Was the Bailout Necessary for Companies 'Too Big to Fail'?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the perceived necessity of bailouts for companies deemed "too big to fail," particularly in the context of political commentary and humor related to past U.S. presidents, notably George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The scope includes political satire, public perception of leadership, and the implications of presidential actions on comedy and media narratives.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reflect on humorous quotes and moments from George W. Bush, suggesting that his presidency provided ample material for comedians.
  • Others draw parallels between Bush's quotes and the comedic potential of Barack Obama's presidency, questioning the perceived lack of humor surrounding Obama.
  • A few participants discuss the implications of political gaffes and how they are treated by the media and comedians, particularly in relation to the oath of office taken by Obama.
  • There are references to the ongoing legacy of past political figures, such as Dan Quayle, and how their quotes continue to be relevant in contemporary political discourse.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the portrayal of Obama as a "constitutional scholar," raising questions about the criteria for such a designation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a mix of agreement on the humorous aspects of political commentary, but also showcases disagreement regarding the treatment of different presidents in the media and the qualifications for political titles. No consensus is reached on the necessity of bailouts or the broader implications of the discussed topics.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the effectiveness of political humor and its impact on public perception, highlighting the subjective nature of comedy in political contexts. There are also unresolved questions about the definitions and implications of political titles and actions.

Ivan Seeking
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No matter what one thinks of Bush, he was as good as gold for comedians and the "internets".

Austin, TX January 7, 2009 – The Top All-Time Bushisms were released earlier today by the Global language Monitor (www.LanguageMonitor.com). Topping the List were:


Misunderestimate,
Mission Accomplished,
Brownie, you’ve done a heck of a job!
I’m the decider, and
I use the Google...
http://www.languagemonitor.com/medi...underestimate’-tops-list-of-all-time-bushisms
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Some of the most puzzling and comic moments are when he just mugs it... you can sort of see the cogs in his brain slow down to a practical stand still.

Very much like the Prime Minister I'm paying to hold office here in Canada... the guy with the helmut hair.
 
I think my favorite one is: “I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully”
http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/piehigher.asp

Be sure to look at Snopes and read the poem, "Make the Pie Higher" - a poem composed of quotes from GW.
 
So is it true that Obama only picked Clinton as Sec State as a favor to all the standup comics that had supported his campaign?
 
mgb_phys said:
So is it true that Obama only picked Clinton as Sec State as a favor to all the standup comics that had supported his campaign?

By all accounts Obama is no fun at all, but with Bill lurking in the background waiving his finger... Still, there will never be another GW [I pray].
 
There's always Jeb!
A pity GWB doesn't have any sons, the last George III was rather entertaining
 
I think we should not exclude Bush subordinates like Rumsfeld and the known knowns.
 
The best Bush quote of all!

We've had enough Bushes in there
- GHW Bush
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2009_01/016293.php
 
The big question is: Can he top Dan Quayle?

Dan Quayle quotes have been resurrected and assigned to whatever current candidate happens to be running in every Presidential election since Quayle left office. In fact, quotes from comedians imitating Quayle have been assigned to candidates in every Presidential election since Quayle left office.

Come 2012, will we see e-mails quoting Palin as saying, "But oftentimes I'm asked: Why? Why do you care what happens outside of America?" and e-mails quoting Obama as saying, "The only way we can win is to leave before the job is done."

Or will we see e-mails quoting Palin as saying, "People that are really very weird can get into sensitive positions and have a tremendous impact on history." and Obama as saying, "We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur."

Or will we just see e-mails quoting Palin as saying, "I can see Russia from my front yard."
 
  • #10
Ivan Seeking said:
I think my favorite one is: “I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully”
http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/piehigher.asp

Be sure to look at Snopes and read the poem, "Make the Pie Higher" - a poem composed of quotes from GW.

Ok, ok... I can't take it... :smile:

"Rarely is the question asked... 'is our children learning'?"
 
  • #12
The most disturbing is "I was like a pitbull on the pantleg of opportunity."

Eww, I'm kind of grossed out.

Boy, does that put Palin's comment about the difference between a hockey mom and pitbull into a whole new perspective! :eek:
 
  • #15
"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully”

This is also my favorite!
 
  • #16
There's even a book:

http://www.wwnorton.com/catalog/spring01/004183.htm"
Observations on a National Disorder
Mark Crispin Miller
2001 / hardcover / ISBN 0-393-04183-2 / 304 pages / 6" x 8" / Current Affairs

Some of the reviews listed on the link above are hilarious:

"This is simply the finest, most comprehensive and masterfully annotated collection of Bushisms to date: a clear reminder to never 'misunderestimate' the ignorance, intellectual laziness, and sheer meanness of our first unelected president." —Barbara Ehrenreich

When I got the the bottom of the page, I was at first a little puzzled by their "If you like this book, we recommend these others":
.
.
pf_lung_cancer_and_bush_as_president.jpg
.
.
What are they implying here?

:smile:
 
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  • #17
A brief detour into Plumberisms:

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/media/play/qt/7078/25109
 
  • #18
Yeeeeeesh...

"I've got a record, a record that is conservative and a record that is compassionated."

—George W. Bush, in March 2000

and

"I have learned from mistakes I may or may not have made."

and sorry...:smile:

I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family.

—Greater Nashua, N.H., Chamber of Commerce, Jan. 27, 2000
 
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  • #19
anyone seen this yet?

http://morris.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall/
 
  • #20
Oerg said:
anyone seen this yet?

http://morris.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall/

Oh my. Bush asked Condi Rice for permission to go to the bathroom?
So the rumours that he wasn't in charge are true.
But all this time we thought it was Cheney.
Hmmmm... I guess that takes a bit of the novelty away from Barack.
 
  • #21
Oerg said:
http://morris.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall/
Picture 5 - Vincent Amalvy seems to be completely lost on this one.
Amalvy said:
We don’t understand what is going on. Why does the shadow appear? I suppose it’s a shadow of somebody else beyond the corner.

afp5.jpg


The shadow is clearly Obama's. The effect is likely accidental, but very neat.
 
  • #22
Gokul43201 said:
Picture 5 - Vincent Amalvy seems to be completely lost on this one.

afp5.jpg


The shadow is clearly Obama's. The effect is likely accidental, but very neat.

if you look closely, i think you can see below bush's head what appears to be obama's hand.
 
  • #23
Oerg said:
if you look closely, i think you can see below bush's head what appears to be obama's hand.
Yes you can! It even says so in the caption.

Also, if you look at the bottom right corner you can see the shadow of Bush's head sticking out of his bush*.

*His rosebush, you pervs.
 
  • #24
Very cool shot... like the former president wasn't even there.
 
  • #25
Yeah, got to love how "there's nothing funny about Obama"!

No joke potential at all... nosiree, nothing to see here, nothing at all.

Are the late night comedy shows continue to have staffers attend *every* single event of Obama's to catch a potential mispeak?
 
  • #26
seycyrus said:
Yeah, got to love how "there's nothing funny about Obama"!

No joke potential at all... nosiree, nothing to see here, nothing at all.

Are the late night comedy shows continue to have staffers attend *every* single event of Obama's to catch a potential mispeak?

I not sure I'm even supposed to be commenting on any American President

but I noticed that Dave Letterman steered far and around the "mis-bungled" oath of office... during the inauguration in his "great moments in presidential speeches.
 
  • #27
Funny thing about the oath is that Roberts blew it and Obama knew it.

It is nice to have a President who is a Constitutional scholar.
 
  • #28
Ivan Seeking said:
Funny thing about the oath is that Roberts blew it and Obama knew it.

It is nice to have a President who is a Constitutional scholar.

Obama knew a mistake had been made, and then proceeded to make some himself.

Be careful with the "constitutional scholar" label as you deify Obama. That title should not be so easily earned.
 
  • #29
seycyrus said:
Be careful with the "constitutional scholar" label as you deify Obama. That title should not be so easily earned.
What do you consider a reasonable requirement for earning that title?
 
  • #30
Gokul43201 said:
What do you consider a reasonable requirement for earning that title?

Oh, I don't know... something a bit more rigorous than what one gets by taking the words apart and applying the definitions in a minimilistic manner.

I guess maybe I reserve that title for something more.

I don't think I have even ever hear Obama refer to himself as a "Constitutional scholar". And that's saying a lot for someone with an ego as big as Obama's.

My apologies, keep up the deification!

Edit: This applies to my above post. I edit it here, because the post has already been responded to. In case my sarcasm was missed, Letterman has recalled his staffers whose job it was to follow bush around at every speaking engagement and look for mistakes.

Nothing funny about Obama, nosiree...