Archive for the ‘Senate Satire’ Category
Friday, November 22nd, 2013
Most Democrats are pleased that Harry Reid finally pulled the trigger on a filibuster rules change. Mitch McConnell? Not so much!
Open Limerick From Mitch McConnell To Harry Reid
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Mitch to Harry: You’ll live to regret
The rule change you made. That’s a threat.
How dare you show fight!
Wreaking havoc’s our right.
Will we keep being evil? You bet!
Tags: Advise And Consent, Filibuster, Filibuster Humor, Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell, Nuclear Option, Obstructionism, Senate Democrats, Senate Humor
Posted in Constitutional Crisis, Democracy Humor, Filibuster Humor, GOP Humor, Harry Reid, Judiciary Satire, Legal Limericks, Mitch McConnell, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire | 1 Comment »
Thursday, October 17th, 2013
The federal government’s reopened and the debt ceiling crisis was averted at the last minute. So the question now is, will this happen again? Alas, many experts believe we’re doomed to have yet another shutdown.
Doomed Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
This crisis is over for now,
But for those who are wiping their brow,
Please keep this in mind:
The very same bind
May in merely three months take a bow.
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Extortion, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Furloughed Employees, Government Default, Government Shutdown, House Republicans, Legislation Satire, Republicans Humor, U.S. Senate, Washington DC
Posted in Barack Obama, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Government Services, House Satire, Leadership Humor, Legislation Humor, Money & Finance Humor, Partisanship Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, RNC Humor, Senate Satire, Tax & Budget Humor, Tea Parties, Washington, Wingnuts | Comments Off on Doomed Limerick
Friday, October 11th, 2013
How sadly symbolic that the historic Senate clock’s no longer ticking, thanks to the government shutdown:
The team of curators that wind the 11-foot tall, nearly 200-year-old clock every week have been furloughed, the Secretary of the Senate confirms to NBC News. It was last wound on Monday, Sept. 30 — and more than a week into the shutdown, its hands are now frozen at 12:14.
The antique clock, known as the “Ohio Clock,” serves as a landmark for both reporters and senators, who regularly gather in the “Ohio Clock corridor.”
In DC, Not Even The Clocks Run Like Clockwork (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
I’m alarmed by the old Senate clock,
Cuz they’ve furloughed its horary doc.
Near two centuries old–
The clock’s out in the cold
With no winders — no tick and no tock.
Tags: Art Curators, Furloughed Employees, Government Shutdown, Ohio Clock, Senate Clock, U.S. Senate, Washington DC
Posted in Congress Humor, GOP Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, September 25th, 2013
“Party First” Politics (3-Verse Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
When the government runs out of cash
And shuts down, then just who will you bash?
If you’re paying attention,
The party you’ll mention
Is Republican — that’s who you’ll trash.
But misinformation’s widespread
Cuz the public is constantly fed
Big Republican lies
Which attempt to disguise
Who would chop off the government’s head.
Yet the GOP’s mission is clear:
It’s a goal they’ve chased year after year
To stymie Obama,
No matter the trauma
To all that our nation holds dear.
Tags: Blame Game, Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Government Default, Legislation Satire, Obama Verse, Obamacare Repeal, Patriotism Humor, Republicans Humor
Posted in Barack Obama, Blame Game, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, House Satire, Legislation Humor, Partisanship Satire, Patriotism Poems, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire, Washington, White House, Wingnuts | 5 Comments »
Monday, April 8th, 2013
Once again, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is making threats about filibuster reform — this time with noise about the “nuclear option.” All I can say is: Blah, blah, blah!
Limerick Ode To Harry “Big Talker” Reid
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Harry Reid is again voicing threats
To reform Senate rules. Oh yes, let’s!
But his words have no stock,
As Republicans block
Most Dem action — abuse Reid abets.
Tags: Filibuster Humor, Harry Reid, Legislation Satire, Reform, U.S. Senate
Posted in Filibuster Humor, GOP Humor, Harry Reid, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire | 1 Comment »
Monday, February 4th, 2013
I’m enjoying the conflicting rumors about Tagg Romney perhaps running for John Kerry’s old Senate Seat.
Limerick Ode To Tagg Romney
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A scion of Romney, named Tagg,
Voiced a punchy, but fantasy brag
About “taking a swing”
At our prez, so his fling
At the Senate may well hit a snag.
Tags: Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, John Kerry, Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, Tagg Romney, U.S. Senate
Posted in Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, Election Satire, GOP Humor, Mitt Romney Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire | 5 Comments »
Monday, January 28th, 2013
Here’s a headline I sure didn’t want to read: Veteran Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin to retire after the 2014 elections.
Harkin, a staunch liberal who advocated for serious filibuster reform, announced his retirement very shortly after Sen. Harry Reid caved and made a pathetically week filibuster “reform” deal with Sen. Mitch McConnell.
While I’m no mind reader, I’m betting the two are connected.
Limerick Ode To Tom Harkin
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Tom Harkin is stepping aside.
His loss will be hard to abide.
I blame Reid, cuz he blew
His big chance for some true
Filibuster reform, which has died!
Tags: Filibuster Humor, Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell, Tom Harkin, U.S. Senate
Posted in Filibuster Humor, Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Senate Satire | 3 Comments »
Thursday, October 25th, 2012
Every time I think Republicans couldn’t possibly get crazier or more extreme about banning abortion, someone like Indiana’s Richard Mourdoch proves me wrong.
By now, the would-be senator’s bizarre comments about abortion and rape, and his non-apology apology are all too familiar. So is the fact that Romney has refused to withdraw his endorsement and his pro-Mourdoch ad.
So I’ll simply leave you with this serious limerick:
Limerick Ode To Richard Mourdoch
By Madeleine Begun Kane
By Mourdoch, I’m shocked — left agape:
He claims if you’re pregnant from rape,
It’s a God-given gift.
So how dare you be miffed!
Your future’s not yours to reshape.
Tags: Abortion Rights, Extremist Candidates, Feminist Limerick, God, Indiana, Rape Victims, Religion In Politics, Republicans Humor, Richard Mourdoch, U.S. Senate
Posted in Abortion Rights, Campaign Humor, Election Satire, Feminism Humor, GOP Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire | 4 Comments »
Thursday, December 29th, 2011
Why would anyone, other than a Republican, lament “centrist” Senator Ben Nelson’s decision not to run for reelection?
Limerick Ode To Ben Nelson
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Ben Nelson won’t run again. Great!
He took stands that were easy to hate:
Helped Republicans halt
Senate votes. Oy gevalt!
He’s a DINO. There’s just no debate.
Tags: Ben Nelson, Blue Dogs, Centrists Humor, DINOs, Election Humor, Filibuster Humor, Nebraska, Partisan Gridlock, Senate Satire, Voting Limerick
Posted in Ben Nelson, Democrats Humor, Filibuster Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Senate Satire, Voting Satire | 2 Comments »
Monday, October 24th, 2011
Republicans have repeatedly blocked proposals they actually support, in order to gain political advantage over Obama. This is no surprise, in light of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s stated priorities: He bragged that making Obama a one-term president was his number one goal.
But McConnell now denies putting politics over the good of the country, claiming there’s no “villain out there who’s keeping this administration from succeeding.”
Limerick Ode To Villainous Mitch McConnell
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Mitch McConnell denies there’s a villain
That on purpose engages in killin’
The President’s plans,
After promising fans
Such destruction, a vow he’s fulfillin’.
Tags: Campaign Satire, Election Humor, Mitch McConnell, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire
Posted in Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, Election Satire, GOP Humor, Legislation Humor, Mitch McConnell, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, RNC Humor, Senate Satire, Washington, White House | 5 Comments »
Monday, April 18th, 2011
Just what we need — another Ron Paul son in the Senate:
Liberate Me From The Paul Clan
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Yet another ambitious Paul son?
How I’d hoped there was only the one.
First Ron and then Rand
And now Rob? What a band!
Please tell me we’re finally done.
Tags: Campaign Satire, Election Humor, Libertarians, Rand Paul, Robert Paul, Ron Paul, Texas Humor
Posted in Campaign Humor, Election Satire, Political Limericks, Senate Satire, Texas Humor | 7 Comments »
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut has announced that he won’t be running for a 5th term. And that means I won’t have Joe Lieberman to kick around much longer.
That brings me to my latest Joe Lieberman limerick and haiku:
Finally, Joementum In the Right Direction
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Joe, glad to hear that you’re leaving.
This Democrat sure won’t be grieving.
I know you’ve no shame,
So you won’t accept blame
For aiding the right in their thieving.
****************
I’ll never tire
Of the phrase “Joe Lieberman
Is retiring.”
Tags: Connecticut, Joe Lieberman
Posted in Election Satire, Joe Lieberman, Political Haiku & Senryu, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Publicity Hounds, Senate Satire | 7 Comments »
Sunday, December 19th, 2010
If John McCain hadn’t done quite so much damage to our nation, I could almost feel sorry for him. After all, it’s hard not to pity a man who’s turned into a pathetic shell of a human being.
McCain’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal temper tantrum is only the latest example of the sad, ugly person that McCain’s become:
A Tragic Limerick Ode To John McCain
By Madeleine Begun Kane
John McCain seems embittered and mean,
Acting worse than a badly raised teen.
His convictions? No more!
Just conniptions galore.
He’s lost heart, and he’s left with just spleen.
Tags: DADT, John McCain, Military, Republicans Humor, U.S. Senate
Posted in Don't Ask Don't Tell Humor, Gay Rights, John McCain, Legislation Humor, Military Humor, National Security Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Publicity Hounds, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire | 7 Comments »
Thursday, October 28th, 2010
As you know, I think Republican supporters are wrong about everything. But I have to assume they have a good faith belief that Republican pols want to make things better for the American people. And I’d like to think some of them would reevaluate their votes if they knew about the GOP’s real priority.
What am talking about? In an interview with National Journal, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has admitted to a totally different goal:
“The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president,” McConnell said, adding, “Our single biggest political goal is to give [the Republican] nominee for president the maximum opportunity to be successful.”
There’s no ambiguity here: Republicans are taking a strong stand for partisan politics over good policy. And that leads me to my latest two-verse limerick:
An Open Limerick To Republican Supporters
By Madeleine Begun Kane
To those who are suff’ring frustration
And see GOP wins as salvation,
Those pols led by Mitch
Dragged us into this ditch
And will not do what’s good for our nation.
No, they won’t get us out of this hole,
Cuz McConnell has one single goal:
Make the Prez a one-termer,
He brags — does not murmur.
So please think when you go to the poll.
Tags: Campaign Satire, Election Humor, GOP Humor, Kentucky, Mitch McConnell, National Journal, Obama Verse, Partisan Politics, Republican Humor, Senate Satire, Voting Limerick
Posted in 44 Humor, Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, Election Satire, GOP Humor, Kentucky Humor, Partisanship Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire, Voting Satire, White House | 7 Comments »
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
Every so often I sum up a period in alpha-political verse. For instance, I did one about the opening months of the Obama administration. I also did two about the Bush administration, one a not-so-fond farewell to Bush and Cheney and the other a satirical summary of their disastrous first term.
This mid-term election period has been so bizarre, that I couldn’t resist doing another one:
Alpha-Political Verse: Election 2010
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A is for Alaska, whose incumbent needs good spelling.
B is for Barack. The GOP sure wants his dwelling.
C is for Christine who’s anti-gay and masturbation.
D’s for Delaware debates, where laughter ain’t ovation.
E is for elections. Dems lose bad — so say the seers.
F’s for foreign cash galore supporting GOPers.
G is for Glenn Beck and all the crazy stuff he says.
H is for Sec. Hillary. Too bad that gal ain’t Prez.
I’s for Darrell Issa who is itching to impeach.
J is for John Boehner — smells majority in reach.
K is for Ken Mehlman who is fin’ly out as gay.
L’s for Libertarians who, like Rand, to regs say “Nay!”
M is for Joe Miller — seems he doesn’t like the press.
N’s for Speaker Nancy P. Her House is sure a mess.
O’s For Bill O’Reilly versus Joy and Whoopi. Wow!
P’s for Paladino. Angry bully? Yes, and how!
Q’s for all the questions the extremists won’t address.
R’s for Reid’s tough Angle bout. I’m worried, I confess.
S is for Mike Steele who claims to run the RNC.
T is for the Tenthers and their anti-fed law spree.
U is for our Union which secessionists would flee.
V is for the voters drinking Kool-Aid-flavored tea.
W’s for the many wars we’re fighting — can’t keep track.
X is for the xenophobic anti-“other” pack.
Y is for the youth. We really need them at the polls.
And Z’s for right-wing zealots. We must squash their ugly goals.
Tags: Campaign Satire, Election Humor, Extremist Candidates, GOP Humor, Obama Verse, Voting Limerick, Wingnuts
Posted in Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, Congress Humor, Election Satire, GOP Humor, House Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Polls, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire, Voting Satire | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010
By now you’ve surely heard about Delaware Republican Senatorial candidate Christine O’Donnell’s astonishing screw-up in her debate against opponent Chris Coons. I’m speaking, of course, of her First Amendment gaffe. In her now infamous exchange (in a law school, yet) Tea-Partier O’Donnell “appeared to be aggressively ignorant of the fact that the First Amendment requires the separation of church and state.”
That brings me to my latest Limerick:
Yet Another Limerick Ode To Christine O’Donnell
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Debating our Fed Constitution
Can be tough when your grasp’s Lilliputian:
Hence O’Donnell’s conflation
Of church and our nation.
Her savvy could use evolution.
(Here’s my previous limerick about Christine O’Donnell.)
Tags: Campaign Satire, Chris Coons, Christine O'Donnell, Church and State, Debate Limerick, Delaware, Election Humor, First Amendment, Gaffes, Religion Humor, U.S. Constitution
Posted in Campaign Humor, Christine O'Donnell, Constitution Humor, Debate Humor, Election Satire, Law Satire, Legal Limericks, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Religious Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire, Tea Parties, Wingnuts | 8 Comments »
Monday, October 18th, 2010
Republican Ken Buck debated Sen. Michael Bennet (D) during Sunday’s Meet the Press Colorado Senate debate, and things didn’t go well for him. When host David Gregory asked whether being gay is a choice, Buck said yes, and added: “I think that birth has an influence…like alcoholism and some other things, but I think that basically, you have a choice.”
That leads me to my latest limerick:
Anti-Gay Bunk From Ken Buck
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Mr. Buck spewed some anti-gay bunk:
Compared gayness to being a drunk,
Then went on to say gays
Choose their gay life-style ways.
Please don’t vote for that gay-bashing punk.
Tags: Campaign Satire, Colorado, David Gregory, Debate Limerick, Election Humor, Gays, Homosexuality Satire, Ken Buck, Lifestyle Choice, Meet The Press, Michael Bennet
Posted in Campaign Humor, Debate Humor, Election Satire, Gay Rights, GOP Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Senate Satire, Wingnuts | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
When it comes to sexism posing as a compliment, I try to cut Harry Reid’s generation some slack. But Senator Reid really ought to know better:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had an unusual form of praise for New York’s junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, this morning at the fundraiser Mayor Bloomberg hosted for him at his townhouse – referring to her as “the hottest member” as she sat just a few feet away, according to three sources.
The comment prompted Gillibrand to turn red, according to the sources, and created a bit of stir among the small crowd there.
That leads me to my latest limerick:
Harry Reid’s Not So Hot Remark
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Kirsten Gillibrand’s hot says Sen. Reid —
The Sen’s “hottest member,” indeed.
Now I know Harry’s old,
And I don’t mean to scold,
But that “compliment’s” sexist. Take heed.
Here’s more on subtle sexism, including my Gender At Work essay. (Gender at Work, under the name My Most Attractive Adversary, is the lead Gender Gap chapter essay in a pair of college textbooks by Gary Goshgarian: The Contemporary Reader and Readings For Today.)
Tags: Compliments, Feminist Limerick, Gary Goshgarian, Gender Humor, Harry Reid, Kirsten Gillibrand, Sexist Humor, Subtle Sexism
Posted in Appearance Humor, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Harry Reid, Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Politics, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Speeches, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Senate Satire, Washington | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Hey Dems, if you’re feeling disappointed, disgusted, and apathetic, you’re not alone. I feel your pain, and so do lots of other Democrats.
The enthusiasm gap between Democrats and Republicans is huge and growing every day. And this could have dire results: Republicans, the very people who got us into this mess, might very well take over both the House and the Senate.
You think you’re miserable now? Just imagine how depressed you’ll feel in November, if Democrats are no-shows at the voting booths, handing both Congressional houses over to the GOP.
That leads me to my latest limerick:
Apathy, Schmapathy — Dems Still Have To Vote!
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The voters are feeling enraged.
Disappointment’s made Dems disengaged.
But a GOP win
Would be tragic — a sin.
So a voting war has to be waged.
Tags: Democratic Enthusiasm Gap, Democrats, Election Humor, GOP Humor, Republicans Humor, Voter Apathy
Posted in Campaign Humor, Congress Humor, Election Satire, GOP Humor, House Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Senate Satire | 4 Comments »
Monday, July 12th, 2010
So far, Senator David Vitter of Louisiana has survived several scandals ranging from soliciting a prostitute from the “D.C. Madam,” to keeping a “women’s issues” aide (Brent Furer) on staff who allegedly held his girlfriend hostage at knifepoint.
But now he’s confronting a brand new challenge — a last minute, unexpected primary fight launched by retired Judge Chet Traylor.
And that brings me to my latest two-verse limerick:
David Vitter’s Traylor Travails
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The scandal-scarred Senator Vitter
Got struck with a last minute hitter:
A primary fight
From the GOP’s right.
Now he’s bitter. I read it on Twitter.
Chet Traylor has pulled off this filing,
And bus’nesses find him beguiling—
Former judge who’s a fan
Of the sodomy ban.
And that’s why Dave Vitter ain’t smiling.
Tags: Chet Traylor, David Vitter, Election Humor, Louisiana, Republican Primary
Posted in Campaign Humor, David Vitter, Election Satire, GOP Humor, Political Limericks, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire | 3 Comments »
Doomed Limerick
Thursday, October 17th, 2013The federal government’s reopened and the debt ceiling crisis was averted at the last minute. So the question now is, will this happen again? Alas, many experts believe we’re doomed to have yet another shutdown.
Doomed Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
This crisis is over for now,
But for those who are wiping their brow,
Please keep this in mind:
The very same bind
May in merely three months take a bow.
Tags: Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Extortion, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, Furloughed Employees, Government Default, Government Shutdown, House Republicans, Legislation Satire, Republicans Humor, U.S. Senate, Washington DC
Posted in Barack Obama, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Government Services, House Satire, Leadership Humor, Legislation Humor, Money & Finance Humor, Partisanship Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, RNC Humor, Senate Satire, Tax & Budget Humor, Tea Parties, Washington, Wingnuts | Comments Off on Doomed Limerick