Sincere or Not?
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I’m torn about this clip. It’s Senator Robert Byrd breaking down on the floor of the Senate over Senator Ted Kennedy’s illness. Call me heartless, but I’m not sure I buy this emotional display. Usually when someone loses all composure and rambles on like that, it’s a spontaneous flood of emotion that makes them act in such a manner. But given that he’s reading off notes during his breakdown, his eyes appear dry and his gaze never even leaves the paper at all leaves me feeling a little doubtful. It just seems like attention whoring. Not to mention that he’s treating the guy like he’s already dead and buried, which is not exactly the type of attitude you want to convey to a sick person. In fact, near the end it almost gets downright comical.
So I’ve included a poll. Is this blubbering a sincere emotional display? And if it is sincere, is it do you find it courageous and brave or inappropriate and embarrassing for a guy to get so emotional?
UPDATE: I removed the poll because it was messing up the page display.
(No Ratings Yet)
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Be careful when doing polls. Your results can be skewed quite a bit by placement (order of options) and wording of question and poll options.
That said, I watched the clip without sound, and his body language — with his shoulders slumped, slow movement, head bent down very low, etc. — leads me to believe that it’s genuine.
I’m gonna give the grand wizard the benefit of the doubt.
1. dude is like 88 years old. You’re more likely to be empathetic regarding terminal illnesses and mortality at that age.
2. Dude’s been a Senator for over 50 years. Literally over half a century. Kennedy himself is 70+ and has been a senator for a quarter century. That makes these two long-time colleagues. And senators in general tend to be pretty collegial as there are so few of them and they serve such long terms. I can believe that they developed a strong friendship during all those years working on the same side.
3. What does this old coot have to gain from this display? He’s been reelected to his seat like 9 times. He ain’t movin’ up and he ain’t going down. This is a man who doesn’t need PR at this point in his life.
Smashs last blog post..Reset
Well what is “sincerity” in the first place? Is it having a motive that is socially acceptable? Or is it having a singular motive, and not letting “side motives” adulterate your purpose? I think those are the two definitions most people identify with, and I think both are retarded.
As for his speech, why the fuck are they talking about this on the floor? I mean I’m slightly sympathetic to Ted Kennedy but I believe in maintaining propriety. Politics is politics, keep your shit together on the floor and address the issue outside, where it ought to be addressed. I bet a lot of internal politics in the government are about garnering emotional support and friendship, so naturally, I bet a lot of politicians are drama queens.
The universe has chosen today to remind me that old enemies are sometimes as dear as old friends.
A long time opponent is worthy of respect, and you know where your opponent stands. There is no such luck with friends, they may turn on you at any time.
A long time debate opponent of mine disappeared from the ‘net several months ago - I’ve argued with this guy for years. I was aware he had some medical issues, and my concern for his well-being was no less genuine for the fact that we agree on almost nothing.
He popped back up today, and dug right into a long time sore point- and I was *very* glad to see him back
My take is that Senator Byrd was just as genuine in his concern for Senator Kennedy as was I for the fellow I’d been concerned about.
dude. you do realize you’re mad cynical. I’m not advising you to ever bet the house on this…but you’ll be right more often than not if you take things at face value.
Caveat: This is coming from a Psych major/Middle Eastern Studies minor/semi-conspiracy theorist/chronically depressed NYer/reserve member of the “He-Man Woman Hater Club”
Smash - What does he have to gain from this? I don’t think it’s about getting re-elected. I think it’s just narcissistic attention-whoring. I think most career politicians do have a bit of attention whore in them. This is their equivalent of making the ESPN highlight reel.
He’s a politicean… are any of them sincere?
Bobby Rios last blog post..How to Pick a Pair of Men’s Jeans
sheesh, smash’s first post said everything I wanted to say.
a) ted’s 78 years old.
b) he’s been in politics forever
he’s not a bedridden 7 year old suffering from leukemia. he’s not even dead. he’s been in public service his entire life, and led a full, influential existence. i say that even tho i dont really care for the guy.
i had trouble watching videos like the one you posted because I like seeing people behave in a dignified manner. this is anything but. i consider myself to be stricken with an unhealthy dose of dignity, and were I in a similar situation (among people who are not friends/family) I would excuse myself. or more likely, I would keep such an emotional topic to myself and not make a fucking scene.
then again, watching this, who knows? one thing’s for sure tho. getting drunk with him and ted kennedy would be a hoot.