Contentions: The Role of Rhetoric in Christie’s Rise

The latest Quinnipiac poll showing Chris Christie’s approval rating at 59 percent in New Jersey has been raising eyebrows. As Aaron Blake writes at the Washington Post, “New Jersey is notoriously tough on its politicians – it’s rare that anybody cracks even 50 percent approval – and the state’s Democratic lean makes Christie’s success all the more notable. Despite his tough rhetoric, 54 percent say he’s a leader, while 39 percent (read: Democrats) say he’s a bully.”  ✧ Blake gets one thing backwards, though. New Jersey residents see Christie as a leader not “despite” his tough rhetoric, but in large part because of it... Read more at Commentary/Contentions... Read More......

The mixed up word police!

MoveOn.org is collecting signatures on an online petition. It reads:

"I call for an end to all overt and implied appeals to violence in American politics. We must debate, not hate."

No more shootings, no more hate - In the wake of the mass shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others in Tucson, we must end the violent rhetoric that has exploded in American politics over the past two years. ∴ That's why we're calling on every member of Congress, as well as the major TV news networks, to put an end to overt and implied appeals to violence in our political debate.

Violent rhetoric has exploded over the past two years? Are they kidding? Those folks at MoveOn.org have short memories or 'selective recall' if they can't remember THIS! --bc Read More......