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Showing Original Post only (View all)"...a more glaring problem: the author of the op-ed has been dead for several years." [View all]
Posted with permission.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/new-hampshire-dead-men-tell-some-tales
In New Hampshire, dead men tell some tales
10/27/14 03:22 PM
By Steve Benen
New Hampshire Republicans, still hoping to take down Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D), published an op-ed in a local newspaper this morning written by former state House Speaker Marshall Cobleigh (R). The piece isnt quite as interesting as its author.
Even by 2014 standards, the Republicans op-ed seems oddly detached from current events, referencing skyrocketing gasoline prices, a moratorium that no longer exists, and a House GOP lawmaker whos no longer in the House. But given how frequently Republican criticisms bear no real resemblance to reality, this alone would hardly be noteworthy.
Dave Weigel, however, notes a more glaring problem: the author of the op-ed has been dead for several years.
Shaheen, like a stopped clock, is often correct once or twice a day, acknowledges the late Cobleigh in his column. He should hope so. R.I.P.
Now, theres nothing necessarily controversial with recycling material, but Cobleigh isnt in a position to criticize Shaheens performance in the Senate since he hasnt, you know, actually been alive for the last five years.
Republicans couldnt find an actual, living person to write a similar op-ed? New Hampshire isnt a big state, but its not that small.
But Cobleighs mortal status adds a macabre twist to an attack piece that doesnt make a lot of sense anyway.
Im trying to imagine the conversation at New Hampshire Republican Party HQ.
So?
Well, gas prices are actually falling fast.
Just run it anyway.
Should we edit it to be more up to date and accurate?
{Hearty collective laughter.}
The fact remains that gas prices, in our version of reality, continue to fall.
A couple of years ago, congressional Republicans were absolutely certain President Obama was driving up gas prices on purpose. Now, as prices at the pump drop, Republicans are either changing the subject of literally recycling old talking points that no longer make any sense at all.