SlowpokeBlog

Some of you have written kind emails about my efforts for Jim Webb, which I appreciate. While I like to think I added at least a couple votes to his victory margin, my last-minute flurry of volunteering was nothing compared to the dedication of many whom I worked alongside. One college student I met was taking a light courseload this semester just so he had time to work on the campaign.

If there is any one person who should be thanked, it is S.R. Sidarth, who captured Allen's race-baiting on video, finally exposing to the world what a gigantic regressive boob that man is. Were it not for Sidarth's volunteer work, it's fairly safe to say the Senate would still be in Republican hands. What a rare moment of justice served -- and proof of the platitude that one person can make a difference. Sidarth has an essay in Sunday's Washington Post in which he states that Allen knew his name before the incident, suggesting that the "macaca, or whatever his name is" line was clearly an act of crowd-pandering on Allen's part. It's worth reading. I'm also proud of the city of Charlottesville, which whipped Allen into a veritable frappé, 77 to 22%. Now that's a thumpin'.

On to the cartoon: I sensed a conventional wisdom had formed around Bush's press conference that he sounded "bipartisan" and conciliatory, signifying a departure from the past. Then I read the text of the press conference and watched a video the Q&A meltdown. Nothing has changed. In fact, it was one of the most ungracious concession-type speeches I have ever witnessed, chock full of thinly-veiled insults: "The Democrat party." The awkward joke about Nancy Pelosi and the drapes for her new office (there was no reason for this gratuitous attempt at humor aside from calling attention to her gender, trust me.). But the real ugliness lay in the bit where he said:

Amid this time of change, I have a message for those on the front lines: To our enemies, do not be joyful. Do not confuse the workings of our democracy with a lack of will. Our nation is committed to bringing you to justice. Liberty and democracy are the source of America's strength, and liberty and democracy will lift up the hopes and desires of those you are trying to destroy.

To the people of Iraq: Do not be fearful.

As you take the difficult steps toward democracy and peace, America's going to stand with you. We know you want a better way of life, and now is the time to seize it.

To our brave men and women in uniform: Don't be doubtful. America will always support you.

Whoa, man. Terrorists are going to be joyful, Iraqis fearful, and our troops doubtful because the party of total incompetence has finally been given the boot? Note to George: the election's over, so shut your liehole. If anything, the terrorists are probably disappointed the Republicans won't be playing right into their hands anymore.

I initially set out to do a cartoon called "Reality Strikes Back" in which Planet BS gets blown up, but I didn't want to conflate the Dems with the Dark Side.