Jim Geraghty of National Review and Greg Corombos of Radio America applaud State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert for shredding Chris Cuomo’s suggestion that Iran is suddenly a problem in the Middle East because President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the nuclear deal.  They also scold White House communications aide Kelly Sadler for suggesting Sen. John McCain’s opposition to CIA nominee Gina Haspel didn’t matter because “he’s dying anyway.”  And as the media conveniently forget about the scandalous downfall of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman just a couple of days after his resignation over allegations of abusing multiple women, Jim notices how a disturbingly high percentage of such scandals involve politicians from New York City.

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  1. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    Ricochet Audio Network: They also scold White House communications aide Kelly Sadler for suggesting Sen. John McCain’s opposition to CIA nominee Gina Haspel didn’t matter because “he’s dying anyway.”

    Is that a “gaffe” in the sense he spoke the truth?

    • #1
  2. George Townsend Inactive
    George Townsend
    @GeorgeTownsend

    Moderator Note:

    Desist with remarks implying that those you're conversing with are somehow beneath you or exhibiting bad faith. This is not your first warning.

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    Ricochet Audio Network: They also scold White House communications aide Kelly Sadler for suggesting Sen. John McCain’s opposition to CIA nominee Gina Haspel didn’t matter because “he’s dying anyway.”

    Is that a “gaff” in the sense he spoke the truth?

    Telling the truth is a poor excuse for being nasty and disgusting. I realize that those two things matter not not a wit to some people.

    • #2
  3. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    Ricochet Audio Network: They also scold White House communications aide Kelly Sadler for suggesting Sen. John McCain’s opposition to CIA nominee Gina Haspel didn’t matter because “he’s dying anyway.”

    Is that a “gaffe” in the sense he spoke the truth?

    Telling the truth is a poor excuse for being nasty and disgusting. I realize that those two things matter not not a wit to some people.

    I was making a joke about gaffes

    • #3
  4. Taras Coolidge
    Taras
    @Taras

     Before we make too much of these New York politicians guilty of sexual misconduct, let’s remember a certain Attorney General of Arkansas who raped a Democratic Party volunteer in her hotel room. 

    P.S.:  It’s spelled “gaffe”, unless you mean the fishing tool. 

    • #4
  5. George Townsend Inactive
    George Townsend
    @GeorgeTownsend

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    Ricochet Audio Network: They also scold White House communications aide Kelly Sadler for suggesting Sen. John McCain’s opposition to CIA nominee Gina Haspel didn’t matter because “he’s dying anyway.”

    Is that a “gaff” in the sense he spoke the truth?

    Telling the truth is a poor excuse for being nasty and disgusting. I realize that those two things matter not not a wit to some people.

    I was making a joke about gaffs

    Evidently. But it wasn’t funny!

    • #5
  6. Doctor Robert Member
    Doctor Robert
    @DoctorRobert

    Are no conversations private?

    • #6
  7. George Townsend Inactive
    George Townsend
    @GeorgeTownsend

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Are no conversations private?

    I agree with this. The remark was disgusting, and the woman owes the McCain family an apology. But it was private, and should not have been leaked. Perhaps consideration should be given to firing  the leaker.

    • #7
  8. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    Taras (View Comment):

    Before we make too much of these New York politicians guilty of sexual misconduct, let’s remember a certain Attorney General of Arkansas who raped a Democratic Party volunteer in her hotel room.

    P.S.: It’s spelled “gaffe”, unless you mean the fishing tool.

    Fixed where I can edit! 

    • #8
  9. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Are no conversations private?

    I agree with this. The remark was disgusting, and the woman owes the McCain family an apology. But it was private, and should not have been leaked. Perhaps consideration should be given to firing the leaker.

    If the remark was private, how do you figure the woman owes the McCain family an apology?

    McCain, by the way, has said loathsome things about others, and I have it on the word of someone I trust that he treats subordinates poorly. He is, by all accounts, a jerk. 

     

    • #9
  10. George Townsend Inactive
    George Townsend
    @GeorgeTownsend

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Are no conversations private?

    I agree with this. The remark was disgusting, and the woman owes the McCain family an apology. But it was private, and should not have been leaked. Perhaps consideration should be given to firing the leaker.

    If the remark was private, how do you figure the woman owes the McCain family an apology?

    McCain, by the way, has said loathsome things about others, and I have it on the word of someone I trust that he treats subordinates poorly. He is, by all accounts, a jerk.

     

    Why isn’t calling a duly elected Senator a Jerk a problem? I know that he is not a Ricochet member. ‘Cause if you called one of us a jerk the Monitors would call you out on it. This is what is wrong with the code: No good person should be called names on this site.

    • #10
  11. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Are no conversations private?

    I agree with this. The remark was disgusting, and the woman owes the McCain family an apology. But it was private, and should not have been leaked. Perhaps consideration should be given to firing the leaker.

    If the remark was private, how do you figure the woman owes the McCain family an apology?

    McCain, by the way, has said loathsome things about others, and I have it on the word of someone I trust that he treats subordinates poorly. He is, by all accounts, a jerk.

     

    Why isn’t calling a duly elected Senator a Jerk a problem? I know that he is not a Ricochet member. ‘Cause if you called one of us a jerk the Monitors would call you out on it. This is what is wrong with the code: No good person should be called names on this site.

    I would worry that as soon as leadership decided who was “good” and who was not, free exchange of ideas would cease.

     

     

    • #11
  12. George Townsend Inactive
    George Townsend
    @GeorgeTownsend

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Are no conversations private?

    I agree with this. The remark was disgusting, and the woman owes the McCain family an apology. But it was private, and should not have been leaked. Perhaps consideration should be given to firing the leaker.

    If the remark was private, how do you figure the woman owes the McCain family an apology?

    McCain, by the way, has said loathsome things about others, and I have it on the word of someone I trust that he treats subordinates poorly. He is, by all accounts, a jerk.

     

    Why isn’t calling a duly elected Senator a Jerk a problem? I know that he is not a Ricochet member. ‘Cause if you called one of us a jerk the Monitors would call you out on it. This is what is wrong with the code: No good person should be called names on this site.

    I would worry that as soon as leadership decided whTo was “good” and who was not, free exchange of ideas would cease.

    This makes no sense. I am not talking about leadership. I am referring to particulars individuals, a topic you are evading.

    John McCain, as I see it, and as most see it, I believe, is a good person. He was willing to stay as prisoner in Vietnam, rather than give his captives, a PR win, He loves his country very much, as he was willing to give his life for it. He has also been invaluable as to what kind of weapon systems we need, and other things.

    Now, as many conservatives do, I disagree with his views on so-called torture  and his votes on repeal of Obamacare, McCain/Feingold, and possibly a few others. But to call him a jerk, and to wish him dead, as some do, is beyond the pail. Too much of 2018 style conservatism has lost it’s way, notably on civility. It is something that I continue to worry about and decry. This is why the Code of Conduct should be broadened, to take into account attacks on public-spirited folk like John McCain.

     

    • #12
  13. J.D. Snapp Coolidge
    J.D. Snapp
    @JulieSnapp

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Are no conversations private?

    I agree with this. The remark was disgusting, and the woman owes the McCain family an apology. But it was private, and should not have been leaked. Perhaps consideration should be given to firing the leaker.

    If the remark was private, how do you figure the woman owes the McCain family an apology?

    McCain, by the way, has said loathsome things about others, and I have it on the word of someone I trust that he treats subordinates poorly. He is, by all accounts, a jerk.

     

    Why isn’t calling a duly elected Senator a Jerk a problem? I know that he is not a Ricochet member. ‘Cause if you called one of us a jerk the Monitors would call you out on it. This is what is wrong with the code: No good person should be called names on this site.

    I would worry that as soon as leadership decided who was “good” and who was not, free exchange of ideas would cease.

    Completely agree, Bryan.

    • #13
  14. George Townsend Inactive
    George Townsend
    @GeorgeTownsend

    J.D. Snapp (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Are no conversations private?

    I agree with this. The remark was disgusting, and the woman owes the McCain family an apology. But it was private, and should not have been leaked. Perhaps consideration should be given to firing the leaker.

    If the remark was private, how do you figure the woman owes the McCain family an apology?

    McCain, by the way, has said loathsome things about others, and I have it on the word of someone I trust that he treats subordinates poorly. He is, by all accounts, a jerk.

     

    Why isn’t calling a duly elected Senator a Jerk a problem? I know that he is not a Ricochet member. ‘Cause if you called one of us a jerk the Monitors would call you out on it. This is what is wrong with the code: No good person should be called names on this site.

    I would worry that as soon as leadership decided who was “good” and who was not, free exchange of ideas would cease.

    Completely agree, Bryan.

    Bryan seemed not to understand what I was I was getting at. I don’t know why, but apparently you didn’t understand either. I explained, in a comment I made earlier, that I think the Code should be expanded. Why should Bryan call a War Hero a jerk? I realize he does not like Trump. Is that the criterion now? If you don’t like Trump, you are a jerk? I guess I am one too.

    • #14
  15. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    J.D. Snapp (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Are no conversations private?

    I agree with this. The remark was disgusting, and the woman owes the McCain family an apology. But it was private, and should not have been leaked. Perhaps consideration should be given to firing the leaker.

    If the remark was private, how do you figure the woman owes the McCain family an apology?

    McCain, by the way, has said loathsome things about others, and I have it on the word of someone I trust that he treats subordinates poorly. He is, by all accounts, a jerk.

     

    Why isn’t calling a duly elected Senator a Jerk a problem? I know that he is not a Ricochet member. ‘Cause if you called one of us a jerk the Monitors would call you out on it. This is what is wrong with the code: No good person should be called names on this site.

    I would worry that as soon as leadership decided who was “good” and who was not, free exchange of ideas would cease.

    Completely agree, Bryan.

    Bryan seemed not to understand what I was I was getting at. I don’t know why, but apparently you didn’t understand either. I explained, in a comment I made earlier, that I think the Code should be expanded. Why should Bryan call a War Hero a jerk? I realize he does not like Trump. Is that the criterion now? If you don’t like Trump, you are a jerk? I guess I am one too.

     

    No, let’s look at what you called for George:

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    This makes no sense. I am not talking about leadership. I am referring to particulars individuals, a topic you are evading.

    John McCain, as I see it, and as most see it, I believe, is a good person. He was willing to stay as prisoner in Vietnam, rather than give his captives, a PR win, He loves his country very much, as he was willing to give his life for it. He has also been invaluable as to what kind of weapon systems we need, and other things.

    Now, as many conservatives do, I disagree with his views on so-called torture and his votes on repeal of Obamacare, McCain/Feingold, and possibly a few others. But to call him a jerk, and to wish him dead, as some do, is beyond the pail. Too much of 2018 style conservatism has lost it’s way, notably on civility. It is something that I continue to worry about and decry. This is why the Code of Conduct should be broadened, to take into account attacks on public-spirited folk like John McCain.

    First, someone can do all the you give John McCain credit for, and still be a jerk. As an American, I have a right to call him a jerk, regardless of his august status. 

    Second, if you look at underlined, you are calling for different rules for s special class of people, for whom some negative statements must not be made. You are desiring to shut down discourse that you don’t like through a use of power. That is what you are calling for. 

    Personally, I don’t think you are a jerk. I just think you are misguided. 

    • #15
  16. J.D. Snapp Coolidge
    J.D. Snapp
    @JulieSnapp

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    J.D. Snapp (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Doctor Robert (View Comment):

    Are no conversations private?

    I agree with this. The remark was disgusting, and the woman owes the McCain family an apology. But it was private, and should not have been leaked. Perhaps consideration should be given to firing the leaker.

    If the remark was private, how do you figure the woman owes the McCain family an apology?

    McCain, by the way, has said loathsome things about others, and I have it on the word of someone I trust that he treats subordinates poorly. He is, by all accounts, a jerk.

     

    Why isn’t calling a duly elected Senator a Jerk a problem? I know that he is not a Ricochet member. ‘Cause if you called one of us a jerk the Monitors would call you out on it. This is what is wrong with the code: No good person should be called names on this site.

    I would worry that as soon as leadership decided who was “good” and who was not, free exchange of ideas would cease.

    Completely agree, Bryan.

    Bryan seemed not to understand what I was I was getting at. I don’t know why, but apparently you didn’t understand either. I explained, in a comment I made earlier, that I think the Code should be expanded. Why should Bryan call a War Hero a jerk? I realize he does not like Trump. Is that the criterion now? If you don’t like Trump, you are a jerk? I guess I am one too.

    No, George. I agreed with Bryan that our site’s leadership should NOT determine who is, or is not, “good” in order to determine whether or not they should be able to be called a jerk. Calling a member a jerk is most certainly against the CoC (much like calling someone any derogative name), but public figures are fair game because at least a few people think any public official is a jerk. Plenty of people call Trump a jerk on here. While I disagree with them, I believe those people should be allowed to voice their opinion of him, positive or negative. 

    • #16
  17. Taras Coolidge
    Taras
    @Taras

     Calling somebody a “jerk” is probably something we should all have grown out of by the eighth grade.

     On the other hand, military heroism is no guarantee of virtue.  I recall the mid-20th century German leader who was wounded twice and had an armload of decorations. 

     

    • #17
  18. George Townsend Inactive
    George Townsend
    @GeorgeTownsend

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    You are desiring to shut down discourse that you don’t like through a use of power. That is what you are calling for. 

    Personally, I don’t think you are a jerk. I just think you are misguided. 

    Two things, regarding what I have highlighted:

    Without commenting on your perception of what I meant, I’ll clear it :up: Calling names should be reserved for the playground. Let’s desist in calling anyone a name. It does not advance the discussion.

    I’ll see you on the second sentence above: I won’t see you as a jerk, but as someone who is woefully misguided. I wish you’d quit it.

    • #18
  19. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    The thing is, some people are jerks. I think ignoring it is not helpful.

     

    • #19
  20. George Townsend Inactive
    George Townsend
    @GeorgeTownsend

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    The thing is, some people are jerks. I think ignoring it is not helpful.

     

    Why do you keep this up? The thing is that, to you, McCain is a jerk. The above comment makes it seem like this is fact.  But there are those of us don’t feel that way. That is what’s not helpful. “A decent respect for the opinions of” your fellow Ricochetti would keep you from continuing to do this. I accept your saying that you don’t think I’m a jerk. But, clearly, you have no respect for me. And if you continue along these lines you will have proven it. I will have no choice, then, but to cut you from any interchange.

    • #20
  21. J.D. Snapp Coolidge
    J.D. Snapp
    @JulieSnapp

    George Townsend (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    You are desiring to shut down discourse that you don’t like through a use of power. That is what you are calling for.

    Personally, I don’t think you are a jerk. I just think you are misguided.

    Two things, regarding what I have highlighted:

    Without commenting on your perception of what I meant, I’ll clear it :up: Calling names should be reserved for the playground. Let’s desist in calling anyone a name. It does not advance the discussion.

    I’ll see you on the second sentence above: I won’t see you as a jerk, but as someone who is woefully misguided. I wish you’d quit it.

    George, you are not a mod. In the future, please desist from telling other members what they can and cannot do. If you find a comment to be against the CoC, you need to flag it and let the mods handle it. Thank you in advance!

    • #21
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