The Daily Strike-5/9/09-Wouldn't Go As Far As THAT #2

Good evening and welcome to the Daily Strike. I'm in Lady Strike's hometown of Syracuse, where Vice President Biden is scheduled to give a commencement address tomorrow! I don't have much time for an entry, but I will give you this week's three most absurd quotes in the 2nd edition of our new feature, " Wouldn't Go As Far As THAT."

3. The bronze this week goes to the great Michael Steele, embattled chairman of the Republican party. While guest hosting Bill Bennett's radio show, Steele railed against Obama's desire to nominate an "empathetic" judge, and said, "Crazy nonsense empathetic! I'll give you empathy. Empathize right on your behind. Craziness!" First of all, was he making some sort of sexual reference here? Second of all, I'm not sure it's the best political strategy to angrily rail against "empathy." I thank God everyday that Michael Steele is the chairman of the Republican National Committee.

2. The silver for blowhard Rep. Steve King (R-IA), who said that the Democrats' anti-hate crime legislation creates "sacred cows." The full quote: "If they’re one of God’s children let’s protect them equally and when you go down the path of special protected status, then you end up with the sacred cows walking around the street that have another extra shield around them that actually would put the victimizer’s focus on someone else. I think it’s unequal protection of the law that results from it."

What the HELL is he talking about? The law simply punishes crimes more that are inspired by bigotry. They're not sacred cows at all, they're people who are being targeted because of who they are.

1. You can't really beat these words coming out of the mouth of former Vice President Dick Cheney, the person who has spent his career standing up for oil companies, military contractors and executive power.

"I went through the Iran-contra hearings and watched the way administration officials ran for cover and left the little guys out to dry. And I was bound and determined that wasn’t going to happen this time. "

White House lawyers who authorized torture constitute "little guys?" Dick Cheney, I wouldn't go as far as THAT.

See you tomorrow when we return to our regular Daily Strike!