Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Whenever political consultant Mike Murphy joins the podcast, the sparks fly. This week is no exception as the man who coined the term "Bachmann-Schmachmann" takes no prisoners as he defends David Brooks, explains why Bachmann probably can't win, and gives a master class in how to parse campaign finance reports, all with his trademark style and humor. You may not agree with him, but you will not be bored.
P.S. We had some intermittent audio issues this week due to the bane of all podcasts: lousy hotel WiFi. We apologize in advance.
Get your hot links, get `em right here:
- No, we are not going to re-print the entire "man from Nantucket" limerick. That's why Google was invented.
- Here's a shot of John Kerry on his bike. Not exactly Dukakis on the tank, but close.
- Our man in Nantucket (not to be confused with the man from Nantucket) Rob Long snapped these photos of the Tea Party signs on July 4th.
- A $1.50 sounded awfully low for a cup of coffee in season in a tony resort town. So we called The Bean coffee shop on Nantucket and was told that a large latte goes for $4.25 a pop there. Bottom line: Ricochet is too cheap.
- The phrase "live at Budokan" is a reference to Cheap Trick's hit album released in 1979, featuring the single Surrender. Hear it the way James first experienced it by purchasing the cassette from Amazon, which you can pick up (used) for a penny.
- The much discussed column by David Brooks may be read here. Rob's post on Ricochet is here. Mollie Hemingway took umbrage with Mr. Brooks as well. Ricochet guest contributor Meghan Clyne kinda, sorta defended Brooks. Clearly, she didn't read the memo.
- Those bloop noises? That's Mike Murphy calling us on Skype. Mike, don't call us, we'll call you.
- Steve Allen was indeed the first host of The Tonight Show. Even though he died in 2000, he's got his own website, although it looks like it hasn't been updated since he passed away. Check out this video of Jerry Lee Lewis' TV debut on Allen's show. Incredible.
- Since Murphy is now writing for Time we thought it was fitting to link to this piece from 1981 reporting on budget battle Reagan undertook while he was recuperating from the assassination attempt on his life.
- Rob is correct: it is indeed being reported that Boehner and Obama are talking. And not just about lining up a putt.
- We're this close to having some Bachmann-Smachmann t-shirts printed up. The problem is, we'd probably have to share the dough with Murphy and Bachmann.
- Like it or not, in the age of Google, presidential candidates simply cannot make easily checked gaffes. It has nothing to do with the media. just ask Brit Hume. P.S. Editing your candidate's Wikipedia page to make her look like he or she was correct is creepy and Orwellian.
- Political strategist Ed Rollins is currently the guy charged with making sure Michelle Bachmann deosn't makes any more gaffes. Given some of his past clients, he should have a pretty good handle on how to do that.
- Mike did a great analysis on how to parse campaign financial reports. It's a must read.
- This year, The Ames Straw Poll is on August 13th at Iowa State University. Perhaps we should host a live chat that night with Murphy.
- The Washington Generals never win. Ever (OK, once in 1971). But they do have their own website and they appear to be hiring.
- The complete Murphy Time oeuvre is here. His piece on how Obama could overcome a weak economy through demographics is here. His post on Pawlenty's struggles is here and the "giggling" Pataki post may be read here. Finally, follow Mike's musings on Twitter. We do (nice shades, dude).
- Yes, it's true: Murphy will be doing a podcast for us on the election starting sometime in August. Really looking forward to that one.
- Give it up for Ricochet member Cas Balicki for his post Is It Time to Introduce a National Sales/Value-added Tax in the U.S.? He wins a copy of this week's Encounter Books Pick of The Week. Watch your email, Cas.
- No, Claire did not write a post about a legendary stripper, she wrote a post about buying roses from Gypsies.
- The "fast and furious" ATF arms for criminals story just keeps getting weirder and weirder. We'll see how high up it goes.
Music from this week's episode:
- Hallogallo by Nue!
- Michelle by The Beatles
The direct link to this week's episode (great for mobile devices!). But be like Mikey and subscribe. Don't use iTunes? Visit our Feedburner page for a number of other subscription options.
The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's featured title is Three Felonies a Day: How the Feds Target the Innocent by Harvey Silverglate. Available in all formats at EncounterBooks.com.
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Comments:
Jun '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Peter, the points you raise are all valid, but you can be sure the winners aren't navel gazing in pursuit of "the answer," for them everything went "as expected". Losers are forced to reassess, and you must take that reassessment and determine if it fits with what you understand happened. The best any of us can do is offer a very subjective opinion based on our personal understanding of the facts, which facts are generally incomplete and almost never represent an intimate overview. Your opinion may or may not support the assessment the "professionals" air, but the professional opinion should always be, at the very least, a starting point. Although a simple concept elections and the democratic process are not easy.
Jul '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
So what Yer telling Me is that all We have to do is nominate the most "electable" candidate running and presto!- We win the election automagically.
Ideas, policies, the future of the Nation- none of the matters, huh?
You tell Me if that doesn't sound just a tad bit naive and unidealistic....
I rest My case.
Nov '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Western Chauvinist: Wow. I've never read such an un-Ricochetian thread at Ricochet. He's a hack, a boor, a jerk, lining his pockets... ad hominem, much?
What I heard was a guy who wants Republicans to win. He happens to have a different view on how to make that happen than I, but I could say that about most members here.
Before we banish Murphy from Ricochet, how about a few examples of his unforgivable sins and why they're unforgivable?
As I've said before, go back to some early podcasts, circa the November election, and listen to Pat Caddell talking about the Meg Whitman campaign. I think that will convince you that Mike Murphy's sins are unforgiveable.
Aug '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Jimmy Carter: So what Yer telling Me is that all We have to do is nominate the most "electable" candidate running and presto!- We win the election automagically.
Ideas, policies, the future of the Nation- none of the matters, huh?
You tell Me if that doesn't sound just a tad bit naive and unidealistic....
I rest My case. · Jul 8 at 10:05am
What does the future of the nation look like with Obama in charge, me boy?
Just as the Hail Mary pass rarely works in football, you also need blocking and tackling to win in national politics. That's what Murphy is - a block and tackle guy.
Btw, ideology factors into electability as well, they are not mutually exclusive (which is why McCain was never electable in my view).
But hey, if it makes you feel better, keep hucking up those deep balls - one of them has to be caught eventually!
Edited on July 8, 2011 at 7:42pmDec '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Sorry, Lucy, going back to November to listen to Caddell talk about Murphy doesn't interest me. What did you find so objectionable in this podcast?
Nov '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
That's a different question, isn't it? Your first question was whether his sins were unforgivable, and I think they are. They specifically consist of seeing the lessons of the Delaware election exactly backwards, according to Caddell. In specific, with respect to Delaware, Caddell says that the Murphy wing of the Republican party makes the error of campaigning against the Tea Party, instead of trying to enlist their energy and incorporate them into a winning strategy.
Additionally, he states that Meg Whitman hired venal and incompetent campaign advisors who spent a huge amount of Meg Whitman's personal money, to their own financial advantage, and in the process lost the election through sheer voter fatigue and overexposure.
Actually, listening to old podcasts is a favorite pastime for lots of us. They're wonderful, and the ones with Pat Caddell are among the best.
Jun '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Lucy Pevensie
That's a different question, isn't it? Your first question was whether his sins were unforgivable, and I think they are. They specifically consist of seeing the lessons of the Delaware election exactly backwards, according to Caddell....
Lucy Pevensie at the plate and...WHAMMY!
Nov '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
The issue with MM is we all know we are dealing with an establishment man who probably believes the most important cog in the political wheel is the political consultant. What is needed to counter MM, aka windbag, is Mark Steyn. Now that would be a debate of epic proportions. As much as I love the three musketeers, Rob, James and Peter, they are lightweights compared to Mark. Best to All!
May '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
No, Murphy is not me, but we both will rejoice when Romney becomes President Romney.
Dec '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Samwise Gamgee
Lucy Pevensie
That's a different question, isn't it? Your first question was whether his sins were unforgivable, and I think they are. They specifically consist of seeing the lessons of the Delaware election exactly backwards, according to Caddell....
Lucy Pevensie at the plate and...WHAMMY! · Jul 8 at 10:48am
Silly me. I thought under a thread titled Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann- Schmachmann, we might have a discussion about what Murphy said himself in this podcast. Did either of you listen to it?
Apparently I missed the prerequisite course, Why We Hate Mike Murphy at Ricochet. I joined in December.
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Thomas, Give a listen to episode 4 of the Ricochet Podcast featuring Mark Steyn and Mike Murphy.
Edited on July 8, 2011 at 8:33pmOct '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Listening to MM on how votes get split, how delegations are divided, on how the money flows break down is fascinating (albeit with a despairing undercurrent of 'so when does the democracy part of an election come in?') A podcast of his on this stuff would be a must listen. (The danger would be becoming seduced into the cheap cynicism of thinking 'This is the real story' and that the principles and ideals count for nothing.)
Listening to MM on what folks ought to think or believe, on the other hand, is not illuminating. He's not clever, funny or thoughtful enough about this part of the process to be worth listening to.
Obama is not the antichrist. He is a knee-jerk ivy league faculty lounge liberal with the political instincts of a Chicago machine politician. It is highly debatable whether replacing him with a principle-free professional pol who happens to have an (R) after his or her name would be a net benefit to the Republic given the mass despair amongst principled conservatives such a result would (probably) occasion. MM may have a considered position on this, but I don't expect to hear it expressed politely.
Apr '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Frozen Chosen
What does the future of the nation look like with Obama in charge, me boy?
Just as the Hail Mary pass rarely works in football, you also need blocking and tackling to win in national politics. That's what Murphy is - a block and tackle guy.
Btw, ideology factors into electability as well, they are not mutually exclusive (which is why McCain was never electable in my view).
But hey, if it makes you feel better, keep hucking up those deep balls - one of them has to be caught eventually! · Jul 8 at 10:17am
Edited on Jul 08 at 10:42 am
I will have to politely disagree with you here. What the country needs right now is a complete course-correction, not someone who is better at navigating trecherous waters. Another "compassionate conservative" doesn't stop us from financial catastrophe. We need someone who will have the courage to stand up to Obama and say exactly where current policies are leading. If the nation doesn't agree, fine, at least we still have a party that can say they warned us when the inevitable happens. I am willing to lose in 2012 for the long term.
Aug '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
ctruppi
We need someone who will have the courage to stand up to Obama and say exactly where current policies are leading. If the nation doesn't agree, fine, at least we still have a party that can say they warned us when the inevitable happens. I am willing to lose in 2012 for the long term. · Jul 8 at 11:36am
I agree with your point about needing a candidate who will clearly say where Obama's policies are leading. But should he say them in a way that you and I can understand or in a way that some blue state moderate who won't pay any attention until October 2012 understands? Or perhaps in a way someone with a HS degree who's been unemployed for 12 months would relate to?
Ricochet is not the electorate. Let's not forget It's a big and diverse country out there and we need 51% of them to vote Republican or we are hosed.
If Obama wins in 2012 our country goes over the event horizon of the socialist black hole we are fast approaching - it won't matter who wins in 2016.
May '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
I want to see a change in the business as usual work in government. I do not think the way to get that is from a business as usual consultant.
If the GOP had ever stuck to its guns in the past, we would not be here. Had the GOP, when it controlled both houses, and the White House acted as conservatives, we would not be here.
I want to be someplace other than here. I am not cynical as MM appears to be.
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Glad people are listening.
Strikes me as strange how insecure so many of these comments are. Not all, but many. The point being to instantly condemn any voice that disagrees with the dogma. Refusal to accept any argument, regardless of factual merits. Then demonize the proponent of the argument as have sinister motives. Really want to live in a bland bubble where everyone agrees with you and the only facts that are to be believed are those that support your point of view... even when they may not even be prove-able facts at all, just shouted opinions? Seems silly to me. And a bit cowardly.
Obsessions with ideological purity is the sport of Communists, Fascists, and Salem witch trials... not Conservatives. Ultimately, it is cowardly.
Apr '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Murphy does come across as a know-it-all [redacted]. He makes a statement towards the end of his prognostications when discussing tea-party folks, saying "some of them are in a bubble of their own conviction" to which I'd say to Mr. Murphy, "projection?" He truly believes his behind doesn't smell, but by the tone of many comments here, maybe he needs to do some self evaluation.
By following Murphy's logic, the very best candidate the Republicans could have nominated in 2008 would have been ... John McCain!
BTW ... does he have anything to do with Murphy's Law????
[Ed.'s Note: Please refrain from name-calling]
Edited on July 9, 2011 at 1:12amMay '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Mr. Murphy,
If you actually read many of the conversations here, you ill see that it is not a bland bubble.There is lots of debate and discussion.
Calling people who disagree with you "cowardly" is just as bad. Comparing them to Fascists is over the line. I note that you are the only one in 76 posts to use that word.
Mike Murphy: Glad people are listening.
Strikes me as strange how insecure so many of these comments are. Not all, but many. The point being to instantly condemn any voice that disagrees with the dogma. Refusal to accept any argument, regardless of factual merits. Then demonize the proponent of the argument as have sinister motives. Really want to live in a bland bubble where everyone agrees with you and the only facts that are to be believed are those that support your point of view... even when they may not even be prove-able facts at all, just shouted opinions? Seems silly to me. And a bit cowardly.
Obsessions with ideological purity is the sport of Communists, Fascists, and Salem witch trials... not Conservatives. Ultimately, it is cowardly. · Jul 8 at 12:10pm
Apr '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
Mike Murphy: Glad people are listening.
Strikes me as strange how insecure so many of these comments are. Not all, but many. The point being to instantly condemn any voice that disagrees with the dogma. Refusal to accept any argument, regardless of factual merits. Then demonize the proponent of the argument as have sinister motives. Really want to live in a bland bubble where everyone agrees with you and the only facts that are to be believed are those that support your point of view... even when they may not even be prove-able facts at all, just shouted opinions? Seems silly to me. And a bit cowardly.
Obsessions with ideological purity is the sport of Communists, Fascists, and Salem witch trials... not Conservatives. Ultimately, it is cowardly. · Jul 8 at 12:10pm
I'm not looking for ideological purity ... just a candidate that sticks to their principles!
May '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #76: Bachmann-Schmachmann
BTW, Mr. Murphy's characterization of the pro-border enforcement crowd is just wrong. All I want is to get the border closed. THEN we can work on the rest. I don't want to do it all at the same time for the same reason I don't want the 3 to 1 "deal". We do a deal, we always get screwed because the other side lies and does not follow through.