It's worth noting that "For crying out loud" is considered by linguists to be a euphemistic phrase, substituting for "For Christ's sake". I wonder if Jeb knows that.
27
If by some quirk of the electorate Jeb! is elected President, we will all be "crying out loud".
134
For Crying out loud!... the Republicans are even considering another Bush? Don't they already know: Three strikes and your out, for crying out loud!
For crying out loud Charles! You'd think the GOP has gone crazy.
For crying out loud, can't you see that they have!
You made my day and for that I am not crying out loud. I thank you Mr. Blow.
For crying out loud Charles! You'd think the GOP has gone crazy.
For crying out loud, can't you see that they have!
You made my day and for that I am not crying out loud. I thank you Mr. Blow.
31
Now that you've spilled the beans, his handlers will make sure Jeb never uses the phrase again.
32
They all do it. They all have their "tells." JFK had his "er, ah" pauses... Nixon opted for "Let me say this about that..." Obama makes irritating references to "folks"... W stared blankly into space...
25
In politics like sports, winners don’t chase losers, they keep winning. Jeb Bush is always nipping at Trump’s heels, like a candidate on the ropes, or more congruently, like an angry puppy. If Jeb’s not tweeting about Trump, Jeb’s angry at Trump and virulently attacking Trump. Appears that Trump got Jeb's knickers caught in a twist.
7
"For crying out loud" is a whine of entitlement.
28
I will hereby tender an apology to Mr. George R.R. Martin because no matter how many times he beats a phrase into the ground, he has yet to surpass Jeb on that score.
4
Those subconscious things you describe in you article is commonly referred to as a "tell" that's what gamblers look for in other gamblers to get an edge. Example; he plays with his ring when he is about to bluff.
11
Since facts seem to trouble
1) how many times did Obama say "you can keep your plan and your doctor?" 25 times. Don't recall you saying anything about that. Did he apologize to the American people? How do the 6 million who lost their insurance felt after he said this over and over?
2) And what about Obama's comment about Special Olympics. Did you write a column attacking Obama for that? That was a pretty offensive comment to a whole lot of families. Yet when he "apologized" all was forgiven
3) Let me be perfectly clear. How many times has Obama used that phrase, as if we don't understand what he's trying not to say.
I know it's the New York Times policy to mock and denigrate Republicans but let's see what you say about Putin making a fool out of Obama over Syria. This is nothing but a distraction and a pretty sad one considering what's going on. Does that make it less relevant?
I think it's rather pathetic that people are making character assassinations seeing if they can out do everyone else with their comments and their are people dying at the hands of the Russians. I guess the Redskins name and Bush's incompetence is far more important then Obama being out foxed by Putin. It's good we have columns like this to remind us what's really important.
1) how many times did Obama say "you can keep your plan and your doctor?" 25 times. Don't recall you saying anything about that. Did he apologize to the American people? How do the 6 million who lost their insurance felt after he said this over and over?
2) And what about Obama's comment about Special Olympics. Did you write a column attacking Obama for that? That was a pretty offensive comment to a whole lot of families. Yet when he "apologized" all was forgiven
3) Let me be perfectly clear. How many times has Obama used that phrase, as if we don't understand what he's trying not to say.
I know it's the New York Times policy to mock and denigrate Republicans but let's see what you say about Putin making a fool out of Obama over Syria. This is nothing but a distraction and a pretty sad one considering what's going on. Does that make it less relevant?
I think it's rather pathetic that people are making character assassinations seeing if they can out do everyone else with their comments and their are people dying at the hands of the Russians. I guess the Redskins name and Bush's incompetence is far more important then Obama being out foxed by Putin. It's good we have columns like this to remind us what's really important.
14
Bush's history, state government actions he sanctioned and/or agreed with, and his many public statements, also renders him a bigot, not to mention an individual who lacks the intellectual acuity to meet the modern standards of the office of POTUS. Can't people see that, for crying out loud?
6
Most people have phrases that they fall back on --- I'm finding his OP-ED to be a tad unfair.
As far as the Redskins -- I have never looked upon the name as being anything other then a compliment. Sadly, in most parts of america the history of native americans is gone. We can't play Cowboys and Indians any more -- and I'm sure the Redskins will disappear before too long ... Native american history was much more "front and center" growing up years ago ... even on TV and the movies.
As far as the Redskins -- I have never looked upon the name as being anything other then a compliment. Sadly, in most parts of america the history of native americans is gone. We can't play Cowboys and Indians any more -- and I'm sure the Redskins will disappear before too long ... Native american history was much more "front and center" growing up years ago ... even on TV and the movies.
6
Who gets to decide? I'm Irish. I object to the Fighting Irish logo of the University of Note Dame. It promotes the slur of the Irish being a bunch of drunken brawlers. Help me out here Charles.
18
"For crying out loud.” tells us that once again Bush has been caught, unprepared. It's something that he shares with his brother, a sense that not carefully considering everything which is likely to come up and to prepare for those things can be addressed by just using whatever gut reactions come to mind, so why bother. It's a reason that the establishment Republicans should drop him as a nominee for President. If the Democrats pick a candidate who actually works to prepare for whatever might come up, Bush will look like a jerk.
7
Please vote and do not vote for any of these Republican clowns, but vote for whoever is the Democratic presidential nominee, for crying out loud!
17
My faves are "at the end of the day." but 'specially "the reality is."
6
If you find the Redskins name offensive, don't watch their games and don't buy any of their products - if you find that insufficient, then stop watching football altogether. If there was a football team out there that I found offensive, I wouldn't watch their games, or the NFL altogether.
15
It is the same hourly every day. Jeb and the GOP are out of touch. As women in the US, who still do not have equal rights, it is not a surprise that these white men don't get it. Like the Confederate Flag, 'the Red Skins' is offensive to some. As a human being and/or a Christian, if something is offensive to a group of our citizens, I don't use it, support it, and expect it to be changed.
The strength of our country is our diversity. Some of the changes we need to make to support that diversity may see silly or trivial. But, if it means being more inclusive, change now.
I think what is saddest is that Jeb Bush thinks he is smart enough to be president and just made this stupid statement. We are seeing the death of a party, the GOP.
I can't imagine what he says about women's rights behind closed doors. This is one more unforgivable thing from the Bush family--Jeb Bush.
The strength of our country is our diversity. Some of the changes we need to make to support that diversity may see silly or trivial. But, if it means being more inclusive, change now.
I think what is saddest is that Jeb Bush thinks he is smart enough to be president and just made this stupid statement. We are seeing the death of a party, the GOP.
I can't imagine what he says about women's rights behind closed doors. This is one more unforgivable thing from the Bush family--Jeb Bush.
30
Jeb Bush is going to be the next candidate to drop out. He's weak, incompetent, and can't stop himself from saying stupid things. He has virtually no support, and even his donors are threatening to defect to Rubio's camp.
9
Redskins is clearly offensive, but for crying out loud, I find Chief Wahoo even more so.
3
For Pete's sake, what's the fuss? It's another grandmotherly, three-generations -out-of-date expression, as obsolete and out of touch as his actual opinions. For goodness' sake, what did you expect?
18
If they really want to change the negative aspects of their name, they should become the Maryland Redskins.
11
Speaking of language quirks, I had to laugh at the part where he contrasts "amnesty" with "a path to citizenship for some immigrants now illegally in the country" and puts his finger on the latter as the "simpler" description. There is no inherent problem with the term amnesty to encapsulate the latter phrase in this context, as there is no reason it should have to be taken pejoratively. Simply put, I support amnesty.
3
Great analysis of Jeb, Charles. You've gotten at him through his language. When someone resorts to a phraseological motif, I get suspicious. You're right, it's like scratching your nose when lying to your spouse that you cut the lawn.
The phrase "crying out loud" goes back a long way for me. My father used to use it. He used it when someone did something truly outrageous and he was reaching for a nonexistent verbal response. He did not use it cavalierly. When he used it when he was talking with you, it caused you do examine the validity of your actions. In Jeb's case, it looks like it is a high-frequency term. By using it, he wants to give the impression that he has an easy, rational solution to a problem that others failed to see. Just go into Syria, for crying out loud.
But if Jeb read your essay, he might improve his flagging campaign, for crying out loud.
The phrase "crying out loud" goes back a long way for me. My father used to use it. He used it when someone did something truly outrageous and he was reaching for a nonexistent verbal response. He did not use it cavalierly. When he used it when he was talking with you, it caused you do examine the validity of your actions. In Jeb's case, it looks like it is a high-frequency term. By using it, he wants to give the impression that he has an easy, rational solution to a problem that others failed to see. Just go into Syria, for crying out loud.
But if Jeb read your essay, he might improve his flagging campaign, for crying out loud.
11
Jeb is condescending. Not only does he appear to be insecure, but holding in expressing sheer exasperation that he has to be bothered to formulate plans, opinions and then express them sensibly to the general American citizenry.
Jeb is entitled to be President, for crying out loud!
Jeb is entitled to be President, for crying out loud!
19
I had to laugh reading this = although I think, in Mr. Bush's case you make a good point about when to sit up and take notice. My take is that he got it from his mother, and I say that because, as an atheist, card-carrying Democrat, I say "for crying out loud" all the time. And when I do, I hear echoes of my very Lutheran grandmother and mother. It is an expression of exasperation - but it pays to pay attention to the source of the exasperation. People are often exasperated by things they don't understand, and we should take note of the things that Jeb! doesn't understand.
79
The problem for Jeb is that his persona is incongruent with the one the media has projected onto him--the smart, brainy one of the Bushes. Based on what we have heard from thus far, his is the same old Republican dogma but dressed up in a less threatening way. In addition, he is low energy. Very low energy--Trump is right.
13
"As always, follow the money"-- Except of course when the money trail belongs to the Clinton's and their faux charity in which case Democrats suddenly are unable or unwilling to follow the obvious trail of corruption. Sure, UBS really wanted to give millions to the Clinton foundation at the same time they were about to be criminally prosecuted back in 2008-2009. And hey, it makes perfect sense that Hillary would lead the charge to drop criminal charges against a Swiss bank that was purposefully helping rich Americans avoid paying U.S. tax.
8
Redskins Rule, Freedom of Speech rules, politics is boring and so is political correctness. What Mr. Blow is teacing us is one shouldn't wear their neck tie so tight as to cut off the oxygen from their brain.
Using the term Redskins for a sports team is no more a slur than it is a compliment. It just is. It's uncanny that one can actually make a living out of negativity that would normally put one's life at a standstill.
Using the term Redskins for a sports team is no more a slur than it is a compliment. It just is. It's uncanny that one can actually make a living out of negativity that would normally put one's life at a standstill.
7
I have long thought the best solution for Washington's unfortunately dubbed football team is to rename it the Red Cloud in honor of the Sioux leader whose forces fought the U.S. Army to a standstill in the 1860s and '70s. I understand his mother's name translates to Walks As She Thinks. What a concept! Maybe the GOP could put treadmills behind the lecterns of each of its its presidential aspirants when they debate?
7
Because I was a longtime Denver resident and watched Silverado Savings & Loan implode under the direction of Neil Bush, who seems to have disappeared from the family tree due to that ineptitude, followed by the eight years of Dummy Dubya, I have been only amused at Baby Bush's pathetic campaign. Now, early childhood development teaches that the first five years of a child's life are critical to what he/she will become. Rules, no-no, don't touch it's hot, look both ways, bundle up it's cold, share with others, all come from parents' admonitions. And because Barbara Bush early on said we don't need another Bush--meaning in the White House--and then relented and supported No. 3 son, likely was the primary disciplinarian and influential parent as daddy Bush was being CIA and Vice-President, I suggest the idiom Mr. Blow cites was one of her most frequent memes as a mother--in all sorts of contexts. I hear myself at age 73 saying things my mother often said. And her attitudes towards everything are still with me. Many I've been able to overcome or update, particularly her racial views as a Southerner and her religious views as a Baptist. This Bush seems to lack any sense of self. There isn't the poise one usually finds in someone with his pedigree. While the Bushes are not old money, they've been around long enough to possess those marks of gentility and breeding that new money craves. He always seems to want to say, "Hey, don't pick on me--I'm a great guy!"
10
Very interesting. I would love to hear more about the other candidates' rhetorical quirks.
3
As if we haven't been bombarded by "make no mistake" for the past 7 years, which, properly translated means: "it doesn't matter what you think, you're wrong, I'm right, you're on the wrong side of history, and that's not who we are."
10
A rare lighthearted column from Charles M. Blow. It helps to add that once in a while, with all the somber subjects he deals with.
5
John Ellis (Jeb) Bush's own mother said the nation's had its fill of the Bushes. Enough said, for crying out loud.
21
I'm a somewhat politically-correct Democrat and no fan of the Bush family, but I have to agree with some of the other commenters here. For those who think the "Redskins" name is some sort of crime against humanity, grow up!
16
There are no such "those." I call straw man. Hope I didn't hurt your feelings!
When my father used to say "for the love of Christ" I knew he was disgruntled about something. That phrase should get more play with the conservative Christians you'd think.
5
The phrase FCOL shares the same linguistic terrain as "l could care less" (which originally had to have been "I couldn't care less" to have any logical meaning). But then, ICCL gets the semantic point across, so who cares?
1
I can't wait to listen for the "crying out loud" part in his speech now, as I find him boring, too.
Someone handed down a Redskins jersey to my son. I gave it away to the Salvation Army (pc of me, I know). I told him why it was offensive. I'm 52, and I still remember the Native American crying at the end of a commercial about pollution. I also sing "Give a Hoot, don't Pollute," song whenever either of my kids dare pollute. We live in the Ramapo Hills now, and the need to teach them about Native Americans seems more important than ever.
Someone handed down a Redskins jersey to my son. I gave it away to the Salvation Army (pc of me, I know). I told him why it was offensive. I'm 52, and I still remember the Native American crying at the end of a commercial about pollution. I also sing "Give a Hoot, don't Pollute," song whenever either of my kids dare pollute. We live in the Ramapo Hills now, and the need to teach them about Native Americans seems more important than ever.
11
You might find it interesting to know that yTheour"Native American," Iron Eyes Cody, was born Espera Oscar de Corti in Louisiana of Sicilian parents.
I think this says a lot, but I am not exactly sure what it is that it is saying.
I think this says a lot, but I am not exactly sure what it is that it is saying.
"For crying out loud" = whining + inability to come up with a solid refutation to an assertion
11
PLEASE NOTE: The Colonel is an Op-Ed columnist and editor for the "Guardian" of London.
Mr. Blow has a real knack for digging up trivial issues and magnifying them with his use of language.
The problem with Mr. Jeb is that he is common. There is nothing extraordinary about him that would raise him above the ordinary. He runs because he has the contacts who have the money.
Compare Mr. Jeb's quotable phrases and those of Lincoln.
Mr. Blow has a real knack for digging up trivial issues and magnifying them with his use of language.
The problem with Mr. Jeb is that he is common. There is nothing extraordinary about him that would raise him above the ordinary. He runs because he has the contacts who have the money.
Compare Mr. Jeb's quotable phrases and those of Lincoln.
12
It's not trivial when a deeply stupid person running to be President of the US reverts repeatedly to a stock phrase that signals he is about to say something profoundly ignorant and/or racist or misogynist or anti-poor.
2
This is probably the finest analysis of the expression "for crying out loud" that I've ever heard. Blow's dissection is insightful, perceptive and beautifully written. You'd think that Jeb would stop using it, for crying out loud.
10
For crying out loud, the American and the French revolutions really weren’t all that long ago, in the sweep of history. People walking around today had grandparents born in the 19th century. So the descendents of the hereditary aristocrats are walking around the USA today, and asking for our votes as leader. But today, they have to be responsive to public opinion, so their scripts are couched in acceptable terms. But what’s underneath?
2
Well, of course Jeb! uses empty phrases - he's a Bush, for crying out loud!
11
A JEB! Presidency an excellent excuse for crying out loud.
11
Montreal Moe: Excellent analysis; and I am "howling out loud" with laughter.
Good eye! (ear, actually). Your piece reminds me of my poker group, a bunch of dads who met when their kids were in a baby group 40 years ago and have been playing poker two or three times a year ever since. Over the years we've learned each others' "tells" to know what kinds of hand each one of us has. By now it's kind of joke that we're all in on - when normally talkative Vic talks less, we know he's sitting on a good hand, for example - and it adds greatly to the pleasure of the game. The big difference here is the game - Jeb's game is to play his dismal conservative elite politics with now-trademarked (thanks to you) not-very-bright-rhetoric that indelibly marks Bush the Lesser (compared to his smarter but equally horrible brother).
10
Thank you, Mr. Blow, for your column which would have been humorous had we not all had to admit that Jeb! has more money than God in his campaign and could still very well become his party's nominee if Trump, Carson and Rubio implode.
What I find more telling than his repeated childish retort of "for crying out loud" is his absurd, oft-repeated lie that his brother, George W., "kept us safe."
How in the world anyone can think that planes crashing into and bringing down the Twin Towers, flying into our Pentagon, and crashing into a field in Pennsylvania (after the heroic efforts of passengers to save others) keep us safe is beyond me. Perhaps all the Bushes just suffer from "Affluenza Syndrome" that some young, rich, white boy used as his defense (successfully, by the way) in his murder trial.
As many in the Bush Administration started saying immediately after 9/11, "there have been no terrorist attacks since Sept. 12." That's the Official Bush Dictionary definition of "safe". Or, to quote another eloquent Republican power-broker, Kevin McCarthy, they are all "untrustable."
The GOP can't speak English, but they have all the money in the world. This country is in real danger - and not from terrorists.
What I find more telling than his repeated childish retort of "for crying out loud" is his absurd, oft-repeated lie that his brother, George W., "kept us safe."
How in the world anyone can think that planes crashing into and bringing down the Twin Towers, flying into our Pentagon, and crashing into a field in Pennsylvania (after the heroic efforts of passengers to save others) keep us safe is beyond me. Perhaps all the Bushes just suffer from "Affluenza Syndrome" that some young, rich, white boy used as his defense (successfully, by the way) in his murder trial.
As many in the Bush Administration started saying immediately after 9/11, "there have been no terrorist attacks since Sept. 12." That's the Official Bush Dictionary definition of "safe". Or, to quote another eloquent Republican power-broker, Kevin McCarthy, they are all "untrustable."
The GOP can't speak English, but they have all the money in the world. This country is in real danger - and not from terrorists.
16
My Dad used the phrase "for crying out loud" when he wanted to not only shut down something that had been said, but to shut out the possibility of hearing something disagreeable to him ever again. He succeeded in the first intention, I'm not sure about the second. "For crying out loud" means giving away secrets that "should" be kept secret. It also means that the speaker who is being shut down has said something that he or she should be ashamed of saying. That there is a weakness of character in someone who needs to speak to the truth of a situation.
43
Anybody else think this is a lazy column?
12
Indeed -- standard Times op ed ad hominem attack on Republican candidates (or anyone the progressives disagree with). No debate on the issues, just -- bad bad bad Republicans. Bad.
I could have written this in about 15 minutes IF I shared CB's narrow and small minded view if the world.
I could have written this in about 15 minutes IF I shared CB's narrow and small minded view if the world.
2
First of all, the Washington Redskins issue is not a relevant topic for a presidential candidate. The Executive Branch does not have the power to change controversial names of sports teams.
10
But the Justice Department does have the legal authority to raise the issue of public hate language and the Patent Office does have the legal authority to challenge the use of hate language in a patent (as in the R-skins name). And the President appoints most high level officials of both (some with Congressional approval).
1
Thanks for the column today as I wasn't sure that these little quirks of !Jeb annoyed anyone else if they are indeed paying attention to his campaign. Let me just say that I didn't think there would be another Bush running who was less suited to be president as a communicator if nothing else.
It's baffling how clueless his responses to challenges are and how many comments are walked back more than once.
What he does say without words is that he is not up to the challenges of language, transparency and thinking on his feet that we've come to expect in campaigns. And it's not clear why he's running, EVER...
I say, let's skip all that and go right to 'not ready to be president' because now that we know from your tip to watch what follows 'for crying out loud' it's clearly not worth the energy!
It's baffling how clueless his responses to challenges are and how many comments are walked back more than once.
What he does say without words is that he is not up to the challenges of language, transparency and thinking on his feet that we've come to expect in campaigns. And it's not clear why he's running, EVER...
I say, let's skip all that and go right to 'not ready to be president' because now that we know from your tip to watch what follows 'for crying out loud' it's clearly not worth the energy!
5
Mr Blow....you do blow much to hard...don't you.
JEB Bush....is your opposite....and that is not as divisive as you are ...in
the pure tabloid sense...
Oh....to be the news....just to be noticed....that is what you are Mr. Blow..
the tabloid news...!!!
JEB Bush....is your opposite....and that is not as divisive as you are ...in
the pure tabloid sense...
Oh....to be the news....just to be noticed....that is what you are Mr. Blow..
the tabloid news...!!!
7
I suspect Bush uses that term (crying out loud) when he means,"This should be obvious". Well worth examining what a Presidential candidate thinks is 'obvious'.
4
"As a person who uses language for a living...(I've been a professional writer for 50 years, and have had pieces on The Times Op-ed pages before Mr. Blow did)..."I find it hard not to notice rhetorical quirks..." Mr. Blow wrote today. A week or so ago, Mr. Blow use the much-overused "trope," which is so trendy, so with it, so of-the-fashion that I suspect anyone using it of lacking originality. A few paragraphs later, he introduced an idea by prefacing it with "you see," which is the literary equivalent of poking someone in the ribs and asking, "Get it?" If we can ask Mr. Bush to stop saying "for crying out loud," we can ask Mr. Blow to stop using "trope" and "you see" as well. And I promise to look at my own copy to see which repetitions I have fallen into.
9
Blow is not running to be President and, to the best of my knowledge, neither are you. So, your complaint about his repetition of a phrase hardly qualifies as a problem compared to Jeb!'s persistent twisting misuse of the English language to advance his pathetic political aspirations.
For crying out loud Blow, leave this guy alone. He delivered the presidency to his brother didn't he? That shows how competent he is and how qualified he is for president. For crying out loud!
7
Well, Mr. Blow, now you've alerted Jeb! to this quirk, and he will stop saying it. Bummer.
2
Micro-aggressions are your stock in trade and currency, Charles.
I get it that a Black rapper can scream the "n" word and hurl awful, misogynistic epithets. Maybe you can understand that Jeb's comment is probably offensive to you but not as offensive as Jay Z's comments are to me.
I get it that a Black rapper can scream the "n" word and hurl awful, misogynistic epithets. Maybe you can understand that Jeb's comment is probably offensive to you but not as offensive as Jay Z's comments are to me.
8
Watch his body language. Hear the tone of his voice. He doesn't want the nomination. He's phoning it in.
He's just going through the motions because the country-club wing, the Bush family network of fixers, and Fox News demand it.
No wonder he's crying. Out loud.
He's just going through the motions because the country-club wing, the Bush family network of fixers, and Fox News demand it.
No wonder he's crying. Out loud.
8
Where was all of the media's line by line scrutiny and fact checking 4 and 8 years ago. Long fishing trips?
8
Good point Charles. Maybe Bush’s knee jerk phrase is an expression of outrage and frustration by an entitled child. To him the opposition is so outrageous that he must cry out at their ideas. He cries out at the challenges from the media, such as they are.
Questions are almost an affront----after all, isn’t he a member of one of the ruling families of America? His brother was King George the 4th of America.
He is crying—out loud---at his opposition, which is democracy in action, or at least trying.
Questions are almost an affront----after all, isn’t he a member of one of the ruling families of America? His brother was King George the 4th of America.
He is crying—out loud---at his opposition, which is democracy in action, or at least trying.
5
For crying out loud, Mr.Blow, why don't you get Jeb Bush speak the way he wants to speak? Are you his speech coach?
No kidding. I wish that Hillary Clinton would use words like "for crying out loud." That might help her to connect, with more sincerity.
I also feel that candidates should use more nonverbal communications, like gestures and visual aids to connect. We are being overloaded with words, words, words. For crying out loud!
No kidding. I wish that Hillary Clinton would use words like "for crying out loud." That might help her to connect, with more sincerity.
I also feel that candidates should use more nonverbal communications, like gestures and visual aids to connect. We are being overloaded with words, words, words. For crying out loud!
6
"For crying out loud" is a plea. A plea to stop asking me this tough question, stop telling me this uncomfortable fact, stop pointing out the inconvenient truth that I don't want to consider. Perfectly describes today's GOP, and is the same thought process that brought us W and his "We're an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality" administration. For crying out loud, no more Bush's in the oval office!
13
I think that the gentleman who spoke here is correct. "The fix is in." Bush will be the G.O.P. candidate. The only question is how much money it will cost the Bush clan to buy out Trump and possibly Carson.
5
Yep, Bush has proven himself and his handlers amazingly incompetent. He is a few steps away from being forgotten. I was actually hoping he would lead and then leave the insane clown posse far behind. Unfortunately they are now leading the right's presidential nomination battle. American exceptionalism I guess.
3
Thanks a lot, Mr. Blow...now, like a dumb song playing over and over in my head, I feel compelled to insert that useless phrase into all of my conversations...for crying out loud.
9
I am constantly amazed that those who bash others for claiming to speak for some marginalized group are completely sure they themselves speak for that group.
5
For Cryin out loud should be Jeb's bumper sticker slogan.
Jeb Bush for "2 year old" - wait, is that an actual job title?
Jeb Bush for "2 year old" - wait, is that an actual job title?
3
Thank you for the tip, Mr. Blow. I am interested in learning more about the people who run for elected offices because their bias can make a difference to the lives of Americans and the world we live in.
2
Hard to believe this guy's brief is rhetoric. Listing instances of saying "for crying out loud" is as complete a waste of time as I can imagine.
1
It sounds like Blow has been imbibing too much of the American Law Institute revisions on the standard of reasonableness. Should we now say goodbye to the well-established standard of discourse substantively framed by the “reasonable person,” and hello to a “unusually sensitive sense of didgnity?” This new sensitivity is not just politically perplexing; it is also culturally too provocative and unnecessarily prejudicial. As noted by other writers re McCracken v. Sloan (1979), where a North Carolina state court dismissed an assault and battery claim in which an employee sued his supervisor for smoking a cigar in the office—an act the employee found “obnoxious," had the North Carolina decided to follow the new ALI Restatement, this employer could well face liability.
1
'For crying out loud' is a WASP euphemism for a curse word, done to show he has moxy, vim, gusto! It is old hat and very out of date, as is Mr. Bush. It's his version of JFK "vigor", another guy who actually lacked vigor due to his disastrous and hidden bad health.
It is John (no, not the pseudo-tough guy moniker Jeb, for crying out loud!) showing he is not 'low-energy' or in the parlance of his Pa's era, not a wimp,
The Bush family is old $ New England and are classic moderate Anglican Republicans. To show they were their own men and jus' plain folk like the rest of us,, not overshadowed by a war hero father-politician, the Bush boys "W" and "Jeb" emigrated to the Deep South, learned to kick cow pies, and adopted bully boy names to establish they were in fact born in log cabins a la Lincoln!
Rich white men role playing at extreme conservatism and arch religiosity is never a good sign.
It is John (no, not the pseudo-tough guy moniker Jeb, for crying out loud!) showing he is not 'low-energy' or in the parlance of his Pa's era, not a wimp,
The Bush family is old $ New England and are classic moderate Anglican Republicans. To show they were their own men and jus' plain folk like the rest of us,, not overshadowed by a war hero father-politician, the Bush boys "W" and "Jeb" emigrated to the Deep South, learned to kick cow pies, and adopted bully boy names to establish they were in fact born in log cabins a la Lincoln!
Rich white men role playing at extreme conservatism and arch religiosity is never a good sign.
16
Jeb uses the phrase" crying out loud" as a whine- that's what we need in the White House- a whiner. His brother was a whiner as well.
Get out of the race Jeb and stop your whining about Trump and everything else. The amount of pain you have already inflicted on this country by helping your brother to steal the presidency will never be forgiven. We're still trying to recover from the most disastrous presidency in modern history- we cannot possibly survive another Bush in the White House- especially when you are using the same team of advisers- for crying out loud!
Get out of the race Jeb and stop your whining about Trump and everything else. The amount of pain you have already inflicted on this country by helping your brother to steal the presidency will never be forgiven. We're still trying to recover from the most disastrous presidency in modern history- we cannot possibly survive another Bush in the White House- especially when you are using the same team of advisers- for crying out loud!
24
And don't forget their dad, who whined day and night about not being given the line-item veto. Bill Clinton, by contrast, simply exercised it and waited to see what happened. Say what you will about Clinton - and there's plenty to say - but he is no whiner.
1
Cri-min-nee, Mr. Blow, go easy on Jeb! Everyone knows Jeb!'s donor base is already on his case for being a really low-energy candidate and for being probably the dumbest Bush ever to run for office. While you accurately chronicle his nervous verbal tic, his body language tics would also make a great YouTube video. When he speaks, he looks nervous, like the kid who thinks someone is about to swat him for what he's about to say. (Not hard to picture Momma Bush whacking him a few times when he was growing up, for saying stupid things.) So go easy on him, for crying out loud. Given his dismal -- dismal -- poll numbers, one can't help feeling that 'crying out loud' is what he'd like to do most right now, if anyone would just let him.
13
Jeepers, Mr. Blow, you've opened up a can of worms here at the house with the wife. Every time I mess up and do something silly I always say dang it or gol durn it, or the like.
If I lose something like a screwdriver I often mutter a dadgummit, not loudly but she always seems to catch me and scold.
She's a regular user of jiminy-crickets, but that doesn't quite do it for me.
My British co-worker often says "blimey". But that is too esoteric for me.
Mr. Blow, for crying out loud, help me out here!
If I lose something like a screwdriver I often mutter a dadgummit, not loudly but she always seems to catch me and scold.
She's a regular user of jiminy-crickets, but that doesn't quite do it for me.
My British co-worker often says "blimey". But that is too esoteric for me.
Mr. Blow, for crying out loud, help me out here!
7
Maybe Jeb should have followed his mother's advice and stayed out of the presidential race. Jeb is definitely not the smarter brother. As they say, Jeb has no fire in the belly. He appears like an entitled individual who believe that he should be president because of his name and his conservative viewpoint. Like all the other Republican hopefuls he stands for very little and has no real plans for moving the country forward, except cutting taxes. For crying out loud, doesn't the country deserve better than what the Republicans have to offer.
14
I thank Mr. Blow for listening to JEB! so I don't have to. So far I have managed to avoid hearing him speak, in any medium, for several months (it's not difficult).
5
Republicans have no empathy, no concept of "walking in someone else's shoes - or moccasins". They are clueless and thus cruel, espousing policies that hurt majorities and favor the wealthy few.
10
Jeb Bush or as he is now known as Jeb! is definitely not the smarter brother. He has the Bush proclivity to as the media PC calls it "misspeak" when he says dumb things or lies which he seems to do with regularity. It must be a genetic family flaw. But as Jeb! has unveiled his milquetoast version of Trump trying to be a bit outrageous in a slightly restrained "more conservative" manner he forgets a very important fact. He has already outraged and deeply offended many of us when he threw a national election to his brother as governor of Florida. Yes I would love to see Jeb!'s Blackberry records if they go back that far for crying out loud.
16
When it comes to academic trajectory, wealthy kids are just like the 'Friday Night Light' 4 and 5-star high school football players. When you have money and power like an old-money Bush, you don't "apply" to Andover and you'll never be thrown out. When you're a 4 or 5-star athlete, you'll never get a C or D grade; feel free to skip class and watch film all week if you want. Even with the added identity requirements, cousins or friends still take the ACT/SAT test for low-capacity star athletes. It's not unheard of for D1 college athletes to arrive on campus and read and write at a 4th or 5th grade level (see: UNC scandal). Bush was a pot-smoking layabout and propelled through Andover and UT and a career solely based on his last name. Just as an athlete is propelled though high school, given a college degree and makes it to the pros without the ability to speak coherently.
21
Interesing, isn't it, that W's library abuts SMU?
When I was ten years old living in Illinois, I became aware of the Washington Redskin football team and started rooting for them. Why? Because my father had told me that we part American Indian. At a fairly innocent age, I looked on the name as honoring American Indians, which, of course, is the only logical conclusion. No one names a team something derogatory.
When I was at college, a friend of mine who was pursuing a PhD in anthropology explained to me that for most "white" Americans who claim to be part Native American, their families have created a false mythology about their heritage usually associated with the Cherokee. I realized he was probably right and stopped telling people I was part Indian. However, technology has brought me full circle. Unlike Elizabeth Warren, I have now DNA evidence that proves I am part Native American. My father was right.
I have a son who worked on a Indian Reservation in Montana for six months and when he discussed football with other young men on the Reservation, they told him, "We root for the Redskins, of course."
There is no doubt that Native Americans have been wronged in many ways, but the name of Washington's football team is not one of them. Yes, some Native Americans are offended, but they choose to be offended, while others Native Americans do not. The name has always had the connotation of fierce and brave warriors. It is not meant to completely define Native American culture any more than the Fighting Irish is.
When I was at college, a friend of mine who was pursuing a PhD in anthropology explained to me that for most "white" Americans who claim to be part Native American, their families have created a false mythology about their heritage usually associated with the Cherokee. I realized he was probably right and stopped telling people I was part Indian. However, technology has brought me full circle. Unlike Elizabeth Warren, I have now DNA evidence that proves I am part Native American. My father was right.
I have a son who worked on a Indian Reservation in Montana for six months and when he discussed football with other young men on the Reservation, they told him, "We root for the Redskins, of course."
There is no doubt that Native Americans have been wronged in many ways, but the name of Washington's football team is not one of them. Yes, some Native Americans are offended, but they choose to be offended, while others Native Americans do not. The name has always had the connotation of fierce and brave warriors. It is not meant to completely define Native American culture any more than the Fighting Irish is.
118
Yes, there is word that a group of Native Americans are on the verge of suing to force a name change. To them, the inclusion of "Washington" is outrageously offensive!
2
Great comment, except I would have used the word, "pueblo,"rather than "reservation," that reminds me of the old Randolph SCOTT movies about the conquest of the FAR WEST in days of yore.Antiquated.
In which case, let the non-Native football team choose a name that reflects their own heritages (the Slavers & the Slaves, perhaps) and not offend even some thin-skinned Natives.
I believe Jeb Bush should really be crying out loud that he has a brother named GW Bush and can't seem to get his foot out of his mouth or make a solid coherent point, for crying out loud.
8
Jeb Bush oozes 'entitlement' all over when he speaks. Too bad he isn't any good with words (though a bit more articulate than his brother). Is he crying wolf now that Trump is rendering him irrelevant? What a sad state of affairs, 'for crying out loud'.
8
In the broad context of the direction of our country and the malaise that has affected our foreign policy direction and the economy, the name of the football team in Washington really doesn't matter.
5
Charles, you have shown us your rarely exhibited sense of humor. Thank you. I think you are a great writer and thinker, and that your earnest nature suits our serious and troubling times. However, sometimes when I read you, I think "Charles, lighten up for crying out loud." Not today. Great column!
7
A current adverbal-pause that seems to be on its way to becoming the latest brain dead language marker is the use of "So" as a conjunction to connect two clauses together. As in: "So, the Rethuglican presidential field is in need of a brain."
Do the "Rethuglicans" and the news media types along with assorted talking heads, think that particular tiresome usage works better for us unwashed rabble than the word "therefore?"
Do the "Rethuglicans" and the news media types along with assorted talking heads, think that particular tiresome usage works better for us unwashed rabble than the word "therefore?"
3
Jeb seems always on his heals, wide-eyed, defensive, "for crying out loud" on the ready. He seems bewildered, in over his head. I think the people feel it, and remember his brothers colloquialisms, and want someone more sure of himself or herself, and this shows in the polls. He always looks like a deer in the headlights with a befuddled grin, big, lost eyes shinning though his glasses--not ready for prime-time.
I think he would get destroyed by Sanders or Clinton or Biden in the debates, and the G.O.P. feels that.
The "Redskin" name is profoundly offensive, and for him to sweep that away with it's football, for crying out loud, sweeps away a whole culture, our Native heritage, in favor of a game. The name should have been changed yesterday, and a leader would say that, regardless of the political fall out. The same goes for "all lives matter"; of coarse they matter, but all lives did not have the brutal history of slave trade and Jim Crow and current obscene incarceration rates---a real leader would say that! for crying out loud.
I think he would get destroyed by Sanders or Clinton or Biden in the debates, and the G.O.P. feels that.
The "Redskin" name is profoundly offensive, and for him to sweep that away with it's football, for crying out loud, sweeps away a whole culture, our Native heritage, in favor of a game. The name should have been changed yesterday, and a leader would say that, regardless of the political fall out. The same goes for "all lives matter"; of coarse they matter, but all lives did not have the brutal history of slave trade and Jim Crow and current obscene incarceration rates---a real leader would say that! for crying out loud.
6
For the first time in my life I agree with a Bush. The politics of language as demonstrated by this column have gone too far. This is so petty it is close to farce. Can you really waste all this space over a candidate's 'nervous usage of the idiom'? One that I think half the country uses?
I think the weird logic of this column is that you are implying Jeb Bush is a racist because he used the phrase for 'crying out loud'.
I think the weird logic of this column is that you are implying Jeb Bush is a racist because he used the phrase for 'crying out loud'.
5
Jeb! should realize the anger he foments on the campaign trail is really directed at his brother who destroyed the country with his and Cheney's ill advised invasion of Iraq. Future historians will pinpoint the G.W. Bush Presidency as end of (our) democracy unless.......................Bernie Sanders somehow gains the Presidency.
6
Paul, that was pure murder in Iraq. And Jeb was
Complicit (Florida election)
In it. Bush and Cheney killed
5,000 American soldiers, 1,000,000 Iraqis and cost this USA approx 10 trillion dollars.
Complicit (Florida election)
In it. Bush and Cheney killed
5,000 American soldiers, 1,000,000 Iraqis and cost this USA approx 10 trillion dollars.
2
For crying out loud, the phrase really does tee off another Bush gaff. Now I will listen for the phrase and expect arrogance to follow. Thank you for another great article. The world would be a better place if everyone had your listening skill.
10
I always wondered where the expression. "For crying out loud" came from, and this article prompted me to do some searching. I assumed that it had some historical context, like someone actually. . . crying out loud. It turns out that it has no historical context whatsoever - it's simply a euphemism for much stronger, profane language. And I bet that if Peter Sellers were still around, he would tell us, in his best Michael Caine accent that "Not many people know that."
3
Everything you need to know is in his body language.
6
English profs would call "For cryin' out loud" a "pseudo oath". It is like saying "Cripes", "Criminy", Goshdarn", Jeepers" or "Christophrr Columbus" as Hepburn did. Or "Holy Moly" instead of "Holy Mother". "Or "Gee whiz" instead of "Jesus".
That shift was safer in the days of physical punishment for blasphemers, and Bush uses it as a great ploy today -- is Jeb a more controlled Trump or a more "energized". almost angry anti-Trump? Is he showing control over an unexpectedly macho frustration or pretending to be angrier than Trump believes Bush can be? Golldarned if I know.
That shift was safer in the days of physical punishment for blasphemers, and Bush uses it as a great ploy today -- is Jeb a more controlled Trump or a more "energized". almost angry anti-Trump? Is he showing control over an unexpectedly macho frustration or pretending to be angrier than Trump believes Bush can be? Golldarned if I know.
7
I am disappointed, Mr. Blow, that you pointed out the "tell" to Mr. Bush. He may be on his guard now not to use it; and we will have lost a valuable alert for crying out loud.
14
That expression brings back fond memories of my Dad in his tank-top tee shirt sitting in his easy chair after work having a drink and commenting on the news of the day. For crying out loud I just don't think Jeb is old enough to use this expression. Possibly he picked up this expression while playing with his toys and over hearing his Dad use the expression: "For crying out loud, who do those Kennedy's things they are anyhow?"
3
Thanks to Charles Blow for disclosing his secret key to unlocking the truth about and from Jeb Bush. This “for crying out loud” (FCOL, for short) apparently is like a spiking inked-needle on a polygraph, telling us that Bush has just lied or is about to lie or is really scared of the topic some interrogator has raised.
No more dozing when Jeb Bush is speaking. Now we have to identify the FCOL or ‘tell’ which gives away each of the other candidates. For the practiced eye and ear of an expert, the Republicans are probably twitching, scratching and blurting out some favorite phrase constantly – given their predilection for telling whoppers.
No more dozing when Jeb Bush is speaking. Now we have to identify the FCOL or ‘tell’ which gives away each of the other candidates. For the practiced eye and ear of an expert, the Republicans are probably twitching, scratching and blurting out some favorite phrase constantly – given their predilection for telling whoppers.
1
O great! As someone who also says 'for crying out loud,' I look forward to a couple of very self-conscious days ahead of me.
4
I've a suggestion for Jeb's new bumper sticker, "Jeb, Por el amor de Dios". (Google translate for "for crying out loud)
1
Doesn't it mean, "Jeb, For the love of God!"?
1
Skin color is the basis for racial identification and, thus, racial bias and bigotry. "Redskins" couldn't be more racially direct. Would Bush be OK with, say, the Philadelphia Coloreds? The Raleigh Honkies? Or the El Paso Brownies? It's a no-brainer, for crying out loud. And why is crying out loud more meaningful than crying quietly inside oneself?
22
Interesting piece. All the candidates are just trying to out Trump Trump with politically incorrect statements which is the base's the rallying cry, just shorthand for being a bigot.
10
Bush's remark about redskins is a "dog whistle" alert to bigoted voters.
Only self-indulgent people with childish minds can spend so much time carping about so little an issue. They are the Redskins, like I continue to call my high school team who renamed their team the Titans. Now Titans is indeed a slur!
Go away, children.
Go away, children.
6
I'm sure Native Americans enjoy lectures about what should offend them from, white people.
Time is passing you by...as it should.
Val in Brooklyn, NYT.
Mr. Blow, bingo, again. You miss absolutely nothing. That's more than I can say for Jeb--another Bush, therefore self-explanatory. Or Dr. Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon, fellow Grand Old Plutocracy candidate, who seems to have the curious distinction of being the first lobotomized neurosurgeon I've heard of.
Ted in Brooklyn. I love the way you put it "shorthand for being a bigot."
Victor Edwards in Michigan, speaking as someone with Native American blood on both sides of my family, demanding respect is not self-indulgent. Only the willfully uneducated, etc., or those "with childish minds" could hold such a view.
Submitted 10-1-15 12:37 EST
Mr. Blow, bingo, again. You miss absolutely nothing. That's more than I can say for Jeb--another Bush, therefore self-explanatory. Or Dr. Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon, fellow Grand Old Plutocracy candidate, who seems to have the curious distinction of being the first lobotomized neurosurgeon I've heard of.
Ted in Brooklyn. I love the way you put it "shorthand for being a bigot."
Victor Edwards in Michigan, speaking as someone with Native American blood on both sides of my family, demanding respect is not self-indulgent. Only the willfully uneducated, etc., or those "with childish minds" could hold such a view.
Submitted 10-1-15 12:37 EST
1
It's sometime unfathomable to recall that in the Bush Dynasty, George Dubya is considered the black sheep, the lazy ne'er do well, the boozer, the towel-snapping cheer leading frat boy, and his brother JEB! the smart one.
Quoting "The Princess Bride", simply inconceivable!
DD
Manhattan
Quoting "The Princess Bride", simply inconceivable!
DD
Manhattan
12
Mr. Bush is offensive. Mr. Snyder is offensive. The term "redskin" is offensive, and is described as such in most dictionaries, so, as they say, "You can look it up."
Perhaps Mr. Bush could devote 30 seconds of one of his busy days to doing just that.
Perhaps Mr. Bush could devote 30 seconds of one of his busy days to doing just that.
18
"Untrustable." That pretty much sums it up for me. Anyone who believes his brother was a great President and "kept us safe," is simply untrustable. For crying out loud, thank goodness the GOP has coined another word.
33
Most of us use crutches in speaking under pressure, even the most modest forms, particularly when a camera and microphone are on. I've always noticed that TV journalists and panel experts tend to use "it's interesting" or "look" when answering questions largely from other journalists.
Jeb Bush, if he wins the nomination, and Hillary Clinton, the presumed nominee, will put us to sleep in debates. We can only hope for gaffes. But most political leaders, including the great ones, evolve both with respect to opinions and policies as well as the necessary skills. Some don't but are effective leaders nonetheless.
Jeb Bush, if he wins the nomination, and Hillary Clinton, the presumed nominee, will put us to sleep in debates. We can only hope for gaffes. But most political leaders, including the great ones, evolve both with respect to opinions and policies as well as the necessary skills. Some don't but are effective leaders nonetheless.
1
It appears Jeb's chosen lane in the GOP presidential contest is merging right to the exit ramp.
12
For anyone who doesn't think the term "Redskins" is offensive, here is my suggestion. Enter a public place in Browning, MT (or any other reservation town), use that term liberally, and bask in the warmness with which you are received.
41
Last spring I read of a predominantly Native American high school in Montana that very deliberately and proudly uses the nickname of Redskins. One has to be careful with presumptions.
1
Ironically, the town of Browning, MT is located on the BLACKFOOT Indian Reservation. The nearby community of Babb once had a tougher reputation however times aren't what they used to be.
REJESS: I have visited many pueblos in N.M in particular, and even rescued a dog left out on the dusty streets of one, famished,and moribund. Not one of the INDIAN neighbors lifted a finger to help her. Long story into short, "Estrella," the name I gave her, was attended to by a local vet, and then flew back to NY,and became part of the family. Vet had to amputate one leg, but ESTRELLA managed. While visiting these pueblos for the State Department, I would ask the inhabitants what they thought of the Washington Redskins. They would laugh and take it as a joke. Believe me, inhabitants of pueblos have more things to worry about--drug addiction, drunkenness, and corruption. Tribal chiefs rule their pueblos with an iron hand,and will withhold welfare checks from those who question their authority. The Washington Redskins r the least of their problems, and they would look at me quizzically when I brought the subject up.Many whom I queried were proud of the name "Redskins," and were fans of the team. I know disciples of political correctness r trying to take over the sport, and changing the name of the team is just one more egregious example.
3
Mr. Bush's speech issues are interesting, but wouldn't these column inches be better spent writing about his disastrous tenure as FL governor. One must admit that Mr. Scott is 100 times worse, but Mr. Bush paved the way for him. Let us not forget who was gov of FL when, lo and behold (OK, not cryin' out loud, but in the same league), just the right number of votes for his bother were "discovered" as having "fallen behind a desk" in some county that noone ever heard of. Funny how things happen when your brother is running. Also, let us not forget about his other brother, Neil, made out in the Silverado thing. I know, this crime happened more than 2 minutes ago, so it really did not happen, but for those of you who are thinking of voting for him, please check it out.
There is no doubt that the fix is in; Mr. Bush will be the Repub candidate this time, and with all his $$, he will probably win.
Who's gonna be "cryin' out loud" then??
There is no doubt that the fix is in; Mr. Bush will be the Repub candidate this time, and with all his $$, he will probably win.
Who's gonna be "cryin' out loud" then??
21
Win what?
This is a GOP presidential campaign that began as soon as Obama won the 2008 - and it has direct ties to the Permanent Republican Majority movement.
Unfortunately, one essential element, is a candidate who won't embarrass The Party, whatever it is today. The GOP wanted a figurehead who could get elected in 1950 and recruited Eisenhower who was unfortunately capable thought. The far right of the party never forgave him for trying to be a good president.
Nixon was not their preferred choice I.e. Further to the right. They nominated a guy in 1964 who couldn't get elected and then Nixon in 1968. That's when the floodgates opened for Dirty Tricks. Reagan , GHWB, AND GWB were the carefully groomed and manicured choice of the party mainline.
What they did no reckon was the near staff disaster bundled Reagan that culminated in Dick Cheney conducted what a mounted to a coup, put down by voters and GWB himself.
We've had more than a half century of growing extremism, anger and irrational behavior. This eight year campaign and what we see today is deeply rooted in past Republican crazy.
It is dominated by its Southern extremist who seek to increase peonage. They don't tell the truth, are wrapped in their talking points and while the JEBI is the old school candidate who is more inept thank we could believe, for crying out loud.
I'm not optimistic about this year or next year in political terms. The GOP's Wakking Dead want to lead us?
Unfortunately, one essential element, is a candidate who won't embarrass The Party, whatever it is today. The GOP wanted a figurehead who could get elected in 1950 and recruited Eisenhower who was unfortunately capable thought. The far right of the party never forgave him for trying to be a good president.
Nixon was not their preferred choice I.e. Further to the right. They nominated a guy in 1964 who couldn't get elected and then Nixon in 1968. That's when the floodgates opened for Dirty Tricks. Reagan , GHWB, AND GWB were the carefully groomed and manicured choice of the party mainline.
What they did no reckon was the near staff disaster bundled Reagan that culminated in Dick Cheney conducted what a mounted to a coup, put down by voters and GWB himself.
We've had more than a half century of growing extremism, anger and irrational behavior. This eight year campaign and what we see today is deeply rooted in past Republican crazy.
It is dominated by its Southern extremist who seek to increase peonage. They don't tell the truth, are wrapped in their talking points and while the JEBI is the old school candidate who is more inept thank we could believe, for crying out loud.
I'm not optimistic about this year or next year in political terms. The GOP's Wakking Dead want to lead us?
13
I'm thinking Jeb has used this phrase his whole life. Starting with, "Can't anyone get food around here for crying out loud?" when his older bro beat him to the dinner table.
5
Jeb! says that it would cost hundreds of billions of dollars to build a wall on the Mexican border. He doesn't understand how The Donald's Plan could work: (1) Round up all illegal immigrants. (2) Ship them to positions along the Mexican frontier where they will be forced to work free of charge on wall-building pending their expulsion. (3) Tax imports from Mexico to cover the cost of the wall materials. QED.
The day Jeb Bush (hopefully) drops out of the presidential race ought to immediately be declared a bipartisan national holiday. The Bushes are about as useful for the non-wealthy, non-elite people of the USA as the Romanovs were for Russia 100 years ago. Every defeat for the Bushes from now on ought to be viewed as a victory each time for ordinary Americans. There's a kind of inverse relationship between political success for them and difficulties for everybody not in their socioeconomic class.
28
Where on earth are the adults in this campaign? Listening to George Bush's childish rants are becoming unbearable and embarrassing--does he not listen to recordings of his remarks?
Not one of these candidates, despite years of education, can put together a coherent sentence, let alone decide policy for the free world.
World leaders must be laughing--when they aren't terrified.
Not one of these candidates, despite years of education, can put together a coherent sentence, let alone decide policy for the free world.
World leaders must be laughing--when they aren't terrified.
11
LM Browning: We are discussing JEB not GEORGE, are we not - for crying out loud!!!
Jean D
Jean D
1
To Jeb:
The American public does not want a cry baby for President! You should have know this before you hit the campaign trail, for crying out loud!
P.S. Yes, I realized many commenters would use the expression, "for crying out loud," but could't resist, for what its worth.
The American public does not want a cry baby for President! You should have know this before you hit the campaign trail, for crying out loud!
P.S. Yes, I realized many commenters would use the expression, "for crying out loud," but could't resist, for what its worth.
6
You seem to have written a Gail Collins column today, Mr. Blow, and I thank you for it!
I'm not sure if this is intentionally funny or if I find it so because it limns Bush's very evident exasperation that he has been unable to achieve GOP front-runner status. Regardless, I predict this verbal tic of Jeb!s will soon be mined to humorous effect by Larry Willmore on the Nightly Show, as he seems to watch your column for inspiration.
I'm not sure if this is intentionally funny or if I find it so because it limns Bush's very evident exasperation that he has been unable to achieve GOP front-runner status. Regardless, I predict this verbal tic of Jeb!s will soon be mined to humorous effect by Larry Willmore on the Nightly Show, as he seems to watch your column for inspiration.
6
I watched the last half of Jeb's town hall in N.H. last night to see if there's something I'm missing about the guy. He really has no energy. A total snooze fest and I don't detect any mental sharpness lurking beneath the surface. Why in the world does this guy have $150M to spend on his futile presidential campaign?
12
Makes ya wonder, doesn't it? Maybe rxpected favors, eh? How democratic!
The entire country will be "crying out loud" if Jeb! or any of the other passengers in the Clown Car are elected president.
16
Don't even say it.
1
My brother kept America safe for crying out loud!
12
For crying out loud, what a hysterical way to criticize Bush. Do you find Obama's constant use of "folks" (one definition of which is "a tribe") a rhetorical quirk? As if Jeb's finding no problem with "Redskins" is the only reason that Dan Snyder is donating money to the Bush campaign. For crying out loud, that's quite a stretch, Charles
2
^ Actually Obama's more typical tagline is "common sense", which tends to be more effective than crying out loud, as the former appeals to reason and the later to exasperation.
Anyone here seen the movie, "Fargo?" One of the phrases used by character Jerry Lundegaard, the inept, lying, conniving car salesman, was "for crying out loud."
Buyer beware.
Buyer beware.
26
Yes! And for the same reasons. Frustrations what his hair brained schemes aren't working the way he planned.
Is it an epiphany that the phrase "for crying out loud" is used for emphasis in polite conversation? you stayed up all night googling that to make what point?
5
I have noticed ! has very poor posture. His drooping shoulders seem to straighten up only when he puts a chip on them-- along with a "for crying out loud". Then again, having a chip on both shoulders does not make one balanced.
7
Most political candidates today use the same language to re frame a question they don't want to answer, the reality is or the fact of the matter is or here's the real question or look or these are the facts.
In gambling circles these are called tells.
In Jebs case his is the tell of a whiner, clearly used by frustrated children.
I remember when reporter Sam Donaldson use to say, after a few tries, I guess you are just not going to answer my question, lets move on.
Who says politicians don't learn from history.
In gambling circles these are called tells.
In Jebs case his is the tell of a whiner, clearly used by frustrated children.
I remember when reporter Sam Donaldson use to say, after a few tries, I guess you are just not going to answer my question, lets move on.
Who says politicians don't learn from history.
3
I recently moved to DC and I honestly am stunned that anyone opposes changing the team name. How are we still having this debate, in 2015? There's no question that 'Redskin' is an ethnic slur. None. Zero. Zilch. The name is an embarrassment. What does it add to the fans' experience to shout this particular name, rather than any other? Nothing. Teams change their names all the time for commercial reasons and no one bats an eye. Yet again, Bush is clueless.
9
CB should stop pettifogging, caviling about events that have little importance in today's world, or in the total scheme of things. CPJ reports that since 1992 the number of journalists killed while reporting a story exceeds 900. All were imbued with a crusading zeal to bring the truth to light, and lost their lives doing so. I am certain that few, if any, had the means to send their offspring to Yale U.,or lived in a soigne environment..CB complains about JEB's speech habits, or the controversy re the 2000 election. Life is a moving reality, and as for events that occurred 15 years ago,"On s'en fout!" Suggestion: CB should apply for a position as a correspondent in a conflict area, write about it and report back to his many readers.This would give him another perspective and empathy for what his colleagues have endured throughout the world. Even today in ALGERIA, ostensibly a democracy, reporters think twice before saying anything offensive about either the armed forces or the Groupe Arme Islamique(GAI) an offshoot of AL Queda still extant and active in the Mahgreb. Get down with the folk,Mr. Blow, and associate with those who do not have a high salary and other privileges, but are willing to risk their "peau" to bring truth to power.
2
I originally gave Jeb the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he really was smart (if perhaps lacking "the vision thing") like his dad, and not dumb like his bro. But for crying out loud, he just manages one awkward, mildly offensive moment after another; compared to the front runner, whose moments are smoothly, strongly offensive. Sure that is the Republican ideal for America: offend smoothly, from a position of strength. How has Jeb, from a core GOP family, failed to imbibe it with his mother's milk?
11
Everyone has rhetorical quirks. They are rhetorical placeholders we use to stall for time while we organise our thoughts, such as they are.
At least his is not 'y'know', or 'like', or 'I mean', or 'duuude', or 'well, uh,' or any of the others that pollute common conversation. (I've met people who can construct entire sentences or even paragraphs out of 'well, like, I mean, y'know'.) Or, God save the mark, 'at this point in time', which used to be the treading-water du jour among pols.
At least his is not 'y'know', or 'like', or 'I mean', or 'duuude', or 'well, uh,' or any of the others that pollute common conversation. (I've met people who can construct entire sentences or even paragraphs out of 'well, like, I mean, y'know'.) Or, God save the mark, 'at this point in time', which used to be the treading-water du jour among pols.
3
Add to that list: "That's a great question", which gives one the chance to come up with a great or not-so-great answer.
Charles, it's a figure of speech, for crying out loud.
7
reply to joe: So is Compassionate Conservatism. "Figures of speech" have consequence.
Opinions aside, the data presented by Mr. Blow overwhelmingly indicate otherwise.
I have always found Bush's intellect questionable. Now I find him to be just plain creepy. His tourette's like syndrome indicates some deeper issues. But then Daddy Bush seems to have spoiled all the Bush Boys. From Dubya to Neil, all have been criminal at one time or another.
9
Is the historical expression "Trail of Tears" objectionable to Mr. Blow to describe the American aboriginal diaspora? Or is is the linguistic weeping metaphor only
bad when Jeb! uses it?
bad when Jeb! uses it?
2
reply to Chump: wrong comparison wrong subject matter; the topic is using phraseology to obscure, to avoid. Linguistic selection is quite important when politics is the subject.
1
If it is just a football game, then it shouldn't matter to him whether the name of that football team was changed.
Instead, he dismisses the heart felt objections of American Citizens who consider seeing images of themselves depicted as "red skins", a description considered contemptuous and denigrating.
His belittling of demands to have the name of the team changed, reveals how much it means to him to keep the racial slur the same.
Instead, he dismisses the heart felt objections of American Citizens who consider seeing images of themselves depicted as "red skins", a description considered contemptuous and denigrating.
His belittling of demands to have the name of the team changed, reveals how much it means to him to keep the racial slur the same.
7
The anecdotal evidence would suggest, JEB is a man use to being handed a victory. Te son of a wealthy family , he feels or knows little of the res of the country. He belittles minorities and situations and history.
7
For crying out loud is an old school expression -- sort of like 'for Pete's sake" -- that expresses anger or annoyance or exasperation with a situation or a person or persons in a polite but forceful manner.
I would ask, which is more annoying, a pet expression, or that phony horrendous donkey bray Hillary uses when asked a tough question. Or the "uh" "uh" '"uh" --- look up to the right "uh" "uh" stumbling of Obama off prompter.
As for the Redskins -- a nonstarter -- a controversy that is the product of the fevered progressive brain. Think about team nicknames. Almost all evoke a regional theme or pride (Dolphins, Seahawks, Yankees) OR a larger than life character meant to project power and fearsomeness (VIkings, Buccaneers, Pirates, Giants). Obviously a few teams miss the mark (Cardinals? Cubs?) but the general rule is, your mascot should project strength or pride.
The Redskins nickname falls in that category. It isn't intended to defame or demean. If you've read anything about native Americans you know they were fierce fighters who struck fear in the hearts of those they fought. Redskins fans or opponents don't view the nickname as demeaning, unless of course the team stinks but then that's on the players and coaches, not the nickname -- like when the Knicks stink.
And what's worse, Redskins, or Warrens false ancestral claim.
Also, didn't realize CB could read body language for "tells." Maybe he should quit his job and play poker for a living.
I would ask, which is more annoying, a pet expression, or that phony horrendous donkey bray Hillary uses when asked a tough question. Or the "uh" "uh" '"uh" --- look up to the right "uh" "uh" stumbling of Obama off prompter.
As for the Redskins -- a nonstarter -- a controversy that is the product of the fevered progressive brain. Think about team nicknames. Almost all evoke a regional theme or pride (Dolphins, Seahawks, Yankees) OR a larger than life character meant to project power and fearsomeness (VIkings, Buccaneers, Pirates, Giants). Obviously a few teams miss the mark (Cardinals? Cubs?) but the general rule is, your mascot should project strength or pride.
The Redskins nickname falls in that category. It isn't intended to defame or demean. If you've read anything about native Americans you know they were fierce fighters who struck fear in the hearts of those they fought. Redskins fans or opponents don't view the nickname as demeaning, unless of course the team stinks but then that's on the players and coaches, not the nickname -- like when the Knicks stink.
And what's worse, Redskins, or Warrens false ancestral claim.
Also, didn't realize CB could read body language for "tells." Maybe he should quit his job and play poker for a living.
3
Is the phrase in the Declaration of Independence "merciless Indian savages" controversial only to "fevered progressive brain[s]" or is it a proud name like
"Redskins" worthy of corporate endorsement at FedEx Field and lucrative tax incentives for Daniel Snyder?
"Redskins" worthy of corporate endorsement at FedEx Field and lucrative tax incentives for Daniel Snyder?
1
What these clues reveal about Jeb Bush is that he's a man who considers himself to be above debate. His opinions matter: yours don't, so shut up already. This is a man who has grown up as a child of privilege and expectations. Why do people insist on not following the script?
Like a fish and water, he doesn't even see the arrogance he breathes. He hasn't quite gotten around to saying he doesn't want to waste his beautiful mind on what other people think - yet - but the signs are there.
America may not have a formalized aristocracy with titles and such, but if we did, Jeb Bush would be a registered member of the peerage.
Like a fish and water, he doesn't even see the arrogance he breathes. He hasn't quite gotten around to saying he doesn't want to waste his beautiful mind on what other people think - yet - but the signs are there.
America may not have a formalized aristocracy with titles and such, but if we did, Jeb Bush would be a registered member of the peerage.
10
Correct. To not understand the anger people have that he would be the third Bush as president shows his lack of understanding of our democracy and its people. He is an anachronism.
1
Psychologically diagnosing someone from afar, though professionally unethical, can actually be quite accurate at a surface level (for example, we’re all probably pretty right about certain narcissists and sociopaths in the news). And reading into an idiosyncratic phrase – “for crying out loud” – isn’t much better than handwriting analysis of personality. Nevertheless . . . I “hear” in Bush’s gut mantra a man for whom exasperation – hand wringing, even childish, helpless, weepy exasperation – is linked to the deep base of his psyche. A child can’t and shouldn’t be left alone to make decisions for himself and others. Especially not alone at the top.
6
For crying out loud, if he uses the phrase so often you could have filled every inch of the column with samples, how could it be a tell?
But if it does indicate when he's telling a lie, he ought utter it quite frequently. He is, after all, just another politician, for crying out loud.
I think he uses the phrase the way sportscasters use "C'mon man" to indicate the absurdity of something that happened on or off the field.
But with this column spending all its inches parsing the manner with which Bush uses a common phrase he has sort of adopted as his own, I can tell it's gonna be a long campaign season, for crying out loud. C'mon man, isn't there something more interesting to write about?
But if it does indicate when he's telling a lie, he ought utter it quite frequently. He is, after all, just another politician, for crying out loud.
I think he uses the phrase the way sportscasters use "C'mon man" to indicate the absurdity of something that happened on or off the field.
But with this column spending all its inches parsing the manner with which Bush uses a common phrase he has sort of adopted as his own, I can tell it's gonna be a long campaign season, for crying out loud. C'mon man, isn't there something more interesting to write about?
1
If Donald Trump's candidacy accomplishes nothing else, it will likely have permanently knocked out Jeb and truly crystallized what a disaster W was for this country. No one rails against W as succinctly and forcefully as Trump and for that we should all be grateful. He's made it taboo to support W and by extension his waffling stumbling bumbling little brother. To anyone who can ensure this country never suffers another Bush, my sincere thanks.
10
As a psychiatrist, I believe that the comment, "for crying out loud," represents an muffled anger to discredit the others' values.
13
Thank you for reminding he what a wonderful, quaint phrase 'for crying out loud ' is. As for JEB, bless his heart.
3
How many people think the use of the Redskins name is offensive? Is it a majority of the people in this country? If so, then they should change it since we are a democracy and the the majority rules here. If not, then it should be left alone. Is there anything too hard to understand about this? Why aren't people complaining about the Cleveland Indians? Why aren't they complaining about the Atlanta Braves or the Florida Seminoles? This is now a country of politically correct idiots. I'm glad I don't live there any more. What useless crap to even bring up in a discussion.
2
Sorry Tom, private enterprise and all that. People don't get to vote, except with their dollars, about corporate logos, product names, etc.
We're glad you don't live here anymore too.
1
If you had your eyes and ears open, you'd know people have been complaining about those other team names for years.
And, no...democracy doesn't mean the "majority rules" when it comes to everything, like civil rights. If civics were still taught in schools, people might know such things.
And, no...democracy doesn't mean the "majority rules" when it comes to everything, like civil rights. If civics were still taught in schools, people might know such things.
1
Interesting observation. Bush's "For crying out loud" seems to act much in the way that "No, offense, but..." precedes something offensive. Or in other situations, how some people use "I'm not racist..." before saying something that is exactly that.
8
Its hard to take Dr. Valentine Narcisse - errr Mr. Blow seriously.
3
For crying out loud, Mr. Blow, I think you found Mr. Bush's biggest tell.
5
If redskin is not a slur, then would you walk up to a native American and say 'How's it going redskin', Of course not because you likely value your nose. What else need be said. If it is a term you would not use to someone's face because you know it is rude then you know it is rude.
14
Jeb's interview the other day with John Harwood on CNBC was very revealing. Harwood pressed him to justify his desire to repeal the estate tax, and after stumbling around for awhile, all he could come up with was "We shouldn't take small businesses away from families." But this never happens. Nobody has yet found an example. Jeb is clueless in so many ways. Big money is a good explanation of many of his positions on issues.
14
The Bush repetition of "for crying out loud" is typical of entitled phonies used to issuing orders, signaling sycophants to attention and alerting the world that a "doer' is lowering himself to converse with "users" & the less worthy.
The conservative knows that he must employ significant gravitas around the sliders who might just start to think a little for themselves & drift into apostasy. Appealing to the baser recurring instincts in the consumer driven culture is not only easy, but natural. Again, presenting yourself as a thinker to the unthinking. All that's needed is unflinching confidence in your entitlement & the ability to not appear stupid. Bush is still working on that.
The conservative knows that he must employ significant gravitas around the sliders who might just start to think a little for themselves & drift into apostasy. Appealing to the baser recurring instincts in the consumer driven culture is not only easy, but natural. Again, presenting yourself as a thinker to the unthinking. All that's needed is unflinching confidence in your entitlement & the ability to not appear stupid. Bush is still working on that.
19
If this is the case, then... "let me be clear"... there are many phonies out there as you say!
1
By pointing out this quirk, Mr. Blow has taken it away from Jeb! The crutch will no longer be in the room if he can help it. What will Jeb! say next without his subconscious quirk? I think it's about to get more interesting. Well done sir.
8
I certainly don't know this, but i suspect that Jeb Bush is a decent human being. He has led an isolated life up there in the nether world of the one percent. As a result he is more than a bit out of touch with the reality of most folks. What does seem to come naturally to him is his camaraderie with the rich and powerful of the business world. What's hard for him is connecting to the world of everyday people. And what's really hard for him is understanding the realty of people of color.
No, I'm not accusing Jeb Bush of being a racist. That term should be used very carefully less it loose it meaning. But we do know that there are various forms of racism. Aversive racism is as much a cultural phenomena. Yet it does harm without intending to. Unconscious racial bias affects us all, although some more than others.
But what bothers me about Jeb is that despite being a generally decent guy he has adopted the GOP playbook to pander to racism with comments like blacks only being interested in "free things" or the "get over it" response to the Redskins slur.
If this is the only way to get white votes than you lack character and are willing to pander for anything. If you can't listen to Native people now, you're unlikely to listen to them after an election. it castes doubts about who you will really represent. And if you are unwilling to learn about racism you are unlikely to avoid carrying some of it into the white house. So nice guy or not, you can't get my vote.
No, I'm not accusing Jeb Bush of being a racist. That term should be used very carefully less it loose it meaning. But we do know that there are various forms of racism. Aversive racism is as much a cultural phenomena. Yet it does harm without intending to. Unconscious racial bias affects us all, although some more than others.
But what bothers me about Jeb is that despite being a generally decent guy he has adopted the GOP playbook to pander to racism with comments like blacks only being interested in "free things" or the "get over it" response to the Redskins slur.
If this is the only way to get white votes than you lack character and are willing to pander for anything. If you can't listen to Native people now, you're unlikely to listen to them after an election. it castes doubts about who you will really represent. And if you are unwilling to learn about racism you are unlikely to avoid carrying some of it into the white house. So nice guy or not, you can't get my vote.
188
Wait until he calls the NAACP "you people" as Romney did.
1
Lucifer was a pretty decent angel. Judas was a pretty decent disciple.
1
"...the GOP playbook to pander to racism.."
A Black man's polling a strong 2nd in a crowded field, in case you haven't noticed.
A Black man's polling a strong 2nd in a crowded field, in case you haven't noticed.
1
Jeb! is their "best", for crying out loud. Makes W appear less insensate.
Why is Jeb! afraid of Putin? For crying out loud could he be Pres. and still be afraid of Putin?
Why is Jeb! afraid of Putin? For crying out loud could he be Pres. and still be afraid of Putin?
3
Keep focusing on the language, Charles! Language betrays a lot.
Seems like JEB! Is saying: "Give me a break!" Which actually is a victim position. Makes him look weak.
As someone who keeps looking weak, you'd think he'd have some sympathy for the downtrodden, but, no, instead he seems to expect deference. And when he doesn't get it, well we should "give him a break". Um.... No!
Seems like JEB! Is saying: "Give me a break!" Which actually is a victim position. Makes him look weak.
As someone who keeps looking weak, you'd think he'd have some sympathy for the downtrodden, but, no, instead he seems to expect deference. And when he doesn't get it, well we should "give him a break". Um.... No!
7
What Job is trying to say: "for crying out loud, you elected my brother."
25
"“There’s a lot of differences amongst ourselves but the differences pale in comparison..."
Almost like having brother Geo W back. How about 'There are a lot of differences among us but the differences pale by comparison...'
Okay, I'm asking for too much by asking for a marginally literate President.
Almost like having brother Geo W back. How about 'There are a lot of differences among us but the differences pale by comparison...'
Okay, I'm asking for too much by asking for a marginally literate President.
7
"ooze over me like cold gruel"? Really? I have no trouble with the substance here, but for someone who says a few paragraphs earlier he makes his living "using language", I just have to ask if there might have been a better simile, for crying out loud...
3
"For crying out loud", a.k.a. "For Christ's sake", is a burst of exasperation putting down the other because the declarer believes that his opinion is the only correct one and "everyone knows that!" He probably picked it up at the family dinner table since this attitude seems to be a family trait.
20
It was a good "strategery" on your part to focus on Jeb's use of "crying out loud" for a column. On the other hand, Dan Snyder "strategery" to donate to a super PAC that supports Jeb seems to have backfired. Bad strategery!
6
Jeb has had nearly sixteen years to prepare for this moment in time. He has always been the "presidential" hopeful in the family, but he had to wait his turn as big brother did his level best to destroy the country and the mid-east. I would think that in all that time he would hone his speaking skills and create thought provoking policy suggestions. It is a very serious job and requires very serious thought and analysis. Ah, but I would be wrong about that.
He was too busy making money off the family name in the same way the rest of the clan does. Money is his first priority; governing doesn't even make it to a close second. Jeb isn't supposed to have to work at getting the nomination; like his brother, it should be handed to him.
He was too busy making money off the family name in the same way the rest of the clan does. Money is his first priority; governing doesn't even make it to a close second. Jeb isn't supposed to have to work at getting the nomination; like his brother, it should be handed to him.
9
it will be. the loooong money is behind him. he'll outlast and outspend the others
Reminds me of my late husband who, when caught stepping on his tongue, would say, "I was only kidding! Can't you take a joke?" No, I guess I can't. I'm humorless when it's an important issue.
12
Trump is a despicable blowhard, but he is right on the money about Jeb Bush. More than merely inarticulate or nervous, JEB! is a wimp, a mama's boy, and yes, he is low-energy. There is something ridiculously schoolmarmish about the man, and woefully out of time and place. "For crying out loud" was a favorite expression of my grandmothers, who came of age in the 1920s and 1930s and passed away at advanced ages in the early 1990s. Absolutely the only real risk, and only out-of-the-box thing Bush III has ever done in his life, as far as I am aware, was marrying a poor Mexican girl when they were both very young. That might have changed the direction of his utterly boring and predictable life, but it didn't. Now, he is just a prematurely old rich white guy who happens to be married to a woman who is Hispanic - and who wants to be president just because he feels he is entitled to it and it is what his family does.
27
Jeb Bush may very well be the worst of the disastrous Bush legacy candidates. His brother presided over the ultimate ruination of the country by setting the destruction of the middle class into high gear, among other terrible things such as Iraq, Afghanistan, the conditions that created ISIS, etc. etc. Jeb! as President would be an even greater disaster, further cutting taxes on the rich, who've already had them cut to disastrously low levels, and creating more havoc in the world with terrible foreign policy. God help us if the Citizens Unted-fueled dark money gets him elected.
13
"For crying out loud" would have been a better line for John Boehner.
16
As Governor of Florida, Bush was instrumental in getting his brother appointed POTUS for crying out loud! Guess Bush forgot about the way colonists slaughtered Native Americans "Redskins." Were it not for his family, he couldn't manage a fast food restaurant unless his father owned the franchise.
8
Jeb was anointed the "smart one" compared to his brother, but I don't detect anything smart or insightful in his interviews. After making his point he has the habit of putting his hands out and pandering for you to nod your head in agreement. Hence he comes across as unsure of himself and at the same time a bit annoyed that the audience doesn't yet "get it". The thought of having to endure that from an elected leader for the next 4 or 8 years is depressing.
11
The Redskins! Jeb reminds me of Rush Limbaugh's brief time as a commentator on ESPN. He remarked that Blacks are good players, but could never be quarter backs because of their limited intelligence. I think the player under discussion was Donovan McNabb. Now Rush confines his drivel to a more gullible audience. Will Jeb be relegated?
7
It means "You've got to be kidding" or "That is so unimportant" and Blow is right to track it as a marker for what Jeb thinks is irrelevant in AMerican political and social life. It's rather neat. "Give me a break" is actually equivalent -- "Cease for a moment making me suffer over this idiocy you are articulating." Chris Christie and other more populisitcal candidates prefer it; Jeb's choice is the good boy's sodgier choice.
7
Duh, Jeb.
For crying out loud, as a non-native American myself, I know enough to know that my opinion of the name of this particular team is not especially relevant.
As a non African American I used to have a problem with the phrase "It's a black thing, you wouldn't understand"
I may still not understand the "thing" in question as well as I might, but I sure do understand the message.
For crying out loud, as a non-native American myself, I know enough to know that my opinion of the name of this particular team is not especially relevant.
As a non African American I used to have a problem with the phrase "It's a black thing, you wouldn't understand"
I may still not understand the "thing" in question as well as I might, but I sure do understand the message.
4
It is not the ''crying out loud'' which is bothersome. It is what comes before it.
But then, when St. Ronnnie said "well", we were alert for what followed.
But then, when St. Ronnnie said "well", we were alert for what followed.
7
It is difficult for JEB! to accept what is becoming increasingly apparent.
He bores people. And those are the ones that like him!
I interpret 'for crying out loud' to be JEB! venting his frustration that the rest of us 'don't get it' and that we should all feel honored that he has offered himself up 'at great personal sacrifice' to run the Country.
He bores people. And those are the ones that like him!
I interpret 'for crying out loud' to be JEB! venting his frustration that the rest of us 'don't get it' and that we should all feel honored that he has offered himself up 'at great personal sacrifice' to run the Country.
9
The "great personal sacrifice" would be the few years he could not focus just on growing his own personal wealth. That would be put on hold for the ultimate pay off after he left office.
Charles, I really do enjoy reading your commentary. But that phrase "he always seems to say something interesting . . ."
Aren't the words Jeb and interesting mutually exclusive? At least George W. has learned to paint dogs, and rather nicely at that. Certainly there's something Jeb could learn to do while he waits for the election to be over. The kazoo, tiddley-winks, parcheezee (sp?)
Aren't the words Jeb and interesting mutually exclusive? At least George W. has learned to paint dogs, and rather nicely at that. Certainly there's something Jeb could learn to do while he waits for the election to be over. The kazoo, tiddley-winks, parcheezee (sp?)
6
So Charles Blow has taken note that whenever Bush says"'for crying out loud", he "always seems to signal some level of exasperation". And according to Blow this is a "tell" in regard to Bush saying it, similar to when a person scratches their nose is a "tell" that they are not being truthful. In other words Bush himself is not aware that by saying this phrase he is actually signaling "some level of exasperation".
Obviously Blow is not aware that this is what "for crying out loud" is meant to express. According to Wiktionary this is how the phrase is intended to be used.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/for_crying_out_loud Used to express frustration, exasperation, or annoyance.
So, yes. When a person, any person, says "for crying out loud" he is deliberately trying to express exasperation. It is not, as Blow writes "rhetorical quirks committed by others" that he was able to pick up on because he uses language for a living.
But as a person who uses language for a living one would think that he would have done some research into what the phrase is intended to mean, as in Google it, before he dedicated a whole column to claiming that using the phrase in the manner it is intended to be used in is a "rhetorical quirk committed" by Bush that he was able to pick up on.
Obviously Blow is not aware that this is what "for crying out loud" is meant to express. According to Wiktionary this is how the phrase is intended to be used.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/for_crying_out_loud Used to express frustration, exasperation, or annoyance.
So, yes. When a person, any person, says "for crying out loud" he is deliberately trying to express exasperation. It is not, as Blow writes "rhetorical quirks committed by others" that he was able to pick up on because he uses language for a living.
But as a person who uses language for a living one would think that he would have done some research into what the phrase is intended to mean, as in Google it, before he dedicated a whole column to claiming that using the phrase in the manner it is intended to be used in is a "rhetorical quirk committed" by Bush that he was able to pick up on.
4
you missed the point. Charles is making the observation that JEB! expresses his frustration at so many moments, that he reveals an impatience with and a dismissal of, the rest of us and our thoughts/concerns. Charles certainly understands the phrase.
Mr Blow's column is fully consistent with a correct understanding of expressions of exasperation, and his evidence for Bush's use of the phrase at issue being an unconscious tell has more weight than, e.g., Michael Stavsen's unsupported opinion that Bush is being deliberate. Clearly a rhetorical quirk, and Mr Blow makes good use of it.
You might want to learn how this played out in Florida for Bush -- the Seminole Indians defended a team name "Seminoles" Hmm, a team name and Native Americans.
And why should we assume that s single group speaks for all Native Americans? For crying out loud, their NAME screams their purely partisan mission.
And why should we assume that s single group speaks for all Native Americans? For crying out loud, their NAME screams their purely partisan mission.
1
It's a lot more than a sport, for crying out loud.
2
It's often said that Jeb is the smarter brother, but does that mean he's really smart?
7
Obama has a few of these quirks that I find quite annoying.
"Let me be clear". "As I've always said". etc.
Mr. Blow himself has an annoying habit of jumping to conclusions that are often unwarranted. In this article he implies that Bush's in difference to the Redskin name issue is a result of bribery by Snyder. If I paid $100K I'd want a more full-throated advocacy.
"Let me be clear". "As I've always said". etc.
Mr. Blow himself has an annoying habit of jumping to conclusions that are often unwarranted. In this article he implies that Bush's in difference to the Redskin name issue is a result of bribery by Snyder. If I paid $100K I'd want a more full-throated advocacy.
5
$100K doesn't buy you much in a national presidential campaign when you are a Republican competing with the Kochs.
For JEB "for crying out loud" simply means "give me a break". He really feels he needs some more leeway to just be who he is. It's so upsetting that he be called to the carpet for "everything". Has he no privilege?
No, he does not.
No, he does not.
6
Actually, there probably are more Americans offended at the names “Bush” and “Blow” than there are offended at the team name “Washington Redskins”. Indeed, our Native Americans probably are FAR more concerned with laws that limit the reach of casinos than they are use of a mascot.
I’m afraid I’m with the Jebster on this, for crying out loud! Native Americans, including those of mixed race and Alaskan Inuit, numbered about 5.2 million in 2013, or 2% of the population. More people than that complain when the President of the United States reads the Declaration of Independence before the Washington Monument on the Fourth of July.
Insensitive? Probably.
But not as curious as the fact that Charles can find so little that’s really offensive about Jeb Bush that he needs to focus at length on his use of the phrase “for crying out loud!”
I’m afraid I’m with the Jebster on this, for crying out loud! Native Americans, including those of mixed race and Alaskan Inuit, numbered about 5.2 million in 2013, or 2% of the population. More people than that complain when the President of the United States reads the Declaration of Independence before the Washington Monument on the Fourth of July.
Insensitive? Probably.
But not as curious as the fact that Charles can find so little that’s really offensive about Jeb Bush that he needs to focus at length on his use of the phrase “for crying out loud!”
2
The fact that the population is small (too say nothing about their experiences with genocide in this country) makes it okay to insult and demean them is curious logic indeed.
2
Robertebe:
If we accepted your standard, which assumes by the way that use of "Redskins" is or should be taken as an "insult", we cede our use of language to the most sensitive among us, regardless of how few they number. That probably would mean that we just turn over ALL expression to the hyper-sensitives that have converted our campuses into absurd sinkholes of political correctness at the expense of ANY form of expressive freedom.
If we accepted your standard, which assumes by the way that use of "Redskins" is or should be taken as an "insult", we cede our use of language to the most sensitive among us, regardless of how few they number. That probably would mean that we just turn over ALL expression to the hyper-sensitives that have converted our campuses into absurd sinkholes of political correctness at the expense of ANY form of expressive freedom.
1
Perhaps you should re-think using Native American population numbers as a basis for your argument.
Unless of course you're advocating for the use of smallpox as a weapon against native peoples, in which case, by all means keep the name of the football team.
Unless of course you're advocating for the use of smallpox as a weapon against native peoples, in which case, by all means keep the name of the football team.
2
My first thought after reading this commentary was that Mr. Blow really mailed this one in. However, after rereading it I am more impressed with Mr. Bush's opinions and ideas.
After reading many of these comments I realize nothing brings out the intollerent haters quicker than mentioning the name "Bush"
After reading many of these comments I realize nothing brings out the intollerent haters quicker than mentioning the name "Bush"
9
Yeah, it's getting so you can't give away trillions to the rich, trillions more to war contractors and investors, kill a hundred thousand Iraqis and thousands of American soldiers without good reason, and so forth without "intollerant" people hating you. You can't agree with your brother who did all that and more, having fixed the election that got him power, and done a bunch of harm yourself, without the "intollerant" people hating you, too. It's so unfair.
1
just like listing the disasters of bush2 means one hates him.
hate is a GOP family value.
you like his positions? that says more than anything
hate is a GOP family value.
you like his positions? that says more than anything
Mr. Blow, for crying out loud, write a column that has some meat in it instead of harping on a verbal tic that more than a few people use constantly. I had much rather hear "for crying out loud" on occasion than the constant every-other-word punctuated by "you know".
6
Most people are not allegedly experienced politicians running for POTUS. Every tic verbal or physical matters as "meat" for any arrogant human being who believes that they are qualified to lead or mislead the American people.
Despite wearing glasses and appearing to be an effete nerd John Ellis Bush seems to be no brighter than his brother W or Rick Perry.
In poker it is called a "tell".
In magic it is called "misdirection."
In politics it is called "Taurus Feces".
Despite wearing glasses and appearing to be an effete nerd John Ellis Bush seems to be no brighter than his brother W or Rick Perry.
In poker it is called a "tell".
In magic it is called "misdirection."
In politics it is called "Taurus Feces".
3
More subtle is the characteristic Bush grin-bleeding-into-smirk. That tic sends me into a flashback of the horrid and tragic and clueless brother. I can't even hear what Jeb! is saying for the involuntary and repulsive recoil thinking of W.
6
I wonder if "For crying out loud" was focus group tested?
Did "Gee willickers", "drat" and "cat's pajamas" all come up short?
I have to ask--looking at both Jeb! and Hillary*--did the political punditry look at either of these for more than a few minutes at the start of the race, before anointing them frontrunner status?
Did "Gee willickers", "drat" and "cat's pajamas" all come up short?
I have to ask--looking at both Jeb! and Hillary*--did the political punditry look at either of these for more than a few minutes at the start of the race, before anointing them frontrunner status?
2
As far as the football team goes, they can change their logo from the American Indian guy to a potato. End of problem.
2
If Jeb! Bush doesn't feel that the name Redskins isn't pejorative and offensive to Native Americans, for crying out loud, then I suppose that invading Iraq & killing over 500,000 Iraqis, including innocent civilians by through aerial bombing, shelling, gunshots, suicide attacks, and fires started by bombing isn't a far stretch in the US pursuit of "democracy". For crying out loud, spending taxpayer dollars to build a mini Great Wall across the US - Mexican border to keep out the dwindling number of immigrants who've decided they're financially better off by staying in Mexico since US drones & border control will round them up & deport them anyways, is a waste of time & money. Any determined immigrant can easily tunnel under a wall as El Chapo taught us. So, for crying out loud is the dog whistle for "can't they just stick with the Bush family name" that is associated with the CIA, Saudi Bin Laden family, Iraq War, "Mission Accomplished", enhanced interrogation, CIA black sites, unqualified cronyism in appointing inept buffoons to run departments like the FEMA, turning the national surplus into an exploding deficit, creating the 2008 global financial meltdown & the horrific "No Child Left Behind" debacle, lying to the American people about "yellowcake uranium", outing a CIA agent in retaliation for her husband's opposition to the Iraq War, ballooning unemployment, etc. For crying out loud, must be Jeb's phrase for not getting 99.9% of the US public outside the plutocracy.
14
Charles, as a southern born woman it is widely known below the Mason Dixie Line that you can say just about any nasty thing about anyone if you add "Bless Their Heart" at the end of the insult. Jeb should know this, not sure why this rich kid entitled know nothing is crying out loud, bless his heart.
13
Jeb never really had a chance. Obviously he was the only one who did not know that.
23
Andrew Jackson did not find the Trail of Tears offensive either.
For crying out loud.
For crying out loud.
33
For crying out loud, what has John Ellis Exclamation Point ever done that was not handed to him because of his family connections? For crying out loud, what has John Ellis Exclamation Point proposed that is not a reintroduction or at best a remix of his idiot brother’s policies? For crying out loud, when will the Wall Street money guys and allegedly ‘responsible members” of the GOP going to realize that voters have in a sense already rejected the Exclamation Point and that all their money has been wasted?
27
Excellent analysis of Jeb!'s rhetorical style. There are many other phrases which express similar reactions: "For Christ's sake," "Are you kidding." "Get out of here," "No way," are just a few. "Are you kidding, it's only a football game," is very different however from "It's only a football game, for crying out loud." It's meant to insinuate that the speaker complaining that the phrase "redskins" might be offensive is crying out loud over nothing, that there is no legitimate reason to cry about something that has no substance.It's a failure to recognize the subjectivity of the other, that someone might have a contrary view. The phrase shows a mind incapable of appreciating alternative perspectives, one that might say,"I never thought of that, wow." "Let me think about that." "I'm glad you brought that to my attention." It shows
"A heart unfortified, a mind impatient,
An understanding simple and unschooled."
"A heart unfortified, a mind impatient,
An understanding simple and unschooled."
27
Love your "Hamlet" quote (King Claudius to the prince), Ron. Essentially, Denmark's new monarch is telling his nephew, and now stepson, to "man up" and stop grieving the loss of his dad so as to avoid appearing weak-willed and possibly incompetent. Of course, Claudius murdered Hamlet's father and doesn't think that a prolonged expression of filial grief will play well with his subjects.
Jeb Bush, though no heartless assassin, does seem to lack intellect and empathy and to be incapable of understanding and entertaining alternative perspectives regarding any given contentious issue. It is *Jeb's* heart that appears "unfortified" and Jeb's understanding" that seems "simple and unschooled."
And by the way, the name of a football team and/or a team's mascot/logo, in this case the Washington Redskins, can denigrate, offend, and wound. There's no shame in evolving. Please let's stop defining people by their color and consider their characters and contributions first. If not in our nation's capital, where? If not now, when?
Jeb Bush, though no heartless assassin, does seem to lack intellect and empathy and to be incapable of understanding and entertaining alternative perspectives regarding any given contentious issue. It is *Jeb's* heart that appears "unfortified" and Jeb's understanding" that seems "simple and unschooled."
And by the way, the name of a football team and/or a team's mascot/logo, in this case the Washington Redskins, can denigrate, offend, and wound. There's no shame in evolving. Please let's stop defining people by their color and consider their characters and contributions first. If not in our nation's capital, where? If not now, when?
1
President John F Kennedy closed many of his speeches with "in the final analysis".
2
He was summing up. It's usual.
1
We have figured out that Jeb! is not the "smart Bush."
42
There has never been a smart Bush, other than Senator Prescott, when Republicans had a sense of dignity that translated itself in reasonableness.
6
Which Bush might be the "smart Bush'?
...an oxymoron!
I do not understand how anyone can defend the name Redskins. If it is disgusting to use the n-word, or to use horrible words for women, for gay people, for Chinese or Mexican or Jewish people, ever, then it is wrong to have a sports team with the dismissive name chosen not by the people themselves, but by their tormenters.
Bush must really need that $100,000 from the Redskins owner, or he's just ignorant, or both.
Bush must really need that $100,000 from the Redskins owner, or he's just ignorant, or both.
56
Were you offended by the name "Redskins" twenty years ago?
No?
I thought so. Were you a racist then?
How about the "Braves" or "The Chiefs"? Aren't they the same sort of racist name as "Redskins"?
No?
Well, I guess it will be another 20 years before that penny drops.
No?
I thought so. Were you a racist then?
How about the "Braves" or "The Chiefs"? Aren't they the same sort of racist name as "Redskins"?
No?
Well, I guess it will be another 20 years before that penny drops.
2
#cryingoutloudmatters
28
Excellent.
Leftist Blow hates the GOP.
19
What's to love, R.R.?
p.
p.
3
A suitable generic headline for everything he writes.
1
As if there is so much to love.
2
Excellent piece. one suggestion, though, for all of us who are offended by the name of the Washington football team--I suggest we refuse to use it. Period. Even when addressing the controversy, refuse to use the slur. Instead, refer to the team as the Washinton football team. Any non-bigoted sports announcers out there with the courage to take this path?
92
Yankee is an offensive slur as well, isn't it?
17
Not really. People who hate Yankees can spit it out as if it is an insult, of course, but the word itself, no.
52
Marc A and his 14 Recommends:
Jimmy Cagney singing "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
"Yankee Doodle Went to Town."
The term "Yankee ingenuity."
You're simply wrong about this, sorry.
Jimmy Cagney singing "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
"Yankee Doodle Went to Town."
The term "Yankee ingenuity."
You're simply wrong about this, sorry.
7
Only to Red Sox fans.
5
I can hear him...crying Daddy, Dubya....I have fallen, and I can't get up!! Trump says, Your batteries are dead, Give up already!
37
If the NFL, and Mr. Bush, would be fine with an expansion team (Las Vegas?) named the "Yellowskins" using the caricatured profile of a pigtailed 19th century Manchu dynasty Mandarin as its mascot, why complain about "Redskins?"
What would be the point spread on the NFL accepting a so-named team?
What would be the point spread on the NFL accepting a so-named team?
12
Mr. Bush should be against crying out loud, unless it is done by John Boehner, for cryin' out loud. I suppose we are all guilty at one time or another of using that or a similar phrase to dismiss someone who is annoyingly asking a question the answer to which we want everyone to imagine is so obvious, as somewhat dim-witted. Such euphemistic phrases also distract from the fact that the speaker doesn't want to have to take the question seriously, though it was asked in all seriousness, by changing the focus from the question to the person who asked it. And that's exactly what Mr. Bush would like to do: dismiss those asking him questions he doesn't want to answer. Same thing as Mr. Trump only a little less heavy-handed about it. "Compare me to Trump? But he has you removed from the room if he doesn't like your question, for crying out loud!"
59
GNIROL: Jorge Ramos was removed from the room for being obnoxious and disorderly, and speaking out of turn. One must play by the rules in life. Then DT invited him back.If any pressure group is guilty of suppressing free speech, it is certain left wing groups, Catch Pam Geller's attempt on video to give a speech at Brooklyn COLLEGE a few years back. She was hooted and jeered by the audience, many of whom were wearing burkas. Students even walked in front in front of the camera so that the viewers could barely see her. Some shouted,"ISIS, thank God!"While these teen age shenanigans were going on, 2 faculty advisors made no attempt to restore order, and in fact were egging the students on while they mocked PG."Ce n'etait pas gentil
For crying out loud, don't misunderestimate Jeb.
35
...nor undermisestimate him!
1
As 'misunderestimate' is not a real word, I presume you are saying "don't overestimate Jeb." Or, perhaps you meant "do underestimate Jeb." The double negative (I might be inventing that assessment) seems to suggest one of the two statements.
For crying out loud, I'm confused!
Good piece, Mr. Blow!
For crying out loud, I'm confused!
Good piece, Mr. Blow!
Republicans never learn---Hillary will get 99.9% of the minority vote! Minorities will not vote for racists!
19
Why not? They do it all the time. Minorities certainly voted for the KKK's Robert Byrd (Democrat of West Virginia). Minorities certainly voted for Democrats like George Wallace, Al Gore Sr., William Fulbright, etc.
Good point Mr Blow, when Jeb says 'For crying out loud', he really is crying out loud.
34
"My brother kept us safe. After 9/11. For crying out loud!"
120
Yea...those 3,000 dead....don't mind them.
No - according to the Republican version of history, 9/11 didn't happen under Bush. I'm betting most Republicans believe it was Obama's fault.
2
Ha ha! And now we need him - to keep us even safer, from the hornets' nest his brother's actions stirred up. Ha ha indeed. No more Bushes!
2
True. His shoulders sink every time he says the phrase, in a sigh of exasperation and annoyance. A recurrent aspect of his campaign. It's as if he is wondering why he is running. We wonder, too.
201
You hit the nail on the head and drove it home with one blow!
1
For crying out loud, what a crummy column. You must not have had much to write about.
21
Everyone knows what "For crying out loud" euphemizes. For Christ's sake Jeb, be a man!
18
Mr. Blow lives in an alternative universe. He's no more likable than Jeb when he speaks.
Maybe he should address why all the people of color are flooding to the evil 'white folks' world across the pond. Then again he probably hasn't noticed with that mote in his eye.
Maybe he should address why all the people of color are flooding to the evil 'white folks' world across the pond. Then again he probably hasn't noticed with that mote in his eye.
15
I agree that America is great and lots of people want to be here. Slight correction, though. Some people of color were brought here, and actually, through hundreds of years of free labor, built this country. Some were here before the immigrants of non-color came. FYI, this isn't the "White folks' world, even though you would like it to be. It's supposed to be the melting pot for all, or no?
3
"All the people of color" That's choice! Cuz the first thing I think of when I see refugees from war, famine, government or religious oppression and poverty is not their abject suffering at the hands of other humans, but that they are "people of color".
I would say the persons living in an "alternative universe" are the ones who see the USA as a "white folks world", and everything in black and white.
I would say the persons living in an "alternative universe" are the ones who see the USA as a "white folks world", and everything in black and white.
1
No, that is the proverbial "plank" in his eye. But he of course cannot see that!
1
I grew up in Texas, and I would tend to interpret this as just a verbal tic similar to injecting "y'know?" between every sentence, or Mr. Trump's "Okay?" between every sentence. It's added for emphasis, to underscore the fact that the speaker thinks his truth is obvious and self-evident and that everyone else is an idiot for thinking otherwise.
22
That's what it's supposed to be in a literal sense. Mr. Blow, with his discerning journalistic eye, is analyzing the context in which Jeb uses this idiom. Blow recognized and is exposing a pattern in Jeb's usage, where Jeb uses this phrase not so much to express exasperation, but more to deflect from or trivialize hot button topics.
2
Yes, it's a verbal tic, but if you ever took a course in public speaking or have been tutored by a political consultant, you would have been counselled to avoid such things, especially overuse of "temporizing" inclusions like "y'know" or "I mean."
It's sloppy and distracting to listeners who are trying to pay attention, but (unfortunatey) all too acceptable to people who care not to think through a speaker's pauses for thought.
It's sloppy and distracting to listeners who are trying to pay attention, but (unfortunatey) all too acceptable to people who care not to think through a speaker's pauses for thought.
1
I will repeat myself again. To maintain one's focus and concentration upon the group of would-be Presidents from the Republican party brings to mind Conrad's famous line from "The Heart of Darkness" repeating "the horror, the horror". It is proof enough to convict, that this USA so blessed with genius is, because of a defective system in political candidate selection, condemned to choose from this grouping. My next door neighbor would be a real improvement. Yours too probably. Like Lincoln said though, when being criticized for not making changes amongst his failing Generals, the staff said appoint somebody, anybody, and Lincoln said "anybody may be good enough for you but I have to have somebody". From where will our future somebody's appear?
41
Not from the Republican party, evidently.
1
"For crying out loud" is supposed to tell its listener to stop taking things so seriously, I thought, to embarrass the listener into backing off. So on its face, it is a marker for a weak position, it seems to me.
The sports team mascot remark reminds me of what people used to say when ethnic jokes used to be more publicly acceptable but began to be challenged as demeaning -- "It's only a joke, so what's the problem?" One would have hoped that people would have been able to generalize from that cultural realization.
The sports team mascot remark reminds me of what people used to say when ethnic jokes used to be more publicly acceptable but began to be challenged as demeaning -- "It's only a joke, so what's the problem?" One would have hoped that people would have been able to generalize from that cultural realization.
192
You'd think! But for crying out loud Jeb! is a republican, nuff said.
This a particularly brilliant comment in its simplicity. Re: "cultural realization" applies to a number of issues in addition to jokes demeaning others. Thank you, Diana, for giving me food for thought and meditation for making sense of much of the last fifty years, personal and cultural.
Same on the left "Give me a break" , "Delicate fannies" == Warren
Politicians -- nothing to see here, move along.
Only sad thing is how thin teh gruel is when it comes to rhetorical skill. The Greeks and Roamns studied it as one of their highest art forms, and no decent politician of that time would have had to resort to these basic and easily countered techniques. Of course, also a comment on the quality of thinking amongst the audience.
Bye bye Republic.
Politicians -- nothing to see here, move along.
Only sad thing is how thin teh gruel is when it comes to rhetorical skill. The Greeks and Roamns studied it as one of their highest art forms, and no decent politician of that time would have had to resort to these basic and easily countered techniques. Of course, also a comment on the quality of thinking amongst the audience.
Bye bye Republic.
15
"THE Greeks, THE Romans..." THE Redskins?
Maybe it is a comment on how the trite the society has become. Texting sure isn't improving our writing or speaking skills.
JEB, the acronym candidate, has nothing going for him, including qualifications, except for name recognition. For crying out loud, he even continues to support and defend his brother's disastrous policies, "he kept us safe". Rarely has so much gone wrong in the world, i.e., Iraq, Syria, migrants, ISIS, Russian military action in the skies above the Middle East, which can be blamed on one guy, W.
I don't want to see anyone named Bush anywhere near DC.
I don't want to see anyone named Bush anywhere near DC.
433
The interesting thing is that Jeb! was supposed to be the intelligent one of the Bush brothers for crying out loud. He sounds more and more like his brother "W" every day..........for crying out loud. Only maybe even dumber, for crying out loud.
Does this country need another ignorant Bush, for crying out loud????
Does this country need another ignorant Bush, for crying out loud????
166
i agree totally. i often say to friends 'and this is the smart Bush?'
1
Charles,
I don't like Jeb Bush, but let's be fair where fairness matters and stop the insidious practice of the kettle calling the pot black. True, Right to Rise, the super PAC that supports Mr. Bush, is not giving money to his campaign out of altruistic, eleemosynary motives. But, similarly, Hillary Clinton's Wall Street backers -- investment bankers, private equity firms, hedge-fund managers -- are also not funding her campaign out of the goodness of their hearts or because they're shedding copious tears out of commiseration, empathy and love for the poor and middle-class American families, so much so that they'd sacrifice their Gucci loafers, Birkin handbags, and Armani suits to bring cheer and joy to the average household. Yes, you guessed it though you may not want to admit it...the moneyed backers want in some form or shape, their pound of flesh as well for their support. Nothing is free unless we believe there's free lunch for all.
So, as long as you're following the money, why not follow Hillary Clinton's money trail as well? That'd be in the highest traditions of the Times' journalistic standards. If you're going to be opining as the Opinionator, why not be equally biased towards or critical of other candidates -- both Democrat and Republican -- and call the shots fairly and objectively? Or, would that violate your principle of anointing, without brooking any challenge to her veracity and content of character, Hillary Clnton as the Democratic candidate for POTUS?
I don't like Jeb Bush, but let's be fair where fairness matters and stop the insidious practice of the kettle calling the pot black. True, Right to Rise, the super PAC that supports Mr. Bush, is not giving money to his campaign out of altruistic, eleemosynary motives. But, similarly, Hillary Clinton's Wall Street backers -- investment bankers, private equity firms, hedge-fund managers -- are also not funding her campaign out of the goodness of their hearts or because they're shedding copious tears out of commiseration, empathy and love for the poor and middle-class American families, so much so that they'd sacrifice their Gucci loafers, Birkin handbags, and Armani suits to bring cheer and joy to the average household. Yes, you guessed it though you may not want to admit it...the moneyed backers want in some form or shape, their pound of flesh as well for their support. Nothing is free unless we believe there's free lunch for all.
So, as long as you're following the money, why not follow Hillary Clinton's money trail as well? That'd be in the highest traditions of the Times' journalistic standards. If you're going to be opining as the Opinionator, why not be equally biased towards or critical of other candidates -- both Democrat and Republican -- and call the shots fairly and objectively? Or, would that violate your principle of anointing, without brooking any challenge to her veracity and content of character, Hillary Clnton as the Democratic candidate for POTUS?
15
Maureen Dowd is the Designated Hillary Basher at the Times.
47
Wait, I thought this was an article about Jeb Bush. Where does Hillary fit in here, again?
2
We're not talking about Hillary. We're talking about Jeb. Stay on topic.
2
By way of comparing W to Jeb! with respect to intellectual capacity: everyone says that Jeb! is the smart one. The fact is, they are both identical in IQ (their test scores are a carefully guarded National Secret, but rumor has it they both score in the high 70's to low 80's).
W is a "fun guy" so he is perceived as the less smart.
Jeb! is the "serious" one, and is therefore deemed "smarter". Actually, he is simply the one without personality or joy de vivre.
W is a "fun guy" so he is perceived as the less smart.
Jeb! is the "serious" one, and is therefore deemed "smarter". Actually, he is simply the one without personality or joy de vivre.
129
It is petty to imply that the Bushes (GW and Jeb) have low IQs. People who reach the level that the Bushes have are very intelligent and are far above the national average. It insults not just the Bushes, but insults the reader of your comment. I expect far better from the New York Times comment writers and the monitors.
1
What planet in NJ are you from? I suppose the high 70s to low 80s remark is an attempt at humor, though not a very intelligent one.
Remember, W scored higher on his SATs than Kerry, Hillary or Bill. And since Obama won't release his academic record we might guess that W scored higher than the current president as well.
And certainly, W's foreign relations IQ is probably double that of our current leader, who makes Putin look like Kobe Bryant schooling a JVer.
Remember, W scored higher on his SATs than Kerry, Hillary or Bill. And since Obama won't release his academic record we might guess that W scored higher than the current president as well.
And certainly, W's foreign relations IQ is probably double that of our current leader, who makes Putin look like Kobe Bryant schooling a JVer.
1
It says something about the Times readership (at least the commenters) that 88 (so far) would recommend a silly, fatuous comment such as the one here and its demeaning ad hominem attack on the Bush brothers intelligence.
1
It's an interesting article and amusing to read, but in the end .. so what. He's got a nervous quirk. It sounds like he mostly uses it in reference to over the line political correctness. My problem with Mr Jeb is he has many of the same people behind the scenes who were responsible for getting us into Iraq. I would also like to mention that there are plenty of people including some Native Americans who are not bothered by or care one way or another what the Washington team is called.
102
As a member of the Oklahoma Cherokee tribe, and a Redskin fan, I find that most Native Americans, including myself, do not find the Redskin football team name offensive. We do find the referees in the NFL offensive though.
1
Please give us numbers here. How many Native Americans have been polled, and what are the results. For crying out loud. Not very statistically accurate here!
2
Have you asked many Native Americans about that? It is on a par with stupid Irish leprechaun logos, which are pretty insulting as well.
Oh for crying out loud.
18
Good to see a column written with the help of Google search too many "crying out loud" destroyed the original point you tried to make. Bush has a bad speech habit. His use of the expression means little more than that.
Sadly, the way things run in this country he will be the nominee along with Clinton. Either one will be atrocious and unsettling. Just a sign the great experiment in democracy is sliding ever faster downward.
Sadly, the way things run in this country he will be the nominee along with Clinton. Either one will be atrocious and unsettling. Just a sign the great experiment in democracy is sliding ever faster downward.
11
The United States Of America is not a democracy, it is a Republic. How can so many people lives their lives here and not understand its political system?
If one really wants to see how rhetorical quirks expose to the true intellect of a politician, study Barack Obama off teleprompter. His most obvious rhetorical quirk in these circumstances is the unacceptably repetitive use of the semi-verbal “uh”.
9
Blow is not ridiculing Bush for a trivial mannerism. He's pointing out a signal, a tell.
2
I think President Obama is a great president. I'm one of those people who tends to concentrate on, uh...... results.
2
Obama also drops his chin with his penchant for saying, "uh." But don't expect Charles M. Blow to notice such an ignmorant gesture. Obama's quirk is more offensive than Jeb Bush's, "for crying out loud."
1
Oh for crying out loud, what could the 2000 Presidential Election and Jeb! and his Florida staff's hijacking of the democratic vote possibly have to with 2015 ?......(besides remind us that massive voting and civil rights violations in the largest voter fraud in modern American history are actually federal crimes).
http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/vote2000/report/exesum.htm
So what if a governmental body, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, found that:
'Statewide in Florida, based upon county-level statistical estimates, black voters were nearly 10 times more likely than nonblack voters to have their ballots rejected.'
'Estimates indicate that approximately 14.4% of Florida’s black voters cast ballots that were rejected --- compared with approximately 1.6% of nonblack Florida voters who did not have their presidential votes counted.'
Gadsden County - physically located right next to Florida's state capital Tallahassee which was owned and operated by Jeb! Bush and Company, Inc. - had the highest county rate of spoiled ballots AND had the highest percentage of African American voters.
I'm sure there were plenty of good Jeb! Bush reasons that African Americans cast a disproportionately high 54% of the 180,000 spoiled ballots in Florida during the November 2000 election even though just 11% of Florida voters were African American, for crying out loud.
For crying out loud, what's so bad about hijacking the world's most famous democracy so my big brother can wreck the country ?
http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/vote2000/report/exesum.htm
So what if a governmental body, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, found that:
'Statewide in Florida, based upon county-level statistical estimates, black voters were nearly 10 times more likely than nonblack voters to have their ballots rejected.'
'Estimates indicate that approximately 14.4% of Florida’s black voters cast ballots that were rejected --- compared with approximately 1.6% of nonblack Florida voters who did not have their presidential votes counted.'
Gadsden County - physically located right next to Florida's state capital Tallahassee which was owned and operated by Jeb! Bush and Company, Inc. - had the highest county rate of spoiled ballots AND had the highest percentage of African American voters.
I'm sure there were plenty of good Jeb! Bush reasons that African Americans cast a disproportionately high 54% of the 180,000 spoiled ballots in Florida during the November 2000 election even though just 11% of Florida voters were African American, for crying out loud.
For crying out loud, what's so bad about hijacking the world's most famous democracy so my big brother can wreck the country ?
645
Also note that, despite evidence, nobody was ever held liable for this travesty on a country, and indeed the world. Is there a statute of limitations for this kind of fraud?
5
I looked at the report. Thank you for pointing that out. To this day I can't believe that Kerry lost the the state of Ohio in 2004. I thought from polling sources that his numbers looked good, so the Bush victory caught me by surprise; how could the polling numbers be incorrect?
6
Socrates, I look forward to your posts every day! Thanks for contributing your eloquently written comments.
5
Twelve years of a President Bush created more than enough damage for us to deal with, for crying out loud. Let them go race their sailboats around Kennebunkport instead. They'll feel better, and so will we.
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If only they raced sailboats! They haven't that much class. They steer those hideous cigarette boats that are deafeningly loud and dangerously fast as they speed past kayaks and swamp smaller boats. Sort of sounds like their policies as well, doesn't it?
1
Generations to recover. We may never recover in my limited life time (I'm 64).
1
Wow the latest manufactured outrage. Redskins. Yes Republicans are constantly saying stupid and insensitive things. Liberal reporters ears always perk up when such utterances come their way. These are easy columns to write. But what these pieces are really about is why the columnist is a morally superior human being. It is equivalent to the moral outrage Fox News always manufactures regarding Clinton and Benghazi. This is meant to rouse the converted not to enlighten the reader. How about a serious discussion of Bush's tax policy. That would be far more meaningful.
31
Tax cuts for the rich is the only tax policy that exists in the Grand Old Payola.
1
For crying out loud, who wants to read about boring tax policy???
1
Today's column is important because Jeb's use of 'for crying out loud' reveals defensiveness over challenges to his authority and an impatience for those who don't agree with him. It's used to shut people down. It illustrates the man's temperament and thinking process, qualities the electorate needs to know about when voting.
The days of pejorative mascot names are over. Time to retire "Redskins".
The days of pejorative mascot names are over. Time to retire "Redskins".
1
Who'd have thunk before this all began that GWB was actually the "smart one"?
The other critical difference between these two lightweight brothers is that the former had no doubts (irony of ironies), but the latter is full of them, despite the life of entitlement and privilege that he's led.
One gets the sense that JEB's! running to check off a box on a list of familial expectations that he's been carrying around in his back pocket his whole life.
When you do something because you're "supposed" to, not because you want to, it always shows.
When that "thing" is running for president, bad stuff happens.
The other critical difference between these two lightweight brothers is that the former had no doubts (irony of ironies), but the latter is full of them, despite the life of entitlement and privilege that he's led.
One gets the sense that JEB's! running to check off a box on a list of familial expectations that he's been carrying around in his back pocket his whole life.
When you do something because you're "supposed" to, not because you want to, it always shows.
When that "thing" is running for president, bad stuff happens.
45
Love these negative comments about "W"s intelligence. The only two people he had to be smarter than were Al Gore and John Kerry. Not only did "W" have a better academic record than both of them, he also beat them in an election.
1
For crying out loud, the whole time Third! Bush was Governor he used a private e-mail server. While he ended affirmative action in Florida colleges, charged out of state tuition to Florida born US citizens who parents were undocumented, signed the Stand Your Ground travesty, used brain dead Terri Schiavo for political points, corrupted the 2000 election by disenfranchising 93,000 legitimate Florida voters, tossed 180,000 ballots, used the Highway Patrol to intimidate black voters, while his wife tried to smuggle clothes and jewels through customs and his daughter was writing her own prescriptions, Third! Bush had his own private e-mail server.
It took Third! Bush seven years after he left office, to turn over the last batch of self selected e-mails to the state of Floriduh.
It took Third! Bush seven years after he left office, to turn over the last batch of self selected e-mails to the state of Floriduh.
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@Craig Geary, Redlands, Fl: Aw, Craig, don't be so mean to Jeb!, or crying out loud! The cherry on top of the Jeb! sundae was the 2000 Floriduh (love that!) coup that installed W (sorry, I meant Richard Cheney) as the 43rd president, for crying out loud! If not for that, we wouldn't have 9/11 and people throwing themselves out of the towering infernos hundreds of feet onto the Lower Manhattan sidewalks, for crying out loud! We wouldn't have had Trayvon Martin fighting for his life and being killed for standing his ground (whites could, blacks could not) after being stalked by vigilante George Zimmerman, for crying out loud! We wouldn't have had the state! the state! interfering in a family crisis, determining a woman's life or death, for crying out loud! What happened to states' rights, in Floriduh, of all places, for crying out loud? Craig, you're a real meanie. For crying out loud!
1
For crying out loud, Jeb Bush relying on a name to make news? Could it be? Yes, it could. How ironically consistent of him.
8
Bush says “It’s a sport, for crying out loud. It’s a football team... I’m missing something here, I guess.”
Yes, he is missing something alright. Actually, several things, but mainly empathy and respect for native americans.
Yes, he is missing something alright. Actually, several things, but mainly empathy and respect for native americans.
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Jeb! is never going to be president and everyone knows this so why take up valuable NYT real estate discussing a lame verbal tic he uses right before he lies to people's faces? Your readers are clamouring for relevant information on relevant candidates, like that guy Bernie Sanders the kids are all talking about. I guess it is easier to dish on and on about fools than to write something that may challenge the status quo of your employer's mandate to ignore Sanders.
40
And the fact that 'that guy' raised an uprecedented $24M in August compared to Hilary''s $28
AND he did it with no PAC, no ego-maniac money.
That's real political news for America!
AND he did it with no PAC, no ego-maniac money.
That's real political news for America!
3
Follow the kids. They've abandoned mainstream, corporate funded "news". Bernie is all over social media and you can find his stand on the issues that matter at http://feelthebern.org provided free by a group of techie kids supporting him. He even has a hashtag #FeelTheBern.
1
Agreed, start talking about Bernie. And let it all hang out!
4
Stop saying "crying out loud" Jeb, for crying out loud!
7
Where was Mr. Blow and his powers of observation when Obama was using "Let me be clear" as a introduction to statements and policies that were anything but?
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Which Obama policies are not clear to you? maybe I can help, for crying out loud.
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@Kevin Rothstein - how about "It's not a tax" in reference to the mandate on Meet the Press? Or "If you like your plan, you can keep your plan"? He lied, for crying out loud...
How about "If you like your doctor you can keep your doctor?"
3
Really, Charles? Your column today on a phrase used by Jeb Bush is one of the most tepid pieces you've ever written.
If anything, today's op-ed was more insightful as to what it revealed about Charles Blow. That is his implications that somehow his op-ed columns are "journalism". In the broad sense Blow work is journalism since he’s writing for a newspaper. But in my opinion, writing an opinion column where one can leisurely put forth insights and perspective is vastly different from actually having to objectively research and then write under deadline on actual events.
So, Charles, providing your opinions is not reporting, for crying out loud.
If anything, today's op-ed was more insightful as to what it revealed about Charles Blow. That is his implications that somehow his op-ed columns are "journalism". In the broad sense Blow work is journalism since he’s writing for a newspaper. But in my opinion, writing an opinion column where one can leisurely put forth insights and perspective is vastly different from actually having to objectively research and then write under deadline on actual events.
So, Charles, providing your opinions is not reporting, for crying out loud.
11
Right. Blow writes an op-ed article. Blow is not reporting, he is observing. Charles is an opinion writer and you are free to agree or disagree with his articles.
26
Ease Up Know it all-
He is an opinion writer! He takes a position and uses examples to support that opinion. If you do not like or disagree with his opinion then we have the ability to express our opinion here, with a few facts to support our opinions.
Reporting is, as you alluded to is, presenting facts, and quotes from people who are familiar with the events that are reported.
What is your opinion of "irony" Mr, Know-It-All?
He is an opinion writer! He takes a position and uses examples to support that opinion. If you do not like or disagree with his opinion then we have the ability to express our opinion here, with a few facts to support our opinions.
Reporting is, as you alluded to is, presenting facts, and quotes from people who are familiar with the events that are reported.
What is your opinion of "irony" Mr, Know-It-All?
1
It strikes me that paying close attention to Jeb's utterances is quite boring.
17
Jeb and his crying out loud leaves many of us weeping softly at the thought he could be elected.
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Dear Mr. Blow,
It's JEB, for crying out loud, NOT Jeb Bush!
And, hopefully, he IS "crying out loud" as he watches the snake on the Gadsden flag devour itself and the whole GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE in front of the entire country, for crying out loud.
It's JEB, for crying out loud, NOT Jeb Bush!
And, hopefully, he IS "crying out loud" as he watches the snake on the Gadsden flag devour itself and the whole GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE in front of the entire country, for crying out loud.
25
"For crying out loud," is a euphemized version of "For Christ's sake." I wonder if Jeb! used to say the latter but, upon entering politics, trained himself to say the former.
5
My thought exactly
For crying out loud, the differences between Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton boil down to the differences between the sets of billionaires who are financing their campaigns… and more than anything those who are financing their campaigns want things to stay as they are. The differences between Bernie Sanders and everyone else who is running are HUGE because Mr. Sanders is not accepting PAC money. Instead of finding "gotchas" to distinguish between establishment candidates I hope you and your colleagues will look at the differences between Mr. Sanders' positions and those of his opponents. Help us cast our votes based on substantive issues and not on the nicknames of football teams.
22
This may help explain why his poll numbers remain at the bottom of the pack for crying out loud.
11
The "crying out loud" expression fits perfectly with Jeb's Republican id, in particular with his repeated use of "free stuff".
I'm surprised we haven't heard "47% of the American people just want free stuff, for crying out loud!"
I'm surprised we haven't heard "47% of the American people just want free stuff, for crying out loud!"
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Criminetlies, you're right!
1
Jeb! made Terry Schaivo a household name by politicizing what should have been a personal family decision. Ask Terry's husband, for crying out loud.
Jeb! with the help of Katherine Harris blocked the counting of votes in Florida and helped his brother get into the White House. Ask the American people how that went, for crying out loud.
Jeb! takes credit for an economic boom when he was Governor but not for the bust that followed the housing bubble, which was the primary reason for the preceding boom. Ask homeowners in Florida who were left with debts larger than the value of their house, for crying out loud.
Jeb! with the help of Katherine Harris blocked the counting of votes in Florida and helped his brother get into the White House. Ask the American people how that went, for crying out loud.
Jeb! takes credit for an economic boom when he was Governor but not for the bust that followed the housing bubble, which was the primary reason for the preceding boom. Ask homeowners in Florida who were left with debts larger than the value of their house, for crying out loud.
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For crying out loud, why was he not arrested then and even now for using Katherine Harris to block the counting of votes in Florida and helping his brother get into the White House.He is no Jimmy Hoffa. We all know where Jeb lives. He should not be allowed to run, period. Ah, but he has no shame!
Personally I find the "fighting Irish" offensive, and I cringe at the sight of that funny little guy on the Boston Celtic jerseys. For crying out loud, give us all a break! Really? Typical liberal mindbots can turn one sentence into an entire column!
8
I could agree with you if the Notre Dame team was called the "Drunken MICKS". The Seminoles, Chippewas, Illini, Utes, etc, are all acceptable names for mascots that are not a derogatory term for a race of people.
For crying out loud, the last thing America needs to accelerate backwards in time with another Bush or Clinton in the White House. If we must read unending fixations on Jeb and Hillary in the press, can they at least concentrate on more on substantive policy issues and cut back on trivial rhetorical over-analysis?
5
I have no idea where the unsettling phrase used to describe and define Jeb! came into being: "he's the smart one." And the New York Times, in more than one place, has declared him to be "a policy wonk." Our media's political reportage, both electronic and print, are now used to taking the lazy way out. They employ a smooth brand of shorthand to deliver the "news" that they fancy we hunger for. Their rush to get something on the air or into print first betrays a shallowness and lack of understanding of what political reporting entails. Cutting right to the chase, this third son of a former president is an uneducated prince of wealth who has been pushed and prodded into declaring himself presidential material; of having, in some measure, qualities of governance that both his father and brother seriously lacked. He's been given a huge pass by the national media about the disqualification of ballots in Florida in 2000. He has never fully explained his role in the disenfranchisement of minority voters there, the denial of their rights as American citizens resulting in the disaster that his brother visited upon us and for which we are all now paying. When Jeb! opens his mouth nothing worth hearing comes out. Donald Trump is far less sinister than deer-in-the-headlights Jeb! simply because he's so vacant he'd turn over his presidency to a ruthless personality type like Richard Cheney. Jeb!'s not smart, He's no "wonk." He's as clueless as they come. He's a Bush.
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Don't overestimate yourself.
Fascinating that Charles has now written 2 back-to-back articles on Jeb!, as if he is the front runner in the GOP primary.
I think Jeb! may be out before Hillary.
I think Jeb! may be out before Hillary.
7
The way Jeb uses the phrase is to express exasperation at those who do not agree with his "common sense." It is meant as a conversation stopper, a parental or patrician way to put others in their place. A reading of the examples provided by Charles Blow reveals much about Bush's attitude and how he might choose to govern.
14
I think, it's all about significant donations. Money talks. Money is something for which such politicians like Jeb Bush prepared to "missing something", this is not the next president of America should be.
5
"For crying out loud" is an old-fashioned phrase, one used often by my Dad when he wasn't using a stronger version of this phrase insulting Jesus. I suspect Jeb learned it at the family dinner table--for me, it symbolizes the 30s when at least people tried to curb their offensive speech. In today's vulgar culture, it comes across as wimpy.
While my dad used the phrase in anger, Jeb injects a note of defensiveness and rationalization that just comes across as arrogant. As if only he can see the wisdom of a proposal or the need for a program and we, the average joes don't possess his insight. Like the man himself, the phrase is condescending.
The harder Jeb runs the worse he looks. I can't tell which is worse: Jeb claiming he's running a "joyful campaign" or Jeb against he rails. Maybe the problem is, Jeb's "for crying out loud" always seems to occur when he's telling us "we don't get it."
Oh, we get it alright. We get the fact the man who was preordained by big money to be the Republican nominee only to see the prize slipping through his hands is cranky. And whiny. The golden boy of the Bush dynasty who wants to be seen as a savior needs saving--but all we're hearing in those "for crying out louds" is the frustration of a kid who isn't getting his way.
While my dad used the phrase in anger, Jeb injects a note of defensiveness and rationalization that just comes across as arrogant. As if only he can see the wisdom of a proposal or the need for a program and we, the average joes don't possess his insight. Like the man himself, the phrase is condescending.
The harder Jeb runs the worse he looks. I can't tell which is worse: Jeb claiming he's running a "joyful campaign" or Jeb against he rails. Maybe the problem is, Jeb's "for crying out loud" always seems to occur when he's telling us "we don't get it."
Oh, we get it alright. We get the fact the man who was preordained by big money to be the Republican nominee only to see the prize slipping through his hands is cranky. And whiny. The golden boy of the Bush dynasty who wants to be seen as a savior needs saving--but all we're hearing in those "for crying out louds" is the frustration of a kid who isn't getting his way.
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I prefer "Jumpin' Jehosephat"—it's almost like bebop.
"Badge" McMorrow strikes again. Unbelievable.
Charlie is right to say that "for crying out loud" coincides with Mr. Bush's exasperation, but that's almost always the case, isn't it? And we all feel like frustrated kids sometimes. I know I sure do; for example, when I'm not given as many badges as you, Badge.
And I agree about the mainstreaming of vulgarity.
The popular culture is ever so vulgar. It's quite sad, actually.
Charlie is right to say that "for crying out loud" coincides with Mr. Bush's exasperation, but that's almost always the case, isn't it? And we all feel like frustrated kids sometimes. I know I sure do; for example, when I'm not given as many badges as you, Badge.
And I agree about the mainstreaming of vulgarity.
The popular culture is ever so vulgar. It's quite sad, actually.
1
"Big money"... oooooh, bad! Big this, big that, let those idiom fly!
Ah you messed up. Now he will stop saying it.
11
To me, the "for crying out loud" speaks to Jeb!'s lack of ability to imagine a point of view outside his own. That someone else might interpret a situation differently from the way he does appears inconceivable to him.
Empathy? Not so much...
Empathy? Not so much...
40
The adage: for crying out loud, similar to "give me a break!" used as a tricky alternative to decrying "case closed" bullies use in an attempt to have the last word. It is a means they employ employ in an attempt to mask the fact they have little or no criterion to back up their contentions.
218
There's also "end of story!" I heard this first hand when a right winger was advocating privatization of Social Security. The "end of story" came when he told of his cleaning up on one (just one) stock investment.
Jeb starts out putting his foot in his mouth and then proceeds over time to add his lower leg, knee cap, upper leg, etc. He has this insatiable appetite for saying incredibly stupid things.According to Etymologists "For crying out loud" is something called a "minced oath".These oaths are of English origin and are euphemistic ways of saying something that may be considered religiously inappropriate. In this case it's "for Christ's sake" Charles should examine the verbal idiosyncrasies of other Republican candidates. "Fiorinaism" will become a synonym for "makes up stuff about non-existent videos she never saw". The narcissistic "Donald" makes it easy to make a speech just use phrases like "the best people", it's going to be great", "huge," "they love me" and "I love"( just fill in the appropriate demographic group) followed or proceeded by any series of random words. Callow Ben Carson says everything in a weird monotone and repeats things he's heard somewhere about Muslims.
29
"Minced oath." I like that. If memory serves me correctly, such usages have a long history. "Zounds" was an Elizabethan "minced oath" for "God's Wounds," a reference to those inflicted upon Jesus on the cross. Maybe even older.
I do find the verbal ticks annoying and wonder why there is not more push back. Donald Trump keeps saying, "And by the way....." to change the subject while many use the crutch, "Look..." to make a point. Hillary has a pervasive "you know" whenever she talks off the cuff. It drive me crazy since it breaks up the flow and impact of her message and results in her ideas sounding tedious rather than compelling.
136
They are compelling just the same.
1
The Bush family deserves more scrutiny. Who are they, where do they come from? Where did their money come from? Why are they so inarticulate?
The mystery is how people like these are perceived as worthy to govern? It is a strange holdover from aristocracy and medieval thinking. Rich people are smarter than the rest of us, right? People like Bush, and Trump, and Forbes are better than other politicians because they are richer? The SCOTUS seems to agree. The SCOTUS decided that money is speech and restored the aristocratic privileges. Under the aristocracy that our ancestors fled, speech impediments, and irregularities of speech were imitated. For crying out loud....
The mystery is how people like these are perceived as worthy to govern? It is a strange holdover from aristocracy and medieval thinking. Rich people are smarter than the rest of us, right? People like Bush, and Trump, and Forbes are better than other politicians because they are richer? The SCOTUS seems to agree. The SCOTUS decided that money is speech and restored the aristocratic privileges. Under the aristocracy that our ancestors fled, speech impediments, and irregularities of speech were imitated. For crying out loud....
44
John Kenneth Galbreath (sic?) had a great expression for such folks: "The accidentally rich!"
3
" Who are [the Bushes], where do they come from? Where did their money come from? "
This information is available on line, from many sources – and it ain't pretty.
This information is available on line, from many sources – and it ain't pretty.
3
Elect this vacuous, entitled, inarticulate, prepster and the whole country will be "crying out loud" for crying out loud.
68
Not policy, but stipulations issue from Jeb every day or so. "That's the way it is," he says about his plan to cut taxes for the wealthy since they "pay more." "Free stuff" will have to be given up, he says, to create jobs. He blames Obama's "blind haste" for the disintegration of Iraq, but his brother negotiated the terms of the US withdrawal from a sovereign nation whose government and economy the US invaded and wrecked--under the false stipulations of his brother as President!
Domestically, Jeb has stipulated American workers must "work longer hours" to "earn more income." His stipulation on women's health care is well known: "we don't need a half billion dollars for women's health issues." He would "phase out" medicare. He would raise the retirement age for social security to "68 or 70." And about the issues of dignity tied to the derogatory name for a pro football team in the nation's capitol, he stipulated, "it's only a football team."
What he has not stipulated is the amount of money he plans to raise and spend; therein lies the danger behind his pronouncements. Ads are already running in South Carolina supporting his candidacy; they mention none of his stipulations, but throw around misleading figures of billions in budget and tax cuts about his term as governor in Florida 20 years ago--a time when Jeb's secretary of state stipulated his brother had won the presidency.
He offers nothing new. His stipulations (add in immigration, education) are bad news.
Domestically, Jeb has stipulated American workers must "work longer hours" to "earn more income." His stipulation on women's health care is well known: "we don't need a half billion dollars for women's health issues." He would "phase out" medicare. He would raise the retirement age for social security to "68 or 70." And about the issues of dignity tied to the derogatory name for a pro football team in the nation's capitol, he stipulated, "it's only a football team."
What he has not stipulated is the amount of money he plans to raise and spend; therein lies the danger behind his pronouncements. Ads are already running in South Carolina supporting his candidacy; they mention none of his stipulations, but throw around misleading figures of billions in budget and tax cuts about his term as governor in Florida 20 years ago--a time when Jeb's secretary of state stipulated his brother had won the presidency.
He offers nothing new. His stipulations (add in immigration, education) are bad news.
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You may wish to recall that it was Mr. Obama who first called for a rise in the age for Medicare to 70 (from the present 65) and a similar increase for SS (now 67).
And Mr. Obama is actually the President, while Jeb(!) is not and likely never will be.
And Mr. Obama is actually the President, while Jeb(!) is not and likely never will be.
4
Nice catch on the "crying out loud phrase."
This also reveals another Jeb! characteristic -- he looks down on his own voter base.
He is not "missing something" about the Redskins slur, but he thinks his target voters will miss it and expect him to miss it. He says something he knows is stupid because he thinks his target voters are stupid.
It is far past arrogance. It is his considered opinion, poll tested, focus group examined, a calculated evaluation of his own target voters. He "has to say that" and so he does.
This also reveals another Jeb! characteristic -- he looks down on his own voter base.
He is not "missing something" about the Redskins slur, but he thinks his target voters will miss it and expect him to miss it. He says something he knows is stupid because he thinks his target voters are stupid.
It is far past arrogance. It is his considered opinion, poll tested, focus group examined, a calculated evaluation of his own target voters. He "has to say that" and so he does.
175
What will Hillary have to say on Oct 22 during her Oct 22 testimony. Come on barrister, dazzle us with your brilliant rhetorical discourse. I need a good laugh
If somehow Jeb! gets elected President, the nation will be crying out, loud!
205
I don't need to know more about Jeb Bush and his nonsense. But I do want to hear more about the Democrats, in particular, Bernie Sanders. There are a few candidates running in that party too, you know. There's Hiliary Clinton, who is losing ground rapidly to Bernie Sanders, in some cases well over taking her, and then there is the rest of the pack way behind. Why isn't anyone discussing this in these pages?
483
I was watching Chris Matthews last night on MSNBC and in the middle of discussing current events with his panel, they cut away to a live broadcast of Trump giving a speech. This is the problem. Trump as usual was just blowing hot air but no matter the news station, they treat him like the second coming of Christ.
16
Sanders is the first candidate past a million donations and there is not a peep on the front of the Times today?
34
Reason Dems do not get press coverage: 95% or more of news outlets are owned by large corporations. Guess which way their management leans!
25
I thought Jeb Bush was going to be a formidable candidate. His application to be the Republican nominee had all the right boxes checked. He gleefully presided over executions in Florida. He was properly homophobic, scientifically uninformed, stood firmly against removing a feeding tube from a brain-dead woman, and, most of all, delivered the presidency to his brother by refusing a recount. I thought Hillary was going to have her hands full.
More than that, I thought that compared to W. he was the smarter of the two, and that he would at the very least be more eloquent than the brother whose “strategery” was lampooned on Saturday Night Live. How was I to know that W. was the smart one, for crying out loud?
Donald Trump is a buffoon with flair, and is at least entertaining. Carly Fiorina can concoct riveting fantasies and lie without blinking. While Ben Carson is talking all you can think about is that this guy used to operate on people’s brains, and hope that they’re all doing OK. None of them are remotely presidential, so you’d think that a Bush would have more than a fighting chance.
I turns out that Jeb has few ideas and even less ability to express them. His rhetorical flair consists of little more than verbal tics, and his body language is comprised of nervous shrugs that have been analyzed and found to be broadcasting insecurity and disingenuousness. Rather than presidential, he appears to be just another doofus in a crowd of doufi.
More than that, I thought that compared to W. he was the smarter of the two, and that he would at the very least be more eloquent than the brother whose “strategery” was lampooned on Saturday Night Live. How was I to know that W. was the smart one, for crying out loud?
Donald Trump is a buffoon with flair, and is at least entertaining. Carly Fiorina can concoct riveting fantasies and lie without blinking. While Ben Carson is talking all you can think about is that this guy used to operate on people’s brains, and hope that they’re all doing OK. None of them are remotely presidential, so you’d think that a Bush would have more than a fighting chance.
I turns out that Jeb has few ideas and even less ability to express them. His rhetorical flair consists of little more than verbal tics, and his body language is comprised of nervous shrugs that have been analyzed and found to be broadcasting insecurity and disingenuousness. Rather than presidential, he appears to be just another doofus in a crowd of doufi.
1484
I'm starting to see a pattern of genetic impairment. How many more generations of Bush will run for public office before we get a diagnosis?
25
It turns out that he's not the smarter of the two. Neither of them is the smarter of the two.
46
"Donald Trump is a buffoon with a flair for hair".
There, I fixed it for you.
FLAIR: (from Merriam-Webster): A skill or instinctive ability to appreciate or make good use of something.
There, I fixed it for you.
FLAIR: (from Merriam-Webster): A skill or instinctive ability to appreciate or make good use of something.
6
! reminds me of W. And I get nauseous.
The Republican Party learned nothing from W's abysmal, disastrous presidency or their father's failed and best forgotten presidency. They continue to think the Bushes are more than tumbleweeds (more accurately, stumbleweeds). Thankfully, most of the country refuses to be fooled three times.
The Republican Party learned nothing from W's abysmal, disastrous presidency or their father's failed and best forgotten presidency. They continue to think the Bushes are more than tumbleweeds (more accurately, stumbleweeds). Thankfully, most of the country refuses to be fooled three times.
246
His brother George also had an alerting phrase -- "some people may say".
Whenever you heard that, you knew a real whopper of a lie was going to follow.
Whenever you heard that, you knew a real whopper of a lie was going to follow.
236
Another tip off was when he would give a half-giggle, half-snort and say "it's interesting..."
3
But now we see that he was the smart one!
1
The idea that Jeb Bush has a slim but finite chance of being president should have everyone crying out loud.
671
Even weeping out very loud!
2
I'll bet that he got it from his mother.
What's surprising about Jeb is that he sounds dumber than George. What a great president he would make. A dumber version than George W. Bush . Who da guessed. No wonder his mother didn't want him to run.
What's surprising about Jeb is that he sounds dumber than George. What a great president he would make. A dumber version than George W. Bush . Who da guessed. No wonder his mother didn't want him to run.
307
Self-pity has always been the hallmark of GOP candidates. They claim victimhood for every real or imagined slight.
They are always "misquoted" when challenged, they blame the "liberal" media whenever they need to change a subject, and they use the term "politically correct" as its default position.
The latter is particularly odious. "Politically correct" is a handy justification for anything said, no matter how divisive or hateful.
They are always "misquoted" when challenged, they blame the "liberal" media whenever they need to change a subject, and they use the term "politically correct" as its default position.
The latter is particularly odious. "Politically correct" is a handy justification for anything said, no matter how divisive or hateful.
185
However, political correctness does exist - and it is maddening. I find it interesting, for example, that many people advocate using the term "Native American," yet there are quarter- and half-page ads in the Times Sunday Magazine placed by the Indian College Fund that includes said terminology (please excuse me if I haven't named the fund precisely.) Language matters very much and can be instructive, as Mr. Blow states so well in his column. But "Politically correct" is a bit of light smog that is itself divisive.
2
Speaking of linguistics - why not call reactionaries that, rather than "conservatives"? Conservatives are critical of change; the "conservatives" reported on regularly in the Times want lots of change (and return to 19th century social arrangements).
85
Even "reactionaries" is kind. I think that went past that one on their lemming-like rush to the right-edged side of minimally cohesive thought. They are no longer inchoate reactionaries; they are incendiaries. Expect the whole lot to burst in to flames at any minute from their primal rage.
5
Jeb Bush says: "Life is precious. It’s a gift from God." Except when it's Terri Schiavo's life. Then it's a political football used in a disgraceful stunt to cater to the lunatic fringe.
474
What he meant was that expensive ventilators and round-the-clock- care to keep a corpse "breathing" was really good for the hospital industry.
2
And another exception -- the life of a poor pregnant woman.
2
He has no shame. He is toxic like his brother. Very unfortunate person. TIME FOR HIM TO DROP OUT IS NOW. Donate the money you have raised to schools.Bye, bye Bushbird....
100
I find this interesting. It's my experience that those who rely on verbal crutches such as this are usually rather dim-witted, relying on filler phrases until their brain can formulate another thought for verbalization.
My favorite is this one: ...at the end of the day.....
My favorite is this one: ...at the end of the day.....
353
Agree.
Mine is "Let me be clear..".
Talk about dim-witted!
Mine is "Let me be clear..".
Talk about dim-witted!
2
Everyone relies on filler. No doubt you do, too, except that you don't realize your own verbal tics.
This is a cheap shot, and if it were directed at anyone other than a Republican it would be recognized as such, but instead it's a Pick. Figures.
This is a cheap shot, and if it were directed at anyone other than a Republican it would be recognized as such, but instead it's a Pick. Figures.
1
How about speakers who begin every single sentence with "So......" as if this has some discernible meaning.
Good grief, I hate these rhetorical quirks. They're reveal a lack of an ability to express oneself, something the Bush family excels at.
Sheesh.
Sheesh.
54
He's a Bush, for crying out loud. What did we expect, someone articulate?
746
You all seem to be looking for an actual leader. What big business is looking for is a sock puppet who can be controlled by them, with a tough vice-president to take care of the day-to-day. Who would be Jeb's in-house handler, like Cheney was for Shrub?
1
When you detect a poker player's "tell", it's generally not something that you want to admit you've noticed because it may change.
26
Unlikely in this case
8
Both Jeb and his brother George "W" are, without a doubt, verbally challenged.
The first is a bore and the second is a laughable bore.
One has to wonder if either one of them ever got a passing grade in an English class, for crying out loud.
The first is a bore and the second is a laughable bore.
One has to wonder if either one of them ever got a passing grade in an English class, for crying out loud.
317
It was Gov. Anne Richards (D. TX.) who said Poppy Bush "was born with a silver foot in his mouth."
The apple does not fall far from the tree.
The apple does not fall far from the tree.
15
That Jeb earned a degree from a very good university in only 2.5 years, I'm guessing he passed.
1
We English teachers really appreciate your "textual attention" Mr. Blow. Many "follow the money" but fewer "follow the rhetoric". You can come be a guest speaker in my classroom any time! Keep up the good work... I'll go back to reading "Politics and the English Language" and "Semiology and Rhetoric" now and check back when you're next "close reading" gets posted.
87
The verbal quirk attempts to cover over nervousness with a WASPy-limpid tone of 'Gosh golly, now you've really got me riled up, for Pete's sake!'
A nice bit of observation, this column.
A nice bit of observation, this column.
333
Or "for Christ's sake" or" for the love of God" might not play that well to his idiot evangelical base.
really it is false outrage that Jeb! trots out, while he tries to get some traction in the quicksand, that he constantly seems to get stuck in.
really it is false outrage that Jeb! trots out, while he tries to get some traction in the quicksand, that he constantly seems to get stuck in.
10
I am not sure it's a "tell" so much as a dog whistle. You kids get off my lawn.
5
Very perceptive, Mr. Blow! I've always enjoyed your columns.
1
At a time when it's impolitic to revel in your brother's warmongering achievements or speak as kindly of immigrants as Poppy Bush and Ronald Reagan did in the 80's (http://fb.me/3qwKhZd3w), the tired prescriptions for economic policy don't appeal to the angry conservative base and the phoenix that has risen out of the ashes of the chaos the Kochs have sown, what's a Jeb! to do? Why, go back to basics and bring back the welfare queen! Double down on racism defend that team mascot's honor! How else to run against the one who Trumped you? Out-Trump him!
Trump has forced Bush to go even further to the right than before. But how much more believable will Jeb! be now? These are just a few reasons why no Republican will be elected.
When will Bernie vs. Hillary finally be covered in a way that does the voting public the service it deserves? When will we talk about finishing what Martin Luther King started: unifying a recession and police brutality-weary nation to rebuild our democracy and get on the path of racial justice?
"But we have come. And we have come here because we share a common concern for the moral health of our nation. We have come because our eyes have seen through the superficial glory and glitter of our society and observed the coming of judgment. Like the prophet of old, we have read the handwriting on the wall. We have seen our nation weighed in the balance of history and found wanting. We have come because we see this as a dark hour in the affairs of men."
MLK
Trump has forced Bush to go even further to the right than before. But how much more believable will Jeb! be now? These are just a few reasons why no Republican will be elected.
When will Bernie vs. Hillary finally be covered in a way that does the voting public the service it deserves? When will we talk about finishing what Martin Luther King started: unifying a recession and police brutality-weary nation to rebuild our democracy and get on the path of racial justice?
"But we have come. And we have come here because we share a common concern for the moral health of our nation. We have come because our eyes have seen through the superficial glory and glitter of our society and observed the coming of judgment. Like the prophet of old, we have read the handwriting on the wall. We have seen our nation weighed in the balance of history and found wanting. We have come because we see this as a dark hour in the affairs of men."
MLK
116
That King quote came from his Three Evils of Society speech, Conference on New Politics, August 31, 1967, Chicago
Full text and video of the speech with my essay:
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/04/mlks-message-to-blacklivesmatter-moralm...
The Sanders revolution is shaking things up both to his right and his left, it seems... My new essay:
http://wp.me/p2KJ3H-1Eb
We've spent the last few years describing corporatism in terms of Ayn Rand, but we really should have been talking about Milton Friedman. I took a look back at the prevailing opinions on corporate social ethics at the time he wrote his famous book, Capitalism and Freedom.
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/09/from-milton-friedman-to-ronald-dworkin-...
Full text and video of the speech with my essay:
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/04/mlks-message-to-blacklivesmatter-moralm...
The Sanders revolution is shaking things up both to his right and his left, it seems... My new essay:
http://wp.me/p2KJ3H-1Eb
We've spent the last few years describing corporatism in terms of Ayn Rand, but we really should have been talking about Milton Friedman. I took a look back at the prevailing opinions on corporate social ethics at the time he wrote his famous book, Capitalism and Freedom.
http://www.rimaregas.com/2015/09/from-milton-friedman-to-ronald-dworkin-...
11
Bernie is hot air and will blow away soon. Hillary is toast, will vanish. Mr. Trump is the one to be in the White House to stand tall for us, thank you Donald!
8
In order to win, Madigan, Trump and any of his fellow GOP clown car passengers would have to garner both the Black and Hispanic votes. Hell will freeze over before that happens. That's how the number crunching works and the reason why Republicans have been so intent on suppressing the vote.
This coming election is a Democrat's to win. Period.
This coming election is a Democrat's to win. Period.
53
The visit of three Ghosts, it seems
Did not change Jebenezer's dreams
He still cries "Humbug!" on the hour,
On social policies is dour.
He'd like to bring Workhouses back,
And not cut Bob Cratchit some slack,
And Debtors Prisons from the dead
Will fill inner cities instead,
Surely the Tea Party will notice
There is no meaner man for POTUS.
And since Tiny Tim's not unborn,
His demise Jeb will never mourn..
Did not change Jebenezer's dreams
He still cries "Humbug!" on the hour,
On social policies is dour.
He'd like to bring Workhouses back,
And not cut Bob Cratchit some slack,
And Debtors Prisons from the dead
Will fill inner cities instead,
Surely the Tea Party will notice
There is no meaner man for POTUS.
And since Tiny Tim's not unborn,
His demise Jeb will never mourn..
87