Karen Handel On ‘The Regular Guys’

March 4, 2010 1:27 am

by Icarus · 84 comments

I keep watching a lot of folks here, many of them sock puppets, try to claim that Karen Handel uses the same scripted and repetitive answers when in debates or on the campaign trail.

Frankly, I’ve been to a lot of her events, and I don’t see it.

For those who don’t think she can roll with the punches, I offer to you the following clip from yesterday morning’s segment with Rock 100.5 FM’s Atlanta morning show, The Regular Guys.

{ 83 comments }

macho March 4, 2010 at 7:22 am

Could you imagine Ox or Deal going on that show, to roll with the most unpredictable guys on the radio – no way. Any candidate would have a lot of anxiety, because you just don’t know what the hell they are going to start talking about. Ox and Deal would be too terrified they start joking about all their ethics problems.

polisavvy March 4, 2010 at 8:41 am

That’s funny and probably quite true.

AlanR March 4, 2010 at 9:17 am

This was a very good day for Handel’s campaign. I don’t know howthe others would perform, and that’s part of macho’s point. They need to be doing this kind of thing and doing it as well as Handel and so far theyre not.

polisavvy March 4, 2010 at 9:41 am

I didn’t say it wasn’t a good day for her. I agree with you that the others should be doing the same and some are planning on doing just that. I was just agreeing with macho that I don’t think Ox and Deal would do a good job with the types of questions those guys would throw at them. A couple of other candidates could hold their own with the Regular Guys. It’s just March and a lot of time to go and do radio and television spots. Of course, if any do attempt to do something similar, they will be accused of not being “original.”

kcordell March 4, 2010 at 6:14 pm

I haven’t heard Nathan on any shows other than WDUN with Al Gainey. He refused to take questions from the listening audience.

John Konop March 4, 2010 at 7:42 am

I thought Karen did a very good job!

Ludwig Von Beachbum March 4, 2010 at 8:04 am

I dont see the big deal here Icarus. Looks like you created a straw man type issue from your intro just to post Handel material. Yes, we get it. You are in the tank :)

Icarus March 4, 2010 at 8:30 am

You probably should be more worried about getting your candidate in the game than worrying about who’s in the tank.

Ludwig Von Beachbum March 4, 2010 at 11:41 am

I feel validated. LOL

I Am Jacks Post March 4, 2010 at 8:35 am

While he did in this instance, Icarus doesn’t need to manufacture a straw man to post material favorable to his candidate(s). He does it all the time. You obviously missed his recent post, “McGinnittie eats sandwhich, 31 people come to Jesus.”

I Am Jacks Post March 4, 2010 at 8:36 am

Yeah, I know. I can’t spell McGinnittie and I apparently can’t spell sandwich either.

Chris March 4, 2010 at 8:57 am
BuckheadConservative March 4, 2010 at 10:41 am

Someone needs to do some soul saving after Brian’s consultant took “all hell” to Athens.

polisavvy March 4, 2010 at 8:43 am

I think Icarus is fair to most of the candidates, except a very few. He’s just putting out information/links for us to see. What we do is our decision.

GOPGeorgia March 4, 2010 at 9:08 am

He reports, we decide?

polisavvy March 4, 2010 at 9:12 am

Exactly. I don’t recall him forcing it down anyone’s throats. And you know, if he has a favorite candidate that he is supporting, then who are we to criticize? That’s his business, in my opinion.

Andre March 4, 2010 at 9:27 am

I guess that’s better than “We deceive, you believe” or “All the news we invent, we print.”

polisavvy March 4, 2010 at 9:47 am

Hysterically funny!! :)

Technocrat March 4, 2010 at 8:43 am

Now if Karen took testosterone or had an alternative relationship I might support her, more. {putting some less than honorable rumors to rest}.
Estrogen scares the crap out of me in a politican.
As it did the Texans recently, obviously being a sitting Senator didn’t help either.

The REAL QUESTIONS are Georgians ready for a woman Governor?
Will the Red Necks vote for her? Will the Red Necks wives support her?

Would Roy Barnes have an edge just based on sex alone?

Sure wished the DemoKrats had put up a female candidate, but they know better. Maybe for Senator or Congress as a first step.

polisavvy March 4, 2010 at 8:47 am

While I am not supporting Ms. Handel, I think you rant is a very sexist and unnecessary.

AlanR March 4, 2010 at 9:12 am

Poli — Give him a break. Technocrats having an alternative relationship with reality. Try not to drive or operate equipment until that flashing thing in your field of vision stops. It’ll be a couple more hours. And don’t take any more of the blue ones.

polisavvy March 4, 2010 at 9:48 am

Very funny stuff, AlanR! I didn’t know of his issues!! LOL!! ;)

Kellie March 4, 2010 at 9:44 am
polisavvy March 4, 2010 at 9:48 am

I know, right? I see no need in sexist comments. No place for it in this day and age.

Capt. Jack Sparrow March 4, 2010 at 11:07 am

Hello? Clues available here – get one today Technocrat!

The reason KBH did so poorly is that voters do not want DC answers in their states. Paging Goober & Gomer at the auto salvage yard – make sure Nathan understands that.

Republican Lady March 4, 2010 at 12:52 pm

Who is KBH, where did they do poorly, and what does that person have to do with Nathan Deal? Surely you are not referring to Karen!

Diana March 5, 2010 at 3:15 pm

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison from Texas

Republican Lady March 5, 2010 at 9:16 pm

Thanks.

Mike Hauncho March 4, 2010 at 8:44 am

This is a whole lot better than when Sonny used to call in with the Bert Show for hot mom check-in.

A candidate for Gov that can relate to the Regular Guys is a good thing. It shows they are connected to the real world and not just policy wonks.

Progressive Dem March 4, 2010 at 10:09 am

Connecting to the real world is fine, but since when are high paid entertainers who work in a recording studio an example of the real world.

And before the Handel handlers go googly-eyed about her performance, let’s remember these regular white guys appeal to fairly narrow demographic. Their station is not even among the top ten rated stations in Atl.

kyleinatl March 4, 2010 at 10:17 am

No kidding, they’re basically “Howard Stern-lite”…why not get Sirius radio and listen to the real thing? FAR more entertaining.

Glen Ross March 4, 2010 at 9:22 am

Karen’s pretty nimble here. Good job. Why does she struggle with fundraising so much?

Maurice Atkinson March 4, 2010 at 11:10 am

Karen did a tremendous job. Karen Handel is one of the best communicators in government. She connects well with people and is tenacious in her campaigning. What is even more important is that she is consistent and effective in the positions she’s held.

On the fundraising side, it’s tough all over. The economy is tight and donors give to a sure bet. As the polling numbers tighten up watch her financials increase. However, even if they didn’t, this is a serious candidate simply because she KNOWS how to campaign.

Mozart March 5, 2010 at 9:36 am

And when she gets into office, she does 180-degree turns and listens to the lobbyists.

Republican Lady March 5, 2010 at 10:15 am

Not gonna happen.

Mozart March 5, 2010 at 12:45 pm

Already has. She did it in her 2006 campaign about the non-trackability of electronic voting machines, and then 180-ed when she hired the lobbyist for the firm responsible for selling the machines to the SOS office as her Deputy SOS.

NorthGAGOP March 5, 2010 at 12:58 pm

Just in case inquiring minds want to know. Barnes bought the machines. Handel had nothing to do with decision. Will have to find out if the lobbyist had anything to do with the Barnes decision, as I do not know they answer.

NorthGAGOP March 5, 2010 at 1:51 pm

I just made a few calls. The touch screen voting machines were first used in 2002. Handel was not even in public office in 2002. The lobbyist was not working for the firm that lobbied Barnes and Cox for the machine purchase.

Mozart March 5, 2010 at 4:13 pm

I do not recall stating Handel had anything to do with “buying” the machines.

But, thanks for playing “Muddle The Field of Information With Falsehoods.”

Mozart March 5, 2010 at 4:17 pm

AND…Diebold did hire Massy/Bowers a few years after the original purchase in 2002. Rob Simms worked for Massey/Bowers as a lobbyist and then Simms went to go work for Handel as Deputy and talked Handel out of doing anything about the machines (that she had agreed to do while running for office in 2006) because Simms was still pals with Massey/Bowers who were then lobbyists for Diebold.

Romegaguy March 7, 2010 at 9:54 pm

and Massey is now on a committee to help Kemp thing how to re-tool the SOS office. Nice, huh?

Mozart March 7, 2010 at 10:16 pm

Yeah, Rome…it’s just depressing when crap like that happens.

Republican Lady March 7, 2010 at 9:59 pm

Facts, Mozart, you make a better argument with facts.

Mozart March 7, 2010 at 10:14 pm

I rebutted NorthGaGOP with facts, RL. But, I can see that you will ignore facts regardless.

So, stop claiming you want “facts” when you refuse to recognize the ones I give. You might as well be one of the Democrats from 1998 during the Clinton debacle. “Blue dress? I don’t see no blue dress.”

Republican Lady March 7, 2010 at 11:01 pm

I have not seen the facts you claim to have listed. NorthGAGOP blew your statements out of the water, so you did not state facts.

Where is the site regarding Diebold and Rob Simms so I can look at it for myself? Where can I find the Simms/Handel conversation where he alledgely “talked her out of doing anything about the machines?”

These are the facts I am talking about.

Republican Lady March 7, 2010 at 11:02 pm

Oh and yes, there was definately a blue dress in the Clinton debacle! See that was a verifiable fact!

Mozart March 7, 2010 at 11:15 pm

Ahhh….okay, RL. You (and the Simm-ites) get the following:

Diebold Election System:

Lobbyist: LEWIS ABIT MASSEY

Date Registered: 2/28/2006
Date Terminated: 2/28/2008 and 7/31/2008

http://ethics.georgia.gov/Reports/Lobbyist/Lobbyist_Group.aspx?&FilerID=L20050034&LGID=4470&Year=2006%20and%20Newer&Type=LG

Mozart March 7, 2010 at 11:17 pm

Robert Simms himself as a lobbyist:

http://ethics.georgia.gov/Reports/Lobbyist/Lobbyist_Name.aspx?&FilerID=L20050035

If you look down to “Massey Bowers, LLC”, and click it, you will find this:

http://ethics.georgia.gov/Reports/Lobbyist/Lobbyist_Group.aspx?&FilerID=L20050035&LGID=281

Simms terminated in December 2006 because he went to work for Karen Handel.

But…that did not stop the political relationship between the lobbying firm and Simms.

Mozart March 7, 2010 at 11:21 pm

So, RL…what exactly do you say now that I have been able to provide you (and NorthGaGOP) with traceable facts regarding the relationships between Simms and the Massey/Bowers lobbying firm and Diebold?

No worries…I can hear a pin drop right now.

Republican Lady March 7, 2010 at 11:26 pm

Excellent Mozart! I will take a break from grading term papers and go to your sites. That wasn’t so hard now, was it?

NorthGAGOP March 8, 2010 at 7:48 am

Trying to understand your logic. Simms worked for Massey Bowers. We do not know if he handled Diebold for Massey Bowers. He left M/B went to work for Handel, then did what on behalf of M/B or Diebold? The Diebold machines were purchased by Cox/Barnes in 2001 or 2002. According to the link you provided Simms registered in 2005.

So what’s your point.

Technocrat March 4, 2010 at 9:31 am

Male Republican voters are sexists in general, too much demoKratic touchy/feely political correctness seems to be creeping into the discussion.
Remember there are two Georgia’s.

We will see in November or July, I cannot wait.
Put your money and time up for Karen to prove me wrong…..make me suffer and squeeeeeeeeel like a PIG.

Maybe we can have a Televised REAL PP water Dunk in November for the supporters of losers. I’m Game.

GOPGeorgia March 4, 2010 at 9:52 am

There are two Georgias. One is in the Southeastern United States and the other is a part of the former USSR.

polisavvy March 4, 2010 at 9:54 am
Republican Lady March 4, 2010 at 9:59 am

Haaaaaaa. Funny and very true.

kyleinatl March 4, 2010 at 10:19 am

Or one is a fairly open-minded place that stays out of your damn bedroom, the other reminds me of a scene from “O Brother Where Are Thou?”.

Chris March 4, 2010 at 10:20 am

Both are in an unsteady truce with neighboring states.

Republican Lady March 4, 2010 at 12:48 pm

Also very true!

polisavvy March 4, 2010 at 9:51 am

It’s not a situation of political correctness, it’s common decency and courtesy not to make remarks like that about any women, rather they are running for an office or just working in one.

LoyaltyIsMyHonor March 4, 2010 at 9:58 am

Sorry Handelistas, but I see that she’s resurrected the old Northern Arc (Something we desperately need) issue for political gain. Geez, she’s bordering into OX territory as far as pandering.

Discalimer: I am a sockpuppet for “undecided” “some other candidate” and “no opinion.” They’re all preferable to who we have running today.

David Staples March 4, 2010 at 10:06 am

Those are even preferable to John Monds? – http://www.VoteMonds.com

LoyaltyIsMyHonor March 4, 2010 at 10:34 am

Well, I’ll watch him more closely. I like Libertarians. They’re essentially what Republicans think of themselves as….but of course, don’t even come close.

BuckheadConservative March 4, 2010 at 10:18 am

I never thought Karen was stiff or canned with her replies, I’ve just always thought she didn’t “connect”. I don’t know how to put it, but at the end of her speeches or debates, it’s always just sort of lukewarm. Austin Scott clicks, though he’s gotta do a lot of clicking between now and the election.

Karen obviously knows what she’s talking about. More of this Karen will do her well.

AthensRepublican March 4, 2010 at 1:49 pm

I always thought she came across as stern and angry in debates. She had good intelligent answers. I am glad to see her lighter side and I hope she will share more of that in her campaign going forward.

John Konop March 4, 2010 at 10:20 am

I have been critical of Karen about her take charge CEO style personality with people. And the ironic part that is why I support her, because I think we need someone like that in tough times to make tough calls.

Icarus is right Karen showed a different side of herself with this interview. Karen is always very quick on her feet, because she is smart and very well prepared on issues, but I have never the humor side like this interview.

John Konop March 4, 2010 at 10:23 am

sorry

….but I have never seen the humor side like this interview…..

IndyInjun March 4, 2010 at 10:38 am

Karen Handel was very witty and just plain impressive. Most pols do not adapt well in impromptu formats that they cannot control.

Thanks for posting it.

I remain undecided between KH, EJ, and AS.

I am totally decided about JH and ND…….the decision is No.

David Staples March 4, 2010 at 10:40 am

JH? Errm… am I missing a candidate here, or am I still asleep and just not thinking clearly?

IndyInjun March 4, 2010 at 10:56 am

JO……..thanks for catching my slip……or is JO allowed here?

Republican Lady March 4, 2010 at 10:39 am

Karen, great job!

Gary Cooper March 4, 2010 at 10:47 am

Yeah, count me as undecided between her and Austin Scott. I think she did well in that setting and should score her some points. I was impressed with her and would like to see more of this from her and Austin as we get closer to the primary.

Ludwig Von Beachbum March 4, 2010 at 11:49 am

For the record, I like and respect Karen Handel. Politics and commenting on it is a lot like walking into a boxing match.

And when it comes, politicking , propaganda, the press and blogging and so on I know the difference between a nice chicken sandwich and chicken sh*t .

It depend on who is serving either.

Hills March 4, 2010 at 12:41 pm

I give her an 8+. Looking good.

slyram March 4, 2010 at 3:16 pm

Can you imagine the Democrat women who would vote for her? If Barnes starts to look strong, that’s a factor that should be considered before the primary. It’s hard for some people to see but party is not the only variable with some voters. I would have voted for Dr. Condi Rice for president if Obama or Hillary weren’t in the game and General Powell back in the day would have been an easy vote.

Henry Waxman March 5, 2010 at 12:17 pm

Yeah, like all the Democrat women that supported Sarah Palin, sweeping John McCain into office in the ’08 elections…And like all the Democrat women that crossed over to vote for Elizabeth Dole in the 2000 presidential primaries…

Henry Waxman March 5, 2010 at 12:19 pm

Under that logic, the GOP should nominate a female candidate in every potentially close race with a male Democrat.

David Staples March 5, 2010 at 12:52 pm

Say what you want, but I know people who voted for Hillary ONLY because she was a female, and for no other reason. They had no idea what her stance was on any issues and didn’t care. Talk about a frustrating conversation…

Kellie March 5, 2010 at 4:34 pm

There are women who will vote for another woman for that reason alone; there are also pro-choice/pro-life people who will vote for someone for that reason alone; there are gun owners who will vote on that issue alone; there are states rights who do the same. Some people have one thing that gets them to the polls and that’s America.

GVilleMan March 4, 2010 at 10:45 pm

I agree, my vote will either be cast for Eric Johnson or Karen Handel.

Ludwig Von Beachbum March 5, 2010 at 8:23 am

Geeezzz Eric? I mean I would vote for Eric before Oxy and Deal but I feel Eric looked the other way in regards to the Richardson burn out.

You people that want to respond that there was no DNA evidence to Eric looking the other way, don’t waste your time.

Mozart March 5, 2010 at 9:43 am

Ludwig, what part of your brain refuses to understand the concept of evidence beyond “well, everyone knows so-and-so kissed so-and-so”?

Ludwig Von Beachbum March 5, 2010 at 2:59 pm

I address your reply above in advance. That’s how well my brain works.

This medium cant spend 3 weeks going after Jerry Keen on that and play Perry Mason with Eric Johnson. They were on the same committee ..

Mozart March 5, 2010 at 6:08 pm

Jerry Keen? Truly, I am confused.

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