Name calling
Minimize, Deny, and blame: It was no big deal, didn't happen, really your fault.
Coercion and threats: if you don't, we blow up
Treating people as objects: women, children, immigrants
King of the castle: I am pres, my house, do what I want
Intimidation: big offices, big cars, big weapons, big attacks.
finances: controlling the money, taking your money http://www.batteredmen.com/...
Here are the behaviors of a batterer. I have repeatedly made this point, but get little traction when I do. After Sarah's speech, I am hoping others will see what I see. It matters that we see it because it explains a lot of behavior that we see in congress, and the american people. It explains why the message works on some and not on others. It explains why the republicans are the war party. (at least to me it does). When news organizations like NBC give in. They reinforce this behavior.
Follow me over the fold for the discussion