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The Madman Theory

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Media
Posted on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 03:58:59 PM EST
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Marking my territory - I came up with the Madman Theory of Political Bargaining, not Kurt Anderson.

Also, too, I coined 11 Dimensional Chess.

Just sayin'.

Open Thread.

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    The Madman Theory | 61 comments (61 topical)

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    Also authored the term (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:54:15 PM EST
    "tepid" support, as I recall.

    Who knew then how predictive that would be today?

    Tepid (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 05:01:15 PM EST
    is a word in the dictionary.

    Parent
    The word, yes (none / 0) (#27)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 06:39:08 PM EST
    of that, I am aware.  For that matter, I find the words "madman," "bargaining," "dimensional," "chess," etc., also in dictionaries!

    The term "tepid" as applied to politics, though -- as with the other terms cited . . . was a term not often used in 2008.

    Parent

    Don't know if I saw it somewhere or not (none / 0) (#45)
    by sj on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 09:37:15 PM EST
    but I definitely referred to my Kerry support as "tepid support" in 2004.

    Parent
    You're the one (none / 0) (#50)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 11:44:26 PM EST
    for the history books, then!

    Of course, you could have been truly historic if you were a tepid supporter of Kerry even before 2004. :-)

    Parent

    darlin' (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by sj on Sun Aug 07, 2011 at 02:02:20 AM EST
    My support for Kerry was always tepid :)


    Parent
    Big. Tent. Democrat. (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by Dadler on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 06:34:47 PM EST
    Coining more gold than the friggin' U.S. Mint.  

    And the madman theory always makes me thinking of the late/great Spalding Gray in SWIMMING TO CAMBODIA. (LINK)

    makes me thinking?? (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by Dadler on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 06:35:30 PM EST
    have another beer, junior.  sheesh.

    Parent
    Good terms (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 08:52:54 PM EST
    However, my favorite invented term of them all is:

    Fecal veneer.

    Don't have time to explain right now.  It's very googleable.  But I had to mention it.

    It's like politics.  You can't smell it, but it's there... ;-).

    I've found (none / 0) (#42)
    by CoralGables on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 09:22:18 PM EST
    most of politics to be gilded to a high gloss with a fecal undercoating.

    Parent
    Awesome! (none / 0) (#61)
    by lambert on Sun Aug 07, 2011 at 10:51:50 AM EST
    So that's why everybody in Versailles is so shiny!

    Parent
    All hail BTD (none / 0) (#1)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:04:13 PM EST


    Damn straight! (none / 0) (#4)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:18:57 PM EST
    (For some reason, the filters don't care about "damn." Must be a Bible thing.)

    Parent
    Talking about filters, (none / 0) (#13)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:52:03 PM EST
    out of curiosity, I tried different epithets on a political website (not this one). Most of them got censored - but "redskins" sailed right through.

    Parent
    I got sequestered temporarily (none / 0) (#23)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 06:33:29 PM EST
    on one for using the term "bashing."  I think we've gone a wee bit overboard.


    Parent
    geez... (none / 0) (#36)
    by jeffinalabama on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 08:46:11 PM EST


    Parent
    Oh. My. God. (none / 0) (#62)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon Aug 08, 2011 at 08:58:54 AM EST


    Parent
    So would that be (none / 0) (#54)
    by sj on Sun Aug 07, 2011 at 02:19:28 AM EST
    Y!BTDCTP! *

    -----
    *with apologies to Skippy

    Parent

    And that's twice in two days (none / 0) (#55)
    by sj on Sun Aug 07, 2011 at 02:21:12 AM EST
    that I've referred to Skippy.

    Parent
    You should (none / 0) (#2)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:05:08 PM EST
    trademark these terms ;-).

    There oughta be a site (none / 0) (#5)
    by brodie on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:29:32 PM EST
    somewhere on this vast Web where a feller could go to "register" his original words, phrases, ideas as with the Patent Office.  Dunno if even a vigorous search could truly prove someone is the actual author unless all the now-defunct sites and everything ever published online is somehow preserved somewhere.

    Parent
    I have conclusive proof (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:35:24 PM EST
    on 11 Dimensional Chess - the reason why it is 11 dimensions.

    Parent
    11-dimensional chess (5.00 / 3) (#26)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 06:37:41 PM EST
    is unequivocally yours, and by rights, you should be given credit for it every time it's used by somebody else. (If you only had a nickel for every time!)

    But "madman theory of bargaining" not so much.  For anybody who's even minimally studied game theory, as you have, I think, it's really just a descriptor of one of the core tenets.

    Don't know whether I've used that precise phrase, but I've been citing it since I first read about it in a college course in somethingorother because it was such a eureka moment for me and has continued to explain so much of how all this works my entire life.  Nixon indeed.

    Just sayin'.


    Parent

    Weren't people using the (none / 0) (#7)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:36:28 PM EST
    "Spock plays chess" image before you used that phrase?

    Parent
    NO!!! (none / 0) (#8)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:38:58 PM EST
    I dunno, mebbe, but not 11 Dimensional Chess, which is what has stuck.

    Parent
    I miss reading Bob Herbert (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:39:52 PM EST


    Parent
    Me too. Mr. Herbert's (none / 0) (#33)
    by KeysDan on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 07:58:34 PM EST
    writings were incisive and interesting.  In many ways, he was also the best NYT feminist, which was a part of his commitment to human equality.   I sure hope Joe Nocera is not to be considered his replacement.  Nocera compared Tea Party Republicans, in a recent column, to terrorists and after criticism, today he apologized, pledging that in the future he will not be calling anybody names.  In my view, that is not calling names, but rather, calling out actions and fears.  

    Parent
    I understand BTD's angst (none / 0) (#59)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Aug 07, 2011 at 09:56:31 AM EST
    Long before the movie "10" a friend and I sat at the main bar at the old Atlanta airport and developed the rating of young ladies.

    It spread among those within our circle, but alas there was no Internet and certainly no way we could establish ownership. Although, some years later, we were known to drink adult beverages and grouch about our lack of recognition.

    Sexist? Yes. But I plead the influence of booze, youth and the absolute pleasure of seeing beautiful women walk by.

    Parent

    So BTD, you were reading (none / 0) (#10)
    by brodie on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:46:00 PM EST
    about String Theory about the time you came up with that one?

    If so, congrats.  Very clever.

    Parent

    It's an interest of mine (none / 0) (#12)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:47:39 PM EST
    Seriously. Not showing off. (Ok, maybe a little.)

    Parent
    Hyperdimensional man (none / 0) (#21)
    by brodie on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 05:42:28 PM EST
    myself, as opposed to strict string theory.

    Whatever, fascinating universe out there, a little more so than I'd suspected in my youth during the Space Race Age.  Extra dimensions beyond the 3 we see -- a lot more plausible to me today.  As that famous Brit scientist once said, The universe is not only stranger than we imagine, it's stranger than we can imagine.

    Parent

    Oh what strange quarks we acquaint (none / 0) (#34)
    by jeffinalabama on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 08:00:46 PM EST
    when perusing multiple dimensions...

    One of my interests, also, actually. That and a Theory Of Everything, that mythical theory that explains space,time, human relations, and why the Cubbies can't win a pennant.

    Parent

    2009? Has it only been two years? (none / 0) (#60)
    by lambert on Sun Aug 07, 2011 at 10:48:49 AM EST
    Seems like forever. And kudos.

    Parent
    Yes. I'm partial to HAMP'D- (none / 0) (#39)
    by Joan in VA on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 09:10:39 PM EST
    which would make a great title for a  Michael Moore doc.

    Parent
    HAMP'd is my favorite too (none / 0) (#57)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Aug 07, 2011 at 09:17:30 AM EST
    I knew he had coined that.  I'm very unappreciative of BTD though.  I did not know that he coined 11th Dimensional Chess.  God knows I've seen it all over the place though, but here first.  I see most things here first though because this is the first place I read at.

    Parent
    Oh, strike that Jet lag plus (none / 0) (#3)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:16:53 PM EST
    three glasses of wine (first one free @ hotel casino but I think they entered us into Interpol data base. Including photo!!!).  

    Strike what? (none / 0) (#28)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 06:39:10 PM EST
    "All hail BTD" seems to me entirely appropriate, jet lag and wine or no jet lag and wine.

    Parent
    Tebow says press (none / 0) (#11)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:47:37 PM EST
    misconstured his utterances and he never sd. he was promised starting QB position in Denver. (Only if the top dog went to Miami.)

    Probably not. (none / 0) (#22)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 06:17:03 PM EST
    Most likely it was just the baby Jebus whispering sweet nothings in his ear.  

    The Orton (an Iowa boy, BTW--even if he is a traitor for going to Purdue) to Miami deal was pretty much done but fell through at the last minute for whatever reason.  It was certainly the common perception around here that he would be given the keys to the franchise upon completion of that deal.

    I highly doubt the Donkey's management ever made him any promises though--after all, they didn't draft him and Elway has made it pretty clear he is a "project".  

    Parent

    What's Bob Herbert got (none / 0) (#15)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 04:55:27 PM EST
    to do with it?

    BTW (none / 0) (#18)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 05:05:55 PM EST
    linked to column in which Herbert wrote that
    Mr. Obama is like a championship chess player, always several moves ahead of friend and foe alike.

    At this point in time, I don't think Obama is any kind of chess player. He always appears to be several moves behind the action and by the time he does or says anything, the deed is done.

    Parent

    Meanwhile.... (none / 0) (#16)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 05:01:09 PM EST
    Afghanistan:

    Copter Downed by Taliban Fire; Elite U.S. Unit Among Dead

    Among the dead were elite Navy Seal commandos from the broader unit that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, though none were involved in that raid.

    Iraq:

    Iraqi Civilians Die in Raid, Complicating Pullout Talks

    BAGHDAD -- For the second time in a week, a joint Iraqi-American raid aiming at insurgents resulted in the killing of civilians.
    Who gets credit for "Meh?" (none / 0) (#19)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 05:09:22 PM EST


    Teh Atrios? (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by observed on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 05:16:14 PM EST


    Parent
    BTD's coinages (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 06:42:36 PM EST
    are by far the most incisive, but Atrios I think really wins the prize for coining by far the largest number of terms and phrases that have become common parlance on the leftish blogosphere.
    They tend to be small but amusing things that make us all feel part of a larger community-- much as portions of us loathe other portions of us!

    Parent
    Three guesses as to what this statement (none / 0) (#30)
    by MO Blue on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 06:48:58 PM EST
    from Harry Reid might mean to the outcome of Cat Food CommissionII. The first two guesses don't count.

    There has already been wrangling over who is going to be put on this committee. Reid said the downgrade made it even more imperative that party leaders do not appoint "hardliners who have already ruled out the balanced approach that the markets and ratings agencies like S&P are demanding." Carney echoed this, saying that over the coming weeks the President will encourage the committee "to put our common commitment to a stronger recovery... above our political and ideological differences." link
    Okay, I'll bite ... (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by Erehwon on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 07:32:53 PM EST
    The Republicans will nominate members who believe in the Madman Theory and the Democrats will nominate members who believe in 11-D chess.

    That was another easy answer to an easy question!

    Parent
    The International Business Times (none / 0) (#32)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 07:37:18 PM EST
    Has stepped out front and unafraid with the top 3 policy decisions that led us to a United States credit rating downgrade.

    #1. The Bush tax cuts

    #2. No Healthcare cost controls from 2001-2008

    #3. Wars on credit cards

    They've put this whole deal on George Bush's head, shoulders, arse...everything.

    The friction' heat. (none / 0) (#38)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 09:07:05 PM EST
    I know that Jeff and MT both reside in Alabama, although I do not know exactly where in Alabama. Nonetheless, I'm guessing they are both very hot. I just read that the heat index value in Mobile yesterday was 120 degrees F.

    How can anyone breathe in that heat? And is there any water left in the entire state? I know Texas has almost no water left anywhere. Have the utility companies started rolling blackouts yet?

    It is sunny and 80 degrees F here in Portland. Please feel free to come for a visit. I don't know how the good people of the southeast are surviving this year's summer weather.

    Stop in at (none / 0) (#40)
    by CoralGables on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 09:18:08 PM EST
    McMenamins or the Rock Bottom Brewery and have a cold one for those of us in the South.

    Parent
    I'm staying in tonight. (none / 0) (#43)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 09:23:40 PM EST
    I do have a nice cold bottle of Full Sail Amber Ale sitting on the desk here. Full Sail is a micro-brewery located in Hood River, just up I-84 from Portland, in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

    I am happy to drink as much locally brewed beer as it takes to make all of you suffering in the south feel better. :-)

    Parent

    Today was much better. (none / 0) (#44)
    by jeffinalabama on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 09:32:45 PM EST
    Heat index only 100, and it dropped more since we had thundershowers.

    But this weekend is tax-free school supply weekend... I'm getting clothes, books, etc. for the little one. THAT, dear Cap'n, is the challenge!

    I did buy a new laptop today. My old one is six years old, and I'll take it down with my son, set up Skype on it (I have a camera for it, my new one it's built in).

    $399 for a toshiba yada yada yada... last one in stock, marked down 200 bucks, cheaper than the sale paper ones. With no tax, I thought it a prudent investment for online teaching.

    I can't wait to be sure I can do so... next Tuesday's the re-scheduled biopsy day.

    Parent

    The lack of a sales tax here in Oregon has (none / 0) (#46)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 09:59:14 PM EST
    really spoiled me. If the price tag says $5.95, then $5.95 is all you pay. No need to try to figure out the 6% or 8% or whatever the sales tax is.

    In addition to the school supply weekend tax holiday, are there other such tax reprieves? Like a buy all the Thanksgiving fixins day? Or stock up on OTC medicines day?

    Having a Skype connection to the wee lad is a good thing. I'd like to set up something similar with my mom, but she refuses to learn anything about computers. She insists that my sister and I provide all the internet access she desires. When she wants some bit of information, Mom calls me up and and asks me to do the research for her.

    About that built-in camera on the new laptop-- since we now know that your computer can be hijacked remotely and turned on, I have read in many places that the safe thing is to put a piece of dark tape or a bandaid or, in my case a dark post-it, over the camera when you are not using it. Yeah, they can still control your laptop, but they can't get any pictures of you while they are at it.

    I don't know if the covering the camera thing helps or not, but I have read that bit of advice on just about everything I've come across on internet safety.

    Parent

    In honor of the Great State of Oregon (none / 0) (#48)
    by CoralGables on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 10:17:59 PM EST
    When I get home tonight I'll go for a Drifter Pale Ale.

    Parent
    An excellent choice. n/t (none / 0) (#49)
    by caseyOR on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 10:53:43 PM EST


    Parent
    I'm a Bridgeport Ale gal myself (none / 0) (#51)
    by shoephone on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 11:46:17 PM EST


    Parent
    75 sunny, with a light bay breeze here (none / 0) (#41)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 09:20:52 PM EST
    kinda my 'normal' summer weather now :) We do hit the low 80's, with that same light bay breeze for our warm spells :) I've had my eye on the temps elsewhere also. Thanking my lucky stars I thought to check weather averages before I moved anywhere, I'm sooo over heat and humidity. And snow/wind chills/ice.

    Parent
    36 consecutive days of triple digit temps (none / 0) (#56)
    by Rojas on Sun Aug 07, 2011 at 04:27:00 AM EST
    in DFW. Long range forecast has us on course to beat the 1980 all time record of 42 days straight. Average summer temp was tied for the record of 89.5 degrees as of a couple days ago.
    We are setting records for peak electrical use but the grid has held out so far...

    Parent
    i hate to break this to you BTD, (none / 0) (#47)
    by cpinva on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 09:59:56 PM EST
    but the ancient greeks beat you to the "madman theory" by a few thousand years. of course, in those days, politics was literally a blood sport, and madmen really were mad men, not like today's namby-pambies.

    Well, to be fair to BTD (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by Towanda on Sat Aug 06, 2011 at 11:48:24 PM EST
    they didn't say "madman theory."

    They said, of course, παραφρόντας θεωρία.

    (That one was for Zorba.)

    Parent

    I miss about half of what you (none / 0) (#58)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Aug 07, 2011 at 09:26:21 AM EST
    coin.  Sorry, just isn't my thing.  I always read you because your ideas are well thought out and you offer and debate solutions.  No navel gazing hour with martinis and Hors d'oeuvre with you, just not my thing either.  

    The Madman Theory | 61 comments (61 topical)

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