As everyone here is (painfully) aware, it’s New Hampshire First In The Nation Primary Day. I’ve heard that phrase so often that I wonder if it’s either trademarked or reporters who forget it are no longer allowed on premises at Manchester’s Red Arrow Diner, but I digress. By the time this diary publishes, we will have an in-progress look at election results be discussing Sanders’ win on the Democratic side, and (ugh) Trump on the Republican ticket. We’ll be speculating which of the Republican clowns will head home and who will continue on to South Carolina, and hopefully we Daily Kos readers will NOT be engaging in internecine Rox/Sux warfare.
Today also is Fat/Shrove Tuesday aka Mardi Gras on the Christian calendar, the day before Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. Grab your King Cake and follow me below the dingledoodle Story Break, after a word from our sponsor…
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It strikes me that both the NH primary AND Mardi Gras have something in common… excess. Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday is marked in various cultures by the consumption of indulgent, sugar and fat-laden treats in advance of Lenten dietary restrictions. There often are street processions and a carnival atmosphere of debauchery and excess. NH primary season is marked by what the 48 states that are NOT Iowa or NH likely consider an excess of politicians spending obscene amounts of time and money criss-crossing the 46th largest state (by geographic area, by population it’s an oh-so-much-higher 41st) attempting to meet every single resident and grovel for their vote. They are followed by a virtual carnival of reporters and it cannot possibly be said to resemble ‘normal life’ anywhere.
I don’t have a witty or pithy wrapup tonight; I’ve just been musing on the juxtaposition of the two days. Consider this an open thread and by all means, if you can find a neat moral to tie this all together, please share it in the comments! I’ll leave you with a mental imagery prompt: go ahead and envision the Republican candidates as Mardi Gras parade participants. You’re welcome :)
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From Ginny in CO:
(Ed. note: This Top Comments submission is unique in my experience in Top Comments (says BeninSC) in that it nominates ... well, you'll see!)
For those awaiting the NH results, Bob Johnson's diary on Why I have chosen Support Hose is a load of laughs you don't want to miss. And yes, watch the Lederhosen video!
Yes, I am indeed nominating the whole diary - great entertainment!
Highlighted by wishingwell, this comment by NM Ray is truly TOP!
Highlighted by Tamar, this comment by Johnny Gentle Famous Crooner points the spotlight on quality debate in the Democratic primaries, contrasted with exclusionary debate on the 'other' side.
Highlighted by Budded, this comment by Captain Frogbert is a full-on, no-holds-barred rant!
From yours truly, brillig:
Top Mojo ala mik!
For Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on the subject!
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2016-02-09, courtesy of jotter!