out with that energy (at least on the topic of politics). Politics is already so deadly tedious and boring, it takes a Hamsher or someone else like that with an effervescent brain to keep me from falling asleep during the recitation. EW

Quoting graz: Fat chance getting you to zip it. (insert smiley).

Heh. No, really, I will. On specific topics, at least.

You more than most, have recommended tweaks and proposed changes. I think you have gone beyond posting them in the forum and have sent requests and ideas directly by forum email to higher ups.
The general consensus seems to be that it can't hurt to create request threads or complaints. But how would you characterize the results of these efforts generally?

I don't expect to get everything I, or we, ask for, but I do get the impression that the BH.tv overlords value our feedback. I think we've seen some results, and I'd even say more so than I would expect from a site of this size, and from personages as esteemed as most of those featured. Power to the peanut gallery!

I like your particular ideas about TWiB. Maybe Conn, who often joins us here will consider the merits of a change in format.

Yes, it's to Conn's credit that he participates in the forums, and that was part of the motivation for posting what I did here. I was also looking for either the building of a consensus, or reaction indicating that my views regarding TWiB are

Quoting graz: Fat chance getting you to zip it. (insert smiley).
You more than most, have recommended tweaks and proposed changes.

How 'bout a new show TWiBOtB, or TWitOB*? you could superimpose live comments so we (bj and Pisc?) could chime in and maybe even influence directions for the conversations. I think technically speaking, the commenters would have to be in the same rooms monitoring the phones however... *This Week in Blog Outside The Bubble or
This Week in the Outer Blogisphere.

Quoting nikkibong: To consider this a substantive discussion is, well, 'freaky,' to coin a phrase.

Well, if it wasn't August, I might agree. So, to flip-flop a little: It was my summer-vacation version of "substantial enough, now please pass the chips." Mostly, I like Amato's chemistry and unpretentiousness and still maintain you're demeaning his intelligence without justification simply because you don't cotton to his loose rhetorical style. Whatever. I got used to this sort of thing back in the sixties, so I can take it or leave it without blinking. Sidenote on your other tweak: Obviously HRC is not happening anyway and I think she's too smart to step onto a ship so verging on capsizing as Obama's when she can wield more power and influence from her station in the Senate. I'm not Amato's lawyer. If you want to ignore his valid points to suit your posting stance, don't let me spill your drink. Cheers,
EW

To quote from the the last liberal suit that ran for President "Reporting for Duty"

Quoting piscivorous: To quote from the the last liberal suit that ran for President "Reporting for Duty"

Hey, at least he actually reported for duty. Unlike the current conservative Suit-in-Chief, I mean.

Yea and according to the whining it was his disrespect for those who served, at his lawyerly exit form Vietnam and the BS he spouted to a congressional hearing, after the end of his service, that cost him the election. If you believe the whiners that is.

Quoting piscivorous: To quote from the the last liberal suit that ran for President "Reporting for Duty"

You keep up that Sicilian slander and you just might find yourself sleepin' with the fishes.

Hey, at least he reported for duty. Unlike Bush. Who couldn't even be bothered to show up for duty at a cushy job in the US, I might add. And don't get me started on the many further derelictions.

Just deposit me somewhere I can become incorporated into a reef.

Purely constructive...

Quoting piscivorous: Just deposit me somewhere I can become incorporated into a reef.

That'll be like recycling. Which would make you a conservati(ve)(onist).

Quoting piscivorous: Just deposit me somewhere I can become incorporated into a reef.

Under your house, as you have described it.

Actually I was sort of hoping for live coral and I'm not sure that I could delay decomposition long enough for enough of the poles to melt to once again activate the reefs above which I now live.

Quoting piscivorous: Yea and according to the whining it was his disrespect for those who served, at his lawyerly exit form Vietnam and the BS he spouted to a congressional hearing, after the end of his service, that cost him the election. If you believe the whiners that is.

jeez, spouting this tired old shite is beneath you, for whining out loud.
There were plenty of anti-war vets, and he spoke for them at the time, 40 freakin' years ago when GW was ditching his drug test.
Maybe he was just another casualty of the Rove attack machine you seem to be an unwitting member of.

Can't have that so I guess I better cancel my reservation with Eternal Reefs.

Quoting piscivorous: Actually I was sort of hoping for live coral and I'm not sure that I could delay decomposition long enough for enough of the poles to melt to once again activate the reefs above which I now live.

I'm sure that can be arranged.. eh Vinny, get over here! This guy wants you should melt the ice caps.

John Amato is one of those blowhards who probably travelled to Italy once ten or so years ago, speaks no Italian, and has no real cultural connection to the country that his grandparents or greatgrandparents happen to have immigrated from. He has, however, watched Godfellas a few too many times, and has proudly appropriated the label "Sicilian." John: get over it. You're an American. And there's nothing wrong with that.

Quoting Eastwest: Actually, I think you're right. The Conn-Bill pairing usually does best when it just moves very efficiently through a tour of what's going on this week in blogs. I mostly can't stand to read blogs and so, done right, this saves me from remaining completely uninformed about the nature of the chatter.

Thanks, EW. Exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for.

With these "fresh faces," it's always a bit of gamble. I think most of them are an improvement over Bill who, earnest as he is, still seems somewhat bloodless and perfunctory as he rolls through the topics. I like him, but would be bored to hang out with that energy (at least on the topic of politics). Politics is already so deadly tedious and boring, it takes a Hamsher or someone else like that with an effervescent brain to keep me from falling asleep during the recitation.

I used to have a similar feeling, but I've come to appreciate his low-key approach. I applaud how well prepared he always is, particularly in anticipating the other side's spin, and I like that he keeps his cool when he's being subjected to tropes from the other side that would

John claims he does not block people.
BS, Here is the comment that got me banned.

Quoting PaulL: John claims he does not block people.
BS, Here is the comment that got me banned.

Actually, he said, "... I don't block them, as long as it's civil." A quick look at some of the other comments that you've left on that site suggests that you were pushing things. It also appears that you had had other comments deleted, some explicitly for the same reason (being off-topic) as the one you pointed to, so it's not as though there wasn't some indication of warning. Moral of the story: spend more time on BH.tv. ;^)

Heard The Chosen One invoke the name of T Boone Pickens today. Don't know if McCain is also captured by this guy's sales pitch. The more I read into it, the more it seems TBP wants the US Government to subsidize his attempt to take over a nice chunk of the Ogalalla Aquifer and sell it to the City of Dallas and other metro water users. Matt Yglesias may think this is a great idea but beware billionaires seeking to save the world. On first glance his scheme makes Al Gore's carbon credit scam look almost benign. Paul L - Looks like you got caught practicing (almost) that which you condemn. This isn't the first time Crooks and Liars have allowed smears to remain (until conveniently erased when poster proven totally wrong) while criticism was banned but you look pretty guilty too. But take comfort that you're being lectured to by a guy who referred to Bush and Cheney as 'ratfu**ers' on his own website.

Quoting harkin: ...
The more I read into it, the more it seems TBP wants the US Government to subsidize his attempt to take over a nice chunk of the Ogalalla Aquifer and sell it to the City of Dallas and other metro water users. Matt Yglesias may think this is a great idea but beware billionaires seeking to save the world. On first glance his scheme makes Al Gore's carbon credit scam look almost benign...

It's better than that Mr Pickens expects the government to essentially pick up the tab for expanding the high power cross country power lines and infrastructure needed to support them. Even if it were approved how many years of litigation will it take to get permission to do this. At least it would have both the environmentalists and private property owners on the same side in court for a change.

Quoting harkin: But take comfort that you're being lectured to by a guy who referred to Bush and Cheney as 'ratfu**ers' on his own website.

To be precise, my referral which has so upset our harkin was to a picture of Karl Rove. I chose one with Bush in the background to provide context for non-US readers, as I have already explained to harkin. Read the post in question for yourself, if you like. Those who think that I'm just using bad words to offend harkin's sensibilities should read Rick Perlstein and William Domingo. The relevant Wikipedia entry may also help illuminate the provenance of the word -- the term, in the political sense, originated in the Nixon Administration. It is also common slang in the U.S. Military, and I feel certain that someone like harkin would agree that anything Our Troops (tm) do must be all right. Of course, I hasten to add that Cheney is a ratfucker, too, and I have no problem saying that. By the way, harkin, your use of asterisks never fails to make me laugh. What's the point of doing this? Do you think no one knows what word you're using? Do you attribute some sort of magic

Wow, good to see John on the site, and here's hoping he is back. Often. He's extremely articulate, and like many of the others who have commented in this thread, find his assertiveness and forcefulness extremely refreshing. We need more like this guy. I will add to the praise for Amato's presence of mind in not agreeing to play Conn's childish little "Isn't Obama Stupid" quiz game. Conn has a cute little beard thing going on, but he's a tool. He's not here to have an interesting discussion. He's here to carry water for the conservative movement.

My Friends, Here's some straight talk: I don't get the whole politically correct dollar-bill thing. It's not my fault that I actually happen to look more like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson than Barack does. I am fair and hoary. My opponent is black and comely. So? It wouldn't make any difference if my opponent were white, like Hillary Clinton, or semi-white, like Bill Richardson. They don't look anything like Alexander Hamilton or Andrew Jackson either.

Quoting John M: My Friends,

Here's some straight talk:

I don't get the whole politically correct dollar-bill thing.

It's not my fault that I actually happen to look more like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson than Barack does.

I am fair and hoary. My opponent is black and comely. So?

It wouldn't make any difference if my opponent were white, like Hillary Clinton, or semi-white, like Bill Richardson. They don't look anything like Alexander Hamilton or Andrew Jackson either.

So, what happened? Didn't you used to be "John McCain"? Did the forum admins make you change your name or something? If so, they really need to get a sense of humor.

Dear My Friend Mr. Swords,

So, what happened? Didn't you used to be "John McCain"? Did the forum admins make you change your name or something?

What can I tell you? They're Democrats; I'm a maverick. They're Britney and Paris; I'm more like Davy Crockett and the Hulk, only an older and wiser version. Upgraded Hulk. The vast left-wing conspiracy castrated my family name. That's the gratitude you get nowadays for serving your country. Hanoi Jane gets a last name (Fonda), and I don't. What the sam hill is that all about? Maybe we should call my opponent "The Big O." Yeah, right. Then they'll accuse me of talking dirty again, or being a racist. I can't win. Wait, si se puede. God Bless America, Swords. Surge on; never pull out.

Quoting John M: Dear My Friend Mr. Swords,

What can I tell you? They're Democrats; I'm a maverick. They're Britney and Paris; I'm more like Davy Crockett and the Hulk, only an older and wiser version. Upgraded Hulk.

The vast left-wing conspiracy castrated my family name. That's the gratitude you get nowadays for serving your country. Hanoi Jane gets a last name (Fonda), and I don't. What the sam hill is that all about?

Maybe we should call my opponent "The Big O." Yeah, right. Then they'll accuse me of talking dirty again, or being a racist. I can't win. Wait, si se puede. God Bless America, Swords. Surge on; never pull out.

LOL @ that. But, yeah. At least if they're going to change your name, they should let you use something like "John MacCain" or "John Mic Cain," so at least people get the gag. The BHTV admins are smothering satire. No one in their right mind would think you are really John McCain. They should give you your name back!

Quoting TwinSwords: No one in their right mind would think you are really John McCain.

Which doesn't eliminate a whole lot of McCain supporters, though, does it? Viewed in that light, I can understand the Comment Nanny's truncation.

Quoting bjkeefe: To be precise, my referral which has so upset our harkin was to a picture of Karl Rove.

You keep assigning feelings and traits that are not there. I never said I was upset, I was just pointing out your hyprocrisy in attempting to point out the nastiness (being mean, not obscene) of others. You do this regularly but then anyone who posts in the top 3% is apt to repeat mistakes.

Quoting bjkeefe: Of course, I hasten to add that Cheney is a ratfucker, too, and I have no problem saying that.

And compounding daily. Nice to know that my 'Cheney' error was also prescient.

Quoting bjkeefe: By the way, harkin, your use of asterisks never fails to make me laugh. What's the point of doing this? Do you think no one knows what word you're using? Do you attribute some sort of magic power to the precise arrangement of letters?

Laugh away, it's called getting the point across (usually quoting a hypocrite) without typing out the whole word. If you think my use of the term clusterf**k in describing drug use problems somehow equates to use of vile words to describe people, that just further illustrates the differences in our sensibilities.

Quoting bjkeefe: Grow up.

If vile

Quoting nikkibong: John Amato is one of those blowhards who probably travelled to Italy once ten or so years ago, speaks no Italian, and has no real cultural connection to the country that his grandparents or greatgrandparents happen to have immigrated from.

He has, however, watched Godfellas a few too many times, and has proudly appropriated the label "Sicilian."

John: get over it. You're an American. And there's nothing wrong with that.

No, no, missing the point: He's from ASTORIA. Astoria, New York City, United States of America. Once he said that, I understood perfectly. I have to admit, at the beginning I was all WTF, but by the end I had to sign up for the fan club. I want John Amato on cable news explaining the Paris Hilton ad. Masterful.

harkin:

I never said I was upset ...

Perhaps. But your tone in previous comments, not to mention the rest of this one, stand in direct contradiction to this claim.

If you think my use of the term clusterf**k ...

I'll tell you what I think. I think it's weaselly and hypocritical to use this asterisk dodge. I think it's wanting to have your sanctimonious cake and eat it, too. I think you shouldn't use the word at all if you're unwilling to type it out.

... use of vile words to describe people ...

Vile people and their vile actions merit vile words. The tacits employed by Karl Rove and much of the rest of the Bush Administration in dealing with their political opponents defines the nadir of America. Their behavior is far more shocking than any name assigned to them could ever be.

What would you call the demands by others here to ban Mickey?

90% non-existent, 9% hyperbole, and 1% righteous indignation. The very few who actually have ever said "ban," I suspect, find what they see as his racism as beyond acceptable. The overwhelming bulk of the anti-Mickey comments, on the other hand, are not calling for him to be banned; they're asking

Ever since I wrote a post urging Bob to dump Mickey Kaus, the racist gossip columnist, and replace him with someone more interesting and less disgraceful to intelligent discourse, a few conservative posters have been spreading the "ban Mickey" meme 1) as if anyone had actually used that word besides themselves and 2) as if I or people who agree with me have magical powers to exert "censorship" on Bheads. Since posters in the comments section routinely criticize guests and make myriad comments about whether or not Bheads should have them back, there is nothing particularly unusual about asking for Mickey to be replaced. The "banned" meme was concocted by his supporters to make him look like a victim.

Wonderment: Thanks for weighing in. You said it better than I did.

harkin: I'll add some data that supports Wonderment's remarks: There are two (non-redundant) matches for the phrase "ban mickey." One is your comment from yesterday, the other is one by me, where I said "I, personally, don't want to ban Mickey ..." (Depending on when you hit that first link, you'll probably also get today's posts.) There are 0 matches for "ban kaus." Ditto the phrases "mickey should be banned" and "kaus should be banned". Again, not counting the possibility that this post itself will eventually show up. It's a mess trying to sort through broader results, such as ban NEAR mickey, ban NEAR kaus, mickey NEAR banned, and so on, but the relevant hits all appear to be either people like me saying we aren't calling for him to be banned, or you, yourself, repeatedly insisting that such calls do exist. Hard to prove non-existence, granted, but these results are strongly suggestive. ==========
BTW, just in case you didn't know, NEAR is a Google keyword, designed to filter the results so that groups of words not surrounded by quotation marks do not return pages where the various words appear only widely separated from each other.

Quoting bjkeefe: Which doesn't eliminate a whole lot of McCain supporters, though, does it?

Viewed in that light, I can understand the Comment Nanny's truncation.