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Dodd Takes on Michael Moore
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He was already one of the Senate’s most endangered incumbents. Now the Connecticut Democrat has Michael Moore in his face. Ari Melber reports on how Dodd is campaigning against a movie.
Republican leaders have been hammering Chris Dodd, probably the most vulnerable Democratic Senate incumbent facing re-election next year, for being too cozy with bankers. Lately, the GOP is getting some support in its attacks on Dodd from an unlikely place—liberal filmmaker Michael Moore.
In Capitalism: A Love Story, Moore’s documentary slamming financial and political elites, Dodd is cast as a banker-friendly pol who nets sweetheart mortgages from the controversial lender Countrywide Financial. Dodd denied wrongdoing, and a Senate Ethics Committee investigation concluded in August that the mortgages did not violate any rules. Moore argues, however, that senators must be held to higher standards—and he questions Dodd’s judgment on the job, too. The silver-haired Connecticut Democrat revealed his pinstriped sympathies, in Moore’s narrative, by backing a bill enabling those government-subsidized bonuses for AIG executives at the peak of the financial crisis.
“The Democratic Party needs to tell [Dodd]—you can’t run for reelection,” Moore told Hardball host Chris Matthews. “We’re going to lose this seat because of what you’ve done.”
Dodd’s troubles started long before Moore’s movie opened nationwide last weekend. His approval ratings fell to an all-time low of 34 percent in April, driving several formidable (and colorful) Republicans to jump in the race to oust him. The list of heavy-hitters includes Rob Simmons, a popular former congressman; Linda McMahon, the founding CEO—and sometime cameo actor—for the professional wrestling juggernaut World Wrestling Entertainment; and Peter Schiff, an iconoclastic financial analyst who found a new audience for his views on YouTube, where remixes of his bearish television appearances prophetically warning of a financial meltdown have drawn millions of views. Dodd’s poll numbers have rebounded recently, but a majority of voters still say they don't trust him (51 percent to 40 percent in a September survey). In the last two weeks, Dodd got some help from friends in high places, calling in both President Obama and Vice President Biden.
In other words, the incumbent already had his hands full—before one of the country’s most influential liberals decided to come out against him.
• Liz Goodwin: Michael Moore’s Muse
• The Best Scenes from Capitalism: A Love Story Asked about Moore’s criticisms, Dodd spokeswoman Colleen Flanagan told The Daily Beast that the “Countrywide issue” had already been widely aired in Connecticut. She stressed that “the bipartisan ethics committee” found no wrongdoing “after months of thorough investigation.” For his part, Dodd says he has not seen the film—or heard from its creator. “[Moore] never asked me to comment on this at all, or respond to it in any way, and this is his choice,” he told a Connecticut news Web site. “It’s a movie and so I don’t want to dwell on it.” But others are dwelling.
• Benjamin Sarlin: The Ugliest Health-Care Debate While Moore is a hero to many on the left, some liberals are pushing back in the dispute with Dodd. Howie Klein, a Democratic fundraiser who says he “loves” Moore, is calling on the filmmaker to fulfill his famous, standing pledge to give $10,000 to anyone who catches an error in his movies. Klein, along with several liberal bloggers in Connecticut, argues that it was factually inaccurate for Capitalism to air the mortgage allegations without citing the ethics findings, or stating that Dodd actually received a standard rate. By the looks of the movie’s promotional tour, however, that check is not in the mail.
Moore has redoubled his efforts lately. After reprising the mortgage and bonus issues in recent television interviews, he opened up a new line of attack, suggesting that Dodd is simply too politically damaged to run for reelection. Moore sees Dodd as a Democratic liability—a veritable David Paterson for the Nutmeg State.
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Lloyd Grove is editor at large for The Daily Beast. He is also a frequent contributor to New York magazine and was a contributing editor for Condé Nast Portfolio. He wrote a gossip column for the New York Daily News from 2003 to 2006. Prior to that, he wrote the Reliable Source column for the Washington Post, where he spent 23 years covering politics, the media, and other subjects.
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Jacob Bernstein is a senior reporter at The Daily Beast. Previously, he was a features writer at WWD and W Magazine. He has also written for New York magazine, Paper, and The Huffington Post.
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Jeff Madrick is a contributor to the New York Review of Books and a former economics columnist for the New York Times. He is editor of Challenge Magazine, visiting professor of humanities at Cooper Union, and senior fellow at the New School's Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis. He is the author of Taking America, The End of Affluence (Random House) and The Case for Big Government.
That is why socialism doesn't work.
People, Moore being an example, confront each other instead of co-operate.
That is often why businesses fail too.
Instead of trying to consider the person's needs, many amateur business owners, have no idea about goodwill let alone creating it, and act pushy, so a person does not want to go back.
Instead of sharing the surplus value, the amateurs destroy it and with it they destroy the value of their capital.
It is like going to a store or a restaurant run by redneck teenagers. They want to take as much from a person as possible, as quick as possible, and do not take the time to consider the surplus value or competitive advantage or building of relationships in the long term.
That is why so many small businesses fail, public property lands up broken and vandalized.
I, a bleeding heart liberal, agree with this... Socialism (capital "S") would never work in this country as a form of government... there's just not enough civility. I can't even really expempt myself from this, I'm not always such a nice guy.
However, there's nothing wrong with using some of the ideas of socialism (little "s") in our Capitalist government, like social security, welfare, medicare/medicaid (and single payer, universal health care, for that matter), and outlawing the "corporation" as an entity with legally protected rights which allow--and in some cases, force--it to serve it's shareholders at the expense of everyone else. You could still have little "c" capitalism without the tyranny of corporate culture, despite the vampiric, greedy, self-serving nature of humanity.
I'm no idealist, I just want justice brought to institutions and people who trample others on their way to profit, and the politicians from both sides of the aisle who support them.
Eh, come to think of it, maybe that IS idealism.
One things for sure, though: it'll never happen without confrontation. These folks are so entrenched that the concessions they demand for cooperation amount to non-cooperation.
Gotta kick 'em in the nuts. Sorry.
Socialism? If you haven't tried it - you might talk to Greenspan and Paulson for their take.
Hell son, we're living in the midst of socialism if you define a government that redistributes wealth through taxes as socialism. Look at what our money gets used for: medicare, welfare, public education, public works, funding of the arts, wars of choice, payments to PR firms to convince us that our government is doing well, farm subsidies, manufacturing subsidies, and on and on.
I would assert that all forms of governance succeed or fail not because their citizenries cooperate or fight, they succeed or fail to the degree that the population is complacent in its wealth.
I think though, we are able to find ways to get tax deductions. I think the middle class that is being socially re-engineered through taxation, that is not socialism. That is a tragedy. I would guess we would get more of that. No private property at all, so people could not come up with ideas and innovations that could make money. A person would be stuck, as a centralized planning station over dxes people, etc.
Most of the redistribution goes to the wealthy. Programs like the dreaded "Welfare" cost chump change next to pointless wars and no-bid defense contracts. There have been decades of giveaways to the wealthy, who would be outraged if their social security income were diminished or even taxed.
Money: The 10-year cost of the Senate Finance Committee's proposal is $ 829 B. Yet the deficit is reduced by $ 81 B. So there must be an input of $ 829 B plus $ 81 B = $ 910 B. This is to be accomplished through tax increases, spending cuts, and savings of hundreds of billions from Medicare. Thus, the government budget is balanced. But, we the people, we're not the government. How is our budget to be balanced? That government input of $ 910 B is going to come out of our pockets. How are we going to pay our bills?
Socialism and capitalism are not forms of government - they refer to economics, not government. In her entire post exploora didn't make one cohesive statement that illustrated her premise, but instead went on some rant about how small businesseses treat their customers. It's not unusual for her to not make much sense.
My perception of Dodd is that he has done nothing for the American consumer and rather let the cc companies rape and pillage. He deserves to go away. I could care less who wins his seat. Both parties are inept. I suppose the less power they have the more of a chance we have of not being drawn into their morass.
Chalk up another "liberal" who's tired of Moore's antics. I just say the Yes Men's new movie over here in [pseudo] France on TV; now THOSE guys know how to tweak the bosses without making fun of the little guys, Left or Right.
Don't dislike Moore movies and am against ALL of the people in gov jobs (repubs, dems, wing nuts, indy's, etc.) who have put their own self interests above their jobs (the rest of us are required to follow code of business conduct, but not these guys), however, it is much easier to create a movie vs. actually participating in an open, debate forum.
It would be nice if Moore did put his money where his mouth is and put himself out there, on the line, instead of alwasy on the otherside of the camera in one sided movies.
Guess you missed the InSannity interview.
Yep..must have. Will look for it online thank.
and he is really fat.
and his little fish mouth is creepy looking
Dodd had nobody to blame for his situation, besides himself.
He has done little, and profited much from the way the politican machine works and while doing so, exposed himself as someone who is working for himself and himself only.
When you do more for the people who voted you into office, than you do to feather your political nest, you're known as a statesman. When you do what Dodd has done, you're known as a career politician.
What happened to the Statesmen of our Nation?...... They've all caved in to the lobbyists and special interests, and sold their constituents down the river.
You get what you pay for.
And it is obvious that Dodd is bought and paid for. Clearly this is further evidenceof the longer you stay in office the more you owe special interests. Time to dust off the term-limit debate or at a minimum citizens should encouage the abolishment of the seniority system in Congress.
Dodd may have done good work overtime but now he will exit under a cloud of suspicion because he bought his own rationalization that he must keep serving the public and only he is smart enough to balance the amount of money he recieves from lobbyists and special interests with what is good for the public. Please.....
Michael Moore to me seems to be the Thomas Paine of our day.
I always get nervous when people bring up term limits. It makes Americans lazier about voting then they are. We have term limits, but people for reasons I can't understand, don't want to vote someone out of office. In the next election, Dodd may be voted out, but enough politicians are returned to one office or another even after being caught for some thing illegal or stupid. This occurs with both parties. Here in Idaho, I really wonder if Larry Craig would have not still be in office if he ran in 2008. I say 50-50.
Now abolishing the seniority system, that's an idea I'm willing to listen to and possibly support. Of course another thing is a better system of having elections, like a limited campaign period or campaign contributions from only individuals in the district or area being contested. This wouldn't work in this case since Connecticut has a lot of wealth from the insurance industry but it may be a start.
Has anyone seen the movie? Is it worth the time and money?
Have his movies ever let you down?
I agree with Michael Moore. Is water still wet?
He's rarely wrong.
Its scary, that I agree with Moore. Wait til it comes out on Netflix. The first hour talks to people that have lost their home... Bought too much and could not afford. Predator mortgage companies etc. The last third goes onto Wall St. Not worth my $8, but my popcorn was good.
That is what I was thinking I was going to do. Or watch it on Tuesday when the movie and medium popcorn and medium drink are 9.00.
Socialism - Mafia: same thing.
Think it through. 40 Million murdered in China since the take over.
@franjen: You do realize the difference between socialism with a small "s" and Communism with a big "C", right? Last I heard, China was eating our lunch economically with Communism and not socialism.
Please learn the difference between the two systems before spouting facts.
Someone could also tally up all the dead Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, & Iraq in our conflicts with them and lay them at the US's feet. Also one could lay the death toll in China post Nixon's engagement at our feet too since the US helped enable that regime to remain viable to its people.
I sort of agree with you, and one time I wouldn't. Living in a small town, mostly working and lower middle class people, you can see how these people abuse their power every single day, and asume that is how you manage something.
Chinese products is a good demonstration of what happens. Some are shoddy, some have too much lead in them etc, and the employees are probably demoralized, knowing they have little hope for social mobility.
And then there are the stupid rules, which are supposed to prevent something, but cause a problem that is far more serious than it solves.
And if people obey the rules, they too appear stupid, if they don't they become an out cast.
and the Moore's picture does make him look creepy. I am sure that is why it was taken, but still, he is getting creepy I think. I haven't seen this movie yet, it is not here yet, but I have seen all of his other movies, and probably will see this one. I can disagree with something and still appreciate what they are saying, but that doesn't happen in authoritarian countries.
Not to mention the millions that have died by our Capitalistic support of corrupt regimes just to keep a "democracy" or "Sultanate in power. Currently Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi, Yemen, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Mid-America and South American countries, etc.
"It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either." Mark Twain
Better rip up those social security checks and that medicare card. Can't be too careful--you could be responsible for more deaths if you take any socialist government money. They've already got Michelle Bachman's son in a reeducation camp, so no one is immune.
It's well known that the people on these Congressional committees are far to close to the industries they are supposed to be overseeing. Dodd, Frank and Baucus are just a few examples of this phenomenon, and the Republican members like Shelby ad Grassley are no different at all.
Dodd's opponent in this election is also another Wall Street type.
Now I am all for a real choice in politics--something more than Coke vs. Pepsi--but don't even try to tell me the Republicans are a real choice. They take money from the same special interests as the Dems.
Moore is "one of the country's most influential liberals"? Wow. This is right up there with naming a comedian their most trusted NEWSMAN and Al "the carbon spewing" Gore as their environmental guru.
Hey righty, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. And you have some stones criticizing anybody after the joke you had in office for the last 8 years.
Oh, yes, and your vice president Cheney, what a gem he is. You suck,
Wow!! I've got to hand it to Picachu for the sheer intellect it must require for the knowing, yet.....subtle way with words used to get the point across yet....not really lay out all your cards.
What a joke!
Moore IS one of the country's most influential liberals, and maybe he shouldn't be. However, libs didn't "name" Jon Stewart our "most trusted newsman", a poll was taken which found that he is AMERICA'S most trusted newscaster.
http://www.timepolls.com/hppolls/archive/poll_results_417.html
And yes, he's a liberal, and a comedian, not a newscaster. Still, readers of Time, arguably a mainstream publication, didn't even rank your buds over at Fox. So much for your opinions being in the mainstream.
And Dodd is going to get reelected, too. CT is not going to vote in a Republican.
Dodd is toast, Kennedy is worm food so he has no one to go out and molest waitresses with anymore. Moore is no great man, he just knows that unless they can Dodd to quit they will lose the seat. The dems can't charge him like the crook he is because that will just highlight how corrupt the democratic party is and we saw how well just the implications of this worked against the republicans. And well, let's face it, democratic crooks don't leave office until the cell or coffin door slams shut.
Gov. Rell, Sen. Lieberman, and soon Sen. Simmons are a great reason why the state has avoided the pitfalls of all the other states in the area like NY NJ and Mass. Should tell you something that all the states that are in trouble are all run by democrats. The terminator in CA don't count since he's just a rhino and the SF libs really run the state.
Every Senator is bought and paid for by one, or more industries. Dodd's sugar-daddy of choice just happens to be financial services industry.
There is no such thing as an honest Senator. That is why the place was dubbed the Millionaires Club in the early 1900s. This relationship between the Senate and big business is not a new phenomenon.
Big business and their lobbyist whores focus on the Senate because the Senate is the choke-point of all legislation. There are only 100 Senators do deal with as opposed to all of those uncontrollable Representatives. So, Corporatists can control legislation by controlling the Senate. Health care was a marvelous example of this dynamic.
According to the "U.S. National Debt Clock", our national debt is about $11.7 trillion and each citizen's share is about $38 thousand. For a family of four, that would be about $152 thousand per household. To pay this off in say 12 years, we would have to pay about $18,800 per household per year. I believe we should pay off this debt and postpone all non-essential expenditures until it is paid off.
Aren't you all missing the real point? Whatever his politics are, the movie is bashing capitalism, and he is using his celebrity (shudder) to bash politicos. Boiling it down to brass tacks, he is generating controversy to promote his movie, thereby generating more CAPITAL with which he can purchase even more whoppers and slurpees, probably with a nice side of foix gras. Let's face it, he could stand to miss a meal, so let's (for his own sake) not go see this excercise in biting the hand. Seriously, can anyone take this bloated windbag seriously in any arena? I mean, unless I missed something and he's donating all his proceeds to starving people, it's pretty obviously a self-serving CAPITALIST excercise in p.r.
Thank you.
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