Save Phil Bailey
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| Bailey and his faithful sidekick Judging Dog |
The comments even spawned a Sikh Jesus user account on Twitter.
Following this, Bailey's Twitter account went away and it's been reported that he was "reprimanded". We hope this is as far as it goes.
While some were certainly upset by Bailey's remarks, it's not surprising to see him pushing the envelope. He's well known for doing this over the years, providing some entertaining and even thought-provoking moments. But one off-the-cuff remark, even one this incendiary, shouldn't be the end of his career, and we hope it's not. Hopefully Phil will return to Twitter, including with his biting wit and Judging Dog, soon.
These sentiments were also shared by Billy Simons, a Lowcountry GOP activist, who wrote:
These sentiments were also shared by Billy Simons, a Lowcountry GOP activist, who wrote:
I hope that we will soon see the return of Phil Bailey’s twitter account, because this is one conservative, Republican that misses it greatly. I’ll say once again, based on my interactions with Phil Bailey he is none of the things that people have made him out to be, based on a couple of tweets. It was an attempt at humor that crossed the line, but nothing more. I hope all of you will join the cause and let’s help #FreePhilBailey.
If his remarks are that bad, then it stands to reason that his critics should want him on Twitter so he can give them more fodder for criticism. But the notion that Bailey, given his work with the diverse range of members of the Senate's Democratic caucus, including minorities and a Jewish Senator, is any kind of racist or bigot is laughable indeed.
The fact is that we live in a nation where freedom of speech, even when it's not what people want to hear, is a right guaranteed to all. Bailey uses his right with a disclaimer that his Tweets do not represent his employer, thus he is free to inform, entertain and even offend us. He manages to do all of the aforementioned well and we appreciate him for that.
His efforts with the Pub Politics webcast have made the show one of the best forums for and about state politics, providing a valuable public service for the state, as well as national media wanting to get an inside look into how we conduct politics in the Palmetto State.
His efforts with the Pub Politics webcast have made the show one of the best forums for and about state politics, providing a valuable public service for the state, as well as national media wanting to get an inside look into how we conduct politics in the Palmetto State.
He's also one of the sharpest Democratic operatives we know and his record is proof. While the House Democratic caucus has shrunken to irrelevant status, the Senate caucus, led by Bailey, continues to play an effective role considering its size. It even holds on to several Senate seats that demographically favor Republicans (and would likely be held by them if they were House districts) and has run some surprisingly strong races in Senate districts where strong races were not considered possible. We credit Bailey for playing a key role in this, as well as for making sure Republicans are held accountable for what they say and do. As we've seen around the world, a true one-party state isn't always a good place to be.
Bailey is an asset to the state's political culture and he shouldn't be judged, much less lynched, over an off-hand comment. We hope this storm passes and that he is able to return to Twitter soon - even if it's not always what we want to hear.
Bailey is an asset to the state's political culture and he shouldn't be judged, much less lynched, over an off-hand comment. We hope this storm passes and that he is able to return to Twitter soon - even if it's not always what we want to hear.
While I don't doubt your assertion there exists a double-standard, I think when full disclosure is given, as Phil did, he should have the freedom to say what he wants, as should we. Even if it's not what you or I would like to hear. Haley was (and if she still was, I could care less) Sikh, and Phil believed she took a role in attempting to resurrect Shealy's candidacy. Thus his shot had some validity. The rest was spin.
For being on their show - if you knew me, you'd know my work and teaching load keeps me from being in Columbia most evenings, as well as spending time with kids. Also, if you knew me, you'd know I don't suck up to anyone. That's why I work in the private sector. If you don't like what you see, go elsewhere. I don't earn a penny doing this, so it's no loss to me.
As to the matter of Bailey's record, you're dead wrong. The data speaks for itself.
Here are some 2008 election outcomes where Democrats won majority-white Senate districts:
Dist 10: Won by Democrat Floyd Nicholson with 51.36%. BVAP 31.93%
Dist 11: Won by Democrat Glenn Reese with 57.07%. BVAP 27.60%
Dist 26: Won by Democrat Nikki Setzler with 63.14%. BVAP 21.07%
Dist 27: Won by Democrat Vince Sheheen unopposed. BVAP 29.97%
Dist 28: Won by Democrat Dick Elliot with 57.44%. BVAP 21.09%
Dist 35: Won by Democrat Phil Leventis with 61.85%. BVAP 39.99%
Also ... Dist 16: Won by Republican Mick Mulvaney. With a BVAP of 16.16%, the Democrat still got 46.22%.
All but one of these races were won by Democrats and not a one had a black majority voting-age population. All but one had a lower BVAP than the state as a whole, yet McCain won by nine points. In each of these races (except for Sheheen who was unopposed), the Democrat exceeded the BVAP, the presumed electoral "base" for a Democrat, by twenty or more points.
That "failed Democratic operative" played an integral role in handing our asses to us in those districts. I'm smart enough to see it for what it is - a warning that if we Republicans think we're too smart for our good, they still have the ability to sting us when we least expect it. When we recruit good candidates and put resources behind them, we'll usually prevail, but if our candidates are lousy or we don't get behind them and help, Phil and his team might just spank us on election night.
Any other questions?
Bailey's Senate Democratic Caucus has 19 of 46 seats. That's 41%. Heck, in 2008, Obama took 44% in SC, a national liberal Democrat. Keep on explaining to us Bailey's winning record. I'm supposed to be impressed that a statewide SC Democratic operative's organization underperforms a liberal national Democrat that didn't even campaign in the state. And let me bet, Bailey's so good that Democrats are expected to pick up SC Senate seats this year. Explain to us which seats and how many.
Actually, I'd put my money on an easy pick-up of Elliot's seat and a close win of Leventis' seat. Maybe a couple of other seats if we have the right candidates and run sharp campaigns.
If you want another answer from me, put a name to your comments so we'll know who we're talking to and what your qualifications are.