THREE MARTINI LUNCH: JANUARY 2, 2015

National Review's Jim Geraghty and host Greg Corombos discuss their nominations for person of the year, turncoat of the year, and resolutions for 2015.

MOST EMBARRASSING MEDIA MOMENTS OF 2014

Stephen Kruiser brings you the best mainstream media moments from 2014. From castrated hogs, to the Obama Administration's Benghazi response, to the missing Malaysia Air Boeing 777, see how mainstream media humiliated itself over and over again.

THREE MARTINI LUNCH: DECEMBER 8, 2014

National Review's Jim Geraghty joins host Greg Corombos. Today's topics: Bill Cassidy crushes Mary Landrieu in Louisiana, a failed attempt to rescue an American hostage in Yemen, and Van Jones offers to kiss Rich Lowry on national television.



Michael Tomasky has a meltdown over South's rejection of Democrats

Much has been made of the fact that when losing Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) leaves office in January, Louisiana will not have a Democratic statewide elected official in office for the first time since the 1870s. The Republicans who occupy all of the Pelican State's high offices are in good company; Republicans now control every U.S. Senate seat, legislative chamber, and governor's mansion across the Deep South – from Texas to the Carolinas.

This condition is giving some Democrats, loyal to the party for whom the term "Solid South" was coined, indigestion. The best example of this phenomenon is an ill-considered paroxysm in the form of a think piece recently published by liberal columnist Michael Tomasky. In that post, the columnist compared the "reactionary, prejudice-infested" South to a vindictive veterinarian just dying to put down a sick and pitiable dog.

"And that is what Louisiana, and almost the entire South, has become," he wrote.

The victims of the particular form of euthanasia it enforces with such glee are tolerance, compassion, civic decency, trans-racial community, the crucial secular values on which this country was founded… I could keep this list going. But I think you get the idea. Practically the whole region has rejected nearly everything that's good about this country and has become just one big nuclear waste site of choleric, and extremely racialized, resentment. A fact made even sadder because on the whole they're such nice people! (I truly mean that.)

With Landrieu's departure, the Democrats will have no more senators from the Deep South, and I say good. Forget about it. Forget about the whole fetid place. Write it off. Let the GOP have it and run it and turn it into Free-Market Jesus Paradise. The Democrats don't need it anyway.

Tomasky proceeded to talk himself into the notion that Democrats can't write off the South entirely. He observed that they need Florida, and the "New Southern" states of Virginia (and occasionally North Carolina) to win the White House. Moreover, the rapidly growing state of Texas might at some point provide Democrats with a tantalizing target. "But that's presidential politics," Tomasky conceded. "At the congressional level, and from there on down, the Democrats should just forget about the place."

"It's lost. It's gone. A different country," he concluded. "And maybe someday it really should be."

Someone should have stopped Tomasky from penning this embarrassment, much less submitting it to his editor. The liberal columnist might have spared himself the mortifying scrutiny this screed is receiving today if he had simply committed to screaming into a pillow for an hour...

Also read:

With Landrieu's Loss, the End of an Epoch

Obama Sets Record as Two-Term President with Most Midterm Losses for Party

PJTV'S THE RUNDOWN: DECEMBER 8, 2014

Louisiana Democrat Mary Landrieu loses her Senate runoff election! Plus, Rolling Stone's reporting comes under fire over the UVa rape story!

THIS DAY IN TWITCHY: DECEMBER 6, 2014

Mary Landrieu's defense of Obamacare vote is hilariously desperate

Seriously. Landrieu says that Obama was pushing single payer, and ACA was her way of stopping it. Shameless.
— Ed Morrissey (@EdMorrissey) December 6, 2014

You know what would have thwarted Obama, Sen. Landrieu? Not being the 60th vote for ObamaCare.
— Ed Morrissey (@EdMorrissey) December 6, 2014

On WGSO 990-AM today, I interviewed Sen.Mary Landrieu, who did not like my fair questions. http://t.co/PS55GGZaMz
— Jeff Crouere (@jeffcrouere) December 5, 2014

Mary Landrieu Says ObamaCare Is Not Obama's Signature Legislation: http://t.co/Hc0QE9EY0a via @YouTube
— Trixie Knox NPRlll% (@HurricaneTiger) December 6, 2014

"Tough vote to live down, Senator #Landrieu" #Obamacare #tcot pic.twitter.com/S5jApKRZV1
— Larry Elder (@larryelder) December 6, 2014

Cher: NRA lobbyist's head should be mounted next to elephant he shot

I Loathe NRA org. IS THERE NOTHING THEY DONT WANT 2 KILL! ELEPHANTS🐘 R THEY FUCKING KIDDING😤THEY WANT 2 BLOCK LAW PROTECTING EXTINCT 🐘OMG
— Cher (@cher) December 6, 2014

The NRA cares nothing 4 the elephant 🐘who is close to extinction! They Only care about IVORY on their fkng Guns ! Btw.. Haters..BRING IT !
— Cher (@cher) December 6, 2014

NRA LOBBYIST #TONYMAKRIS SHOT ELEPHANT IN FACE &LAUGHED😥 “SOMEBODY GOT A LITTLE CHEEKY THERE”His head should b mounted nxt 2 The Elephants
— Cher (@cher) December 6, 2014

Eric Boehlert laments Rolling Stone's stumble as 'vanguard of truly independent journalism'

very discouraging news. esp since Rolling Stone has remained vanguard of truly independent journalism with a strong nat'l reporting POV.
— Eric Boehlert (@EricBoehlert) December 5, 2014

@mamaswati @laurakfillault He probably gets his news from Jon Stewart too.
— Bill Fanning (@WLFanning) December 5, 2014

@EricBoehlert pic.twitter.com/vsFbur3qJx
— Ace Gutterpilot (@bubbasP) December 5, 2014

'Is that a threat?' Protester trying to find out where NYC police commissioner lives

Does anyone know where Commissioner Bratton live? #Ferguson
— deray mckesson (@deray) December 6, 2014

is that a threat? RT @deray: Does anyone know where Commissioner Bratton live? #Ferguson
— el Sooper ن (@SooperMexican) December 6, 2014

“@deray: Does anyone know where Commissioner Bratton live? #Ferguson” Where do you live?
— Na[Cu(NT)2(H2O)] (@smittie61984) December 6, 2014

"@deray: Does anyone know where Commissioner Bratton live? #Ferguson" Cc @NYPDCommAffairs
— Polar Informant (@IamPolarDude) December 6, 2014

Monday's 'Daily Show' to include apology for false claim of police shooting

The Daily Show apologized via twitter to California DA for getting the facts wrong about a police incident;promised on air apology Monday
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) December 6, 2014

That's not an apology. You messed up admit it and leave it there. You supported fanning hate not justice. @TheDailyShow @sbcountyda
— Michael Finkle ن (@theMblaze) December 6, 2014

@TheDailyShow @sbcountyda Once again the midget minded Lib paints all police with a broad brush instead of focusing on the real problem!
— Roger B (@RogerBiles) December 6, 2014

@TheDailyShow @sbcountyda If U dont rob & steal, attack police, obey the police then U will not be shot & killed. Talk about that Funny Man!
— Roger B (@RogerBiles) December 6, 2014

@TheDailyShow @sbcountyda The problem is not the police. The problem is disrespect for the police & libs like U fueling these ignorant thugs
— Roger B (@RogerBiles) December 6, 2014

@TheDailyShow @sbcountyda shows you don't even know what you're reading...u just read whatever your pajama boy writers give u
— Stephen Candie (@Stephen_Candie) December 6, 2014

WaPo significantly 'softens' headline on 'automatic' presumption of guilt in all rape claims

I'll take "Articles by Stupid People" for $800, Alex. http://t.co/sQu0KwXmGG pic.twitter.com/YIBTJtCsyv
— The Real Bepo (D) (@TheRealBepo) December 6, 2014

I’m afraid that @ZerlinaMaxwell has just outed herself as an extraordinary dangerous and illiberal person. Shame. http://t.co/6qMyIxsHAa
— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) December 6, 2014

What about the young men accused? I have grown sons. Does writer have any idea what that does to falsely accused men http://t.co/VwSLyq8ia6
— Santa's Lil Helper (@APLMom) December 6, 2014

Another "for the greater good" piece that's astoundingly dangerous and short-sighted. Unreal. http://t.co/YuPEUlT0Dl
— David Rutz (@DavidRutz) December 6, 2014

No @ZerlinaMaxwell we should not automatically believe rape claims. We have a legal system, not a witch hunt. http://t.co/hkKCEOQxp5
— Dan Gainor (@dangainor) December 6, 2014

Never mind that 'innocent until proven guilty' guff, all men are rapists until proven otherwise. Feminism is toxic. http://t.co/cI5BJHDxV8
— Jackart (@VeryBritishDude) December 6, 2014

Wait. If someone is falsely accused of a crime don't we call them "victims" also? http://t.co/eTAIV69X9M pic.twitter.com/Uzzf1OnFUr
— Blue Shift Blog (@BlueShiftBlog) December 6, 2014

This might the dumbest thing ever published in a mainstream newspaper http://t.co/jORAcDlRqU
— Michael C Moynihan (@mcmoynihan) December 6, 2014

Is this a real article? http://t.co/G5vIYo2frV
— TMZ Politics (@TMZ_Politics) December 6, 2014

Post tries to stanch bleeding by quietly changing headline on story. Note URL/content. h/t @jonswerens http://t.co/9HD8T2O0PD
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) December 6, 2014

I hope my Belief Settings Switch doesn't break with all this fiddling. pic.twitter.com/OhgNv7rak1
— Film Ladd (@FilmLadd) December 6, 2014

New headline from the @washingtonpost, right? pic.twitter.com/2FPOdDdXJp
— Greg Pollowitz (@GPollowitz) December 6, 2014

#FlagFootballNow: Shane Ray ejected from SEC championship game for targeting

Shane Ray ejected from #AlabamavsMissouri game because… #KeepOurOwnKidsSafe Campaign! #FlagFootballNow
— Adam Baldwin (@AdamBaldwin) December 6, 2014

Shane Ray's hit, brought to you by "Dirty Sports": #Fitting https://t.co/CZpq8pUoJt
— LostLettermen.com (@LostLettermen) December 6, 2014

Just saw the Shane Ray replay. Yeah, that's the right call. Cheap shot.
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) December 6, 2014

How could you defend Shane Ray after that hit? Pathetic @CBSSports
— Justin Foulks (@jbfoulks) December 6, 2014

I'm sorry but that Shane Ray ejection was complete BS, penalty worthy yes but ejection... no way. These refs are getting excessive 😒
— Abigail Griffith (@A_Griff2) December 6, 2014

Shane Ray got kicked out because its Alabama, that's it. Plan and simple.
— Dylan Aaron (@DylanAaron52) December 6, 2014

'Looking like Daisy Duke': Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott revives 'crop top' look, inspires #Zeking

Was that fool playing in a crop top? Ohio State...SMH.
— Beezy (@ambeezy10) December 7, 2014

Is #15 from Ohio State like a stripper or something? like please pull your jersey down
— Erin Stawicki (@erinstawicki) December 7, 2014

Who is this guy for Ohio State that wears his jersey like a crop top?
— Brenna O'Leary (@brenna17oleary) December 7, 2014

The running back for Ohio State looks like a douchebag with his belly shirt jersey shit
— Brandon Volk™ (@BrandonVolk23) December 7, 2014

1st play of the game & #OhioState is already irritating me Tucking your jersey into your shoulder pads? Get real clown #B1GChampionship
— Mackenzie J. Lucius (@TheRealLucius) December 7, 2014

#OhioState pic.twitter.com/dt77M8DGVt
— Megan Ketterhagen (@megs_nog) December 7, 2014

White anarchist advises setting aside 'smashy smashy,' letting people of color take lead

Fellow white anarchists: I know smashy smashy is fun but we need to be intersectional in our action & think abt who will be blamed
— Evan Avery Birch (@brassiest) December 7, 2014

What is more important? Smashing a Starbucks window or stepping back and letting POC take the lead on this?
— Evan Avery Birch (@brassiest) December 7, 2014

I'm not a fan of the "white anarchist/communist infiltrators" line either BUT there are white radicals acting like fools, you know this
— Evan Avery Birch (@brassiest) December 7, 2014

Non-shocker: Sen. Mary Landrieu loses big to Bill Cassidy in Louisiana run-off

Nothing from Orleans parish yet mind you, but this is total devastation. Think the elevator from The Shining.
— AoSHQ Decision Desk (@AoSHQDD) December 7, 2014

All I'm hearing in my headphones from other @AoSHQDD leaders on teleconference following Landrieu parish returns: "OH MY GOD...OH MY GOD."
— Jeff B@AoSHQ (@EsotericCD) December 7, 2014

We have serious ppl on AoSHQDD conference call. Nonpartisans who know voting history and are sober. Most frequent quote: "OH MY GOD."
— Jeff B@AoSHQ (@EsotericCD) December 7, 2014

Let me introduce you to @BillCassidy, Louisiana's next senator! #lasen pic.twitter.com/YM9T7yFalu
— Mignon May (@MignonMay) December 7, 2014

Updated to reflect Landrieu loss: "Half of the Senators who voted for Obamacare won't be part of new Senate" http://t.co/IgzzK3sJN5
— Philip Klein (@philipaklein) December 7, 2014

NRSC's Moran on Cassidy win: Voters sent a resounding message that they did not approve of the Obama Agenda or the dysfunction in Washington
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 7, 2014

GOP matches Truman-era high with 246 House seats http://t.co/1ugEaIboDM
— Kerry Picket (@KerryPicket) December 7, 2014

Landrieu can take consolation in the fact that her new senator will get Keystone over the finish line.
— David Freddoso (@freddoso) December 7, 2014

The final loser of 2014 #hillaryslosers pic.twitter.com/yaZz9TZlTM
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) December 7, 2014

THREE MARTINI LUNCH: DECEMBER 4, 2014

National Review's Andrew Johnson joins host Greg Corombos. Today's topics: Bill Cassidy looks set to handily defeat Mary Landrieu to grab a Louisiana Senate seat, the Treasury Department refuses to hand over potentially incriminating documents, and a soap-opera producer is our new ambassador to Hungary.



Behold: Mary Landrieu in full meltdown

It's almost the end of the line for the Mary Express, and she knows it. First, she tripled down on her 'sexism and racism' smear against an electorate that has entrusted her (a woman!) with 18 years in the US Senate, and that handed Gov. Bobby Jindal (whose skin is brown!) a re-election victory so comprehensive that he carried every single parish in the state. Then, she offered no comment after top aides and supporters confirmed Republicans' principal charge against her, and exhorted partisan Democrats to vote illegally. Next, she blundered through her final debate, assailing her Republican opponent for allegedly collecting an improper pittance for his medical treatment of under-served patients (a calling card of his career as a doctor), which helpfully teed up a clean hit on her unethical use of taxpayer money to fund dozens of private jet flights.  Now she's lashing out at her own party, accusing them of abandoning her — a gripe that is not inaccurate, and a tactical decision that is not unjustified:

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) lobbed a barb at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Tuesday, saying they effectively abandoned her after the Nov. 4 midterm election. "I am extremely disappointed in the Democratic Senatorial [Campaign] Committee. I've said that. You know, they just walked away from this race," Landrieu said in response to a Washington Post question about Democratic groups mainly staying on the sidelines during the runoff. She made her remarks after a rally here just steps from City Hall…A DSCC spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

No comment?  That's cold, bro. Yesterday we highlighted a Landrieu campaign radio ad aimed primarily at black voters that asserts that the Birther-dominated Republican Party "will impeach" President Obama if Bill Cassidy beats Landrieu.  They might as well have added, 'because the Constitution dictates that impeachments of black presidents become mandatory when the opposing party controls 54, not 53, Senate seats.'  The spot asserts that Cassidy has shown Obama "so much disrespect."  What specifically do you mean by that, Senator Landrieu, since you personally approved the ad?

ummm MT @daveweigel: Landrieu, asked what Cassidy does to "disrespect the president," says he calls him "by his last name" instead of title.
— Lachlan Markay (@lachlan) December 2, 2014

Also read:

The friends of Mary Landrieu

Humane Society tries to rescue stranded Mary Landrieu

THIS DAY IN TWITCHY: DECEMBER 1, 2014

No, Honda's Twitter account wasn't hacked by 'Skeletor'

Twittersphere: It is I, Skeletor! Now that I have control of Honda’s account, no one is safe! Muaha! #Skeletakeover pic.twitter.com/7DCH2aw9lh
— Honda (@Honda) December 1, 2014

.@PeopleMag I demand a recount for #SexiestManAlive #BoneStructure #Skeletakeover pic.twitter.com/qFMFYZTfiG
— Honda (@Honda) December 1, 2014

I wonder what He-Man is getting for #CyberMonday. Probably a bedazzled loincloth. #SMH #Skeletakeover pic.twitter.com/XTtWirIInp
— Honda (@Honda) December 1, 2014

Amazing - someone's hacked @Honda and turned it into the personal Twitter account of He-Man villain Skeletor. pic.twitter.com/wMZIZx5vFU
— Morgan Jeffery (@morganjeffery) December 1, 2014

@JimSterling Excellent, together WE WILL RULE THE TWITTERVERSE! #Skeletakeover
— Honda (@Honda) December 1, 2014

Eco-boom: Here's how the UN's Climate Change Conference venue could have been 'greener'

The #COP20 Lima conference center was built in 6 weeks! - @CFigueres at Plenary of @COP20CMP10 now.
— Geoffrey Supran (@GeoffreySupran) December 1, 2014

.@GeoffreySupran @CFigueres Wouldn't it be more "sustainable" to use an existing conference center rather than building a new one? #COP20
— Tom Nelson (@tan123) December 1, 2014

Saw this and immediately thought of @michellemalkin. Destroyed with one tweet. pic.twitter.com/TYd9AQLrzW
— Jack Wrigley (@jackwrigley) December 1, 2014

Who knew? Turns out Dana Loesch has her own 'emotional support pig'

Laughing hard at @DLoesch telling the epic tale of Hoby the #EmotionalSupportPig on US Airways. #dlrs
— William J. Miller (@WilliamJMiller) December 1, 2014

My emotional support pig is bacon.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) December 1, 2014

Yes! RT @DLoesch: My emotional support pig is bacon.
— laurakfillault (@laurakfillault) December 1, 2014

Kelly Ayotte gets burned for touting new 'quality sunscreen' law; Update: Ayotte responds

Glad POTUS has signed Sunscreen Innovation Act, which I cosponsored. Law will help ensure Americans have access 2 best quality sunscreen.
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) December 1, 2014

Dear @KellyAyotte: Is the concept of “limited government” totally lost on you?
— Eric H. (@ericinva) December 1, 2014

@exjon It's like politicians live on another planet. One much closer to the sun. @KellyAyotte
— Hired Mind (@thehiredmind) December 1, 2014

@KellyAyotte When do we get the "Best Chicken Wings" bill? Now that I can get behind.
— Mrs Coach Kris (@sdbeachlvr) December 1, 2014

Somebody's got to look out for this kid, thank gawd you stepped up to the plate @KellyAyotte pic.twitter.com/wL80qkgaqy
— Film Ladd (@FilmLadd) December 2, 2014

@cobrownell @TheH2 @exjon @DrewMTips point of bill is to break logjam in FDA approval process where some products have been stuck for 12 yrs
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) December 2, 2014

@KellyAyotte @DinanElizabeth thank God someone is tackling the real issues
— Burisma Holdings (@bad_garbage) December 2, 2014

'Powerful and inspiring!' Steven Crowder shows that 'all life is valuable'

A very important video. => Special Needs Abortion: A Holocaust https://t.co/jsJ8QRZwDj
— Steven Crowder (@scrowder) December 1, 2014

@scrowder Beautiful video you just uploaded. I'd have to say it's your best, and most important, one yet. Thank you
— Justin Moldow (@JustinMoldow) December 2, 2014

As a brother of an individual with special needs (Cerebral Palsy), Thank you @scrowder for an amazing video (next tweet will have the link)
— Dan Maloney (@MaolDhomhnaigh) December 2, 2014

Adam Baldwin reminds Patton Oswalt about his 2009 Obama fanboyism

"Time Machine": @PattonOswalt on Obama c. 2009. ~ http://t.co/98SZTweCoy
— Adam Baldwin (@AdamBaldwin) December 1, 2014

.@AdamBaldwin If you'd take Ayn Rand's dick out of your mouth for two seconds, Adam, you'd notice the many uses of "what if" in the bit.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) December 2, 2014

@pattonoswalt @AdamBaldwin shots fired.
— Jim O'Connell (@Jim_OConnell) December 2, 2014

Hi @pattonoswalt: Just found it a funny bit within a funny set. Have you done an update and visited your 2009 self? Happy Holidays!
— Adam Baldwin (@AdamBaldwin) December 2, 2014

@RickDB56 @pattonoswalt @AdamBaldwin I'd pay money for the REAL fight. Let 'em lace up the gloves. (For charity, of course. And the blood)
— Patrick Lee (@ripleycal) December 2, 2014

'Kiss of death': Debbie Wasserman Schultz is 'rooting for' Mary Landrieu in debate

Rooting for you, @MaryLandrieu, in tonight's #LASen debate!
— D Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) December 2, 2014

HAHAHAHA! RT @CuffyMeh: LOL. RT @DWStweets: Rooting for you, @MaryLandrieu, in tonight's #LASen debate!
— Sean Agnew (@seanagnew) December 2, 2014

Sen. Mary Landrieu claims to fall 'more under the label of pro-choice,' but never promoted abortion

Mary Landrieu doing the pro-life pro-choice shuffle without dance shoes. #TheFinalDebate
— Film Ladd (@FilmLadd) December 2, 2014

Politifact: Nuclear Pants on Fire RT @davecatanese: Landrieu: "I do not promote abortion and never have." #LASEN
— Matt DeLuca (@MattDeLuca) December 2, 2014

Ask Wendy Davis if that works, ha MT @ellencarmichael: “I do not support abortion. Period.” Landrieu, who has a 0 rating from prolife groups
— Sarah Rumpf (@rumpfshaker) December 2, 2014

Live shot of Mary Landrieu. #LASenDebate pic.twitter.com/ze1QzPfF7x
— Donny Ferguson (@DonnyFerguson) December 2, 2014

Mary Landrieu's 100% rating from NARAL in 2013 here http://t.co/0hiGhjnXTG re this from @ellencarmichael https://t.co/a5joBl2sRv
— Ed Morrissey (@EdMorrissey) December 2, 2014

The wise thing for Landrieu to do at this point is just quietly drop out of the race. And maybe move to a different state #LASen #bye ✋
— Cassie Williams (@cassielee514) December 2, 2014

'TMI': Mary Lynn Rajskub's spelling error gives people the wrong idea.

Pooping
— Mary Lynn Rajskub (@rajskub) December 2, 2014

@rajskub This is why I love you
— ally (@AllyRoche) December 2, 2014

@rajskub In the potty? 🎶Your a big kid now🎶
— meghan (@mcdf1977) December 2, 2014

'Beyond parody': Introducing Hillary is like opening for The Rolling Stones

Woman introing @hillaryclinton at LCV dinner says it's like opening up for the Rolling Stones.
— Shushannah Walshe (@shushwalshe) December 2, 2014

@RGreggKeller @shushwalshe @HillaryClinton Parody is in the rearview mirror 30 miles back. Good Lord.
— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) December 2, 2014

But enough age jokes... MT @shushwalshe Woman introing @hillaryclinton at LCV dinner says it's like opening up for the Rolling Stones.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) December 2, 2014

THREE MARTINI LUNCH: DECEMBER 1, 2014

National Review's Jim Geraghty joins host Greg Corombos. Today's topics: Early voting trends in the Louisiana Senate runoff spell bad news for Mary Landrieu, how the GOP will respond to Obama's executive orders on immigration, and Ferguson protesters block traffic in major cities nationwide.



Landrieu not seeming to enjoy exciting runoff race

In the days following the election I heard some muted, yet marginally optimistic talk from Democrat activists who felt that the gloom and doom predictions for Mary Landrieu in the runoff were being overstated. The logic went something along these lines: once the media fever had broken and the massive flow of national dollars dried up, people would mostly go back about their daily lives. Under these conditions, her supporters felt, Mary could get back to the retail politicking where she has always excelled. Unfortunately for them, with every poll that comes out it seems to become clear that Barack Obama is still a big old albatross hanging around her neck, and she just can't shake him loose.

President Barack Obama may not be on Louisiana's Senate runoff ballot, but it's clear his widespread unpopularity in the state stands as Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu's biggest hurdle to a fourth term.

Landrieu led an eight-candidate primary, but her 42 percent was only 16,000 votes ahead of Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy and far short of her 2008 totals when she won without a runoff. Exit polls explain the collapse: Landrieu got votes from 18 percent of whites, while nearly three out of four white voters said they strongly disapprove of the president.

"It's not so much a Mary thing as it is a Democrat thing and Obama thing," said restaurant owner Dean Gehbauer of Thibodaux.

If anything, the end of the general election may have hurt Landrieu. The public is still being flooded with advertisements reminding them of everything that's on the line, and external Republican forces really have nothing else to occupy their time these days, so they may as well make her miserable. Cassidy is well placed for funding, while all the Democrats saying lovely things about Landrieu don't seem to eager to flush additional millions into her special election.

Plus, it doesn't help her case too much when her own staffers are throwing her under the bus at every turn. Her Washington chief-of-staff Don Cravins was caught on video saying that liberals had nothing to worry about. If she wins another term, she'll be staying right in Obama's hip pocket...

Also read:

'Arrest them all': D.C. Ferguson protesters block traffic on I-395

'Traffic going nowhere': Ferguson protesters shut down D.C.'s 14th Street Bridge

THREE MARTINI LUNCH: NOVEMBER 26, 2014

National Review's Jim Geraghty and host Greg Corombos discuss what they are politically thankful for this holiday season — in particular the midterm elections.



Don't argue about politics this Thanksgiving. Just don't...

Never fear. The pundits are here to save you. Think Progress has a guide on "how to argue with your Evangelical uncle" about marriage equality. Vox is advising you on Bill Cosby, Ferguson, and immigration (you're for it as much as possible, of course).

Last year, some of Michael Bloomberg's dollars trickled down to someone who gave you talking points on gun control. Chris Hayes is once again dedicating an hour of his MSNBC show to the cause.

Less combatively, Conor Friedersdorf advises you to adopt his brand of nodding empathy: "Before you focus on any point of disagreement, ask questions of your interlocutor to figure out why they think the way they do about the subject at hand."

These advice columns are becoming a genre unto themselves. The stock villain: crazy right-wing uncle, the jokes about stuffing. But I recognize them by what they unwittingly emulate: guides for religious evangelism. The gentle, righteous self-regard, the slightly orthogonal response guides, the implied urgency to cure your loved ones of their ignorance. Your raging uncle will know the truth, and the truth will set him free.

That's a problem. Our politics are taking on a religious shape. Increasingly we allow politics to form our moral identity and self-conception. We surround ourselves with an invisible community of the "elect" who share our convictions, and convince ourselves that even our closest and beloved relatives are not only wrong, but enemies of goodness itself. And so one of the best, least religious holidays in the calendar becomes a chance to deliver your uncle up as a sinner in the hands of an angry niece...

Also read:

Eight Most Ridiculous Suggestions for Talking to Conservatives this Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving. Be Thankful! And Happy...

THIS DAY IN TWITCHY: NOVEMBER 22, 2014

'Waiting for Code Pink response': Obama 'changes course' on Afghanistan pledge

.@BarackObama is POTUS b/c he said he could 1. Change culture of DC 2. End war in Iraq/Afghanistan 0 for 6 years http://t.co/FT8RVa96PZ
— Ron Fournier (@ron_fournier) November 22, 2014

'Threw you a real curve ball': Item in bag of Curt Schilling’s son catches TSA's attention

Bomb squad arrives...
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) November 22, 2014

Yale vs. Harvard brings out the #GameDaySigns (with bonus HealthCare.Gov mockery)

SO EXCITED COLLEGE GAME DAY is coming to Harvard v Yale today First time in our history they've come here Go Harvard! pic.twitter.com/uuKE5QZlBU
— Kayleigh McEnany (@kayleighmcenany) November 22, 2014

Yale is apparently the Florida of the Ivy League: #GameDaySigns pic.twitter.com/fPINDzUik6
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) November 22, 2014

Well played @Harvard -- "Yale cites Wikipedia" #GameDaySigns pic.twitter.com/QAGc05fr6x
— J. Duke Logan (@jdlogan88) November 22, 2014

Damage control: MSNBC reporter adds 'context' to tweet quoting Hillary Clinton

Whenever a Democrat says something a Republican would be crucified for, there is ALWAYS “context.” https://t.co/CwYMmQanh6
— Jay Caruso (@JayCaruso) November 22, 2014

Can Cory Booker save Mary Landrieu's Senate seat?

@CoryBooker You'd be better off to make friends with @BillCassidy. @MaryLandrieu is done.
— Miles Lee Elder (@mlelder) November 22, 2014

'Obama and an American hero hit the links': Derek Jeter joins presidential foursome

Ah, the simple life of America’s first emperor RT @dcexaminer: Obama golfed with Derek Jeter in Vegas http://t.co/WH3Ac7qGNS
— Benjamin Weingarten (@bhweingarten) November 22, 2014

Fact: OFA promises GDP boost of 'tens of billions of dollars' from executive amnesty

@BarackObama that's not a fact, actually. At best, it's a projection. At best.
— Jon Blumenthal (@JonBlumenthal) November 22, 2014

Gazillions & quadrillions @BarackObama: FACT: President Obama's #ImmigrationAction will boost the U.S. GDP by tens of billions of dollars.”
— Reaganette (@Ezinger44) November 22, 2014

'Just lost my business': Delta Air Lines newsroom tweets support for executive amnesty

@DeltaNewsroom @Delta @WhiteHouse Well of course you do. Got to drive down the wages of those baggage handlers #ImmigrationAction #Fairtax
— Donald Scott (@DonsSISELKAfEE) November 21, 2014

Matt Drudge finds 'great stocking stuffer' in Obamacare mall kiosk

Makes a great stocking stuffer... But what is the return policy? pic.twitter.com/58SpEth2XN
— MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) November 23, 2014

No gift wrap, please: Ferguson demonstrators set up Amazon wedding registry

#FergusonFireside support the #Ferguson freedom fighters - join the protestor supply drive. pic.twitter.com/ncuC0IrAQs
— Pledge of Resistance (@LeslieMac) November 20, 2014

YESTERDAY'S HEADLINES TODAY - VOL. 487

Obama's Imperial Transformation Is Now Complete

Thank you, Mr. President

Busted: To claim 7 million ObamaCare enrollees, the government simply changed its own rules

It's Happening: NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio doesn't think Hillary is progressive enough

No, Moonbats, Reagan Did Not Offer an Amnesty by Lawless Executive Order

Conservatives Descend on Louisiana for Cassidy...No Unity Rallies for Mary Landrieu

When Liberals Use 'Science' To Attack Conservatives, They Demean Science

More Than 100 Pastors Sign "Marriage Pledge" to Preserve Traditional Marriage

Reconnecting an Unbound Generation

Radical Pro-Abortion Feminist Group Protests Pregnancy Center in Chicago

YESTERDAY'S HEADLINES TODAY - VOL. 486

Barack Obama, American Caudillo

Obama Is Not a Monarch

The First Rule of Amnesty Fight Club

Reality: Midterm Demographics Didn't Sink the Democrats

Why Are Republicans Still Looking to Jeb Bush for 2016?

Jeb Bush and Foreign Policy

The Vanishing White Democrat

Senate Democrats Face Long Minority

Texas, Michigan Lawmakers Say Religious Rights Not Being Protected From Hostile Gay Activism

5 Leaders of the New Conservative Counter-Culture

THREE MARTINI LUNCH: NOVEMBER 19, 2014

National Review's Jim Geraghty joins host Greg Corombos. Today's topics: Obama's bull-headed approach on unpopular policies puts Hillary in a difficult position for 2016, the Keystone XL pipeline loses again in the Senate (probably spelling the end for Mary Landrieu), and a Daily Beast column suggests Valerie Jarrett saved the 2008 Obama campaign.



Dems to Obama: You broke our party

No kidding. On almost every measure, the Democratic Party has lost significant ground to Republicans during the Barack Obama era. Six years ago, they seemed ascendant, on the verge of the mythical "permanent majority" not just on the federal level but in state legislatures, politically and culturally, and certainly demographically. After suffering through not just one but two historic midterm debacles, Republicans are now much stronger than they were during the peak of the George Bush era — or even the Ronald Reagan era, in all places but the White House.

Politico reports today that former Clinton advisor Donna Brazile went to the White House two weeks ago with a message. Clean up your act and fix the party you've broken — and make sure Obama takes responsibility for the effort:

Enough, Donna Brazile told White House political director David Simas the day after the midterms.

Democrats are in worse shape than when President Barack Obama came into office — the number of seats they have in Congress, the number of governors, a party approval rating that's fallen behind Republicans for the first time in recent history, enthusiasm, energy. The White House, Brazile said when she came to meet with Simas, has got to focus for the next two years on getting the party into better shape, and Obama's the best and most effective person to get out the message.

The White House has been issuing sunny proclamations ever since the elections and trying to focus on Obama's current activities rather than the massive rebuke he got from voters over his performance in office.

Obama didn't learn the Bill Clinton lesson after the first midterms. He's not interested in learning it after his second massive defeat, either. Even with Bill Clinton's more strategic direction, Democrats ended up losing narrowly at the end of his presidency. Obama may be leading Democrats into a reverse 2008, or perhaps even worse.

Also read:

Barbara Boxer's mortifying anti-Keystone Senate rant

Hillary definitely may or may not support Keystone XL