Cliff Schecter at Brave New Films

The Real McCain Goes Viral

2008-07-11T04:52:45Z

No, not my book (one can dream though), but a new video by Brave New Films that does in video form what I hope my book The Real McCain accomplishes in prose--laying bare the fallacy of the "straight-talk" label that has been attached to McCain like a Siamese Twin for the better part of a decade.

The video uses just some of the examples (if it used all, the video would be longer than The Godfather) of McCain's making statements about policy, politics and personal bravado that at best contradict each other and at worst simply don't comport with reality.

It is a must watch.

Watch the video

How I Became A Soros Operative (With BNF's Help)

2008-07-09T12:52:32Z

John Gibson said I was one--that is how it really happened. Listen to his radio show the other day. I almost fell out of my chair laughing. I am on Soros' payroll, apparently, and part of a vast left-wing scheme to destroy McCain (as well as all else that is good and decent, I assume).

That is what my new book, The Real McCain, is about. Murky conspiracies. Not, you know, reporting the facts and stuff.

It all started when I worked for this fine company last year and the beginning of this year. Not to mention the wealthly liberal guy who owns my publishing company. Hell, I might even start a War On Christmas when nobody is looking!!

I used to enjoy going on your show, John. Where does all the hate come from? Why no love? I mean, can't we all just get along?? In fact, in the spirit of kindness, if you get me the address, I'll send you a signed copy of the book which broke that story you were talking about on your show(you know, where McCain called his wife a very bad word that rhymes with "runt").

Oh and one more thing. If you can find a way to help get me on Soros' payroll, that would sure be swell. I could use the cash...

Watch the video

Did John McCain Call His Wife a C**t?

2008-06-06T15:34:53Z

At a town hall meeting in Iowa yesterday, Baptist Minister Marty Parrish asked McCain:

"This question goes to mental health and mental health care. Previously, I've been married to a woman that was verbally abusive to me. Is it true that you called your wife a (expletive)?"
McCain: "Now, now. You don't want to... Um, you know that's the great thing about town hall meetings, sir, but we really don't, there's people here who don't respect that kind of language. So I'll move on to the next questioner in the back."

Apparently, Parrish was escorted out of the town hall for asking this question, then detained by Secret Service before being released. To me, that suggests a total hypocrisy at play. McCain can use this expletive to refer to his wife, but if an average citizen questions him about it publicly, he's taken into police custody, forced to leave a public forum, and questioned by the Secret Service?!

Parrish, who used to work for Joe Biden's campaign, explained the reasons for his question: "What I am worried about is his temper. Our country is in a serious crisis. This election is the most significant one since 1860. It appears America is asleep -- so I stood up and asked the question."

Cliff Schecter, who first revealed McCain's misogynistic mindset in his book, The Real McCain, has more on the town hall exchange at FireDogLake.

Watch the video

Headzup: Throwing Punches With McCain

2008-06-13T08:42:47Z

Author of The Real McCain, Cliff Schecter, is asked about his report of Senator John McCain getting in a fist fight with congressman Rick Renzi.

Read about it here--
http://agonist.org/schecter/?p=8664

Download daily Catch and Release Comedy™ political cartoons to your mobile phone or iPod at www.headzup.tv

Watch the video

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

2008-03-23T11:08:19Z

Hey folks, it's like really me. That Cliff guy. Whose name is on the blog even though the other bloggers do all the work lately--although we'll take care of that when we rename at our new site.

Which brings me to my point. We're moving to a new site. The fantastic folks over at The Agonist invited us to join them, keeping our own blog but being a part of their site. As you can imagine, when a Top-10 trafficked liberal blog with a wide grasp of everything from economics to foreign affairs invites you to the party, you RSVP quickly.

Cliff Schecter on MSNBC

2008-03-19T00:35:23Z

Guess what time it is? CLIFF SCHECTER TIME! And what time is that, exactly? Approximately 1:30 pm Eastern. Today. Yes, today!

Where? MSNBC!

Why? Because he's just... that.... good.

Watch the Bulldog of the Blogosphere kick some butt. I'll be liveblogging as fast as I can for those who don't receive MSNBC. Hopefully, we'll get a YouTube of it up too.

Cliff is also at the Take Back America Conference this week until Wednesday.

Newsflash: Cliff Schecter is alive and well, and footnoting.

2008-03-15T15:08:06Z

GOTTALAFF NEWS ALERT: PART 1:

Cliff did something very unusual today. He poked his head out of his undisclosed location long enough to tell me that he's really alive. Sweartogod.

Oh no! I just said "god"! Now I'm no longer qualified to run for president. But I digress...

Cliff is finishing up his future bestseller on John Sidney Hussein McPain. He is literally buried under edits. How do I know? I dug, and I dug, and I dug again, and all I managed to get a glimpse of was Cliff's pinky toe. (And what a pinky toe it was!)

His unusually well-written future best seller on Sidney will be available sometime between April 15 and May 1!!

Let's all buy it.

He hopes, however, to be liveblogging from Take Back America next week.

GOTTALAFF NEWS ALERT: PART 2:

Yes, yes, we really will still be moving this blog to a new address. The delay is due to nothing more than tech and business loose ends. This will happen within the next two weeks.

And that's the way it is. Courage. Good night and good luck. This is GottaLaff's Special Online Developing Serious Latest Headline Breaking News Alert Report Thingy, signing off.

Another Big Announcement - We Join The Agonist

2008-03-13T02:35:33Z

Hi folks, once again I am popping my head up from book editing. Fun, fun, fun.

But I digress. It's time for our next big announcement. This blog will be leaving this site and joining the Agonist! I would hope you would be famiar with the great work of Sean-Paul Kelley and gang, but if not, go check it out.

These things always take longer than one wants. So I won't promise a day for the switch to occur. But it will be soon (and we'll tell you then and leave a nice note directing you right to us). Yesterday was officially my last day with Brave New Films, whom I'd like to thank for a great 9-month run.

As for our place at the Agonist, we'll be a main page within the larger blog--with a tab at the top of the front page leading you right to us (not to mention our URL also doing so).

I'll also be writing for the front page a few times a week. Again, I am very psyched. It's a great blog with a lot of traffic, and I'm honored we'd be asked to join them. I can't wait.

Onto the next adventure my friends....

Where The Hell Have I Been?--An Update

2008-02-11T15:54:57Z

I know, a rude, rudderless soul am I. Seriously, I apologize for my lack of posts lately folks. There is good reason. I won't use the usual excuse of my young son, his teething and as a result the number of hours of sleep I get each night--which can be counted on one of Rahm Emmanuel's hands (google him and missing finger, then you'll get that joke).

Nah, that's old hat now. We have much bigger news than that. First of all, some of you may remember that I was working on a book last year called The Real McCain. A look beyond the MSM mythology into what really makes the man tick. That effort, after I had completed 90% of it, was rightfully shelved by myself and my publisher once he became more unpopular than Gigli.

But then something interesting happened. All the other GOPers sucked worse than he does. And you know the rest. Moral: Book is back on with a vengeance, and we are crashing on it to have it ready by August or September.

Second, I am leaving Brave New Films. This point is largely related to the last one. I am doing some media consulting and am still a fellow over at Working America--but will now be adding a fellowship at Progress Ohio and some other opportunities into the mix (the best description I can think of for Progress Ohio is a sort of statewide Moveon.org).

Finally, there's the blog. Obviously, with my leaving the employ of BNF the blog will not stay here. Right now we are mulling our options, but we have been invited to join an already very popular liberal blog, while maintaining our own way of doing things. It is a deal that is in the works, and likely to happen. Otherwise, we'll head back to blogspot. Either way, this blog will continue to exist.

So I am sorry I have not been around very much. And the next month or two promise to be the same. Some days I will be able to put up a bunch of posts, others, not so much. But it isn't because I don't still love blogging. It's because there's a lot of stuff going on.

PS Also, if you live in or near the Columbus area, I will be a featured speaker at the National Democratic Law Students Council convention. It should be a lot of fun, with some great people like Congressman John Conyers and Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio making appearances. So come on by if you are so moved.

Peter B. Collins - The Radio Master

2008-01-30T22:07:36Z

Listen now:

I went on his great radio show the other night based out of San Francisco. He is one of the best radio hosts on our side and in a world where progressive radio made any common sense he would be nationally syndicated and be handsomely paid for it.

So listen to this podcast, because you'll be hooked. And that's a good thing. Because, frankly, we need more Peter B. Collins out there.

Watch the video

Peter B. Collins Update

2008-01-29T15:59:08Z

I'll actually be on at 7PM ET instead of 6. Got bumped. So be there to listen. Your life may just depend on it.

Cliff Schecter on the Sam Seder Radio Show on Air America!

2008-01-20T22:56:25Z

Cliff, the King of Snark on Air America! Highlights:

Hilarious Republican moment: Fredhorn Leghorn's speech:

Cliff: He has slept his way to the top... by literally sleeping his way through everything. There's a synapse crashing, a neuron dying, with each sentence that comes out... Maybe all the good golf cart endorsements will come his way, who knows... I'm not sure where he intends to win.

Sam Seder: He's in to help John McCain.

Cliff: Yep. Rudy and McCain have always had a friendship, French kisses and all... Fred can do the V.P. role right now, attack dog role.

Seder: In South Carolina, GOP is 79% of turnout...up from 2000. The Independents are waiting to vote in the Democratic primary. McCain won this time, but with 100,000 votes LESS than he did.

Mike The HuckaStructionist (video) issue:

Seder: That statement, about changing the Constitution, scared off some of his evangelical base!

Cliff: He wants to overthrow our system, which the Bush people have started to do anyhow. It's worked well in Afghanistan.

Seder: Romney vs. McCain down the stretch. Hunter's out, which upsets you, I know.

Cliff: It made me lose a minute or 2 of sleep last night. I never understood what Rudy was thinking, from Day One. Huck doesn't have the money, and has too much crazy.

Chuck Norris is cool, in all these great movies like Missing In Action 3 [snark]. Huckabee's hiding under the KKK sheet in Confederate flag territory.

Seder: Why are we still talking about Rudy, when John Edwards is missing from the media? Rudy's tied to Fox.

Cliff: Rudy provides such a good time: The Best Mistress Protection Unit, the best in New York.

Al Jazeera And Me

2008-01-21T08:58:23Z

I'll be going on the international station conservatives love to hate--because they're not all pasty and Foxified--today between 5:05-5:20 Eastern Time (always subject to slight delay).

We'll be talking Nevada, South Carolina and all things presidential. If you'd like to check it out, here is a link to the live video stream.

Come one, come all!

Young Turks + Cliff = Good times

2008-02-02T04:33:25Z

Guess who's on The Young Turks Big Radio Broadcast tomorrow morning at 8:30 am EST?

Paddy? Nooooo. GottaLaff? Uh-uh. Hannity? Hellz no!

CLIFF SCHECTER? Well, of course, who else would be able to carry off witty-yet-pithy conversation on such a witty-yet-pithy show?

If you're around, listen to them all and then tell Cliff how excellent he was. He'll protest, but you know he wants to hear it.

You can listen here.

A Bit Of Self-Promotion

2008-01-12T20:50:09Z

Listen now:

I had a long post where I apologized for promoting myself, but I screwed it up and erased it, so I'll make this quick.

I went on Bill Scher's great radio show in Western Mass this morning. Here is the podcast, should you be so inclined to listen to my blather. In a few minutes, at 6:30 EST, I will be on the Peter B. Collins show, go here to see where you can catch it.

Finally, I will be included in the mongo, monster, huge, unstoppable Brave New Films/Young Turks coverage this evening. Check out the coverage, starting with some guy named Robert Greenwald at 7:10 EST. I will be on at 10:30, when I will claim to have said whatever happens at the polls (yes, I can pull a Lieberman).

That's it. Thanks for indulging me. Now back our regularly scheduled program.

Watch the video

Republican Sexcapades

2008-06-09T15:34:12Z

Gay Marriage in Florida. Watch the entire show at www.theyoungturks.com.

Watch the video

Cliff Who? Cliff Schecter? On the radio? But isn't he a liberal?

2008-01-12T20:45:57Z

You and I both know that there are no liberals allowed on the air waves.

Cliff must have sneaked past the radio police. He will be heard loud and clear on the Young Turks

When, you ask?

THURSDAY 8a EST-830a EST.
You can listen here.

There now, wasn't that easy? Listen in and see how funny and smart Cliffy sounds. He's already funny and smart enough in print, is he not? Okay, enough gushing.

Cliff Who? Cliff Schecter? On the radio? But isn't he a liberal?

2008-01-12T20:45:54Z

You and I both know that there are no liberals allowed on the air waves.

Cliff must have sneaked past the radio police. He will be heard loud and clear on the Young Turks

When, you ask?

THURSDAY 8a EST-830a EST.
You can listen here.

There now, wasn't that easy? Listen in and see how funny and smart Cliffy sounds. He's already funny and smart enough in print, is he not? Okay, enough gushing.

"The Malevolent Ignorance Of Robert Novak"

2008-06-13T15:31:46Z

This is a piece by patriot and all around great guy, former CIAer Larry Johnson. Larry is so much fun to read and talk to, because when he believes something, well, let's just say he ain't shy about sharing:

When Forrest Gump, aspiring shrimp boat captain, was asked, “Are you stupid or something?” He replied, “Stupid is as stupid does.” So what is Bob Novak’s excuse? Stupidity seems too simple an explanation. I wonder how many people will be required to pull Novak’s fat head out of his ass. It is obviously lodged in a deep, dark place.

Please go read the rest about Larry's view of Bob Novak's general treachery and specifically, his lack of understanding of the NIE.

It's well worth it. I promise.

But before going, watch the music that should accompany Bob Novak any time he walks in a room...

Watch the video

"In the Balance; Congresswoman Fights to Keep Her Seat"

2008-06-13T15:32:09Z

Really interesting piece on Rep. Kirsten Gillenbrand of NY, and what it takes to balance being in Congress, having a family and the downside of the office she holds (ahem...fundraising).

Give it a watch, and think about how our system of legislative representation have evolved (or, perhaps, devolved)...

Watch the video

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: "Washington's failure is criminal"

2008-03-22T21:54:49Z

More from DMI's terrific MayorTV, where mayors of large American urban centers speak out on how the federal government under the Abramoffians has so failed and harmed this country.

Villaraigrosa speaks about an assault on the middle class, the ignoring of crucial infrastructure improvements and how the Bushies talk a good game on Homeland Security, but have left the cities to fend for themselves.

Watch this compelling interview...

The Voting Systems In Ohio Have "Critical Security Failures"

2008-06-13T15:32:00Z

That was the conclusion reached by the EVEREST study (Evaluation & Validation of Election-Related Equipment, Standards & Testing) put together by our fantastic Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner (think Ken Blackwell or Katherine Harris, without the overarching stupidity, moral vapidity, holier-than-thou BS and corporate and political cronyism--in other words, imagine just the opposite).

Here are the basic findings, which I'm sure will shock you all:

Ohio's voting systems are vulnerable.

Testers looking at the performance of Ohio's voting machines identified numerous risks to election integrity ranging from minor to severe. Among their findings: a magnet and a Personal Digital Assistant (i.e. a Treo) may be all that is needed to hack into Ohio's voting systems.

Although I'm just sure nothing was tampered with in 2004, what with the strange results in many parts of the state and the GOP's history of commitment to fair elections in places like Florida and New Hampshire...

In any case, watch the video to see Brunner's commitment to fair elections in 2008. And catch a rising political star in the Ohio Democratic Party...

Watch the video

What To Make Of Ron Paul

2008-06-13T15:32:07Z

His appearance on MTP today was interesting as his speeches/interviews always are (at least to me).

To see someone so reasonably discuss our folly in Iraq and the Bush Administration's assault on the Constitution (not to mention admitting to having called Bush a "bum," Reagan a "failure," and saying he didn't vote for Bush in 2004 because Bush lied) is so refreshing, particularly when they call themsevelves a Republican.

But to hear him go on about getting rid of the income tax, which is not only a ridiculous idea unless you want economic inequality in this country to increase even more than it has under Bush, but also involves the leap of faith that Congress would ever do such a thing (by a Congressman no less), gets annoying.

I think we should get rid of all exemptions and have four tiered system to make doing one's taxes simple, save untold manpower hours and make sure the rich pay their fair share, but even that will never happen (well, maybe when accountants and tax lawyers stop having lobbyists and campaign contributions).

Get rid of the income tax? It's as naive as it is stupid.

Paul also voted for the "Human Liife Amendment" to outlaw abortion and talks of changing the 14th Amendment (children of immigrants born here would no longer be citizens automatically to Paul). Not very libertarian positions, or ones that provide more liberty in general.

In any case, I guess I'll end where I began. I do like to listen to Paul on Iraq and Bush, as he is so clear and courageous unlike even too many Democrats. Too bad some of his other positions are loony toons.

PS For more of what Paul said in the MTP interview, you can go here.

Watch the video

DCCC Going On Offense

2008-06-13T15:32:42Z

So The DCCC took a look at a band of debt-ridden, scandal-plagued, short-on-recruitment, morally and financially broke miscreants known as the Congressional GOP and decided they have the ability to take a shot at winning 40 seats in 2008.

For comparison sake, we won 30 seats (I believe) in 2006. If you look at the districts they're targeting (including 5 in Ohio, 4 in New York and 4 in Florida), you'll find many open seats, Republican scandals and crappy GOP challengers.

You can get more details here. But I have two more things to say:

1) We've learned that any Democrat is not good enough. Progressives should be the goal here; 2) Watch this absolutely horrendous video, I'm talking on par with your average Chuck Norris flick, and you'll gain some insight into the pure comedy that is Republicanism.

Watch the video

Rudy Giulani's Ridiculously Stupid Ad

2008-06-13T15:32:38Z

Don't take my word for it, view it here and laugh. The man has no comic sense. So he, um, shouldn't try to be funny. At least in a laughing with you as opposed to at you kinda way.

Otherwise, nothing is new in Rudy's world. Strange headaches he won't explain which make him miss campaign appearances and keep him in the hospital overnight, more suspicious info coming out on scummy clients and other strange behavior, and high times with the mistress, etc. and so forth.

You know, everyday kinda Rudy stuff...

Watch the video