MyDD :: What is a PUMA??

What is a PUMA??

by ulsterdem, Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:31:23 AM EST

Can someone tell me what a PUMA is? I was reading TalkLeft, where someone accused the blogger of being a PUMA. There was a great deal of discussion over who is and who isn't a PUMA, but no explanation of what a PUMA is or whether this is an acronym for something. I suspect I might be one, so am very curious.
thanks

Tags: obama, hillary (all tags)

Permalink :: 54 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: What is a PUMA?? (none / 0)

is this snark?

by wasder on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:35:06 AM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (none / 0)

Serious question.

by futbol dad on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:45:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What is a PUMA?? (none / 0)

PUMA = Party Unity My Ass

It is a group formed by former Hillary supporters who say no Hillary then we vote McCain

Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.

by jsfox on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:37:07 AM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (none / 0)

Don't feed the trolls...

Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics

by BishopRook on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:37:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What is a PUMA?? (2.00 / 4)

It is a group formed by ~~former Hillary~~ McCain supporters who say no Hillary then we vote McCain

Fixed it for you.

John McCain

by Mandoliniment on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:33:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

LOL (none / 0)

Thanks :)

Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.

by jsfox on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:24:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What is a PUMA?? (none / 0)

Planned on
Upholding
McCain
Always

by Kysen on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 05:03:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Partially correct, and less than helpful (1.57 / 7)

P.U.M.A. does stand for "Party Unity, My Ass". It is a spontaneous movement of individuals who reject the traditional call to Democratic party unity.

Some will stay home, some will vote for protest candidates, some will vote for McCain, some will be won over by Obama or motivated by McCain, some will vote reluctantly for Obama, some are up for grabs -- looking for Obama to earn their votes, or to demonstrate insight and outreach, or to exercise sufficient leadership to restrain his cyber-brownshirts.

Since the viral release of this acronym June 1, a number of PUMA-related groups have been formed, some with variant agendas and fictive claims to leadership and invention.

The McCain campaign and FOX News of course are eager to exploit this development, but it's not up to them, and most PUMAs (even those who will vote for him if Obama is the Democrat nominee, as I will) hold McCain in contempt.

¡Si, soy PUMA!

by RonK Seattle on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:05:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

You're voting McCain? Why? (none / 0)

What happened to you?

by bobdoleisevil on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 01:17:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

He wants Obama to lose so he can (1.75 / 4)

say "you should have listened to me and voted for Hillary in the primary."

Malignant narcissism. Such people are lower than the Freepi.

by Geekesque on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 01:45:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What is a PUMA?? (2.00 / 3)

"The cougar (Puma concolor), also puma, mountain lion, cool cat or panther depending on region, is a mammal of the Felidae family, native to the Americas. This large, solitary cat has the greatest range of any wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere,[3] extending from Yukon in Canada to the southern Andes of South America. An adaptable, generalist species, the cougar is found in every major New World habitat type. It is the second heaviest cat in the New World, after the jaguar, and the fourth heaviest in the world, after the tiger, lion, and jaguar, although it is most closely related to smaller felines."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puma

I don't think they can type, so the blogger probably isn't one.

by libertyleft on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:38:54 AM EST

I always laugh at the name... (1.87 / 8)

...because it gets me thinking about the word "cougar". I know that makes me immature but I don't care.

I prefer to call that group NOvemberists after one of their canonical concepts. I also have all their sites on my favorite links. I need help.

Visiting the hopium dens proudly since 2007.

by AZphilosopher on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:49:09 AM EST

Re: I always laugh at the name... (2.00 / 3)

There's no reason you should have been troll-rated for that. I think the same thing, and before I heard what it meant, I had to check Urban Dictionary to try and figure it out. These names for the groups are SO colossally stupid. But of course, they had to come up with these names in blind rage mode, so they weren't thinking that clearly.

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:19:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I always laugh at the name... (none / 0)

I think I was TR'ed for the second part, which was me making fun of MY propensity to visit these sites when I have no interest in that cause (that part was poorly written on my part) and it wasn't necessarily an in your face slam of the sites themselves. However, it was worded so poorly I see how one could get the wrong idea.

As far as the "cougar" connections, I thought that was part of the reason that that particular group selected it. I thought they were either using it ironically(as in, we know what demographic people think we are and we are making fun of it) or non-ironically (as in we are that demographic that that term would apply to). But if you were looking for a marketable name and that never came up, you didn't think about it enough. That was part of the reason why I thought it was so intelligent was because it was a little subversive and edgy with respect to gender roles.

The third thing it could have been would have been the use of "NOvemberists". Yes, it is a phrase off of Hillary is 44 and perhaps individuals don't like being lumped in, however people outside of movements name people inside movements all the time ("methodists") and they are pretty similar in the relevant respects.

Either way no serious slam was intended other. You can tell when I say things such as "I'm immature". Do I maybe dwell on these things a little because I don't understand them? Sure enough.

Visiting the hopium dens proudly since 2007.

by AZphilosopher on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 03:36:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What is a PUMA?? (2.00 / 2)

Your google-fu sucks my friend.

Consider that everything which happens, happens justly, and if thou observest carefully, thou wilt find it to be so. -Marcus Aurelius

by Blue Neponset on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:49:41 AM EST

"I suspect I might be one" (2.00 / 3)

sent me into giggle fits for some reason.

by Neef on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:53:10 AM EST

Re: "I suspect I might be one" (2.00 / 7)

If you suspect that you might be a PUMA, contact your local wildlife control services immediately...

Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics

by BishopRook on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:34:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "I suspect I might be one" (2.00 / 4)

Please do not attempt to approach PUMAs, as they are extremely volatile and can strike without warning.
Should you come face to face with one, back away slowly and repeat this phrase after each step:

Hillary supports Obama!

"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC

by skohayes on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:58:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "I suspect I might be one" (2.00 / 4)

Are you kidding? That's the one phrase most likely to throw them into a killer rage.

Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics

by BishopRook on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:04:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "I suspect I might be one" (none / 0)

Good god, man, you're right! What the hell was I thinking??
They don't care about what Hillary thinks anymore!

"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC

by skohayes on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 05:46:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "I suspect I might be one" (2.00 / 1)

As I saw in several comments recently on Alegre's blog...

"It's not about Hillary any more, it's about Obama."

Except that it's always been about Obama, for them...

Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics

by BishopRook on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 05:57:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "I suspect I might be one" (1.00 / 1)

At this point you have to assume that.

I wonder how many of these hardcore "HRC supporters" were in hit just out of racial/ethnic hatred for Obama?

by DemsLandslide2008 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 06:00:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "I suspect I might be one" (none / 0)

We need a hotline, like for problem gamblers.

Call 800-ROEVWADE.

Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.

by mistersite on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:14:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What is a PUMA?? (2.00 / 2)

thanks. i read on talk left that's PUMAs are not McCain supporters but just won't vote. I am not a "troll" (not even sure what that is). I am a lifelong Democrat; member of my state and county committee. Was just curious what PUMA stood for. thanks again.
and yes i tried to google it but all i could find were entries on sneakers.

by ulsterdem on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:56:01 AM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (2.00 / 4)

Try being a little bit more specific in your searches, especially when there are more than one uses for a word. Democrat puma would've given you the answer, no fuss, no muss. But hopefully you've cleared it up for people who ran into a similar Googleblock.

by TCQuad on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:47:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Troll is short or "Concern Troll" (2.00 / 1)

i.e. someone being dishonest and pretending to take a side they don't, for a negative purpose.

Say a person was running for a Democratic senate seat, for example, and someone posted on a Democratic blog like this one: "Gosh, I sure hope the fact that she hates hispanics doesn't come back to hurt her in the election."

That would be trolling...

-cheers!

-chris

Motley Moose, Troll Free Blogging

by chrisblask on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:13:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I left an authoritative, informed response (1.83 / 6)

... but it seems to have been troll-rated out of visibility.

Some of the replies you received here are misleading, and there's not much I can do about it here.

That's part of why the movement exists, BTW.

¡Si, soy PUMA!

by RonK Seattle on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 11:49:49 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I left an authoritative, informed response (1.66 / 3)

What is there to say, PUMA is nothing more than the RNC taking advantage of emotionaly and socialy challenged losers that claim they were once democrats.

At least Fox viewers find you entertaining.

Also, incase you didn't know, it is against site policy to vote/support McCain.

by DemsLandslide2008 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 12:55:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You are in factual error regarding PUMA (1.88 / 9)

... and regarding site policy.

If Jerome and Todd decide to revise site policy, I'm sure they'll let me know.

¡Si, soy PUMA!

by RonK Seattle on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 01:51:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You are in factual error regarding PUMA (1.00 / 1)

Write to them and ask if you are allowed to smear Democrats with right wing lies and if you are allowed to propagate John McCain.

You think if you simply dont say the words "I love John McCain" thats enough not to get banned.

Honestly I hope you don't get banned because your group is hilarious and necessary.

All the people putting their names behind this clubhouse have written themselves out of our party.

The best thing is when you guys put down your little act and join the GOP because I have no interest in people like you anywhere close to our party.

Oh yeah, and I just love this video.
Funny how none of the PUMA youtube sites allow comments, and how NOONE else cares, so only PUMA sites put it on youtube.
I used to think Republicans were the lamest of the lame, but they look pretty hip

by DemsLandslide2008 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 04:16:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This is incorrect (1.71 / 7)

There's no evidence the RNC is involved that I've seen. The roots of "PUMA" can be traced to a thread at The Confluence (owned by ex dKos diarist Goldberry), and the group includes a broad spectrum of anti-Obama Democrats, including state delegates, party activists, etc.

The only link to the GOP I'm aware of is that a number of PUMA leaders met with McCain at his HQ in VA.

PUMAs have a variety of goals, but are united by a few ideas, one of which is that Obama would be worse for the party and the country than McCain would.

by Pacific John on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 02:46:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

So, the PUMAS are like (1.66 / 3)

Michelle Malkin and other radical Republicans:

PUMAs have a variety of goals, but are united by a few ideas, one of which is that Obama would be worse for the party and the country than McCain would.

Of course, the difference is that Michelle Malkin isn't an idiotic traitor to her cause.

by Geekesque on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 06:31:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I left an authoritative, informed response (1.00 / 1)

Hiderated.

You are not welcome here.

by Lance Bryce on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 06:33:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

he was just being factual (none / 0)

why wouldn't he be welcome here? Are you the owner of this site?

by Teacher1956 on Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 11:28:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What is a PUMA?? (1.00 / 4)

PUMA (the acronym meaning changes a lot:Party Unity my Ass to People United Means Action this week)

These are also PUMAS:
"Don't let this opportunity pass!! This is the first sign of serious unease we have seen in some of the hardcore BOts... help them leave the empty suit behind. Get out on the news sites and blogs, including "in the tank for BO" blogs you normally avoid (Daily KOS, Huffpoo, etc), and use these recent decisions as a great argument for walking away from BO. I suggest you don't call anyone idiots for their former support of *61 (BO), but instead help them see they have options. BO's positions on public financing and FISA should upset them! It should disappoint them! It should scare them! "

http://camille424.wordpress.com/
there are many more similar sites.

by Mae Scott on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 08:57:10 AM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (2.00 / 1)

Giving them free advertising doesn't help them go away, I'm afraid. :(

Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics

by BishopRook on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 09:36:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I had PUMAs once when I was a kid. (2.00 / 3)

I'd say it was a quality shoe, but honestly, I can't tell the difference between tennis shoes when they're on my feet. They all feel the same to me.

Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.

by mistersite on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:14:06 AM EST

It's short for "Republican" (2.00 / 4)

by nightsweat on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:24:03 AM EST

PUMA: wild creature with subhuman intelligence. (2.00 / 2)

Alternate definition: a large feline predator.

by Geekesque on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:34:26 AM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (2.00 / 3)

http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/200 8/06/23/pumas/index.html

"Democracy! Bah! When I hear that I reach for my feather Boa!" Allen Ginsberg

by canadian gal on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:35:57 AM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (2.00 / 1)

When I first heard about it, I thought they chose it because it is similar to Cougars. About the same demographics.

by Pravin on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:37:04 AM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (2.00 / 1)

God they would like to think so!

Haha, I am a single guy who peruses the bar scene.

I would rather "go home" with a real republican than a wannabe one.

by DemsLandslide2008 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:40:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

The website and Facebook group (1.18 / 11)

of Democrats who are not voting Obama. Their website is www justsaynodeal dot com.

by catfish2 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 01:04:53 PM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (1.50 / 4)

Well, lets see, 18 million people voted for Hillary. If just 10% of them do not support Obama, now or ever, that is 1.8 million people. Kerry lost in 2004 by about 100,000 votes in Ohio.

To those who think 1.8 million people were "never Democrats in the first place" you are mostly wrong. To Hillary's voters, it is now a "lesser of two evils" election. And though it is hard for some of you Obamabots to believe, some do consider McCain a better choice than Obama.

Gee, I wonder why the acronym "Party Unity My Ass"? Dismissing 1.8 million voters is not the way to win elections.

by WolfmanJack on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 02:51:29 PM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (none / 0)

Gee, I wonder why the acronym "Party Unity My Ass"? Dismissing 1.8 million voters is not the way to win elections.

To be completely accurate, they are self-dismissed. Autodismissed, if you will. Since they are perfectly within their rights to vote for whomever, the obvious Democratic strategy is to win the election without them - much like we have to win the election without the vastly greater millions of Republican votes.

I'm unsure why someone would think the existence of PUMA changes the Dem outlook, or strategy, in any way. Certainly 1.8 million opinions would be reflected in polling, and the current numbers are not a great concern. PUMA - to whatever degree it has an effect - is factored in.

by Neef on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 03:43:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What is a PUMA?? (1.50 / 2)

I know this will be hidden, but since you are just asking a question, the answer can be found at pumaparty.com

by WolfmanJack on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 02:52:59 PM EST

The PUMA mascot: (1.50 / 2)

by spunkmeyer on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 03:47:28 PM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (2.00 / 1)

I think you are confused... did you mean POOMA? If so, we're an organization of very angry people who refuse to recognize the legitimacy of necklaces made out of macaroni noodles. In fact, we're willing to support egg noodles over macaroni noodles, even though all of us are allergic to eggs. True story.

And so, may evil beware and may good dress warmly and eat lots of fresh vegetables.

by thatpurplestuff on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 04:25:44 PM EST

Re: What is a PUMA?? (none / 0)

Party-United-Mean-Action

Take action so there will be NObama.

by JoeySky18 on Tue Jun 24, 2008 at 10:12:30 PM EST

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