Ageism code words: "He's a grumpy old man in his slippers and bathrobe"

October 15, 2008
Countdown
Olbermann talking with Senator-in-waiting and debate negotiator, Rahm Emanuel.

RAHM EMANUEL: He's come across as the grumpy old man in his slippers and his bathrobe, picking up the newspaper, yelling at the kids in the neighborhood to get off the yard. That's not what the American people want. He is grumpy. He is not focused on the issues. He's barking at people all the time. He doesn't have the right demeanor, style or the substance. If he changed that, he'd be relevant to the American people. Right now, his campaign is not relevant, and it's off tune from where the American people are.

OLBERMANN: I mentioned at the start here that you were the rules negotiator for these debates. There is some thought that, as we look over your right shoulder, that you pulled one over on the McCain campaign tonight. The way they will be seated will not be, from the theatrical point of view, showing John McCain's good side. Would you care to comment on that theory?

EMANUEL: No. Let me say this. All this, you know, podium sitting, all that is important. The most important is what the, you know-the candidates have to say and how they say it. I'm not-you know, I spent a lot of time negotiating through the minute segments, the topics. We did all that as a team. I think it counts for something. But that won't make up for either a strong debate performance or a weak debate performance. That's what's going to come. I think people are over obsessing about that camera angle stuff.

Nothing happens "accidentally" in the obama camp, which will be prove to be the most vicious group ever assembled. This can only be revealed after barry becomes president - for obvious reasons. Rahm Emmanuel is a combination of Matthews, Olbermann and Mayor Daley. He is salivating for Obama's senate seat. jonjon alter over at the proObama newsletter tried to campaign for him. I'd give you the link but then Newsweek and alter would get a hit.

For a breakdown of debate negotiations per Patrick Healey/Jeff Zeleny see here. An interesting quote: "Mr. Obama's advisers have been studying in particular Mr. McCain's temperament and mood and looking for potential flash points of anger."

Ageist code words: grumpy, barking, demeanor, not focused, not relevant, off tune, flash points, anger. (For more see: here, here, here, here)