View Full Version : Man Enough
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/pro-kamala-harris-spot-targeting-real-men-ripped-as-cringiest-political-ad-ever/ar-AA1s75BB
Apparently the Harris people felt the need to inject a little testosterone into the campaign. I’m not sure this was the way to do it. To me, at least, the most obvious disqualification for badass status is insisting to everybody what a badass you are.
I also cringed a bit when Mr Obama left Martha’s Vineyard long enough to scold “the brothers” about their insufficient support for Harris. He said “I have a problem with that”.
iris lilies
10-15-24, 11:21am
At first, in the first seconds, it has the tone of a Babylon Bee ad. It is kind of bold, kind of…wtf. I do think it is out of the box, though, and maybe they deserve credit for that? Having not your typical political ad is a nice change even if it is weird.
I can see how being a male person it seems insulting that all of those real men who support Kamala are better than the other, lesser men who do not support her because she is a woman.
Since the Democratic Party now prioritizes race, gender and sexual preference above all else, they probably can't grok that men are not put off by Harris being a woman, they're put off by the fact that she's Kamala Harris.
The other day I got a kick out of the media event the Harris campaign arranged showing Tim Walz hunting. It appears they took him to the nearest Cabela's and outfitted him in the latest Elmer Fudd inspired hunting apparel before the cameras followed him into a field where he had difficulty loading his shotgun. Rather than making him look manly, it seemed more like cosplay to me.
https://mk-a1.freetls.fastly.net/uploads/2024/10/101424_TimWalz-960x720.jpeg
The real manly test would be if he could hit anything. Maybe they stocked the field with slow pheasants.
A "real man" like Eric Trump and Donald Jr. would shoot trophy lions and tigers in Africa with a guide,
littlebittybobby
10-15-24, 12:49pm
see-----you kids see how dumb these fanaticrats are acting; it is analogous to those touristy types(mostly old fogeys) I criticize for wasting time/money/other resources on "travel" and also tickicks to see stuff in huge arenas. Yup. It's all so faux. Yup.
At first, in the first seconds, it has the tone of a Babylon Bee ad. It is kind of bold, kind of…wtf. I do think it is out of the box, though, and maybe they deserve credit for that? Having not your typical political ad is a nice change even if it is weird.
I can see how being a male person it seems insulting that all of those real men who support Kamala are better than the other, lesser men who do not support her because she is a woman.
We’re thinking alike today. I thought the same thing at first too. Maybe some provocateur’s idea of an October Surprise. It put me in mind of Pajama Boy or Bud Lite as a propaganda misfire.
Now the jokes and japes are flowing fast:
“I’m man enough to make breakfast for the guy sleeping with my wife”.
“I’m man enough to drink my sloe gin fizz in a dirty glass”.
“I’m man enough to bedazzle my hard hat”.
“I’m man enough to sing show tunes in my foxhole”.
I don’t think the ad is achieving the desired result.
What is with all the hyper-masculinity lately? Little bitty men in giant black pickups.
What is with all the hyper-masculinity lately? Little bitty men in giant black pickups.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FshU58nI0Ts
What is with all the hyper-masculinity lately? Little bitty men in giant black pickups.
In many cases it's someone with a 5th wheel camper or a contractor or farmer needing the means to tow equipment, keeping in mind that they need a vehicle capable of a sizable payload and a much more sizable towing capacity.
I just had to replace my standard half ton pickup with a larger, heavy duty truck as my light duty one could not safely support either the payload or towing requirements for a new camper. Of course, I don't usually tow anything while going to the grocery store or to run across town to visit my daughter so anyone observing me on the road may wonder what a little old man like me needs with such a big monstrosity. The answer is, well, because I do.
iris lilies
10-15-24, 4:24pm
Funny I just heard my current favorite conservative Konstantin Kisin talk about how masculinity is defined. He’s quite secure in his masculinity, even though he doesn’t have a lot of muscles. he did not mention anything about the necessity of voting for Kamala.
What is with all the hyper-masculinity lately? Little bitty men in giant black pickups.
I'm 5'11". At the age of 61, I still pass the fitness/agility testing for structural firefighting. My t-levels are in the 4 digits, because I'm a mutant. I can pick up and move a 200 lb. firefighter wearing all of their gear, while wearing all of mine.
I typically drive 95% of the time a wee Fiat 500e clown car. The Citroën 2CV for the 21st Century.
https://i.imgur.com/ekLCTsv.jpg
And yet, I also drive a Hummer H1, which I bought new off the lot, which I use extensively here for search/rescue/wildland firefighting work on our many miles of unmaintained logging roads and trails. I also use it to tow and launch boats, which is handy as I live on an island. I have used it to pull horse trailers for 4H kids needing to get livestock to the county fair. And I burn biodiesel in it. I tell people who whine that I make the biodiesel myself, from endangered whales, but I think that would actually be more expensive than my current source.
https://i.imgur.com/DlP5EwI.jpg
catherine
10-15-24, 5:56pm
Since the Democratic Party now prioritizes race, gender and sexual preference above all else, they probably can't grok that men are not put off by Harris being a woman, they're put off by the fact that she's Kamala Harris.
There are plenty of men out there who "don't like the idea of a woman President." I think that attitude might be even more prevalent now that our allies are dancing on the brink of a full-out war with the Middle East, and, after all, war is men's work.
This dismissive attitude of Kamala is no different than the dismissive atittude Hillary faced. Is it because they are women, or because they are Democratic women? I feel that being a Democrat is distasteful enough for a Republican, but a Democratic female candidate for President? Whoo.. That's like hot sauce on chicken liver.
iris lilies
10-15-24, 6:59pm
Since we are talking about manliness and femininity, it recently occurred to me we can be eternally grateful that 59-year-old Kamala Harris, from California, doesn’t speak with that childish Valley Girl up speak cadence that is so damn irritating. You might say “where did that come from Iris? “And I’ll tell you: I was chastised yesterday for being sexist when I complained about this very thing. Sigh, i’m sure this is a generational thing and I just am old.
We all remember Christine Blasey Ford, 57 , speaking in that irritating manner while she was accusing Brett Kavanaugh. Ford was way too old for that.
Our girl Kamala may have some strange speech patterns we can make fun of, but I don’t mind her laughter nearly as much as that stupid Valley Girl stuff.
And now I have to confess that I’m still entertaining a crush on Nancy Pelosi for her deft political actions in pushing that feeble old man out of the White House. go Nancy!
Our girl Kamala may have some strange speech patterns we can make fun of, but I don’t mind her laughter nearly as much as that stupid valley girl stuff.
Nor does she have that hellish vocal fry that seems mandatory these days. Or that Fundi-baby accent a la Katie Britt.
iris lilies
10-15-24, 7:40pm
Nor does she have that hellish vocal fry that seems mandatory these days. Or that Fundi-baby accent a la Katie Britt.
Yes, no vocal fry. That is good.
now I have to go look up fundi baby Katie Brit talk.
iris lilies
10-15-24, 7:45pm
Real men have big hounds!
at our last and final sojourn to the dog park where we were trying our idiotic dog out one more time to see if he could get along with other dogs, there was him and a hound type dog at the dog park. The hound dog was a male. My dog acting like an idiot crawled all over him to dominate him and just swarm him. This hound-type dog was so very sweet. I’m not sure many other dogs would’ve put up with the bullshit that my dog was dishing out.
we didn’t let that go on for long and we turned around and took our dog home.
Most of my scent hounds have been completely unconcerned with the antics of other dogs, unless there was a sound reason.
Elvis there was attacked by a neighbor’s off-leash aggressive pit bull a couple of years ago, and just stood there patiently waiting for me to remove it from him. He needed a couple of stitches, but didn’t understand what the fuss was about.
iris lilies
10-15-24, 8:48pm
Most of my scent hounds have been completely unconcerned with the antics of other dogs, unless there was a sound reason.
Elvis there was attacked by a neighbor’s off-leash aggressive pit bull a couple of years ago, and just stood there patiently waiting for me to remove it from him. He needed a couple of stitches, but didn’t understand what the fuss was about.
awwww, poor Elvis! it must be a hound thing bless their hearts.
looking back on our dog park experience, it was fortuitous that we met such a non-reactive dog. So if our dog cannot get along with a non-reactive dog, he’s never going to be able to get along with others,.
iris lilies
10-15-24, 8:55pm
Yes, no vocal fry. That is good.
now I have to go look up fundi baby Katie Brit talk.
oh now I remember Katie Britt. She was over coached and she overacted.
catherine
10-15-24, 9:21pm
oh now I remember Katie Britt. She was over coached and she overacted.
And parodied handily by Scarlett Johansson.
And now I have to confess that I’m still entertaining a crush on Nancy Pelosi for her deft political actions in pushing that feeble old man out of the White House. go Nancy!
We shouldn't forget that she knowingly played along with the ruse that Biden was at the top of his game and even worthy of a space on Mount Rushmore, and never lifted a finger to ensure the Democratic Primary allowed competitive challengers, that is right up until the day he proved otherwise to the entire electorate during the debate. She only took action once she knew there would definitely not be another presidential term with a Democrat at the helm as long as Biden was the nominee. Her actions may have been "deftly political" but they were most importantly self serving.
iris lilies
10-15-24, 10:11pm
We shouldn't forget that she knowingly played along with the ruse that Biden was at the top of his game and even worthy of a space on Mount Rushmore, and never lifted a finger to ensure the Democratic Primary allowed competitive challengers, that is right up until the day he proved otherwise to the entire electorate during the debate. She only took action once she knew there would definitely not be another presidential term with a Democrat at the helm as long as Biden was the nominee. Her actions may have been "deftly political" but they were most importantly self serving.
Yes that is true. I shouldn’t forget that she knew exactly how feeble he was prior to her elbowing him out.
pinkytoe
10-15-24, 11:03pm
Real men have big hounds!
And yet, I notice a surprising number of men walking Chihuahuas at our neighborhood park.
And yet, I notice a surprising number of men walking Chihuahuas at our neighborhood park.
I have in truth been contemplating a full-sized Dachshund, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, or a Cardigan Welsh Corgi for my next hound.
Chihuahuas can be nasty little critters. I've suspected Napoleon Complex (since we are Pidgeon-holing things).
iris lilies
10-16-24, 10:31am
Chihuahuas can be nasty little critters. I've suspected Napoleon Complex (since we are Pidgeon-holing things).
My general impression with miniatures (rabbits, horses, dogs) is that they get real feisty the smaller they are.
Now this does not seem to be true with cats. My tiny cat is just a cat.But she was not deliberately bred for smallness.
early morning
10-16-24, 11:48am
All cats, regardless of size, know they are at the top of whatever hierarchy you are discussing at any point in time. Thus, they feel free to express their true nature, be it sweet or bitchy. They have no need to compensate, lol.
There are plenty of men out there who "don't like the idea of a woman President." I think that attitude might be even more prevalent now that our allies are dancing on the brink of a full-out war with the Middle East, and, after all, war is men's work.
This dismissive attitude of Kamala is no different than the dismissive atittude Hillary faced. Is it because they are women, or because they are Democratic women? I feel that being a Democrat is distasteful enough for a Republican, but a Democratic female candidate for President? Whoo.. That's like hot sauce on chicken liver.
It is stupidly reductive to vote against a candidate because they are a woman. It is equally stupidly reductive to vote for a candidate because they are a woman. Not “historic”. Just stupid.
In my case, not voting for Clinton or Harris was not a matter of some sort of tribal affiliation. It was based on an assessment of character and policy proposals. Clinton struck me as someone who believed their patrician status placed them above the rules applicable to the common ruck. Anyone not amenable to her leadership were acting out of ignorance or bigotry. But at least she had a consistent if arrogant point of view.
Harris, by contrast, seems willing to adopt any persona required by the moment. Nor does she seem to have the intellect or cunning Clinton displayed. She either parrots phrases she’s been coached to say or hides behind clouds of incoherent babble.
Who was produced this ad? At the end of the article it states that it’s not clear who did so. One would be reasonable to assume that it was a Republican troll group. But whatever. I suppose that’s the level our political discourse has reached.
But perhaps something useful could come from it such as a discussion about what masculinity is. I’m curious what all of you think makes a man ‘masculine’? And are there any specific traits that make a man ‘not masculine’?
iris lilies
10-17-24, 9:28pm
Who was produced this ad? At the end of the article it states that it’s not clear who did so. One would be reasonable to assume that it was a Republican troll group. But whatever. I suppose that’s the level our political discourse has reached.
But perhaps something useful could come from it such as a discussion about what masculinity is. I’m curious what all of you think makes a man ‘masculine’? And are there any specific traits that make a man ‘not masculine’?
all men are masculine. There are just some traits that I would consider hyper masculine. The masculinity is a spectrum like most things in life.
it’s interesting that you think that ad is not produced by the Democratic Party or a Kamala supporter. it had not occurred to me that they did not produce it even though it was odd.
iris lilies
10-17-24, 9:34pm
Some Internet sources are saying the masculinity ad for Kamala Harris was produced by an organization called “vote save America “and it is a lefty organization,
But perhaps something useful could come from it such as a discussion about what masculinity is. I’m curious what all of you think makes a man ‘masculine’? And are there any specific traits that make a man ‘not masculine’?
I think being considered masculine, or feminine, depends upon the observer. Much like pornography, I think most of us would have a difficult time describing it, but we know it when we see it.
Voting for someone based upon their gender has nothing to do with either, it's just stupid.
Some Internet sources are saying the masculinity ad for Kamala Harris was produced by an organization called “vote save America “and it is a lefty organization,
Considering how much Kamala has rejected Hillary’s embrace of being the first female presidential candidate it’s a struggle for me to believe that Kamala had anything to do with this ad. Kamala has made it very clear that she wants to be elected president regardless of her gender or race. She wants to be elected because people think she can do the job. Period. And that she doesn’t intend to use the military to attack the ‘enemies within like democrats and immigrants as opposed to the other guy with the failing mental facilities and sad victimhood complex.
I think being considered masculine, or feminine, depends upon the observer. Much like pornography, I think most of us would have a difficult time describing it, but we know it when we see it.
Voting for someone based upon their gender has nothing to do with either, it's just stupid.
I would disagree with you. Masculine is not an obviously definable thing. What do you consider to be masculine traits? I have specific thoughts on this thanks to my dad which i will share but I want to see what others have to say first.
pinkytoe
10-18-24, 12:02pm
In my mind, masculinity covers a whole range of things. It is over the top macho behavior that I find offensive as it often includes a mean-spirited attitude towards anyone of a different kind.
Is masculinity necessarily gender specific or a behavioral term that can apply across the board. I can think of several female politicians that exhibit masculinity.
catherine
10-18-24, 4:18pm
I don't think masculinity is positive or negative--it's neutral. Just like femininity. There are traits that might land anyone, male or female, on the continuum of what people would perceive as masculine or feminine traits. I consider that continuum to be very dynamic. I tend to go for guys who almost straddle the middle of that continuum. Hence, my unrequited love for two closeted gay guys in the 60s. I still love them, but at least I know why I was "rejected". Even DH and I defy the textbook 50s masculine/feminine relationship. I'm the breadwinner; he's the cook. I'm cool as cucumber; he cries every day. I throw on my jeans and flannels. He puts a lot of time and money into his outfits. Yet, he served in the Marines and is great at fixing cars; I always take the subservient role and spend my free time in the garden, or painting or writing.
My instinct tells me that parentage influences those traits but is not solely responsible for them.
iris lilies
10-18-24, 4:49pm
Is masculinity necessarily gender specific or a behavioral term that can apply across the board. I can think of several female politicians that exhibit masculinity.
Of course it isn’t gender specific. Hence my use of “spectrum. “And Catherine ‘s use
of “ Continuum “
and maybe you mean “sex specific “here, although maybe not.
we are a mix of all kind of influences and exhibits, stereotypical gender markers being one of them.
I’ve always been kind of irritated when men talk about “getting in touch with their female selves” because it seems bogus to me.
In my mind, masculinity covers a whole range of things. It is over the top macho behavior that I find offensive as it often includes a mean-spirited attitude towards anyone of a different kind.
There's certainly a subset of masculinity that is this, which some people might call toxic masculinity.
I don't think masculinity is positive or negative--it's neutral. Just like femininity. There are traits that might land anyone, male or female, on the continuum of what people would perceive as masculine or feminine traits. I consider that continuum to be very dynamic. I tend to go for guys who almost straddle the middle of that continuum. Hence, my unrequited love for two closeted gay guys in the 60s. I still love them, but at least I know why I was "rejected". Even DH and I defy the textbook 50s masculine/feminine relationship. I'm the breadwinner; he's the cook. I'm cool as cucumber; he cries every day. I throw on my jeans and flannels. He puts a lot of time and money into his outfits. Yet, he served in the Marines and is great at fixing cars; I always take the subservient role and spend my free time in the garden, or painting or writing.
My instinct tells me that parentage influences those traits but is not solely responsible for them.
I think you’re right. Which is why I think identity politics is so inane. Assigning attitudes, interests or beliefs based on superficial traits like race, gender, generation, class, region or zip code is just stupid. It leads to inanities like posing for pictures with a Beretta A400 shotgun to demonstrate maleness. Or the CBS “Race and Culture Unit” springing into action if a journalist asks the wrong questions of the wrong person. Or a candidate for the Supreme Court fearing to offer a definition of “woman”. Or pretty much any utterance of DJT. Or Marxism and all it’s preposterous offshoots. Or entire academic disciplines.
Personally, I’m much more comfortable with a “content of their character” approach than taxonomical guides to victimhood and villainy.
A "real man" like Eric Trump and Donald Jr. would shoot trophy lions and tigers in Africa with a guide,
I'm man enough to go out west once in a while and ride bulls just for fun until they submit to my masculinity.
https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/462547911_858704169707385_3427908547836186054_n.pn g?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=9f807c&_nc_ohc=2knUF3nZSVcQ7kNvgHMP6AL&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&_nc_gid=AtJIQhaMC0lq3OJ6g_pmDr3&oh=03_Q7cD1QGoyx2TOyTEdMUULmGvWbSxPPn7lwJPwbQyPBqF DtNfAQ&oe=673D34BE
That’s great. Ride em cowboy.
https://www.newsweek.com/reporter-hit-shrapnel-shooting-range-lucas-kunce-1973634
I see we’ve had another democrat-with-a-gun story in Missouri. Apparently a reporter got winged by a bit of flying metal by a Senate candidate demonstrating his prowess with firearms. I love how Newsweek tried to help by telling us the Democrat provided first aid in the headline.
https://www.newsweek.com/reporter-hit-shrapnel-shooting-range-lucas-kunce-1973634
I see we’ve had another democrat-with-a-gun story in Missouri. Apparently a reporter got winged by a bit of flying metal by a Senate candidate demonstrating his prowess with firearms. I love how Newsweek tried to help by telling us the Democrat provided first aid in the headline.
I suppose this exemplifies why no rational person wants to live in Missouri? Was that the point of your post?
As we head into hunting season here, my main concern is keeping myself and the dogs from getting shot. I am seeing some cars I don't recognize hanging around our forest. Yesterday, it looked like a game warden was parked there, so who knows.
I am always happy when this season ends, if or no more reason than the gun shuts terrify the dogs.
I suppose this exemplifies why no rational person wants to live in Missouri? Was that the point of your post?
I think there are a number of points that can be made here.
I think the headline of the story says something about media bias. If this guy had burned down someone’s house, they’d probably say “Democrat Saves Puppy from Burning House”. Imagine the national hue and cry if Josh Hawley had hurt somebody.
Guns make for bad political props, especially when things go wrong. This guy’s opponent got an opening to call on him to stop shooting reporters. He also got to quip that “His campaign needed a shot in the arm, but that’s not the way to do it”.
Gun safety is important. That range looked awfully short for AR-15s, especially with metal in or around the targets.
That particular Senate seat would appear to be a bit safer for the GOP than it was a couple of weeks ago.
iris lilies
10-24-24, 11:47am
I suppose this exemplifies why no rational person wants to live in Missouri? Was that the point of your post?
Oh sweetie, we don’t want you here either. We don’t want you here because you would be so desperately unhappy. Fortunately, in these United States, you can pick the place that makes you the happiest. God bless America!
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