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THE DFL/LIBERAL PLAYBOOK FOR THE 3RD CD: PUSH-POLLING, ANONYMOUS SMEAR VIDEOS, AND THEFT OF LAWN SIGNS
By Michael B. Brodkorb | September 17, 2008
Team Madia and their liberal allies can’t defend Ashwin Madia’s false statements made during last evening’s debate, so someone creates an anonymous YouTube account to smear Erik Paulsen. While the DFL and liberal bloggers all link to the video (it’s likely that one of them created the account), nobody has the guts to put a disclaimer on their handywork.
Whether it has been late-night push-polling, anonymous smear videos posted online, or the theft of Paulsen lawn signs, it clear that the negative campaign tactics in the 3rd CD are unprecedented.
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This is a reminder that I am a part-time research consultant to Erik Paulsen for Congress. Minnesota Democrats Exposed is my personal blog and it is not created, endorsed, sponsored, or authorized by any political party, candidate, or candidate’s committee.
Tags: Ashwin Madia
Topics: Ashwin Madia | 74 Comments »
74 Responses to “THE DFL/LIBERAL PLAYBOOK FOR THE 3RD CD: PUSH-POLLING, ANONYMOUS SMEAR VIDEOS, AND THEFT OF LAWN SIGNS”
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September 18th, 2008 at 1:01 AM
Pot, meet kettle. Kettle, have you met Pot?
September 18th, 2008 at 4:03 AM
Madia only cares about himself and getting elected, it should surprise no one that he would resort to these tactics. It’s also interesting that Madia is trying to tie himself to Jim Ramstad. Well, Madia’s campaign tactics are the very antithesis of what Ramstad stood for. Perhaps that explains some of the reason Ramstad has so strongly supporting Erik Paulsen.
September 18th, 2008 at 6:13 AM
Pot, meet kettle. Kettle, have you met Pot?
So you’re suggesting Paulsen’s stealing signs, posting anonymous smear videos and doing late night push-polling?
You’re not on pot, you’re on crack. And you’re an f’ing liar.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:04 AM
Do you have any verbatim scripts of the alleged “push poll”?
“Smear” videos? You mean videos of Paulsen at the debate in his own words?
Lawn sign theft? Hmmm….you might try looking at the individual city police department trash dumpsters. The only Paulsen signs I’ve noticed missing are ones that have been placed illegally in right of ways that the police removed.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:05 AM
Let’s start with the obvious. How again is posting Paulsen’s answer during a televised debate a smear? Just because he looks completely ill-informed on an important issue doesn’t make it a smear. BOTH Ashwin and the IP candidate were going after Paulsen’s lack of knowledge of the issue.
As for all of your other allegations, surely you have some shred of evidence linking any of these things to the Madia campaign, right? Oh wait, you don’t. Which means your allegations are no more persuasive than those people have lobbed against Paulsen.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:20 AM
CheryIP: The Minnesota DFL and liberal bloggers, some of whom are fundraisers for Madia’s campaign, are lying about Paulsen’s record. Paulsen said the exact opposite of what they are claiming he said in the debate. If you add the late-night push-polling and the theft of Paulsen lawn signs, this type of smear conduct is truly unprecedented in the 3rd CD.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:30 AM
Michael,
Are you claiming he didn’t say what he said in the video?
September 18th, 2008 at 8:36 AM
Michael:
Your response to CherylP is not supported by evidence, ergo…has no validity. Support your assertion with varifiable evidence of how the DFL and liberal bloggers are lying and you will restore your already suspect credibility as a paid Erik Paulsen consultant. Who? What? When? How?
September 18th, 2008 at 8:40 AM
All in due time, all in due time.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:43 AM
Democrats tell lies? Surely you jest.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:52 AM
Having done volunteer work for many GOP campaigns in the 3rd and 5th Districts, I can tell all of you (with complete honesty) that lawnsign theft is a hallmark and MO of the DFL.
I’ve replaced enough lawnsigns over the years to see a distinct pattern emerge wihen there are lawnsign thefts. It’s not neighborhood kids doing it. They’ll usually knock ‘em over – but won’t steal ‘em. When you have an entire block worth of lawn signs disappear at one time or you have consistent theft in one area, it’s more often than not the DFL.
I’ve never been able to understand the reasons behind it. Is it to discourage or demoralize the opposition because now they have to go out and replace the missing signs? Is it DFL’ers acting out because they feel threatened? Is it a bad genetic trait?
Who knows? But the bottom line is that it is low class. But when you’re a DFL’er (especially the trailer trash faction), the means justify the ends…all of the time.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:53 AM
Mr. Consultant:
When I posted the comment below, I received a message stating “Looks like this is a duplicate comment.” Is this your means of denying comments?
Michael:
Do not make assertions that you cannot support immediately with evidence. Otherwise, quite possibly they will appear as nothing more than a vacuous smear…which is what you accuse others of. Are you searching very hard for varifiable evidence?
September 18th, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Michael– how can Erik Paulsen’s own words be a smear? Someone posted videoclips of the debate– big whoop. You haven’t alleged that the video had been cut-up or altered, so really, how can it be a smear? It’s his own words.
I know that you’re Paulsen’s replaced press flack, but shouldn’t you leave the stretching of the truth to your replacement?
Sean
September 18th, 2008 at 9:08 AM
deesent, no, it means you are an idiot.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:21 AM
Pete:
Are you Michael’s lawyer…mouthpiece. Is he capable of speaking for himself?
September 18th, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Someone link to the video, and then link to the full context of whatever it is Paulsen “said.”
I suspect it will turn out that Paulsen never “said” what he is accused of “saying…. kinda like when liberals hyperventilate about the LIE that Sarah Palin “said” that the Iraq war is God’s plan.
She never, ever said that. Not even close.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:26 AM
deesent… take a look at comment 8, and tell us how in substance it is different from what you’re saying was blocked in comment 12.
I suspect Pete is right. You are in all likelihood, an idiot.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:33 AM
I agree with Chestnut. When you accuse someone else of dirty tricks, and then don’t have any evidence readily available, well, that doesn’t really bode well for your argument.
And lawn sign theft goes both ways. I was talking to a friend in Minnetonka the other day, and he said that he and his neighbors are forced to bring in their Obama signs each night and put them back out each morning after a number of thefts.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:42 AM
The lawn sign thing does go both ways. Kinda like Leroy.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:46 AM
“All in due time, all in due time.”
Brodkorb: When reporting, real journalists get evidence BEFORE they write a piece. Try taking a lesson from the professionals, and maybe someday (doubtfully) you’ll get there.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:48 AM
ps-watch the entire debate. The clip was not doctored in any way.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:55 AM
Here’s the entire debate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIOwlZ78Bv4
The clip came from the part around 43:50
September 18th, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Back to the alleged “push polling”….got any signed affadavits for us to read? Or is this another figment of your imagination?
September 18th, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Watch the part where Madia describes the entirety of his financial experience.
“Uh, back in law school, I used to council unemployed people”
September 18th, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I want to know more about this supposed sign theft issue?????! In 2006, the sign theft issue out here was found to be a couple of teenage boys, who were stealing everybody’s signs.
Stop throwing out junk without evidence.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:03 AM
So…MON….just who has Erik counseled? He’s a mid level analyst at Target.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:08 AM
He’s balanced billion dollar budgets by getting bi-partisan consensus. Kind of like a Congressman.
Madia has never even had a mortgage, and can’t seem to pay his bills on time.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Oh, so shutting down the government was bipartisan, and certainly good for the Minnestoa Economy.
How in the world has he balanced those books? You will say anything to get another republican elected.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Thanks for the link Danno. I watched around the time-mark you indicted. I can’t see anything Paulsen said that would even trigger someone to clip that section…
In fact, Paulsen is accurate when he said that the CBO said that the legislation for negotiating drug prices would deliver no savings.
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/77xx/doc7722/hr4.pdf.
Madia erred on that account.
I know liberals like to snort fairy dust and imagine a world where prescription drugs are free and cheap, but that world doesn’t exist. Under Madia’s reckless proposal to drive negotiations the Pharma companies and to import drugs from other countries, Americans would not only not see cost savings, but they would be subjected to severe limitations in the types of drugs available to them.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:26 AM
“Oh, so shutting down the government was bipartisan, and certainly good for the Minnestoa Economy.”
Yes, actually it was. And I don’t know that anyone noticed while it was shut down.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:33 AM
How would you have explained to Grandma and Grandpa that when they woke up this morning their privatized social security trust fund was now worth only 20% of their original investment investment?
If the VA can negotiate drug prices and the sky has not fallen and our Veterans have been able to save money, the why in the world can our federal government claim that they could not save money by negotiating for bulk drugs?!
This whole partisan argument is rediculous.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I would say a lot of people noticed, and your party paid a heavy price for that action. You lost the majority, and Erik lost his leadership position as a result. I would say that not only did the state voters punish you, but you in turn punished Erik.
Have you forgotten those 2006 election results?!
September 18th, 2008 at 10:42 AM
“How would you have explained to Grandma and Grandpa that when they woke up this morning their privatized social security trust fund was now worth only 20% of their original investment investment?”
How so? Beyond that, how do YOU explain to Grandma and Grandpa that the federal government has been ripping them off their entire life by forcing their retirement savings into low-yield investments that barely keep pace with inflation? How do you explain to Grandma and Grandpa that in the remainder of their life, they will only receive back less than what they paid into Social Security… how do you explain to African Americans that they will receive less than 60 percent what they pay into and also have NOTHING to pass on to their children?
“If the VA can negotiate drug prices…”
Ahh, the old VA canard. Because the VA negotiates prices, the VA must ration the drugs it has, and is unable to obtain thousands of prescription drugs that are available on the free market.
I guess the sky hasn’t fallen, unless you’re a veteran who can’t get the drugs he needs through the VA.
You’re ignorance is staggering.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:43 AM
“Have you forgotten those 2006 election results?!”
No, I haven’t forgotten. I’m also not wearing your rose colored glasses. Democrats won those seats by razor thin margins and by lying to Minnesotans.
I don’t have high hopes for 2008 either, but 2010 should be a lot of fun.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Yea it should, when we continue to win elections by wider margins.
What are the lies?! I guess we shouldn’t remind people that Paulsen shut the government down.
Or that they really could have cheaper drugs if the government would be willing to negotiate lower prices.
Or that we really are better off that our social security trust fund is still intact.
I know I will never change your mind, but perhaps a lot of other readers will start to think about it.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:57 AM
deesent, nope, not his mouthpiece. Just someone who recognizes an idiot when he sees one. You certainly seem to fit the bill son.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:59 AM
“Or that they really could have cheaper drugs if the government would be willing to negotiate lower prices.”
They just couldn’t have most of the drugs they need, and particularly none of the new drugs.
“Or that we really are better off that our social security trust fund is still intact.”
Better off how? Having had their income stolen from them their whole lives? Better for leaving nothing to their children? Better for receiving back less than they pay in?
Better how?
“I know I will never change your mind…”
Especially with the ridiculous, uniformed, retarded-ass information you spout.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:01 AM
“Or that we really are better off that our social security trust fund is still intact.â€
Then why did Democrats break it? Why are Democrats opposed to every means to reform and fix it.
Frankly, they should just dismantle Social Security. It’s neither social nor security. It’s just ANOTHER failed socialist program that robs workers of their income.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Ohhh…..fix it? Like privatizing it? That would work very well, wouldn’t it, in this economy.
It’s a philosophical discussion, frankly, do you agree with what FDR did for this country or not? I personally do. Generally speaking, the scrooge party of “it’s all mine” doesn’t.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Stay classy, Democrats!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:14 AM
We are, bowhuntdude. Still waiting to find out what “smears” were put out there about Paulsen. We can only find clips of Paulsen in Paulsen’s own words in his own voice…..
September 18th, 2008 at 11:15 AM
“Ohhh…..fix it? Like privatizing it? That would work very well, wouldn’t it, in this economy.”
How is privatizing it any worse than continuing the forced theft that is currently taking place?
Yes, privatizing social security WOULD be better than the current system, but that’s not the only solution Democrats oppose.
Seems the only solution Democrats have to offer are increasing the rate of theft and decreasing the rate of return. That works well in no economy.
“It’s a philosophical discussion, frankly, do you agree with what FDR did for this country or not?”
No, I don’t. He extended the Great Depression with his isolationist policies, fucked the economy generally, packed the courts to ram his socialism down our throats, and ignored the growing world-threats in the Pacific and Europe. Only after it was too late did FDR do anything.
FDR was a disgrace.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Michael, the same ol’ deflection going on, huh? Paulsen falls flat with his out-of-touch comments on social security and no negotiating on drug prices that will deeply effect seniors and all you come up with is some unsubstantiated fluff? Lawn signs won’t decide this election — the issues will, and for some reason, as usual, GOPs refuse to talk issues.
Madia has clearly laid out his positions at his website and intelligent, caring, informed voters will be able to see the huge differences in the candidates. madiaforcongress.com.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Chestnut…..I am related to lots of Republicans. I know lots of Republicans. I must say they aren’t anything like you. You and I definitely don’t live in the same world and I’m really glad of that.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:42 AM
When the government shut down, no productive members of society noticed any difference with he exception of less traffic due to fewer parasites being on the road.
As to privatizing social security: no one has ever said “throw it all in the market”. If the Dems would take 5 seconds to learn how the broader financial markets really work, they would see that a extremely low risk well diversified portfolio of bonds and equities, heavy on the bonds and dividend paying stocks, would vastly outperform the current system. There has NEVER been a 10 year period that the S&P 500 has lost money. None. If I were given the option to take my contributions out of the social security system and place it into an IRA today, I would do it without hesitation. I know without any doubt that the markets will outperform SSI. If I am wrong, I am willing to take that risk and live in the gutter. would I rather trust, today, my retirement with Congress or Wall Street? Wall Street wins, they are less incompetent.
September 18th, 2008 at 11:43 AM
My parents are Republicans. My brothers are republicans. Nothing like Chesnut, Cheryl.
My very neocon republican Mother would tell you that FDR and the New Deal saved lives and saved this country.
We will agree to disagree, and I can do that without resorting to the profanity Chesnut likes to employ.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Why are republicans so afraid to allow the government to use its market muscle to negotiate drug prices?
How many republicans think Wal-Mart shouldn’t be able to use its market muscle to lower its prices?
Basically, you’re for the free market until it impacts the lobbyists that are funding your candidate’s campaigns.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I can only speak for veterans and I’ll tell you that vets I know who have Tricare and use the VA sure are happy that these programs are allowed to negotiate for lower drug prices.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I’d like the government to negotiate the cost of my Wheaties.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:27 PM
“My very neocon republican Mother would tell you that FDR and the New Deal saved lives and saved this country.”
Your mother is an idiot.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:29 PM
“Why are republicans so afraid to allow the government to use its market muscle to negotiate drug prices?”
Everyone should be afraid of drug rationing — the direct result of your ridiculous policy — shouldn’t they?
“How many republicans think Wal-Mart shouldn’t be able to use its market muscle to lower its prices?”
How many Lexus and BMWs does Wal-Mart sell? It’s the same number as the leading prescription drugs Wal-Mart sells at a negotiated lower price?
Why do liberals insist on making such retarded-ass arguments?
September 18th, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Again, Chestnut, you’re a poet and a gentlemen. Seriously, you have some issues. Try counseling, not insults.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:37 PM
MinnVoter. Move to Iowa.
September 18th, 2008 at 12:55 PM
My Mother is not an idiot. Just shows that republicans like chestnut think they can bully the rest of us around with insults.
He only makes his party look bad. Instead of a real discussion about issues, we all just look at his posts and laugh. Funny thing is, chesnut doesn’t even like republicans.
Oh– and have you looked at the price of Wheaties lately?
Maybe we all better be eating Cheerios…:-)
September 18th, 2008 at 12:58 PM
“My Mother is not an idiot.”
Says you. I’m sure she tells the neighbors you’re bright and good looking too.
Based on your interpretations of her beliefs about FDR, however, your mother is an abject idiot.
And for the record, you’re none to bright either.
You want real discussion about the issues? Then don’t come around spouting from your binder of lies and mis-information.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:20 PM
“Everyone should be afraid of drug rationing — the direct result of your ridiculous policy — shouldn’t they?”
How would there be any more drug rationing then the same negotiations going on by insurance companies? Wal-Mart can’t stop selling Heinz Ketchup because people want Heinz Ketchup. Result? Wal-Mart doesn’t get a significant savings when they negotiate to buy that product (beyond bulk discounts). But, there are plenty of products where Wal-Mart gets to pick and choose one of multiple options that would meet consumer demand. In those situations, Wal-Mart gets to use its market muscle to drive down costs. Drug companies have incentive to lower their prices to expand their market.
The idea that the Federal Government will ration out necessary and irreplaceable drugs is ridiculous. They could do that in the status quo if they really wanted to. They don’t because it would be a public disaster. But, when you have 5 drugs that in essence accomplish the same thing, the government should be able to do a cost-benefit analysis on which one it wants to go with and part of that calculus should be cost.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:23 PM
“My very neocon republican Mother would tell you that FDR and the New Deal saved lives and saved this country.”
*blink*….*blink*
Bwahahaha..hehehehe..hahahaha..heh heh heh
Whew! I disagree, Chesty.
I doubt “mom” is the idiot here; rather, I don’t think that CherylP has the faintest clue what day of the week it is, much less what a “noecon Republican” would think about FDR and his socialist disaster.
You goofs are highly entertaining, Cheryl!
September 18th, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Swiftee…..read more closely, sweetie. I’m not the one with the neocon Republican mother. I do approve of FDR, though….as does my evangelical Republican mother.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:50 PM
“How would there be any more drug rationing then the same negotiations going on by insurance companies?”
As the VA. There are severe limitations on which drugs its beneficiaries can receive, whether they want or need them or not.
“Wal-Mart can’t stop selling Heinz Ketchup because people want Heinz Ketchup.”
Bullshit. Wal-Mart can stop selling anything it wants to stop selling. And Heinz can stop selling its ketchup to Wal-Mart if it no longer finds it profitable to do so.
“But, there are plenty of products where Wal-Mart gets to pick and choose one of multiple options that would meet consumer demand.”
Moreover, the difference between certain similar prescription drugs isn’t the same as the difference between Hunt’s and Heinz ketchup. Hunt’s is a reasonable substitute. But an alternative brand drug may interact differently or may not work with a patient’s physiology.
The issue is far more complex for someone of your limited capacity to understand.
Oh… and by the way… what happens when Wal-Mart uses it’s “market muscle” to drive down prices? … its suppliers deliver lower quality, find lower-cost manufacturers (oversees)… You’re looking to extend that to the drug market?
“The idea that the Federal Government will ration out necessary and irreplaceable drugs is ridiculous.”
It’s not ridiculous. It’s fact. The VA is a perfect example.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Yea! My Mom’s the neocon!! And she really does like FDR. She lived through the depression, so she has her opinions.
Yours must be the one in the army boots…
September 18th, 2008 at 2:03 PM
As for the VA and prescription drugs, my father gets his drugs there for a heart condition and stroke patient. When he took his formulary to them, the drugs they do not ordinarily offer were given to him after his doctors and the VA physician did the paperwork.
It took a little bit more paperwork and time, but he was not turned down, nor were his drugs substituted.
So, the whole argument that the VA will not give prescribed drugs is not really true.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Sorry, CherylP. I need to place my mirth where it belongs.
Say, MM? Did you ever hear of “Catholics for choice” and “Jews for Jesus”?
HA!
Your mom can call herself anything she wants, but if you believe that neocons could stomach anything pertaining to FDR, much less his “Screwed Deal”, you are among Al Franken’s target market (clueless morons).
September 18th, 2008 at 2:19 PM
My Mother calls herself an American first. She believes that sometimes the good of the country transcends party loyalties. She has an awful of common sense for her 85 years.
Maybe we all need to look to our elders a little more. Of course chestnut thinks they are stupid. How sad.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:39 PM
It would not amuse my evangelical southern mother to be called an idiot, quite frankly. She’s voted GOP since her first vote and will vote for McCain in November but she would be the first to sit down and tell you that FDR did wonderful things for this country. Like mm’s mom, my mother grew up in Appalachia and will tell you that she lived the Grapes of Wrath. FDR saved lots of lives and changed our country for the better. I’m sorry you can’t see it for what it is. As a military wife of 25 years, she is a proud American and would not appreciate your inability to respectfully argue your point without calling names.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:42 PM
“She believes that sometimes the good of the country transcends party loyalties.”
If she is a Screw Dealer, she believes that sometimes the good of the government transcends the Constitution of the United States.
Of course at 85 years of age, your mom could just as easily believe *she is* FDR…and of course since you can’t be sure what day of the week it is, you’re of no help either.
No wonder you’re so screwed up, woman!
*laughing*
September 18th, 2008 at 2:45 PM
CherylP, I’m not respectfully arguing my point with your mom. I’m engaged in mocking her moonbat offspring.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:50 PM
“Like mm’s mom, my mother grew up in Appalachia and will tell you that she lived the Grapes of Wrath.”
WTF?? You’re a graduate of public school, aren’t you?
Do you even know what the “Grapes of Wrath” ws about?
September 18th, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Cheryl, does your brother play the banjo?
September 18th, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Cheryl, does your brother play the banjo? That would explain a lot.
September 18th, 2008 at 3:16 PM
“Maybe we all need to look to our elders a little more. Of course chestnut thinks they are stupid. How sad.”
I never said the elderly are stupid. Just your mother.
September 18th, 2008 at 3:46 PM
do you idots know what push polling is??? they are not push polling
September 18th, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Do you play the banjo, erin?
September 24th, 2008 at 11:19 PM
[...] are a few pictures from vandalism in the 3rd CD. As noted here, the DFL/liberal playbook for the 3rd CD if filled with dirty [...]
September 25th, 2008 at 6:27 PM
[...] I noted here, whether it has been late-night push-polling, anonymous smear videos posted online, the theft of [...]