alternative hippopotamus

progressive cyberdadaism from our nation’s capital

July 12, 2009

Pumas: Recycling the Right-Wing Talking Points

by AltHippo @ 3:23 pm. Filed under Uncategorized

The Town House is a bar in Washington DC. See here. Around the time of the 2004 presidential election a number of popular progressive bloggers were living in DC including Matt Yglessias, Matt Stoller, Josh Marshall, and Ezra Klein, as well as others. They would meet semi-regularly at the Town House. This was the origin of the Town House email list.

In 2006 Jason Zengerle of the New Republic posted a blog entry alleging that the Town House was being used to launder progressive talking points. Here’s how Glenn Greenwald responds to that post: (link)

Over the last few days, Jason Zengerle of The New Republic has been engaged in a bizarre crusade to depict “liberal bloggers” as a bunch of mindless, obedient zombies who take orders about what to write from Markos Moulitsas, all in order to ensure that they can continue to enjoy the great financial wealth lavished upon them by virtue of their participation in the “Advertise Liberally” network, which Markos founded but does not operate. To prove this “point,” Zengerle published what he purported to be various e-mails regarding recent accusations against Jerome Armstrong, which Zengerle claimed were sent to the “Townhouse” Google group — comprised of 300 or so journalists, political operatives, bloggers, advocacy organizations, and others designed to facilitate communication between these usually isolated groups. To the extent the “substance” of Zengerle’s accusations are worth responding to, Ezra Klein and Max Sawicky (among many) have done so quite thoroughly, respectively here and here.

So, it’s both laughable and predictable that the new Democratic-opposing bloggers, in this case the so called “pumas” recycle these old right-wing points. Take this post from Reclusive Leftist:

I don’t know if people here know about the “Town House” email list but it’s kinda interesting if you want to know how the political blogs operate or if you’ve ever wondered why you read the same messaging over and over again, in predictable cycles. Town House is/was a by-invitation only group that hands out acceptable talking points to be disseminated by its affiliated blogs. The idea of Town House was to create a method by which progressives could do what right wing radio does with its audience: get those memes started and re-enforced through sheer repetition. Challenge those talking points and you get chased off the blogs.

Of course, the Town House email list has nothing to do with handing out acceptable talking points. And why folks like Lambert repeat this kind of gossip is clear: this is a simple, if gossip-laden way of smearing progressive bloggers. This is what these formerly Clinton-supporting blogs have descended into: smearing the winners of the 2008 presidential contest.

Bookmark on del.icio.us

30 Responses to “Pumas: Recycling the Right-Wing Talking Points”

  1. TheBigotBasher Says:
    July 12th, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    It will be interesting to watch if if PUMA sites condemn the disgustingly homophobic article Flowbee allowed to be published on Nothalfbigotedscum.

    I have attacked it http://thebigotbasher.wordpress.com/2009/07/12/larry-johnson-sinks-even-further-into-the-cesspit-of-hate/

    but my site is just one of many tiny blogs. Will PUMAs attack one of their own for clear race hate and homophobia?

  2. AltHippo Says:
    July 12th, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    “Will PUMAs attack one of their own for clear race hate and homophobia? ”

    I think if a given puma already didn’t like that member “of their own,” then yes, possibly. Otherwise, not so much.

  3. TheBigotBasher Says:
    July 13th, 2009 at 11:30 am

    I certainly do not think I should hold my breath for MYIQ=2 to do so. It was interesting over at the wider shins that they were worrying about whether the PUMA movement had been “infiltrated” by right wingers.

  4. lambert strether Says:
    July 16th, 2009 at 12:18 am

    So, how do you know that “Of course, the Town House email list has nothing to do with handing out acceptable talking points”.

    Are you on it?

  5. AltHippo Says:
    July 19th, 2009 at 9:35 pm

    When I need to publicize an event I will ask folks that are on the Town House list to say something.

    It’s fair to say that I know folks on the Town House list as a result of the DC Drinking Liberally events. And I trust their judgment. Which is why I think your suspicion is misplaced.

  6. Аня Says:
    September 21st, 2009 at 1:45 am

    Супер!! Это то, что мне надо. Благодарствую.

  7. aha Says:
    September 24th, 2009 at 9:33 am

    That’s right!I think this is a good blog,if you are

    intersted in our UGG

    boot, or nice

    shoes,please view them.Best wishes to you!

  8. haha Says:
    September 24th, 2009 at 9:34 am

    It is so good that i think the author is very as sharp

    as a razor,and now there are some nice product,eg:watch,ED hardy,jersey and so on.

  9. sarah Says:
    October 11th, 2009 at 8:24 am

    Ugg boots (sometimes referred to as uggs or ug boots) are a style of sheepskin boot, with wool as the inner lining and a tanned outer surface worn by both men and women. Ugg boots often have a synthetic sole, although this is not universal. Uggs have been identified as a fashion trend for men and women since the early 2000s. In late 2008, Ugg boots grew again in popularity with men as male celebrities were seen in them.
    http://www.llikeonline.com

  10. KRISTINXC30 Says:
    January 20th, 2010 at 10:23 am

    Are you willing to get
    resume writers, which conform the field of science you desire?. You can rely on our resume writers, as you count on yourself. Thanks because it is the useful knowledge

  11. Ameliagl Says:
    January 20th, 2010 at 9:53 pm

    Buy essay service has to come folow your brilliant release related to this good topic in descriptive essay creating. Thus, you can take a place of a great tutor in this deal.

  12. Kim23 Says:
    January 22nd, 2010 at 1:20 am

    If you go on with your work related to this good post, we would possibly purchase thesis mba at the thesis writing service online.

  13. ElliexN Says:
    January 31st, 2010 at 7:32 am

    It is the best time to tell that you affected me with your master’s issue about this good post. Therefore, I have to seek to complete the dissertation idea follow your stuff. Or believably, it is accomplishable to determine the dissertation writing service.

  14. jaKerry Says:
    February 16th, 2010 at 10:08 pm

    Various fields of people’s life take a lot of time and money, therefore why must we expend valuable time for good essay writing? That will be easier to utilize some famous essay writing service to buy the free term papers at, I opine.

  15. loan Says:
    February 26th, 2010 at 7:58 pm

    Every body knows that humen’s life seems to be expensive, nevertheless we require cash for various issues and not every one earns enough money. Thus to receive quick loans and small business loan should be good solution.

  16. Air Jordan 6 Says:
    March 15th, 2010 at 6:14 am

    When you are thinking of being on your feet all day long in sneaker, you want to make sure you can get the most comfortable shoes you can get your hands on.

  17. Christian Louboutin boots Says:
    March 18th, 2010 at 10:40 pm

    Your blog is so great, and can i buy some ad from you blog? If so, just email me and tell me the ad type and charge? Thanks so much.

  18. online store Says:
    March 31st, 2010 at 6:02 am

    We are professional supply jersey,bape shoes,ugg boots,and ed hardy online sale,Economical Price With High Quality Looking for a great price and guaranteed authenticity Look no further - because our online merchants have more choices than any single site can offer.
    When you’re searching for jerseys,basketball shoes,ugg boots and ed,rest assured that our online store only carries the genuine brands.We have been exporter of these products for many years,our product are all authentic. Welcome to buy any products of them in our website,We just take 7 days to deliver the products to your door.site:http:www.jerseymiss.com

  19. jordans2010 Says:
    April 13th, 2010 at 1:34 am

    very nice.buy cheap jordan shoes

  20. Cheap Nike footwear shoxbuy.com Says:
    April 16th, 2010 at 1:15 am

    Nike Store wholesale Cheap Shox Nike,Air max90,nike running shoes,mens Air Max360,women Shox Dream Shoes,shox r4 footwear sale,shox nz sport sneakers from prettyshox.com.Here a wide range of Nike Shox & air max for both men and women’s option.Shox Nike Sale is best selling online.Get your own Cheap Nike footwear now.http://www.shoxbuy.com/

  21. jordans2010 Says:
    April 21st, 2010 at 3:56 am

    we supply cheap jordan shoes, we believe that to bring you a lot of surprises.All our products are free shipping,non-tax,7days to your home,incredible discounted price for top quality products.Welcome to our website http://www.jordans2010.com.

  22. same day payday loans Says:
    June 3rd, 2010 at 7:38 am

    All our products are free shipping,non-tax

  23. cheap ed hardy clothing Says:
    June 3rd, 2010 at 9:28 pm

    I think your blog is very good, very poetic, also very talented, hope you can pay attention to my blog, thank you for coming.
    primary-concern

  24. new balance 1500 Says:
    June 18th, 2010 at 5:10 am

    The post of content is very interesting and exciting. I learned a lot from here.The content from simple to complex, so all of you can come in . No matter you want to see what can be found.By the way ,there are some websites is also very wonderful,you can go and see.such as wwwoche87.net

  25. eyelash extensions Says:
    June 22nd, 2010 at 5:16 am

    there are some websites is also very wonderful

  26. louis vuitton for sale Says:
    June 22nd, 2010 at 9:35 pm

    I like writing, hurriedly, not that you are not http://www.louis-vuitton-outlet-store.com

  27. boontrade Says:
    July 20th, 2010 at 2:08 am

    nfl jerseys New York Jets
    Tebow was in Florida over the weekend selling autographs and pictures for his ministry to orphanages all over the world.Green Bay Packers An estimated 1,500 people showed up to cheer the Heisman Trophy winner as he received the “Key to the City” by the Mayor of Fort Pierce.
    No sooner than Tebow emerging on the scene as a Denver Broncos Quarterback, did he manage to excel past every quarterback in the league with the marketing punch of being No. 1 in Jersey sales in the NFL.Indianapolis Colts Dallas Cowboys This achievement has emerged from the list of the best-selling player jerseys on NFLShop.com for the period of April 1st through June 30th.
    Tebow is a marketing machine.Houston TexansThis phenomena has not been.
    There has been a tremendous amount of discussions regarding the opinion of professionals regarding Tim Tebow here of late, well it appears the fans have spoken.Tebow is, at best third on Denver’s depth chart at QB. But the 25th pick of the first round still had the best-selling rookie jersey since the NFL started keeping track in 2006. Thirty percent of the orders came from Florida.NHL Jerseys Pittsburgh Penguins

  28. fashion handbags Says:
    August 11th, 2010 at 9:50 pm

    http://www.handbagsonsales.com

    Louis Vuitton handbags
    Chanel Handbags
    Gucci Handbags
    Hermes Handbags
    Balenciaga Handbags
    Bottega Veneta Handbags
    Chloe Handbags
    Coach Handbags
    Dior Handbags
    Fendi Handbags
    Dolce & Gabbana Handbags
    Hermes Handbags
    Versace Handbags
    Prada Handbags

  29. lambert strether Says:
    August 14th, 2010 at 8:34 pm

    Hey, have you thought of cleaning the handbags out of your blog?

  30. mbt shoes on sale Says:
    August 18th, 2010 at 9:39 pm

    We still believe that every shoe box should be required to display the warning: “Shoes are harmful to your health”.So we used radical measures to dramatize the corrosive effect on our health from wearing traditional shoes,you can go through www. aretheyshoes.com to get more info.

Leave a Reply

*
To prove you're a person (not a spam script), type the security word shown in the picture.
Anti-Spam Image

« I Happen to Have Howard Dean Right Here

[powered by WordPress.]

hip·po·pot·a·mus n. A notion, perhaps distinct from conventional wisdom, that needs to be verified by reality-based scrutiny.

contact

TBA 2008

The Alternative Hypothesis

the elephants of anwr

issues and insight

capitolists

alt media

sounds

critical resources

flora and fauna

law & order

events

cinema

literati

propaganda

use with extreme caution

internal links:

categories:

search blog:

archives:

July 2009
M T W T F S S
« Jun    
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  

other:

95. Cogito cogito ergo cogito sum (I think that I think, therefore I think that I am.)
— Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

comments

Recent Comments

HippoWire

  • Recent Trackbacks:

    • 26 queries. 0.563 seconds