February 18, 2004

Don't Be Afraid

Posted by Kieran

“Barbara Chamberlain, 79, also of Milwaukee, backed Edwards for the same reason,” the Associated Press reports from Wisconsin, “‘I have hope for him beating you-know-who,’ she said.”

Oh come, Barbara, you’ll just have stop living in fear and come out and say it — “Voldemort.” Now, doesn’t that make you feel better?

Posted on February 18, 2004 03:44 AM UTC
Comments

I believe “He Who Must Not Be Named,” “You-Know-Who” and “Wossname” are all safe enough but saying that V-word out loud is a bad idea (especially if you say it five times in front of a mirror… no way, I have * so * seen that movie).

Posted by Ghost of a flea · February 18, 2004 04:33 AM

fyi:

http://www.goats.com/store/stickers.html#

Posted by jb · February 18, 2004 06:27 AM

Good guess, Kieran, but I think she’s really referring to Hastur the Unspeakable, aka He Who Must Not Be Named.

Posted by Walt Pohl · February 18, 2004 06:28 AM

It’s a Wisconsin thing. She’s so fed up with the fellow that she won’t say his name, but is too polite (or in mixed company) to use words more to the point. Other variants: “that so-and-so”.

It’s much more like “He is dead to me,” than it is any magical tabooing of his name for fear that he will appear. Probably would get a handbag to the face if he did.

C. — ah, my people.

Posted by Carlos · February 18, 2004 11:41 AM

I prefer “he-who-must-not-be-re*-elected”, myself.

*I know, I know.

Posted by Katherine · February 18, 2004 02:45 PM

hey, wasn’t Voldemort Bush the name of the first Bush? :)

Posted by bryan · February 19, 2004 12:14 AM
Followups

→ It Ain't Over Yet.
Excerpt: Kerry wins, but only by 2% ahead of John Edwards. Super Tuesday will be quite exciting. The Dean campaign is over, but it will be interesting where the support swings. MORE: Not to get too punditty, but as one of...Read more at Oliver Willis: Like Kryptonite To Stupid
→ Hee hee.
Excerpt: Kieran at Crooked Timber quotes/comments: Don't Be Afraid “Barbara Chamberlain, 79, also of Milwaukee, backed Edwards for the same reason,” the Associated Press reports from Wisconsin, “‘I have hope for him beating you-know-who,’ she said.” Oh come, Ba...Read more at hem|mungen
→ Hee hee.
Excerpt: Kieran at Crooked Timber quotes/comments: Don't Be Afraid “Barbara Chamberlain, 79, also of Milwaukee, backed Edwards for the same reason,” the Associated Press reports from Wisconsin, “‘I have hope for him beating you-know-who,’ she said.” Oh come, Ba...Read more at hem|mungen
→ Hee hee.
Excerpt: Kieran at Crooked Timber quotes/comments: Don't Be Afraid “Barbara Chamberlain, 79, also of Milwaukee, backed Edwards for the same reason,” the Associated Press reports from Wisconsin, “‘I have hope for him beating you-know-who,’ she said.” Oh come, Ba...Read more at hem|mungen

This discussion has been closed. Thanks to everyone who contributed.