Whereas there's nothing to worry about with Biden.

Could someone tell me exactly when the US and France kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon, as Biden claimed?

"Because in a one-to-one conversation, you can't launch into a prepared speech on a topic unrelated to the question". Nonsense! How many times have you tried to engage someone in face-to-face conversation on a contentious issue, and then listened while they launched into a rant, or shovelled bullshit around everywhere to change the subject, instead of addressing your point? It may be totally lame and unconvincing, but people do it all the time.

"Much could be written about Senator Joe Biden's gaffes and what they reveal about him". No kidding. I think Jonah Goldberg nailed it, in one of the best bits he's ever written on The Corner:

"Well, Gwen, that's an interesting question. As we all know, the hamster spinning at the earth's core runs in a counter clockwise direction. Let me repeat that so everyone understands. That hamster does not run in a clockwise direction, that would be madness. It's COUNTER clockwise. That's why our lakes and rivers don't simply turn into a fine mist, and why our atmosphere doesn't spontaneously combust. This is something that my dear friend John McCain just doesn't understand. And it saddens me".

Martin. Heh.

Joe Biden has the ability to say anything with absolute conviction that what he is saying is true.

Hmm, so the "clean airwaves" act is adding another to the infamous 7 deadly words?

"Clean Air" on the right and "fairness doctrine" on the left. Maybe its time to go in a new direction eh?

I'm a bit sad that no one in the mainstream media has brought up Biden's free lawyer for women going thru divorces scheme on his VAWA laws. Not surprised but sad.

Everybody saw this, right?

OK.

With the latter remark, the girl is reasonably sure you aren't looking to guide her around a late-night art exhibition, but "indirect speech" allows both of you to maintain what Pinker calls "a comfortable fiction." (Amy, from a previous article)

Is it just me? This idea of a "comfortable fiction" is not a new idea, nor is it a scientific one. It's rhetorical.

When I was doing my undergraduate degree, I was, well, angered by the truly gigantic academic industry of recycling the ideas of Enlightenment philosophers and presenting them as new insights into the human condition. Or really insights into the pretended brilliance of the plagiarist. I wanted to shout, "Give Diderot his due! Pay your debt to Locke!" I smoldered instead.

The quote above keeps the embers burning. The ancient rhetors made detailed study of circumlocutio and euphemism. So, as I read Pinker's "new" insight into the human condition, I want to shout, "Give Plato and Aristotle their due! Pay your debt to Cicero and Tertullian!"

I like Gwen complaining that Palin circumvented her to talk directly to camera, and all those folks at home. How dare she! The self-importance of journalists and TV types never fails to astound. This election cycle is really the last gasp of the MSM trying to pretend anyone cares.

I think the US should ban all electronic ads for campaigns, and that the candidates should have to go back to actual rallies and speeches. No electronic coverage, no YouTube videos. And voters should have to prove that they attended a public event for both parties. Call me me retro. Or reactionary.

"Call me me retro."

How about simply wrong-headed?

"I think the US should ban all electronic ads for campaigns, and that the candidates should have to go back to actual rallies and speeches. No electronic coverage, no YouTube videos."

While we are at it, let's ban microphones, campaign publications using that vulgar thing called the printing press, stage lighting, etc. The only tools the campaigns can use are ink wells, quills and animal skin scrolls. And only horse riding is allowed between campaign stops! No wheeled carts, either--the wheel is just too new-fangled, by gosh!

"And voters should have to prove that they attended a public event for both parties."

Not exactly in keeping with the whole consent of the governed/inalienable right thing, is it, folks? I get to vote only after showing up for mandatory political rallies? How much of my life do I have to give in order to pass this test? One hour at each rally? Two days at a special camp? Two minutes is too much of an infringement on freedom, because yes, as a principle, it really does matter that no one impose such conditions on my right to vote. Besides, I suspect the Libertarians, communists, green party and every other group will happily note that they should get the right to demand my attendance before voting. Why can the government say no to some parties while forcing me to attend the rallies of only some?

Steven Pinker is hot! In more ways than one. Brawn and Brain.

Kate -- what Spartee said? Tell me you weren't serious. Can I get time off for involving myself in a third party of my choice?

Crid, don't make me puke. That video damned near did. It was blatant support of Palin just because she's a woman. Just because all NOW chapters aren't doing so, doesn't make it any less so. God, she all but said, I hate what she stands for but she's a woman! That's all I need.

> don't make me puke.

You're an older gal, right?

(PS- I never actually watched the video. The blog post told me what I wanted to know. Did she do a dance at the end or somethign?)

Crid, you old fart, if you're telling the truth, we're the same age, if memory recalls. But then I'm getting old so I could be remembering wrong. If not, 50's obvioiusly the new 70 with you too. And, Christ, if you are younger than me I don't even want to think how you'll be at 50. The new 80? 90?

Watch the video you linked to your own damned self. Might have tried that before posting a link to it and singing this member of NOW's praises when she was actually behaving has we've come to expect from members of NOW. Kind of wondered why you did that and said the opposite. Now I know. You don't even research your own references.