Media

A Victory for Socialism? TIME Magazine‘s Joe Klein Says He Was Merely Mocking ’Radical Republicans’

Yesterday, TIME Magazine’s Joe Klein sent heads spinning when he said that the NY-26 Democratic triumph was “a victory for socialism.” According to RCP, he also said:

“For the last two years, Republicans have been lambasting Barack Obama who is right in the middle of the political spectrum, a mild liberal, as being a wild-eyed socialist. Well, there ain’t anything that he has proposed that is purely socialistic as our Medicare program; a single payer program run by the government. And the folks love it.”

Watch Klein’s controversial statements on MSNBC below:

Today, on TIME.com, Klein clarified his statement and explained that he was merely mocking “radical Republicans” when he quipped about socialism:

My tongue was planted firmly in cheek–I was mocking the radical Republican tendency to pin the S-word on anything that involves government participation…and Medicare does happen to be a single-payer government health care program, a “public option,” as it were, for seniors. I made that clear in subsequent comments. This morning, Drudge is featuring my remark…unironically, of course. Can Rush and Beck be far behind? Of course not.

You can read the rest of Klein’s explanation here.

Comments (147)

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  • Jim in Houston
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:16pm

    Liar, liar pants on fire! That was in no way tongue in cheek. He got caught telling the truth and he couldn’t stand it.

    Report Post »  
  • Bhaub
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:10pm

    Scoter, how do you feel about voting as it relates to Obama?

    Report Post » Bhaub  
  • scoter
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:03pm

    Just Vote for anyone to get OBAMA OUT !!!

    Report Post » scoter  
  • carb148
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:02pm

    Mr Klein really isn’t smart enough to use humor,sarcasm or innuendo, He is only left with an insecure 8th graders weapon – mockery.

    Report Post »  
  • scoter
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:02pm

    I would vote for any one to get OBAMA out !!!

    Report Post » scoter  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:55pm

    He is lying because his lips are moving, just as all socialist liberals. They don’t believe their rhetoric anymore than we do. But they will keep up charade as long as they can keep face.

    Report Post »  
  • jeffdubya
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:51pm

    LOL… yeah, parody. That’s what they always say when a majority of Americans are shocked when these progressives have a moment of pure honesty and actually say what they are thinking rather than being more careful with their words. oops!

    Report Post » jeffdubya  
  • jim
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:50pm

    Joe Klein, the socialist, giddily gloats, while… his economy tanks… his unemployment rises… his Obamacare forces rationing… his deficits cause government bankruptcy… and the shining city on a hill fades in the darkness of Marxist poverty, decline and loss of liberty. Now I see why he’s giddy… it’s the madness of it all.

    Report Post » jim  
  • chips1
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:42pm

    Let me get this straight. Republicians that want to keep America free, are radicals? I don’t think that was his tongue planted firmly in his cheek. Probably Barney!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Lone Ranger
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:38pm

    Which Radical Republicans was he mocking, the Radical Republicans who ended slavery or the Radical Republicans who want to end abortion?

    Report Post » Lone Ranger  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 11:26pm

      You mean the killing of pre-born minorities?
      Naw, repubs would never be that radical…or would they? (!!)

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
  • thinkingoutloud
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:25pm

    The real story behind the WNY 26th district loss is that the Republican committee who selected Jane Corwin did so without the backing of voting Republicans. The message of loss was a message to the local Republicans that by selecting an affluent person who could fund their own campaign over two real conservative contenders such as Kathy Weppner and Mr Bellavia, Iraq war veteran was unnaceptable. It had nothing to do with Paul Ryan and more to do with the lackluster response of GOP voters.

    Report Post »  
  • Bhaub
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:24pm

    Lulz, he was dead-on, too. You radical rights love the socialism tag. XD

    Report Post » Bhaub  
  • SHOESHINEBOY
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:17pm

    Mrs. Margaret Thatcher

    I would much prefer to bring them down as soon as possible. I think they‘ve made the biggest financial mess that any government’s ever made in this country for a very long time, and Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They always run out of other people’s money. It’s quite a characteristic of them. They then start to nationalise everything, and people just do not like more and more nationalisation, and they’re now trying to control everything by other means. They’re progressively reducing the choice available to ordinary people. Look at the trouble now we’re having with choice of schools. Of course parents want a say in the kind of education their children have. Look at the William Tyndall School—an example where the parents finally rebelled. Of course they did. These schools are financed by taxpayers’ money, but the choice to parents is being reduced.

    Report Post »  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:08pm

    A socialist is a socialist is a socialist and they will do whatever they need to in order to shove it down our throats…..As Memorial Day approaches, the souls of our dead soliders are beginning to cry out, “Is this what we gave our lives for”? We all know the answer………

    Report Post »  
  • TexasHillsPatriot
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:05pm

    Mr. Klein, you are a liar. You meant every word when you said it was a victory for socialism. I’m sure the administration suggested very strongly that you walk back your remarks. And, by the way, Obama is on the record (speaking before union members) saying that his goal is a single-payer system for health care, though it may not occur immediately, but over maybe 15-20 years.

    Report Post » Texas Hills Patriot  
  • tbconrad
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:04pm

    Corinthians 1:19 For it is written,
    “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
    AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”

    Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:23pm

      Really? Really?
      “AS IN ALL THE CONGREGATIONS OF THE SAINTS, WOMEN SHOULD REMAIN SILENT IN THE CHURCHES. THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK, BUT MUST BE IN SUBMISSION, AS THE LAW SAYS.”
      1 Corinthians 34

      I do this all day.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • Psychosis
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:05pm

      @ the third archon

      sure go ahead and do it all day…………….it just goes to show what little you know of the Bible

      and yes, that is what that verse says, but you dont know the difference between the old and the new testament and the rules for the two or you wouldnt have made such an obvious blunder

      we actually dont expect you to figure it out……………as you have already hardened you self

      Report Post » Psychosis  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:03pm

    The “radical Republicans” is a term often used to refer specifically to a historical period in America’s history when Republicans, following the Civil War, proposed the “radical” notion that black’s were people deserving citizenship and equal protection of the laws. I thought this story might be about them and now that I see it’s not, I’m sorely disappointed; still, it’s good to see socialism alive and healthy.

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • BuckRussell
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:21pm

      @Turd Archon

      Zzzzzzzzzzz…. You are trying too hard and no one cares. Go back to FluffPo where you seem to be entrenched in Socialist Revolutionary talk:
      —–
      Commented Mar 6, 2011 at 04:07:01 in Politics
      “Screw the Democrats- -vote Socialist. We need REAL change; we need leaders who have the courage and vision to reform the State and our decadent political order. We can’t keep up this facade of democracy, this cancerous decay will destroy us, and the two parties simply can’t offer the leadership and vision that the American people need–who will advocate for the American when Republican s and Democrats are both on the payroll of internatio nal capitalist elites, who have no loyalty, no sense of duty to their fellow countrymen –who can cut and run for foreign states whenever it suits them; look at the offshore tax havens and the flocking of foreign capitalist s to Asia, and especially Singapore.”
      —–
      Go hang out in a Socialist country and give us a shout when you realize you have nothing, the powerful keep you in your place, and the very last thing you’ll be doing is expressing your opinions on an international forum! Cheers!

      Report Post » BuckRussell  
  • Derfel Cadarn
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:03pm

    Your tongue was planted firmly in your cheek,well Joe our boot will be planted firmly in your a$$ when we kick you and the rest of the TRAITORS out of OUR country.

    Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:04pm

      That’s really quite rude and un-American; deporting people because they violated your sensibilities about acceptable political speech–1st Amendment much?

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • capitalismrocks
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:01pm

    Another MSNBC idiot who will soon be put out to pasture along with Shultz and Olbermann… what worthless hacks…

    Report Post » capitalismrocks  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:18pm

      TIME is not an affiliate of MSNBC–Joe Klein does not work for MSNBC and is not influenced by their hiring and firing policies. My guess is he is high enough on the food chain at time that he‘s his own boss and thus probably won’t be fired from TIME either, but then I don’t know his specific position or powers in the company.

      As for it being a “liberal propaganda outlet” as many are saying, well…it is the second largest entertainment conglomerate, and largest media conglomerate, in the world, owned by Time Warner Brothers–I’m sorry, but Time Warner Brother’s are NOT socialist revolutionaries. If these executives thought for a SECOND that the activities of TIME were a threat to their interests, then TIME would be under new management, so you can quit this nonsense b.s. about how “liberal” the “mainstream media” is, because its a farce, a play allowed to go on so you can be angry at faux liberals, when in reality the people who actually are making money of the media (including MSNBC), who can put a stop to anything they don’t like at any time, have no, and never have had, any interest in changing the status quo which is so profitable for them.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • NoStoppingUs
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 10:50pm

      They are rent seekers in a fascist market.

      Report Post »  
  • Ashley
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:00pm

    Joe Kline is a pathetic. This was not a victory for Socialism. It was a message sent by the voters that they don’t want their elected officials doing things morally wrong. The seat will probably flip back to the Republicans in two years, just as history of other similar elections have proven. Also, it is sad that TIME Magazine has stooped to the depths of being a liberal propraganda machine. Decades ago, it was a respected magazine, but now it is nothing more than a liberal “rag” that pushes the “agenda”.

    Report Post »  
  • tiredofprogressives
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:58pm

    Another SCHMUCK.

    Report Post » tiredofprogressives  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:55pm

    Thank you, BLAZE. The “Comments are Closed.” notation was inappropriate for this site.

    Glad to see you up and running again.

    Report Post »  
  • RN MOM
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:55pm

    LMAO- Truer words were never spoken at least he admits to having is head up his azz. “My tongue was planted firmly in my cheek”.

    Report Post » RN MOM  
    • HillBillySam1
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:44pm

      HAHAHAHAHA!!! Thank you for clarifying which “cheek” Mr. Joe was talking about…..the sad thing is that he apparently doesn’t mind that his view never changes…..

      Report Post »  
    • dfree
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 11:18pm

      very good, they both had their tongues planted in each others cheek!

      Report Post » dfree  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:51pm

    Kline says BO is in the middle. who is he trying to BS? BO is a MARXIST. IS that the new middle?

    Report Post »  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:33pm

      CLOUDSOFWAR
      You’re surprised that Klein called President Dunham a “MIDDLEMAN”? He is. Ask Soros.
      Well Okay..,I am taking artistic license. Klein was alluding to Barry being a moderate. Tres comique!

      I was sad watching this tete a tete between Klein and Whats his name. Here are two men with the cajones of Gnats! They do not care what damage they do to this country.

      Would they be so brave to have their **** chat expressing their despicable views if they had an audience of soldiers just back from Afghanistan?

      Report Post »  
    • Hawke17
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 12:47am

      You people are insane. No wonder the American Empire is on its last legs. The right wingers are destroying the country from within. When you block the raising of the debt limit on August 2nd bye bye USA. And the world wil be a better place for it too. Whackos

      Report Post »  
    • Galvanized
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 7:59am

      HAWKE17, When I see posts like yours I am honestly curious what you are thinking. It would be very insightfull if you could clairify a few things, like why did you reference an empire in conjunction with America? I want to understand if you where inplying something or if you just don’t understand what an empire is.

      Could you also be more specific how “The right wingers are destroying the country from within” or was that just a lead in to the next sentence?
      Next, how is it not a contrdiction that your reponce begins by sounding as if you don’t want to see America on its last legs, then end claiming the world will be a better place with the USA gone?

      All this was posted as a responce to CLOUDSOFWAR and has little if nothing to do with his claim that Obama is not middle of the road. Do you believe Obama is middle of the road? If you do then please tell me what is far left because I believe there isn’t enought room to go further left without being a marxist.

      Report Post »  
  • EddardinWinter
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:50pm

    A pyrrhic victory perhaps. May strengthen a spine or two as well. Keep talkin Klein. Eventually people will realize what our financial limits are. Let’s hope sooner. Talk like that certainly helps.

    Report Post » EddardinWinter  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:54pm

      “O” in the middle needs to be squashed like the socialist tick he is, and these two of a kind mouths need to be washed out and flushed down the sewer.

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • AOL_REFUGEE
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:55pm

      This schmuck is a complete and total imbecile.

      Report Post » AOL_REFUGEE  
    • GBMBulletsSKNRD
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:57pm

      This guy is the biggest piece of hog bleep known. But keep on spewing you bleep it only helps our cause.

      Report Post »  
    • GREENDOG
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:58pm

      What is TIME and who is Joe Klein? Just another nobody that thinks he is impotent? Das right, impotent!!

      Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:05pm

      It’s amazing to me that as much as conservatives point out the lies and deceit coming from the Democrat party and their supporters, they continue to get away it.

      As Charles Barkley puts it, I don’t care what people think, people are stupid.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:06pm

      Schmuck!

      Report Post »  
    • thebarbarian
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:13pm

      where is the outrage over the overtly violent language being used. fired ,fired up, Sarah Palin and Michele Bachman ready for the firing squad. if a conservative were to say half that the left would be shedding croc. tears and puking defamitory statements en masse.

      Report Post »  
    • seeker9
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:22pm

      Klein seems to be absolutely giddy with the idea of a socialist victory.

      Report Post » seeker9  
    • MiketheTrucker
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:04pm

      I truly wonder what the “socialists” (communists) will do when the military refuses to quell the food riots that are coming to America?

      I think they’re in for the surprise of their lives.

      Report Post »  
    • Evileye
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:08pm

      Was Time Magazine recently sold for $1 dollar.
      This should be self explanatory

      Report Post »  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:13pm

      Don’t these progressive clowns ever get tired of doing the Michael Jackson moon walk backwards.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:16pm

      He said his tongue was Firmly planted Where?

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • PerniciousD
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:16pm

      Joe Klein just commented on Romney announcing his run for President.

      Klein said: “This is a victory for Socialism.”

      That’s right kids, you are all going to swallow your core values and vote for a socialist, because he is your nominee most likely. You‘ll come up with an excuse and start saying Romneycare isn’t really socialism. But you know the truth. Time to waffle tea party and beck followers. I love it.

      Report Post »  
    • restorehope
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:33pm

      I think Klein doth protest too much. This is just another progressive attempt to misdirect and deflect what is undoubtedly the truth. They probably all wear under-roos with Marx and Chavez pictures on them, and use their secret decoder rings to communicate with each other. Lies roll off their lips so effortlessly, and yet they remain unaware that the rest of us are on to them. They are in for a rude awakening in 2012 and beyond. This country is moving away from the left as quickly as possible.

      Report Post »  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:53pm

      So klein screwed up and spoke the truth and now he‘s trying to backpeddle out of it so that he doesn’t get in trouble with his masters.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • ginsberg
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:56pm

      Wow and you tbaggers say libs have no sense of humor. Truly a pathetic display by a bunch of political know nothings.

      Report Post »  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 10:21pm

      Is Joe Klein Jewish? Interesting.

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 11:20pm

      his tongue was firmly planted in his cheek alright- his butt cheek.

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 11:30pm

      @Ginsberg.

      Good, at least I know you watched the video.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • No1YaKnow
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 12:01am

      Sorry–you must have the comments confused. We point out he is a Marxist. Socialism’s uglier evil twin. Disprove that if you can. In the meantime, feel free to look at our debt ceiling (reached it!), our unemployment numbers (still horrible), and our new unconstitutional war. Or does that require a spine to introspect? It doesn’t to sit and spit nonsensical made-up insults that your sheeple will buy, now does it? They salivate and slobber when they hear “hope and change” STILL. That’s the pathetic, pathetic part.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 3:38am

      I’d love to punchi this creep in the face. Progressives are so ignorant of reality and history they are totally worthless.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • chazman
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 3:57am

      Klein is nothing but a Liberal Marxist who is also on the wrong side of the law. We’re gonna get ya, creep, and I can hardly wait!

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 7:05am

      Klein calls Republicans, “Radical Republicans.” Isn’t that just like a Progressive? Twisting the truth, and Progressives try to make Republicans into exactly what Liberals are known for. That strategy also is an attempt again to control the direction and language of the conversation, by Progressives attempting to shut down conversation by embarrassing Republicans whom do not want to be labeled “Radicals.” Well, you better buck-up Republicans because that is the Progressive strategy, and the only other alternative is losing big-time, and so stop getting worried about what people may or may not think you are. Maybe, maybe, Conservatives should try dominating the conversation for once, and label Progressives the “Race” haters they really are, and how Progressives enjoy keeping the races separate, because it makes races easier to control if they don’t mix? Try that Conservatives.

      Report Post »  
    • EddardinWinter
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 7:25am

      Sure, any anti socialist writings are indications of being a political know nothings. Really hammering that point home with name calling. Nice intellectual argument. It sure went over my head.

      Klein actually spoke what was in his heart in a moment of giddy enthusiasm. Despite his “tongue in cheek” excuse after the fact. By the way, I will defend Klein’s right to say that with equal vigor to my defense of any conservatives 1st amendment rights. DEFEAT the “fairness” doctrine!

      “You may not bear my name, but you have my blood”
      –Ned

      Report Post » EddardinWinter  
    • 912er
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 7:47am

      But, whose cheeks is his tongue firmly planted in? Just wondering….

      Report Post » 912er  
    • vincere vel mori
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 8:14am

      Right on winter, the socialists #1 pet peeve they hate the most is being called out and proved wrong. They are weak in substance, got no game against anyone with a constitution in their hand.

      Report Post » vincere vel mori  
    • pajamash
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 12:33pm

      ObamaCare is working?! WORKING?! It may be working for someone that has their mouth attached to the Teat of the government. It sure isn’t working for us in the middle. My healthcare cost between deductible and premiums, went up 70 percent over last year (pre ObamaCare). Now, I can‘t contribute that all to ObamaCare as I suspect my employer is using it as an excuse to shift more of the cost onto the employee but I also can’t blame it ALL on that either. ObamaCare is hurting the middle class by increasing our healthcare costs. This IS a tax on the middle class which Obama promissed during the campaign he would not do!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • NES
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 2:47pm

      I fail to see how this mocks the politicians who passed the Civil Rights Act of 1865. ;) I wonder if Klein voting for Obama in 2008 wasn’t also merely meant to mock America. :P

      Report Post »  
    • BJColter Country Music Iconoclast
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 3:53pm

      Joe is a product of our higher education system. He doesn’t remember that the COMMIES will kill him first. F commies, F Obama, F the Arab Spring, F Mohamed, Allah is satan. Here’s a little diddy about it.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqdufoUASMc

      Report Post » BJColter Country Music Iconoclast  
    • Susan Harkins
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 5:22pm

      And so History repeats itself

      For a significant illustration of what has happened to words — of the [political] double meaning that inhabits them — put in contrast what the New Deal means when it speaks of preserving the American system of free private enterprise and what American business means when it speaks of defending it. To the New Deal these words — the American system of free private enterprise — stand for a conquered province. To the businessman the same words stand for a world that is in danger and may have to be defended.

      The New Deal is right.

      Business is wrong.

      You do not defend a [capitalist] world that is already lost. When was it lost? That you cannot say precisely. It is a point for the revolutionary historian to ponder. We know only that [Capitalism] was surrendered peacefully, without a struggle, almost unawares. There was no day, no hour, no celebration of the event — and yet definitely, the ultimate power of initiative did pass from the hands of private enterprise to government.

      There it is and there it will remain until, if ever, it shall be reconquered. Certainly government will never surrender it without a struggle.

      Garet Garrett (1878–1954) was an American journalist and author who was noted for his critiques of the New Deal.

      http://mises.org/daily/2726#2

      Report Post » Susan Harkins  
    • landofaahs
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 11:46pm

      Save that film for the treason trials of liberals.

      Report Post »  
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