Spin Dry

It's time for the Democrats to redeem a word that Republicans started misusing the second King W was sworn in on January 20, 2001. That word is "Partisan".

par·ti·san (pärt-zn) n.

1. A fervent, sometimes militant supporter or proponent of a party, cause, faction, person, or idea.
2. A member of an organized body of fighters who attack or harass an enemy, especially within occupied territory; a guerrilla.

adj.

1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a partisan or partisans.
2. Devoted to or biased in support of a party, group, or cause: partisan politics.

Short version: "partisan" means "supporting your side." That's also known as loyalty. I bring this up because of this current poll question at CNN
Now, we know what the word "politics" really means in this context -- partisan politics. And I'd have no trouble answering "politics" to the question (I didn't, just to be ornery) if the Republicans hadn't hijacked the meaning of the word. But somehow, magically, after January 20, 2001, "partisan politics" suddenly became a dirty thing -- when Democrats engaged therein. Kind of ironic, isn't it? Considering that everything the Republicans did during the Clinton Administration was based entirely and only in partisan politics.

But, again, it's the typical behavior of the right -- It's okay if we do it, but don't you dare try to, or we'll point fingers and whine and complain how mean and unfair you are.

So that... when Alito is asked honest questions during a hearing, his wife cries and the Wingnuts bitch about the questions. The same Wingnuts didn't have that problem when Clinton was being grilled about his penis. And remember this: the Alito hearing wasn't aired in its entireity on television. The "Mrs. Alito cried" business was released to (or picked up on) by the media. And gosh, funny how her reactions drowned out coverage of, gosh, I dunno... the actual questions and answers. I don't seem to remember the Clinton testimony being eclipsed by the "Hilary Reacts" footage.

Anyway... I think we need to start re-pitching this debate with the Dark Side Republicans. When they point fingers and claim, "You're just being partisan", point back and answer, "Hell yeah. Because I believe in fighting for my party." Refuse to play along with the "it's wrong" game. At the same time, remind them constantly of their partisan games under Clinton.

"Partisan" is only a dirty word if we let them make it one. But playing partisan is the only way we can stomp them back down and beat them at their own game.

La lucha continue...