Ashley Judd vs. Mitch McConnell Kentucky senate 2014 (1 Viewer)

[Fennis]

You don't exactly need to be a brain surgeon to be a Senator. They don't do much.

 

[Jewell]

I think this is a terribly slippery slope as I can imagine a congress full of actors, musicians, and sports stars. God help us all if/when that happens.

That scary thought probably has Jack Kemp, Bill Bradley, and Jim Bunning drinking heavily, and Sonny Bono is spinning in his grave.

Yes, because the political climate in America today is exactly like it was 20 years ago!

I'm not sure what political climate has to do with it. If anything, we'll have less athletes going into politics because athletes today make millions and don't need to do anything when they retire. Athletes in the past, even good ones, did need to seek out another career. I doubt we'll see many more Steve Largents that want to deal with the headache after their playing days are over.As far as entertainers, the same applies. These people are wealthy enough that they don't need the job. The occasional political junkie like Franken or Judd may seek office, but I don't think there's a worry of Congress getting swamped with them.

 

[3C's]

I think this is a terribly slippery slope as I can imagine a congress full of actors, musicians, and sports stars. God help us all if/when that happens.

That scary thought probably has Jack Kemp, Bill Bradley, and Jim Bunning drinking heavily, and Sonny Bono is spinning in his grave.

Yes, because the political climate in America today is exactly like it was 20 years ago!

I'm not sure what political climate has to do with it. If anything, we'll have less athletes going into politics because athletes today make millions and don't need to do anything when they retire. Athletes in the past, even good ones, did need to seek out another career. I doubt we'll see many more Steve Largents that want to deal with the headache after their playing days are over.As far as entertainers, the same applies. These people are wealthy enough that they don't need the job. The occasional political junkie like Franken or Judd may seek office, but I don't think there's a worry of Congress getting swamped with them.

Heath Shuler

 

[pizzatyme]

I think this is a terribly slippery slope as I can imagine a congress full of actors, musicians, and sports stars. God help us all if/when that happens.

That scary thought probably has Jack Kemp, Bill Bradley, and Jim Bunning drinking heavily, and Sonny Bono is spinning in his grave.

Yes, because the political climate in America today is exactly like it was 20 years ago!

I'm not sure what political climate has to do with it. If anything, we'll have less athletes going into politics because athletes today make millions and don't need to do anything when they retire. Athletes in the past, even good ones, did need to seek out another career. I doubt we'll see many more Steve Largents that want to deal with the headache after their playing days are over.As far as entertainers, the same applies. These people are wealthy enough that they don't need the job. The occasional political junkie like Franken or Judd may seek office, but I don't think there's a worry of Congress getting swamped with them.

I hope you're correct. I wonder why these types feel the need to stump and host fundraisers for their candidates? Why the political interest?

 

[Tremendous Upside]

I think this is a terribly slippery slope as I can imagine a congress full of actors, musicians, and sports stars. God help us all if/when that happens.

That scary thought probably has Jack Kemp, Bill Bradley, and Jim Bunning drinking heavily, and Sonny Bono is spinning in his grave.

Yes, because the political climate in America today is exactly like it was 20 years ago!

I'm not sure what political climate has to do with it. If anything, we'll have less athletes going into politics because athletes today make millions and don't need to do anything when they retire. Athletes in the past, even good ones, did need to seek out another career. I doubt we'll see many more Steve Largents that want to deal with the headache after their playing days are over.As far as entertainers, the same applies. These people are wealthy enough that they don't need the job. The occasional political junkie like Franken or Judd may seek office, but I don't think there's a worry of Congress getting swamped with them.

I hope you're correct. I wonder why these types feel the need to stump and host fundraisers for their candidates? Why the political interest?

Because they are citizens. Because they care about issues. Because their fame gives them a greater ability to potentially affect the change they care about. Why are you interested?

 

[Hooper31]

McConnell has had several relatively close races in KY. He won in 2008 by about 6 points, which isn't a lot for a senior Republican in a solidly-Republican state. I can easily imagine him losing to a decent candidate (not sure if Ashley Judd qualifies or not).

What makes you think she might be qualified?

I know absolutely nothing about Ashley Judd besides that she's apparently an actress and from Kentucky.

She has a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Does that count for anything?

 

[mon]

Judd will win the presidency in 2024. You heard it here first.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Judd will win the presidency in 2024. You heard it here first.

Nate Silver predicted it in July.

 

[mon]

Judd will win the presidency in 2024. You heard it here first.

Nate Silver predicted it in July.

Well...I bet someone heard it hear first.

 

[Eephus]

I think this is a terribly slippery slope as I can imagine a congress full of actors, musicians, and sports stars. God help us all if/when that happens.

That scary thought probably has Jack Kemp, Bill Bradley, and Jim Bunning drinking heavily, and Sonny Bono is spinning in his grave.

The slippery slope eventually caught up with Sonny Bono

 

[eoMMan]

Very hot. I'd vote for her.

 

[Eephus]

McConnell has had several relatively close races in KY. He won in 2008 by about 6 points, which isn't a lot for a senior Republican in a solidly-Republican state. I can easily imagine him losing to a decent candidate (not sure if Ashley Judd qualifies or not).

What makes you think she might be qualified?

I know absolutely nothing about Ashley Judd besides that she's apparently an actress and from Kentucky.

She has a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Does that count for anything?

She's plenty smart enough to be a Senator but I think she'll struggle with the campaigning part. She's very outspoken, both in interviews and on Twitter. I'm sure McConnell has a staffer who has poured through her 12,043 tweets looking for stuff that can be used against her in the future. I like Judd a lot; she has a huge heart but she has a tendency toward pomposity when she speaks. She'll have to tone that down if she runs for office. It'll take a lot of discipline to stay on message and not react when attacks are made on Judd and her family.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Judd will win the presidency in 2024. You heard it here first.

Nate Silver predicted it in July.

Well...I bet someone heard it hear first.

Did someone say bet?

 

[mon]

Judd will win the presidency in 2024. You heard it here first.

Nate Silver predicted it in July.

Well...I bet someone heard it hear first.

Did someone say bet?

 

[General Malaise]

http://www.suntimes....-us-senate.html

I know she is avoiding the questions from the media, but am I alone in thinking that she could beat him. I can see her beating him easily.

Does she have any qualifications besides being a B-Movie actress? If not, then I think she's fooling herself.

B Movie Actress!!

Name the last 5 movies she was in. Can't can ya? She was closer to the A-List about 10 years ago, but that's about it. My proof.

What have you ever done with your life?

 

[mon]

Judd will win the presidency in 2024. You heard it here first.

Nate Silver predicted it in July.

Has anyone predicted she'll win it in 2020 yet? If not, put me down for that.

 

[Todd Andrews]

I think this is a terribly slippery slope as I can imagine a congress full of actors, musicians, and sports stars. God help us all if/when that happens.

That scary thought probably has Jack Kemp, Bill Bradley, and Jim Bunning drinking heavily, and Sonny Bono is spinning in his grave.

The slippery slope eventually caught up with Sonny Bono

 

[Jewell]

I think this is a terribly slippery slope as I can imagine a congress full of actors, musicians, and sports stars. God help us all if/when that happens.

That scary thought probably has Jack Kemp, Bill Bradley, and Jim Bunning drinking heavily, and Sonny Bono is spinning in his grave.

The slippery slope eventually caught up with Sonny Bono

 

[Jewell]

I wonder why these types feel the need to stump and host fundraisers for their candidates? Why the political interest?

Because they are citizens. Because they care about issues. Because their fame gives them a greater ability to potentially affect the change they care about. Why are you interested?

Celebrities have as much right as anybody to share their opinion. And people have every right not to listen to that opinion or even boycott that artist should they choose.

 

[dparker713]

really anyone that can discuss the issues intelligently, is a citizen, and is 35 is at least as qualified as half the members of the current Senate.

Joe Biden was 30 when he became a Senator, but at least he met one of your qualifications.

Conflating the age requirements of President and Senator, sorry Christo.

 

[dparker713]

http://www.suntimes....-us-senate.html

I know she is avoiding the questions from the media, but am I alone in thinking that she could beat him. I can see her beating him easily.

Does she have any qualifications besides being a B-Movie actress? If not, then I think she's fooling herself.

B Movie Actress!!

Name the last 5 movies she was in. Can't can ya? She was closer to the A-List about 10 years ago, but that's about it. My proof.

Being B List and being a B-Movie actress are two entirely different standards.

 

[Jewell]

really anyone that can discuss the issues intelligently, is a citizen, and is 35 is at least as qualified as half the members of the current Senate.

Joe Biden was 30 when he became a Senator, but at least he met one of your qualifications.

Conflating the age requirements of President and Senator, sorry Christo.

Yeah, I got that you made a mistake. I was just making a joke about Joe Biden's qualifications. See bolded.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

We always ##### about the morons in Congress, but aren't WE responsible for putting them there? Maybe if the people put a little more weight with someone's qualifications/experience/background/whatever then maybe we wouldn't be #####ing so much. Seems to me that "hey, she's a celebrity and she WAS hot 10 years ago" is something we should be skeptical of instead of being actually serious about it.Now I know that everyone wants to get THEIR guy/gal in office but at what price? That we elect a fool into office to replace someone who may be an "old, white guy" but who actually has the experience and chops to do the job?

Max - I agree with a fair bit of what you're saying. It's comical that we have celebrities in office.....almost purely because they have name recognition.....That said, what type of "experience" do you think makes someone qualified to be a Senator? Or a Governor? I don't have an answer - just not something I typically think about - but am truly interested in your response.

No response?

 

[phrozen]

Plus Kentucky elected Rand Paul

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I think McConnell is going to face a very serious challenge from somebody. I can see it being Judd.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

McConnell has had several relatively close races in KY. He won in 2008 by about 6 points, which isn't a lot for a senior Republican in a solidly-Republican state. I can easily imagine him losing to a decent candidate (not sure if Ashley Judd qualifies or not).

What makes you think she might be qualified?

I know absolutely nothing about Ashley Judd besides that she's apparently an actress and from Kentucky.

She has a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Does that count for anything?

Maybe. Lots of people hold master's degrees and still aren't particularly good candidates for office.The important thing is that McConnell's seat is one that the Democrats have a reasonable chance of picking up. That's all I was trying to say.

 

[otb_lifer]

IF she follows in the footsteps of the esteemed Al Franken; sure http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnTUnghZtls/TgoES0vyzlI/AAAAAAAADHI/RdXuFGBT1xA/s400/Franken.jpg

 

[NCCommish]

http://www.suntimes....-us-senate.html

I know she is avoiding the questions from the media, but am I alone in thinking that she could beat him. I can see her beating him easily.

Does she have any qualifications besides being a B-Movie actress? If not, then I think she's fooling herself.

Well, I don't think she's ever wrestled professionaly if that's what you are fishing for.

I'm not fishing for anything. I was asking a serious question.We always ##### about the morons in Congress, but aren't WE responsible for putting them there? Maybe if the people put a little more weight with someone's qualifications/experience/background/whatever then maybe we wouldn't be #####ing so much. Seems to me that "hey, she's a celebrity and she WAS hot 10 years ago" is something we should be skeptical of instead of being actually serious about it.

Now I know that everyone wants to get THEIR guy/gal in office but at what price? That we elect a fool into office to replace someone who may be an "old, white guy" but who actually has the experience and chops to do the job?

Sure, being hot helps but a) she is not hot now (10 years ago - yeah) and b) you're NEVER going to be able to shag it so you're wasting your time.

She has a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard. McConnell has a law degree. He did serve as an assistant attorney general and judge. Not sure either of those particularly made him qualified to be a Senator. Now he is the ranking Senate Republican.

 

[The Commish]

http://www.suntimes....-us-senate.html

I know she is avoiding the questions from the media, but am I alone in thinking that she could beat him. I can see her beating him easily.

Does she have any qualifications besides being a B-Movie actress? If not, then I think she's fooling herself.

Who in Congress has any "qualification" greater than this now?? They're all actors. She'd fit right in.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

IF she follows in the footsteps of the esteemed Al Franken; sure http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnTUnghZtls/TgoES0vyzlI/AAAAAAAADHI/RdXuFGBT1xA/s400/Franken.jpg

Can't argue with this.

 

[simey]

Nice in theory, but the Judds have too many skeletons. I doubt she would want to go through that process.

She wrote an autobiography last year that detailed a lot of skeletons in her family closet. I don't think the "skeletons" process would rattle her at all.

 

[jonessed]

Given that this should theoretically be a tight race I imagine McConnell would love nothing more than seeing Ashley Judd as his competition.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Given that this should theoretically be a tight race I imagine McConnell would love nothing more than seeing Ashley Judd as his competition.

I disagree. He won't be able to attack her without coming across as a crotchety old white guy, which I don't think will play well. very few candidates will get the same level of national support, financially or otherwise, than a popular figure in the commonwealth. She has a story/point-of-view that I think will resonate with large portions of the voters: women and young adults. What McConnell wants to see is an establishment candidate, not a fresh, popular, face.

 

[NCCommish]

Given that this should theoretically be a tight race I imagine McConnell would love nothing more than seeing Ashley Judd as his competition.

I disagree. He won't be able to attack her without coming across as a crotchety old white guy, which I don't think will play well. very few candidates will get the same level of national support, financially or otherwise, than a popular figure in the commonwealth. She has a story/point-of-view that I think will resonate with large portions of the voters: women and young adults. What McConnell wants to see is an establishment candidate, not a fresh, popular, face.

Yeah Mitch isn't winning blowouts to start with. Last thing he wants to see is someone with money and name recognition. Now I don't know how good she'd be at the job but I could see her winning a race against him. Heck if he "caves" on tax cuts he may get primaried and then you could possibly have a tea party type facing off with her. That would probably help her out.

 

[Hooper31]

Lots of people hold master's degrees and still aren't particularly good candidates for office.

In public administration? From Harvard? I think that's a pretty rare thing. She doesn't just look like an actress looking to push her celebrity IMO.

The important thing is that McConnell's seat is one that the Democrats have a reasonable chance of picking up. That's all I was trying to say.

Understood, and I agree that the Democrats certainly look like they could pick up a seat there.

 

[lod01]

http://www.suntimes....-us-senate.html

I know she is avoiding the questions from the media, but am I alone in thinking that she could beat him. I can see her beating him easily.

Does she have any qualifications besides being a B-Movie actress? If not, then I think she's fooling herself.

B Movie Actress!!

Name the last 5 movies she was in. Can't can ya? She was closer to the A-List about 10 years ago, but that's about it. My proof.

You are a B-list poster on this board. Only gays and fat women would vote for McConnell if Ashley Judd ran.

 

[EYLive]

C-list imo.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I just watched the YouTube video linked earlier in the thread. She's obviously very smart and is a political junkie. She'd have a great chance.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Lots of people hold master's degrees and still aren't particularly good candidates for office.

In public administration? From Harvard? I think that's a pretty rare thing. She doesn't just look like an actress looking to push her celebrity IMO.

I know a large number of people with advanced degrees, including some from Harvard, who are just over-educated and not that bright. I'll bet some of our regular posters here can think of a recent president with a master's from Harvard whose intelligence they hold in low regard, so consistency requires that we not treat another person's degree as an unimpeachable indicator of wisdom and good judgement.Seriously, though, I've never heard Ashley Judd speak about anything and I've never read anything she's written. I'm not saying she's a bad candidate; for all I know she would be a very strong candidate. I'm just saying I don't know.

 

[General Malaise]

Lots of people hold master's degrees and still aren't particularly good candidates for office.

In public administration? From Harvard? I think that's a pretty rare thing. She doesn't just look like an actress looking to push her celebrity IMO.

I know a large number of people with advanced degrees, including some from Harvard, who are just over-educated and not that bright. I'll bet some of our regular posters here can think of a recent president with a master's from Harvard whose intelligence they hold in low regard, so consistency requires that we not treat another person's degree as an unimpeachable indicator of wisdom and good judgement.Seriously, though, I've never heard Ashley Judd speak about anything and I've never read anything she's written. I'm not saying she's a bad candidate; for all I know she would be a very strong candidate. I'm just saying I don't know.

She gets naked a lot. I'd vote for her on that alone.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Lots of people hold master's degrees and still aren't particularly good candidates for office.

In public administration? From Harvard? I think that's a pretty rare thing. She doesn't just look like an actress looking to push her celebrity IMO.

I know a large number of people with advanced degrees, including some from Harvard, who are just over-educated and not that bright. I'll bet some of our regular posters here can think of a recent president with a master's from Harvard whose intelligence they hold in low regard, so consistency requires that we not treat another person's degree as an unimpeachable indicator of wisdom and good judgement.Seriously, though, I've never heard Ashley Judd speak about anything and I've never read anything she's written. I'm not saying she's a bad candidate; for all I know she would be a very strong candidate. I'm just saying I don't know.

She gets naked a lot. I'd vote for her on that alone.

If you're going to heed Ivan's point about consistency, you must also give Mitch McConnell credit for getting naked roughly equally often.

 

[General Malaise]

Lots of people hold master's degrees and still aren't particularly good candidates for office.

In public administration? From Harvard? I think that's a pretty rare thing. She doesn't just look like an actress looking to push her celebrity IMO.

I know a large number of people with advanced degrees, including some from Harvard, who are just over-educated and not that bright. I'll bet some of our regular posters here can think of a recent president with a master's from Harvard whose intelligence they hold in low regard, so consistency requires that we not treat another person's degree as an unimpeachable indicator of wisdom and good judgement.Seriously, though, I've never heard Ashley Judd speak about anything and I've never read anything she's written. I'm not saying she's a bad candidate; for all I know she would be a very strong candidate. I'm just saying I don't know.

She gets naked a lot. I'd vote for her on that alone.

If you're going to heed Ivan's point about consistency, you must also give Mitch McConnell credit for getting naked roughly equally often.

On camera? With a pair of legs I'd like to suck on for a week?

 

[meanjoegreen]

Lots of people hold master's degrees and still aren't particularly good candidates for office.

In public administration? From Harvard? I think that's a pretty rare thing. She doesn't just look like an actress looking to push her celebrity IMO.

I know a large number of people with advanced degrees, including some from Harvard, who are just over-educated and not that bright. I'll bet some of our regular posters here can think of a recent president with a master's from Harvard whose intelligence they hold in low regard, so consistency requires that we not treat another person's degree as an unimpeachable indicator of wisdom and good judgement.Seriously, though, I've never heard Ashley Judd speak about anything and I've never read anything she's written. I'm not saying she's a bad candidate; for all I know she would be a very strong candidate. I'm just saying I don't know.

Ashley Judd is a great speaker and very intelligent. I think she would be a strong candidate.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I just watched the YouTube video linked earlier in the thread. She's obviously very smart and is a political junkie. She'd have a great chance.

I missed these first time but just tracked them down. You're right. The ABC interview was extremely impressive, and Judd didn't sound anything like what you normally think of when you imagine a celebrity talking about politics. She was very well-spoken and informed in an off-the-cuff setting. Her speech to the Ohio delegation wasn't so hot, but that was because she was serving up a lot of red meat and talking points to a highly-partisan crowd, but that's to be expected given the circumstances. Again, she sounded more like a politician than a celebrity, which is what you're looking for in somebody to run against McConnell.

 

[Third]

B-List actress?!

No chance winning?!

Allow me to submit Exhibit A in support of her candidacy.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Nate Silver just called the race for Judd.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I just watched the YouTube video linked earlier in the thread. She's obviously very smart and is a political junkie. She'd have a great chance.

I missed these first time but just tracked them down. You're right. The ABC interview was extremely impressive, and Judd didn't sound anything like what you normally think of when you imagine a celebrity talking about politics. She was very well-spoken and informed in an off-the-cuff setting. Her speech to the Ohio delegation wasn't so hot, but that was because she was serving up a lot of red meat and talking points to a highly-partisan crowd, but that's to be expected given the circumstances. Again, she sounded more like a politician than a celebrity, which is what you're looking for in somebody to run against McConnell.

Yeah, her interview about being a delegate is the one I watched. She's obviously knowledgeable and intelligent. (When she said that Obama refused to take money from lobbyists, I thought she'd succumbed to some ridiculous, left-wing fantasy of a talking point; but it turns out that it's actually true, at least in an overly literal and technical sense.)

 

[Hooper31]

Lots of people hold master's degrees and still aren't particularly good candidates for office.

In public administration? From Harvard? I think that's a pretty rare thing. She doesn't just look like an actress looking to push her celebrity IMO.

I know a large number of people with advanced degrees, including some from Harvard, who are just over-educated and not that bright. I'll bet some of our regular posters here can think of a recent president with a master's from Harvard whose intelligence they hold in low regard, so consistency requires that we not treat another person's degree as an unimpeachable indicator of wisdom and good judgement.Seriously, though, I've never heard Ashley Judd speak about anything and I've never read anything she's written. I'm not saying she's a bad candidate; for all I know she would be a very strong candidate. I'm just saying I don't know.

Fair enough. Not sure how any of us could know yet.

 

[Jewell]

I know a large number of people with advanced degrees, including some from Harvard, who are just over-educated and not that bright. I'll bet some of our regular posters here can think of a recent president with a master's from Harvard whose intelligence they hold in low regard.

Technically, a law degree is a Doctorate and not a Master's, but I respect and agree with your wink-wink example.

 

[Todd Andrews]

I know a large number of people with advanced degrees, including some from Harvard, who are just over-educated and not that bright. I'll bet some of our regular posters here can think of a recent president with a master's from Harvard whose intelligence they hold in low regard.

Technically, a law degree is a Doctorate and not a Master's, but I respect and agree with your wink-wink example.

He is talking about George W Bush and his Harvard MBA.