Tongue-In-Cheek: Archives

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November 3, 2008

Craig Ferguson: How About That John McCain, Huh...Huh? genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

When John McCain first commented on Sarah Palin's debate performance, I found his manner of speech rather annoying (you'll see it for yourself in the video). When I saw what Craig Ferguson did with that speech, I was rolling on the floor.

While we wait on pins and needles for Election Day, I thought we could all use a little laughter. Besides, it tickles me to see John McCain lampooned.

Tagged as: Craig Ferguson, Humor, John McCain, Sarah Palin, The Penguin

Daniel DiRito | November 3, 2008 | 4:30 PM | link | Comments (0)
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An Ode To The Undecided Voter? genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

Have you ever wondered who in the hell can remain undecided with the election less than 24 hours away? I'm not sure if it speaks to a need for attention or if it might be a sign of diminished capacity. Whatever it is, David Sedaris isn't buying it.

From The New Yorker:

I don't know that it was always this way, but, for as long as I can remember, just as we move into the final weeks of the Presidential campaign the focus shifts to the undecided voters. "Who are they?" the news anchors ask. "And how might they determine the outcome of this election?"

Then you'll see this man or woman-- someone, I always think, who looks very happy to be on TV. "Well, Charlie," they say, "I've gone back and forth on the issues and whatnot, but I just can't seem to make up my mind!" Some insist that there's very little difference between candidate A and candidate B. Others claim that they're with A on defense and health care but are leaning toward B when it comes to the economy.

I look at these people and can't quite believe that they exist. Are they professional actors? I wonder. Or are they simply laymen who want a lot of attention?

Be sure to follow the above link to read the full article. If you like what you read, the following video is an added bonus since it ads some catchy lyrics to Sedaris' sentiments and some much needed prodding to our undecided friends.

Tagged as: 2008 Election, David Sedaris, Elections, Humor, Voting

Daniel DiRito | November 3, 2008 | 10:21 AM | link | Comments (0)
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Mo Rocca: 2008 Election Recap...2012 Preview? genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

In the following video, Mo laments our seeming obsession with all things political and he offers some closing thoughts on the 2008...as well as a preview of the 2012 election. After all, it's never too early to think ahead, eh? How does Palin & The Plumber sound to you?

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Barack Obama, Humor, Joe The Plumber, Mo Rocca, Politics, Sarah Palin

Daniel DiRito | November 3, 2008 | 10:08 AM | link | Comments (1)
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November 1, 2008

Sarah Palin Gets Punked! genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek

Ambition is an interesting thing...and it can easily lead to embarrassing moments. It appears that Sarah Palin, John McCain's upstart sidekick, has found herself the victim of a prank phone call from a Canadian comedy duo with a history of "punking" well-known figures.

In the following audio clip, the Alaska governor sounds thrilled to be speaking with a man she believes to be French President Nicolas Sarkozy. From the outset, the off-color comments and questions should have been a clue that she might not be actually be talking with him...but it appears that her naive sense of self-importance gets the best of her.

It only gets better (or worse) from there...especially in the final moments when she is told the call is a prank. Note how she initially tries to roll with the gag...asking for the radio station call letters. Before the answer can be given, we hear other voices in the background while the phone is being shuffled and muzzled.

In short order, it sounds like Sarah and her handlers realize the magnitude of the moment...scrambling to decide what to do next. In a matter of seconds, we hear a staff member announce that the call is over...while it sounds like someone in the background is saying, "hang up...hang up". Ouch! But hey, vetting doesn't seem to be a priority in the McCain campaign...they're far to "mavericky" for that!

I could be wrong, but for me, the fact that a candidate for the vice presidency of the United States can be so easily duped doesn't engender an abundance of confidence. One would think that at some point she would have caught on and questioned the validity of the call...but she didn't. So much for good judgment and all of that "executive" experience, eh?

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Humor, John McCain, Marc-Antoine Audette, Masked Avengers, Nicolas Sarkozy, Quebec, Sarah Palin, Sebastien Trudel

Daniel DiRito | November 1, 2008 | 2:46 PM | link | Comments (0)
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October 30, 2008

The Colbert Report: The Word - I Endorse Barack Obama? genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

Stephen Colbert isn't going to be left on the outside looking in. Colbert, "angered" by the seeming rush of prominent Republicans to endorse Barack Obama, decides it may be time for him to toss his hat in with the rest of 'em.

In this segment of "The Word", Colbert provides the startling rationale for switching his endorsement to none other than Barack Obama - Stephen's not getting enough attention and he doesn't like it. There is one caveat...Colbert tells us an endorsement isn't the same as a vote.

In a puzzling afterthought, Colbert suggests that John McCain can still win this election...if he'll simply do what Stephen is doing and endorse Barack Obama...like the rest of the "mavericks" in the GOP.

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Barack Obama, Colbert Report, Colin Powell, Humor, John McCain, Stephen Colbert, William Weld

Daniel DiRito | October 30, 2008 | 9:59 AM | link | Comments (0)
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October 27, 2008

The Onion: Cindy McCain - First Lady Or First Alien? genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

I don't have enough information to discern if Cindy McCain is as strange as she seems on the campaign trail or simply uncomfortable in such settings. Needless to say, she seems to be a rather strange duck. The Onion's recent spoof offers an even less favorable take on Mrs. McCain...suggesting she's a rather strange alien...with a hard "outer shell".

In the following video, The Onion gives us a matter of fact look at the potential first lady, inserting some rather "out there" statements. There's an image of Cindy McCain at 1:27 of the video that will leave you wondering if The Onion is offering something more than good satire and a few laughs.

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Cindy McCain, Humor, Spoof, The Onion

Daniel DiRito | October 27, 2008 | 1:54 PM | link | Comments (0)
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October 25, 2008

Wasup? Change Is Coming genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

There's a number of ways to frame elections. One of the most memorable is based upon Reagan's "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" With that said, do you remember the "Wasup commercial for Budweiser?

Well, there's a new version for the 2008 election that's certainly worth viewing. I think it may well be the most effective campaign commercial I've seen this election cycle. Take a look at both below and let me know what you think.

Budweiser's "Wasup" Commercial

Wasup 2008 - Change

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Barack Obama, Budweiser, Iraq, Katrina, Wasup

Daniel DiRito | October 25, 2008 | 11:43 AM | link | Comments (0)
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October 22, 2008

The Onion: A Gay Racehorse & Who Left Johnny Mac On The Bus genre: Gaylingual & Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

How about a little lighthearted fun from The Onion? In the first video, we get our first look at the issues confronting gay racehorses. Ship's Captain will be the first openly gay horse to compete in a major race. Rumor has it that Richard Simmons will make his debut as Ship's Captain's jockey...wearing sassy sequined silks and sporting a rhinestone encrusted riding crop.

In the second, we hear the harrowing tale of John McCain being left unattended on the Straight Talk Express. No doubt he had know idea which way to turn. After all, McCain the marionette struggles mightily when his handlers aren't pulling the strings. I can only imagine how frightening it must have been to have to think on his own.

Is Ship's Captain Light In The Hoofers?

Johnny Mac's Fallen & He Can't Get Off The Bus

Tagged as: Horse Racing, Humor, John McCain, LGBT, Richard Simmons, Satire, Ship's Captain, The Onion

Daniel DiRito | October 22, 2008 | 11:40 AM | link | Comments (1)
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October 21, 2008

The Daily Show: Wasilla - Home Of The Half-Baked Alaskan? genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

If the 2008 election is remembered for anything, I suspect it will be the utter disconnect between the rhetoric of the McCain campaign and the actual facts. It's as if McCain and Palin have looked at their weaknesses and decided the only plausible means to address them is to call them their strengths...while at the same time accusing their opponent of having those weaknesses they themselves been attempting to disown.

In the following video, The Daily Show travels to Wasilla, Alaska in hopes of discerning the truth about Sarah Palin's "executive" experience. Of course they can't ask the Alaska governor any questions about that since the McCain campaign won't let her conduct an interview until the media promises to play nicer.

Now I guess that's supposed to give us confidence in her competence and assure us that she is capable of assuming the presidency should that be necessary. Oh, and don't question any of this because it will undoubtedly mean that you're anti-American and filled with hatred for small town USA. If you push it too far, you might even warrant being labeled a terrorist, a socialist, or a communist.

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Alaska, Humor, John Stewart, Sarah Palin, The Daily Show, Wasilla

Daniel DiRito | October 21, 2008 | 1:51 PM | link | Comments (0)
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October 9, 2008

John McCain: Seriously Out Of Touch genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

Look, anyone that thinks John McCain understands the troubles of the middle class needs a reality check. If the following video doesn't do the trick, check back soon as there's bound to be more where this came from.

Oh, just to set this up properly, keep in mind that John McCain wants you to believe Barack Obama is an elitist.

In A Sinking Economy - "A" Version

In A Sinking Economy - "B" Version

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Elitist, Humor Economy, John McCain

Daniel DiRito | October 9, 2008 | 9:14 PM | link | Comments (0)
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It's A Mad, Mad, Mad Country We Live In genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

There are times when I'm sure the United States won't survive the remaining days until we elect our next president...let alone the day after. As I watch the McCain campaign succumb to increasingly divisive acts of desperation...fomenting fear and animosity by directing innuendo at ignorance...I can't help but question the recklessness of his ambition.

If the role of leadership is to advance our society, then political appeals predicated upon a least common denominator equation are an affront to that objective. Frankly, it's difficult to blame those voters who are vulnerable to gutter politics as a result of generational prejudices, isolation from mitigating influences, and limited educational opportunities. Notwithstanding, there is great danger in inciting those who lack the tools to make objective conclusions.

Those who willfully engage in this kind of misdirection are little more than manipulative opportunists who must be exposed and rejected. Dividing this nation to advance one's ego is an admission that the advancement of the ego supersedes the enlightenment of the electorate.

To understand the risks of tactical cynicism, take a look at the following two videos. The first is the latest McCain campaign ad. The second is from a recent rally supporting the McCain-Palin ticket.

McCain Campaign Ad

McCain Campaign Rally

UPDATE: At The Entrance To A Pennsylvania McCain Rally

I think this third video amplifies my argument and points to another underlying issue. With a number of these voters, the McCain strategy is designed to allow them to unleash racist hatred under the guise of a new label. One can easily see how a term like "terrorist" is now being substituted for "n*****"...a term they realize would draw even more outrage and accusations of blatant bigotry. This cynical ploy is despicable!

While watching the second video, it's easy to feel outrage at the individuals espousing uninformed opinions. However, if one takes the time to consider the construction of their conclusions (see the first video), it's clear that they are being intentionally misled. The fact that they can creates an opening for those who would put the pursuit of power and profit first. The more fear the McCain campaign can invoke, the less likely rationality and reasonability can be restored. This is the dilemma we face.

Sadly, the fact that fear can still succeed in trumping the economic self-interest of these individuals is disheartening. In the end, those who frame this election as a battle between good and evil appear to be the ones planting the unsubstantiated seeds of the evil they callously erect in order to oppose.

The only plausible cure for this brand of politics is to deliver a crushing electoral defeat to those who have chosen this course of action. Only then will there be a deterrent to the politics of distortion and deception. Should this happen, perhaps future elections can focus on real issues of import to average Americans. For voters to be receptive to reconsideration, the cynicism of their leaders must be exposed and exterminated.

Frankly, if our increasingly dubious economic situation isn't sufficient to force us to see through these absurd distractions, it may require even more suffering for us to discern rhetoric from reality. It seems to me that some of the people we see in the above video have become so removed from rationality that unless and until Barack Obama personally hands them a loaf of bread and a bowl of soup, they'll hold fast to the fabrications they've been fed by the McCain campaign.

Unfortunately history tells us that extremist ideation is often most influential when economic turmoil prevails. It is even more ominous when some leaders choose to intentionally exacerbate it by linking the societies financial difficulties to cultural and moral considerations. In times of tumult, there is always the risk that some people in positions of power will see scapegoating as the path to power.

Two years ago, when I suggested the housing bubble fiasco would exponentially eclipse the S&L scandal, there were many who called me a partisan alarmist. Two months ago, despite repeated assurances to the contrary from those in power, the dominos began to fall in rapid succession...exactly as I'd predicted. While the toll is just beginning to be tallied, the damage has been done and it will be huge.

Today, I'm going to offer another prediction...not because I want it to materialize...but because history instructs us to do so lest we find ourselves repeating the same mistakes over and over again. This nation is on a trajectory for tragedy. In our unwillingness to face facts and find common ground, we are laying the groundwork for vilification, violence, and victimization.

When evil opportunists identify the emergence of this dynamic, they are drawn to exploit it for power and profit. Unless the forces for good intervene quickly to derail this downward spiral, we'll eventually find ourselves quantifying the coming calamity in corpses. Soon after, we'll utter the words that history tells us so often follow these days of darkness, "Never again, never again."

I hope history will conclude that my voice was one of many who sought to sound the alarm in advance. If doing so now makes me a pessimist, I'll glady accept the attachment of that label if my warning can contribute to transforming a looming tragedy into an historic high point at which the human spirit was able to choose good and extinguish an emerging evil...without the needless shedding of blood. Only then will we have fulfilled our prior promise of, "Never again, never again."

On that rather gloomy note, I'll turn to sarcasm and snark as it is often the only means to escape the unease such speculations unleash. It also offers an alternate means to expose essence. The following list is offered to illuminate the absurdity of the rhetoric being employed at recent Republican rallies.

Top ten signs you're un-American and have connections with known radicals and terrorists:

Number Ten:

Are you in the habit of purchasing Café Lattes from Starbucks? In a McCain administration, it will be assumed you supported the socialist ideology of the French revolution.

Number Nine:

Check you're children's toys; the McCain campaign is suggesting parents who purchase Chinese toys are indoctrinating them into communism.

Number Eight:

Are you attending independent foreign films? If so, it won't be advisable under a McCain presidency unless they're Canadian (but not French Canadian...only the provinces that share an "international" border with Alaska are acceptable).

Number Seven:

Better check that passport...if you've been to Venezuela, you're a Hugo Chavez sympathizer and subject to airport detention under the Super Duper Patriot Act proposed by John McCain.

Number Six:

Are you a gay man living in the Castro in San Francisco? If so, a McCain administration will view you as a subversive militant homosexual with strong ties to Cuba. How about a ticket to Guantanamo?

Number Five:

Think of yourself as Joe Six Pack? Better not be drinking German beers like Becks unless you want to be placed on the McCain-Palin list of Neo-Nazi Holocaust deniers.

Number Four:

Are you receiving your education from a prestigious east coast university? Might want to reconsider attending North Idaho College, Matanuska-Sustina College, or the University of Idaho. Sarah Palin's vice presidential platform includes rooting out those doggone un-American elites.

Number Three:

It's all about proper pronunciation...unless you drop the "G" from the end of at least one word in a sentence, the McCain campaign might think you're a freakin' for'ner.

Number Two:

Watch those middle names for male children. It's far better to choose a girl's name (Sydney's nice, eh?) than one associated with a deposed dictator. However, if you do choose a girl's name, that male child must never be allowed to visit San Francisco (see number six).

Number One:

Palin etiquette, Palin etiquette! They're pumps; not stilettos. Everyone knows a truly liberated American woman attaches a stiletto to a rifle...while wearing six-inch pumps. The moustache is optional.

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Barack Obama, Depression, Economy, Fear, John McCain, Politics, Recession, Sarah Palin, Snark, Terrorism

Daniel DiRito | October 9, 2008 | 10:56 AM | link | Comments (0)
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October 8, 2008

(G)irls (O)n (P)arade: Fembots, Fashion, & Frau Fey genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek

Recent Republican campaign events seem to suggest that the GOP has decided to relegate the heavy lifting to the likes of Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin. It's as if Gramps has lost his mojo or lacks the stomach to spout the slights that so easily exit the lipsticked lips of his high heeled sidekick, Sarah. Take a look at Cindy calling out Barack Obama earlier today.

Perhaps Old McJohnny needs to check his Calvin Kleins to see if he still has his cantankerous cojones. I'm sure if he asked Sarah, she'd be happy to have the First Dude give him some lessons in snow machine machismo. After all, a frolic in the frigid wilderness might boost McDoo-da's boudoir bona fides with Cindy "cold chill through her body" McCain.

Speaking of the beer-bottlin-beauty, if Barack Obama takes her up on her challenge to "change shoes with her", Daddy-dang-dang-wants-the-dough might have to pony up to buy his haughty heiress a new pair of shoes...and we know Cindy "cash register" McCain is into highfalutin haute couture.

Back to Barracuda Barbie, it seems like she's finally decided to let her hair down...literally and figuratively. Betcha by golly wow, she's gonna do some more doggone interviews with Faux News...and there's rumblings she might make a cameo appearance on SNL. Given the fact that she's abandoned her Betty-the-beautician coiffure in favor of becoming a Breck-Girl-Gone-Wild persona non grata politician, it may be tough for Tina Fey to continue to imitate our impish Alaskan icon.

Then again, how hard can it be to pretend to be someone pretending to be someone they're not, eh?

TinaFeyPalin.jpg

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Cindy McCain, Humor, John McCain, Sarah Palin, SNL, Tina Fey, Todd Palin

Daniel DiRito | October 8, 2008 | 6:24 PM | link | Comments (1)
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October 4, 2008

Does The Road To The White House Run Through The Late Show? genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

When John McCain backed out of his appearance on The Late Show to rush back to Washington DC to save the country, David Letterman wasn't too happy...especially since he spotted McCain making an appearance in NYC with Katie Couric at the very time he was supposed to be seated next to Dave.

The night it happened, Letterman made a statement to the effect that the election runs through him. Given his relentless jokes at the expense of John McCain and the following video spoofing Sarah Palin, it appears that Letterman is determined to make it so.

You go Dave!

Tagged as: 2008 Election, David Letterman, Humor, John McCain, Sarah Palin, The Late Show

Daniel DiRito | October 4, 2008 | 9:25 AM | link | Comments (1)
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September 23, 2008

The Onion: McCain's Economic Plan - Marry A Beer Heiress genre: Econ-Recon & Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek

In the following video, The Onion has a little fun with John McCain's marriage to a wealthy beer heiress...suggesting that the McCain economic plan involves encouraging taxpayers to find and marry an heiress of their own. McCain argued that doing so is a sure way to achieve economic security.

Unfortunately, the McCain team stopped short of assuring taxpayers that marrying an heiress would guarantee the ownership of seven homes, thirteen automobiles, and a personal jet. Though unspoken, there seems to be an inference from the McCain camp that those added benefits would only be available to former POW's.

There was no word on whether additional perks would be made available to those who dump their current spouse in favor of an heiress.

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Humor, John McCain, Satire, The Onion

Daniel DiRito | September 23, 2008 | 7:37 PM | link | Comments (0)
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John McCain: Confusing Times Call For A Confused Leader? genre: Polispeak & Tongue-In-Cheek & Video-Philes

John McCain promises to bring change to Washington. Unfortunately, the change he offers is little more than a change in his positions in the hopes of achieving political advantage. Beyond that, I suspect John McCain's idea of change is also subject to his petulant temperament.

In the following video, we get to see a candidate who is seemingly confused by his own willingness to flip flop positions at the drop of a hat. Truth be told, John McCain isn't old; his attempt to hoodwink the public with slogans lifted from his opponent is old...and tired.

Following the video, I've included a tongue-in-cheek graphic that summarizes the kind of "change" voters could expect from a McCain presidency.

McCainDepends.jpg

Tagged as: 2008 Election, Change, Depends, Flip Flop, Humor, John McCain

Daniel DiRito | September 23, 2008 | 12:04 PM | link | Comments (0)
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