News Weeper of the House - John Boehner

[CAC1001]

It doesn't but I'm going to beg everyone's indulgence with just one more post - I promise to stop with that.

I consider Greta to be a good journalist (though I can only speak in the past tense - it's been some years now since I had cable TV). I know very little about Megyn Kelly - I imagine she is relatively new. As for Gretchen Carlson, I'm sure having Stanford/Oxford degrees is a welcome bonus to the fact that she is a former Miss America!

Okay, I've had my round of fun - it's back to business now.

Megyn Kelly seems pretty brainy, they actually on O'Reilly had a segment where Gretchen talked about how her being a former Miss America made it where throughout her career people wouldn't take her seriously despite her formal education.

 

[nismaratwork]

Ah yes... O'Rielly... king of the brain-trust that is Fox News.
Oh, there I go again.

 

[WhoWee]

I guess we're all cried out and just want to think happy thoughts about the lovely ladies of Fox News? Perhaps a photo would help - unless anyone wants to get back on track?

 

[Al68]

Well weren't most of the jokes about his driving drunk, not his drinking?

There probably were jokes about the drunk driving, but I don't recall. Perhaps because they weren't funny.

...and just for clarity: then his drunk driving did bother you?

Of course.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

So anyway, does anyone have any actual evidence that Boehner has a drinking problem or is this thread just about talk-show rumor and gossip? One is worthy of discussion on PF, the other isn't.

I want to know why he appears on camera with red eyes and slurred speech. Do you find this acceptable? Do you have an explanation? Does he have a blood sugar problem? Does he have some other health problems? And why is he so frequently unable to maintain his composure? Is he in control of his emotions or not? If not, why not?

It is entirely appropriate to question the health - mental and otherwise - of the second in line for the Presidency.

In response to these concerns, I surmise that he probably has a drinking problem. I stated that as an opinion based on experience. It has nothing to do with The View.

Next, why aren't the Republicans worried about this? The only reason I quoted Walters was her point about Pelosi. Had Pelosi cried at the drop of a hat, she never would have kept her job.

I think Boehner should be pressed for answers. Do you agree? If not, why not? And, given his repeated performances, what assurance do I have that he is in fact mentally stable?

 

[WhoWee]

I want to know why he appears on camera with red eyes and slurred speech. Do you find this acceptable? Do you have an explanation? Does he have a blood sugar problem? Does he have some other health problems? And why is he so frequently unable to maintain his composure? Is he in control of his emotions or not? If not, why not?

It is entirely appropriate to question the health - mental and otherwise - of the second in line for the Presidency.

In response to these concerns, I surmise that he probably has a drinking problem. I stated that as an opinion based on experience. It has nothing to do with The View.

Next, why aren't the Republicans worried about this? The only reason I quoted Walters was her point about Pelosi. Had Pelosi cried at the drop of a hat, she never would have kept her job.

I think Boehner should be pressed for answers. Do you agree? If not, why not? And, given his repeated performances, what assurance do I have that he is in fact mentally stable?

If it happens every time he appears on camera, he could be sensitive to the bright lights. As for emotional displays, while unusual, I have family members that can't control tearing when they speak of something they care about - even little things like a good grade on a child's homework. Yet, they have no difficulty functioning under truly emotional situations, such as an accident - total composure.

Now slurred words along with emotional outbursts...

 

[nismaratwork]

If it happens every time he appears on camera, he could be sensitive to the bright lights. As for emotional displays, while unusual, I have family members that can't control tearing when they speak of something they care about - even little things like a good grade on a child's homework. Yet, they have no difficulty functioning under truly emotional situations, such as an accident - total composure.

Now slurred words along with emotional outbursts...

Heh, it does make for quite a little constellation of symptoms eh? The funny thing is that there are a number of medical conditions that could cause these symptoms, including medications and a naturally sensitive temperament.

Just going by the number however, if it looks like a scotch, smells like a scotch, and tastes like scotch... he's probably a drunk. We all seem to agree that he was 'the next man in line', but far from the man for the job regardless of our partisan affiliation or lack thereof. That says a lot on its own; whatever the cause Boehner is an unappealing leader to most.

 

[WhoWee]

Heh, it does make for quite a little constellation of symptoms eh? The funny thing is that there are a number of medical conditions that could cause these symptoms, including medications and a naturally sensitive temperament.

Just going by the number however, if it looks like a scotch, smells like a scotch, and tastes like scotch... he's probably a drunk. We all seem to agree that he was 'the next man in line', but far from the man for the job regardless of our partisan affiliation or lack thereof. That says a lot on its own; whatever the cause Boehner is an unappealing leader to most.

Not everyone is going to agree with my opinion on this point (you've been warned). IMO - as long as the Speaker's drinking is not a secret (same with Barney Franks sexual orientation) and can't be used against him, then it's not a major concern.

I'm sure we can all agree that Speaker will be the last stop on the Boehner political train? Much like Tip O'Neil, Boehner is not afraid to call people out and roll up his sleeves amongst his associates. Boehner's (apparent) "weakness" in the eyes of some may actually be part of his strength - that is he has street smarts (from working in the family bar) and isn't afraid to negotiate eyeball to eyeball. I see this as a good thing in the House. Then (again Tip comes to mind) at the end of a hard day - they can all go celebrate (just can't include the reporters in this day and age).

 

[nismaratwork]

Not everyone is going to agree with my opinion on this point (you've been warned). IMO - as long as the Speaker's drinking is not a secret (same with Barney Franks sexual orientation) and can't be used against him, then it's not a major concern.

I'm sure we can all agree that Speaker will be the last stop on the Boehner political train? Much like Tip O'Neil, Boehner is not afraid to call people out and roll up his sleeves amongst his associates. Boehner's (apparent) "weakness" in the eyes of some may actually be part of his strength - that is he has street smarts (from working in the family bar) and isn't afraid to negotiate eyeball to eyeball. I see this as a good thing in the House. Then (again Tip comes to mind) at the end of a hard day - they can all go celebrate (just can't include the reporters in this day and age).

If you need to get drunk that often to cope, you shouldn't be a senator, never mind speaker. I'm not saying you should be shot or marginalized, but you shouldn't be one of the 100 most (self)important folks in the country. If you need a vice, screw around or be an adrenaline junkie; it needs to be something that doesn't have the short and long term deleterious effects of alcohol.

 

[Proton Soup]

If you need to get drunk that often to cope, you shouldn't be a senator, never mind speaker. I'm not saying you should be shot or marginalized, but you shouldn't be one of the 100 most (self)important folks in the country. If you need a vice, screw around or be an adrenaline junkie; it needs to be something that doesn't have the short and long term deleterious effects of alcohol.

short and long term effects can be quite tragic. we also don't need loose cannons in gov't.

 

[WhoWee]

If you need to get drunk that often to cope, you shouldn't be a senator, never mind speaker. I'm not saying you should be shot or marginalized, but you shouldn't be one of the 100 most (self)important folks in the country. If you need a vice, screw around or be an adrenaline junkie; it needs to be something that doesn't have the short and long term deleterious effects of alcohol.

We clearly don't know "how often" Boehner drinks, let alone gets "drunk". Last I checked, we're talking about the "People's House" - and alcohol is still legal.

 

[WhoWee]

short and long term effects can be quite tragic. we also don't need loose cannons in gov't.

Can you cite any specific incidents where Boehner was some kind of a loose cannon - perhaps behaved like a young Ted Kennedy or even an older Ted Kennedy that partied with his nephew and was drug into a rape trial?

 

[Proton Soup]

Can you cite any specific incidents where Boehner was some kind of a loose cannon - perhaps behaved like a young Ted Kennedy or even an older Ted Kennedy that partied with his nephew and was drug into a rape trial?

i'm referring specifically to the part bolded, that adrenaline junkies were preferable. they are not. i would rather he be a weepy alky.

 

[nismaratwork]

i'm referring specifically to the part bolded, that adrenaline junkies were preferable. they are not. i would rather he be a weepy alky.

Skiing into trees or flying small craft may not be good for your long-term health, but unlike alcohol you're either there at 100%, or in a hospital/morgue. No brain-shrinkage, no hangovers and mental deficits as a result.

 

[WhoWee]

Have I performed my daily post in support of term limits in the House yet (today)?

 

[Proton Soup]

Skiing into trees or flying small craft may not be good for your long-term health, but unlike alcohol you're either there at 100%, or in a hospital/morgue. No brain-shrinkage, no hangovers and mental deficits as a result.

they're not just flying themselves, but the whole nation. and i don't want them steering us into a tree. manics are some of the most self-destructive people on the planet, if you must know.

 

[nismaratwork]

they're not just flying themselves, but the whole nation. and i don't want them steering us into a tree. manics are some of the most self-destructive people on the planet, if you must know.

Oh absolutely, but the thing is that the profile of a politician, firefighter, adrenaline junkie... all look very similar. One is more power-hungry, the second is more civic minded, and the third is just... in it for the thrills. I think we already have the maniacs running things, as they're the only ones who'll run for and stick with the job. If I have a choice of maniacs, I'll choose the one who isn't quaffing large amounts of dumb-juice. Only endogenous mind-altering substances in our leaders please... barring social activity and the occasional party.

 

[nismaratwork]

Have I performed my daily post in support of term limits in the House yet (today)?

Man I couldn't agree less! I say let them stay for life, but how long is life when after 4-8 years you become legal big-game?! My plan, and I think you'll like this, is that you run for election ONCE, and stay in office... as long as you can. House members become legal to kill with small arms and less after x years, or they can retire to safety. If you want to be senior in that house, you'd better be really REALLY dedicated and principled.

 

[WhoWee]

Man I couldn't agree less! I say let them stay for life, but how long is life when after 4-8 years you become legal big-game?! My plan, and I think you'll like this, is that you run for election ONCE, and stay in office... as long as you can. House members become legal to kill with small arms and less after x years, or they can retire to safety. If you want to be senior in that house, you'd better be really REALLY dedicated and principled.

Interesting concept - perhaps you should start a petition?

 

[nismaratwork]

Interesting concept - perhaps you should start a petition?

I think that would probably have me in jail, but it's a thought I hold dearly.

 

[WhoWee]

I think that would probably have me in jail, but it's a thought I hold dearly.

Actually, by the time it would get to the floor for a vote - we might be required to (instead of shooting) throw $100 bills at retiring Congresspersons and they would have the right to bring suit against anyone from their district that didn't send them contributions.

 

[Al68]

Skiing into trees or flying small craft may not be good for your long-term health, but unlike alcohol you're either there at 100%, or in a hospital/morgue. No brain-shrinkage, no hangovers and mental deficits as a result.

There's a pretty good way to determine if alcohol is affecting his mental ability: If Democrats ever stop accusing him of being an extremist/"for the rich"/right-wing ideologue, etc, we'll know he's in trouble.

Ditto if Democrats don't scream bloody murder constantly over the next two years.

 

[nismaratwork]

There's a pretty good way to determine if alcohol is affecting his mental ability: If Democrats ever stop accusing him of being an extremist/"for the rich"/right-wing ideologue, etc, we'll know he's in trouble.

Ditto if Democrats don't scream bloody murder constantly over the next two years.

Nah, then we'd just know the democrats had laryngitis. Both parties have their lines that NEVER go away... and that is definitely the democratic line. Anyway, it should be interesting to see how the man handles himself... maybe we'll all be pleasantly surprised.