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Romney wins big in Florida; tells Obama to get out of the way

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Santorum could wind up with the nomination.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Nah, it's going to be Romney, thank God.

It's going to be ugly, seeing Romney face Obama in a debate, particularly over economics. Both are intelligent and I believe sincere, but Romney has a track record of success. His only problem is that he may be too much of a gentleman to go for the throat.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Rick thinks women should not have the right to choose whether to have an abortion.

Rick thinks women - even those who have been raped - should be forced to keep the child.

Rick wants to peer so far into people's bedrooms that he wants to ban sodomy.

3 reasons alone why Rick should never be given power

Rick: strong on social issues but how does that create jobs?

10 ( +14 / -4 )

Perhaps Florida conservatives were trying to figure out how Newt was going to shrink the Government and build a moon base that is estimated to cost $500 billion just to construct (the article I read didn't mention how much monthly upkeep, transportation, security and logistics costs would be) and would cost TRILLIONS over the years at the same time. Perhaps Florida conservatives were wondering how Newt was going to pay for it (aside from giving tax breaks to the rich; that's how republicans pay for everything, with tax breaks for the rich). Maybe, they thought to themselves, "This guy is talking about spending trillions of dollars on a permanent moon base with one half of his mouth and complaining about how much money President Obama is spending with the other half" and got turned off.

Or maybe they saw him as the skeevy little perv that he is. Hard to say.

Either way, I hope he takes it to the convention. Make Romney look bad and make Romney spend his money on the primaries. I love it. Newt Gingrich is the best player on President Obama's team.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

The whole "tax breaks for the rich" argument is pure demagogery (sp). Obama has been spouting about the"Buffett Rule" since the SOTU speech, and it is nonsense. IF it were put in place, the revenue would only cut about 3% of the federal deficit for one year. Never mind the national debt. Never mind that tax lawyers and accountants would rip it to shreds.

The problem is NOT revenue. The problem is spending.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

DS, sorry pal. You've got it around the wrong way: you can't spend what you don't earn or acquire first. Unless you're a government of course.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

BAM! That was the starter gun ladies and gentlemen for this 2012 American Presidental Clown Nomination Classic, and it’s not even 9am here in Japan and over there on the outside Newt is off to a powerful start on the first straight wow she’s got legs has that one, and chasing Newt on the inside is Elite Mitt, last year’s winner and this year’s clear favorite and still has the pace. ……coming up to the first bend and ladies and gentlemen Newt is digging his feet into that turf. Our trackside commentators just told us Newt and Mitt are already trading accusations over character, consistency, leadership in this final day before Florida’s critical primary race. Now coming around the first bend Newt is moving into the front-runner position and is already complaining that Elite Mitt is carpet-bombing his arse with negative ads, but Elite Mitt is behind and she’s not letting up ladies and gentlemen have you seen tenacity like that - but will it last because we all know this is going to be a long race that might even last right to the end.

Now coming into the final straight and Newt is only a nose ahead while Elite Mitt is firing off accusations that the upstart from Pennsylvania is pro-abortion, pro-gun-control, and a pro-tax-increase race horse, but that might not be enough. In the last race, the pundits said Elite Mitt has difficulty winning over many supporters who questioned his conservative credentials given his shifting views on abortion, gay rights and gun control, but – WHAT! Oh no ladies and gentlemen Elite Mitt is pulling out all the stops and whipping Newt with a SuperPac CarpetBomb! I cannot believe it! Is this allowed ladies and gentlemen, it may not even matter because now Newt is falling behind and yes – WHAT! Both horses are on their noses, yes, Elite Mitt and Newt have both crashed through the barrier and are out of this race. Well that’s it ladies and gentlemen this race is over and there is no winner, sorry and see you next year.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

@sushiSake 3

You really worry, don't you.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

"BAM! That was the starter gun ladies and gentlemen for this 2012 American Presidental Clown Nomination Classic, "

If the presidential election in America is a race among a bunch of clowns for you then why so much worrying about it? Oh by the way calling Obama a clown is definitely racist. Be careful if you are transiting through America anytime in the near future.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

If I was a deligate in any state, I would vote for what my people wanted, and not follow the crowd. That is why I have given up on voting. It is not one man with one vote. It is not democracy at all.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

He complained that Romney had hurt him with outsized spending on “ads that are dishonest.”

And you know what, when the Citizens United decision came down, Newt was delighted, wringing his hands as he thought of all the fiendish things he would say...er....his campaign would say about President Obama.

Question for you Newt (what a well named amphibian): How does it feel now that the worm has turned?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Santorum could wind up with the nomination.

Another, in a long line of great predictions, from the master of wrong.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

@DS "The problem is spending."

Tell that to Mitt Romney and the person posting as j4p4nFTW. They both think the federal defence budget needs to get much bigger (unspecified in the former case, 600% in the latter). Senator Carl Levin--who works extensively with military leaders--is now taking Mitt Romney to task for criticizing modest spending cuts in the new military budget. If this budget is being unilaterally forced by Secdef Leon Panetta or Senator Levin, why is Mitt rather than someone in the military complaining? Scoring a few political points by exploiting amorphous fears is the same old same old for about a decade now. What is Mitt's great proposal, add another color to the Department of Homeland Security color-coded warning system?

The other extreme on military spending is Ron Paul's budget slashing rhetoric continually getting marginalized in the primaries.

You can't have it both ways. If you want cuts,start making realistic budget proposals that match cuts with cuts.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

whoever becomes president i foresee that the rich will get richer and the poor poorer

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Buckled in and looking forward to yet another day of fact-free fueled hilarity from conservative candidates, their handlers and supporters as they continue to insist that black is white, up is down and lying is honorable except when the other guy tells the same lies.

Can someone please post a link to the GOP Comedy Fund so that as a foreigner I can make a huge anonymous donation to influence the U.S. presidential election without anyone learning my identity - using the system most conservative politicians loudly supported?

Thank you and God bless America! :-)

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Romney is a tool and a liar. He has a double chinned face and can't deal with reality. Obama is out we all know that and all the other GOP nominees are in favor of screwing the country into more chaos. What we need in the US is better legislation, a stricter government and tougher laws. Once we get that done we would have a better forecast of the country we once knew as the United States of America.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

SushiSake3,

Can someone please post a link to the GOP Comedy Fund so that as a foreigner I can make a huge anonymous donation to influence the U.S. presidential election without anyone learning my identity

Ask and ye shall receive: http://www.colbertsuperpac.com/

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Lol! Thanks Truth. :-)

I was watching Colbert last night. About the only difference between Stephen Colbert and these conservative presidential candidates that I can see is that Colbert actually knows he's a comedian.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Romney victory in the GOP last man standing contest means Barack really gets to shine. Attacking an old rich white guy who is too polite too fight dirty , or even to fight back, is going to be really funny to watch.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Looks like Romney's bagged this one, erghr.....got this one in the bag.

Almost a turnaround from the SC result.

Well I guess we can only wait until next week to see how much further the GOP and their conservative 'supporters' can plunge into the lunatic twilight zone that apparently exists somewhere between the Beltway and 1800 Pensylvania Ave.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

SushiSake3,

knows he's a comedian.

Romney seems to me to be a very serious candidate. It seems this worries you quite a bit as you basically seem to not be able to comment about the man or his stances.Why would this be? Possibly because more moderates than you would care to admit exist are dissatisfied with Obama?

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

Whichever establishment candidate gets selected is irrelevant. The survival of the US ( and EU for that matter ) rests on economic policies. Unless the masses wean themselves off the socialist teat programs, the economies will continue their downward spiral. As Margaret Thatcher once said, Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They always run out of other people's money. Romney, Gingrich, Santorum, and Obama only know how to spend others' money. Say NO to all of them.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Ben, you think Romney is a very serious candidate?

Have you looked at his past policy positions?

He has switched masks on abortion, climate change, health insurance, DADT, flat taxes, gay rights, Massachusetts healthcare, the Constitutional amendment defining life, and more.

It clearly seems he doesn't even take his own views seriously.

If a car mechanic looked at your car and said 'the oil is leaking. No, hang on, the carburettor's broken. Just wait, no, it's the oil,' and then 5 minutes later 'on second thoughts, it's the carburettor after all.'

Would you want him to fix your engine?

And that's precisely why millions of America s don't want him to fix America.

Here's more:

Dubdubdub.issues2000.org/Mitt_Romney.htm

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Thumbs me down all you want. What I wrote is not incorrect. Romney looks to be a very viable alternative to Obama and this seems to unreasonably frighten Obama supporters to the point that they avoid commenting about Romney stances etc and favor hyperbole. Moderate, who decide most free elections, don't like hyperbole very much and respond to it even less.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Everything seems to be going well

Where can I get a pair of those rose-colored glasses?

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Could not get your dub link to work. What specific policies changes are you talking about? What is the timeline and context of the changes. If my mechanic initially thought the oil was leaking, but realized he was wrong, I would be glad he was not charging me for something I did not need. I would want him to be sure and to adjust as the situations dictate. Surely you would not suggest Obama has never changed his mind, would you?

Let's talk about one subject at a time: What are the changes in policy you think you see with regard to health care? The man successfully revamped his own state's health care to the joy of most, if not all, of its citizens. What is your problem with his stated stance on health care?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Maybe the rose coloring is on the inside?

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Ben - 'What specific policies changes are you talking about?'

The ones I listed in my last post. The same ones that even conservatives have been bashing him for.

Perhaps you need to do a little research on the man before you place (or misplace) your trust and your vote.

Re: My 'problem' with Mitt's stance on healthcare - that's not the issue - the issue is that Mitt has a history that is littered with policy reversals.

If he didn't, he may well have had a very good chance of becoming the next president.

But as it stands, he doesn't stand in any one place for long at all.

Which is, clearly, the problem.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Ben, BTW, I appreciate you asking for detail, but the detail is not, I believe, the point at all.

The point is the overall picture of Romney's ever-changing policy positions and statements.

In one of the recent debates, he actually quoted an angle from a SuperPac attack ad that only seconds before he had claimed not to have seen.

If that didn't set alarms bells off, I wonder what will?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I was pretty sure my question was simple and clear:

What are the changes in policy you think you see with regard to health care?

What is the timeline and context of the changes.

You seem to be suggesting his 'changes' are random and without reason. I would like you to attempt to support your argument.

BTW, I don't really care about complaints by self-serving conservatives who seem to have suddenly decided they don't like success or capitalism.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Looks like for Gingrich, toast now means way more than just the thing that pops out of a toaster. :-)

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Gingrich is generally his own worst enemy. That is probably not a bad thing for the US or the world.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Ben, it looks like again you are missing the key point.

If Romney had changed his views on 1-2 key/critical issues, his policy record probably would not be so problematic as it is.

It's the fact that he has changed direction on a whole host of issues - a level of inconsistency that for Romney is not occasional but reflective of a normal and regular trait - that is the key issue.

Ben - 'BTW, I don't really care about complaints by self-serving conservatives who seem to have suddenly decided they don't like success or capitalism.'

Did someone claim you did?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Romney will be dogged by Gingrich until the convention; he will then be torn apart by Obama and the logic derived from the fact that the Republicans have nothing to offer. Their "proposals," such as they are, are mutually incompatible and are certain to make a precarious economic situation worse.

Fundamentally, it is this: what dogs the American (and world) economy the most is imbalance between production ability and aggregate demand. Wages have lagged far behind productivity increases, and much production has shifted to low-wage economies.

Amongst this, Republicans advocate policies that will continue to shift resources from the "consuming class" to the "investing class." The result will be a further drop in demand, and one thing is clear: it doesn't matter how facile the investment atmosphere is, no sane capitalist will invest in production in the face of a dearth in demand.

Romney is the last guy the Republicans should want in this situation, but then, it is him or the loonies. He will be mauled through the primaries and through the general election and lose, deservedly, in November.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I appreciate you asking for detail, but the detail is not, I believe, the point at all.

I disagree. Details mean everything. Without them, changes in stances have no real meaning and you might as well not bring them up.

I did not see the debate you are referring to, but just because someone talks about the content of an ad does not neccessarily mean they have seen it. He could have heard about it.

I get the impression it would not matter what the content, context etc of Romney's stances are to you. You see the 'R' after the name and seem to have made a choice purely based on that. I somehow doubt that people in the middle will do that come election day.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Did someone claim you did?

You suggested conservatives took him to task for it. I was merely saying their opinions don't mean much to me.

Again, what is the timeline of these changes you suggest? What is the context? These details are generally important to people when electing someone or even if they are just commenting about them. Looking at the issue myself gives me the impression that a closer look at both timeline and context weakens complaints about changes in his stances.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

it doesn't matter how facile the investment atmosphere is, no sane capitalist will invest in production in the face of a dearth in demand.

Please pass that on to President Obama and also to tell him to quit using other peoples money (the taxpayer) also as it makes all of poorer.

A $38.6 billion loan guarantee program that the Obama administration promised would create or save 65,000 jobs has created just a few thousand jobs two years after it began, government records show.

The program — designed to jump-start the nation’s clean technology industry by giving energy companies access to low-cost, government-backed loans — has directly created 3,545 new, permanent jobs after giving out almost half the allocated amount, according to Energy Department tallies.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-green-tech-program-that-backed-solyndra-struggles-to-create-jobs/2011/09/07/gIQA9Zs3SK_story.html

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Fundamentally, it is this: what dogs the American (and world) economy the most is imbalance between production ability and aggregate demand.

Very true but only if Government is playing with the people's money and picking the winners and losers and trying to create markets when private industry has already decided the market really doesn't exist.

From last Thursday:

The parent company of an electric car battery maker that received more than $100 million in government funding from the Obama administration has filed for bankruptcy protection, the company announced Thursday.

Alex Sorokin, the CEO for lithium-ion battery manufacturer Ener1, said the company suffered when demand for the batteries dropped as fewer Americans than expected opted for electric cars.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

It's not socialism when the government helps the rich. That's capitalism taking advantage of profit opportunities. It's only socialism - and therefore bad - when the government helps the poor and middle class.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Nice one Sail. You pulled Solyndra out of the bag last week too, seemingly trying to hint that making no investment in an energy source that can produce a cleaner environment for you and your family is somehow better than being bold and trying it while realizing full well that to expect 100% perfect results is not a trait of those living in the real world.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The Republican Party has chosen the devil they don't know over the devil they do: Romney over Gingrich. Which Romney will govern in the highly unlikely event that he is elected? No one pretends to know. The default choice would be to assume that Republicans in Congress will govern: that a Mitt presidency would be a proxy of Republican House leadership (assuming, again, that Republicans retain control). Vision, principles, leadership: Romney has shed each of these over the last eight years in his magical ideological contortionist trick.

Uh, sailwind, read the "loan" part in "low-cost, government-backed loans." The government will surely have to wait in line to get its money back from Solyndra - and may well not; but scattershot criticism like yours is just background noise. I assume you're also opposed to the measures that kept GM and Chrysler alive. I also assume you're opposed to the F-35 and other Pentagon programs that pump billions into arguably unnecessary, bloated military initiatives. At least renewable energy would leave the US with a legacy of independence-creating wealth.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Sail, I guess it's back to the drawing boad for you to come up with yet another way to attack a president who is trying to make the environment for all Americans just that little bit healthier.

'Patriotism' means different things to different people, it seems. :-)

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Newsflash for Romeny and Co. -

The president said just the other day that 22 million new jobs have been created since he took office three years ago. How many jobs did Bain Capital create,huh Mittens?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I don't think I'd be too happy if I was Mitt.

Polling stats show he got a total of 768,118 votes, but the others combined got 866,769 votes.

Most of the voters in Florida rejected him, even with all the money he spent.

I think I'd be really worried about what will happen in Nov if I was him. If it had only been Romney and Gingrich, Romney would have lost by 98,651. That's not a good night imo.

Also, polling stats show women 'abandoned' Newt. Could that be reflective of the way he abandoned his first 2 wives, or perhaps because most women can't warm to the idea of living with him in his moon colony??

Only history will tell.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Uh, sailwind, read the "loan" part in "low-cost, government-backed loans."

Read private venture capital as opposed to public taxpayer money where we all are on the hook instead of investors who take their chances with their own money. Also read bankrupt and good luck for the U.S government getting my taxpayer money back, which is par for the course because they didn't even bother to ask me if I wanted my taxpayer dollars to be "invested" in this FAILED green economy venture in the first place. But I guess I shouldn't complain, after all Government knows best on how to spend, spend, spend our way to prosperty.

Just let me know when those 65,000 green jobs finally get created that President Obama promised. Folks could really use them right now.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Everything is on track for Obama to win a second term in office!

Sadly

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Laguna - 'Which Romney will govern in the highly unlikely event that he is elected?'

This is exactly what poster Ben needs to answer.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I fully expect to hear Newt will take 'a few days rest' while he frantically completes his autobiography and rushes it to the presses to fulfill the real aim of his 'presidential campaign' after all.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Me: "Santorum could wind up with the nomination"

The Truth: "Another, in a long line of great predictions, from the master of wrong"

I didn't predict Santorum would win, I said he could win.

OK, here's a prediction ( from the "master of wrong" heh heh ): Obama will win re-election.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Doesn't Obama outpoll Romney?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Romney seems to me to be a very serious candidate. It seems this worries you quite a bit as you basically seem to not be able to comment about the man or his stances.Why would this be? Possibly because more moderates than you would care to admit exist are dissatisfied with Obama?

Have you been Ben_Jackinoff?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

This was predicted on JT a YEAR AGO. Two different philosophies.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Romney says:

A competitive primary does not divide us, it prepares us and we will win.

Translation: more competition like this, and I'm dead. Drop out already, Gingrich!

Romney says:

Mr. President, you were elected to lead, you chose to follow and now it's time to get out of the way.

Translation: Republicans in Congress cannot continue to obstruct the myriad proposals that make up Obama's policy throughout his second term; such continued obstructionism would look too foolish and begin to create real damage. Do not allow Obama to lead!

Romney says:

I stand ready to lead this party!

Translation: Please tell me where you want to go; I'm totally amenable to anything if it gets me elected.

His utterances are not exactly lies; they are bits of fluff, totally devoid of substance. He must go to bed every night terrified that the next day he might say something with lasting meaning, something he could be pinned down on and held accountable for. So far, he's been lucky - or, more likely, it's the eight years of practice that is now benefiting him.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Polling stats show he got a total of 768,118 votes, but the others combined got 866,769 votes.

The only thing that matters is who gets more votes individually. It is not a team sport. I am sure Romney is quite pleased to win Florida despite interesting attempts to claim otherwise.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

His utterances are not exactly lies; they are bits of fluff, totally devoid of substance.

Again, agree or disagree with him, the man does have a stated stance. It is certainly not devoid of substance. He has published this stance in a rather large volume. It is not a mystery.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

I see, Ben. Care to clarify his stance on healthcare? - that what is right for MA is not necessarily right for the nation as a whole, and that, as a result, the US must face a patchwork of 50 health regulatory systems for insurers, health care providers, the citizenry and corporations to navigate?

That may attract some, but it most likely is not what he believed when he was governor, and it certainly is a terrible way to run the country.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Romney for president= Bush Jr part 2

-3 ( +0 / -2 )

Heh, there's a thumbs down war going on.

Romney has more credibility than any of the other pretty scary individuals running for the nomination. It would not have been credible or even fair for any of those other nuts to go head to head with Mr Obama.

I imagine Team Obama are now concentrating 100% on Willard Romney and his past positions. The debates are going to be exciting to watch. Let's hope they can keep it adult.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Madverts: I think you guys better check Mr Romney's tax paying records before calling him ' more credibility'! Otherwise you guys were wasting your future!

-3 ( +0 / -2 )

Bush Jr was born without a brain, just a big Guy. Romney differs in that respect, but obviously both were born sucking golden spoon.

What is it about Romney's tax-paying that bothers you? The guy pays taxes - actually quite a big wedge of dough. He has acted like every other stinking rich dude on the developed planet - he's taken every option to pay less tax. Sure it's going to hurt him in his bout against Obama but all this does is demonstrate how much America is radically changing after The Great Recession. I have a small business and I act in the same manner as Romney just on a micro scale. I take well paid advice to pay less taxes. It just makes sense.

Rest assured Romney is going to raked over the coals for being uber-Rich over the next few months, and it is going to be strange, to say the least, to watch Americans do it.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

A Gingrich exit or even a media highlighting of his defeat really helps down-ticket repubs,many of whom will need the independent vote.Obviously that hurts downticket Dems. Obama has the media behind him but outside of big cities and away from the coasts he has his work cut out for him. Shiny new teleprompter.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

I had no idea this was going to turn out so well for president Obama's re-election chances.

Or that the Right would tank like the Titanic.

All good. :-)

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Newton Leroy McPherson - better luck in the next race.

If you're still up for it! :-)

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Did John Boehner cry when Mitt took Florida?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The President will be in for a tough race ifwhen Romney gets the nomination. Mitt is intelligent, motivated, and has a clear lead over the president in the area of economics. He's a rich dude, sure, but that just shows that he's good at his job.

Has he changed his ideas on some issues? Sure. Obama had the advantage of not doing so because his politcal career was so short before being elected... not sure whether that is a good thing or not.

The whole "Buffett rule" thing is such a waste of time. Mitt paid his taxes. End of story. Revising the tax system is a god idea, but in terms of impact on the deficit/debt it pales in comparison to changing the spending habits of the federal government. Notice he ALSO gave more money to charity (around 7 MILLION dollars) than he paid in taxes. That says something about the man as well.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

DS: "The President will be in for a tough race ifwhen Romney gets the nomination. Mitt is intelligent, motivated, and has a clear lead over the president in the area of economics."

Not at all, especially if you take into account that the man MUCH richer than pretty much all Americans by percentile but pays less taxes per capita than your average Joe. That's going to kill him. He'll have the rich and Mormons on his side, but not much more. What's more, so many of his facts about his job creation record and what not are absolutely not true, and he can't explain his ideas on how to improve things -- only attack using negativity -- he's going to get whipped in debate.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Care to clarify his stance on healthcare?

What is it about it that you don't understand? Again, have you actually read it? He never said what is good for Massachussetts is good for the nation, or anything like that. However, the man has put through a successful healthcare plan for the people who elected him. Can Obama say the same? Not yet. Why would it be wrong to let each state judge what is best for its people? Isn't that rather logical?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Ron Paul as Pres. and Kucinich as VP would be great.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

" He's a rich dude, sure, but that just shows that he's good at his job"

Neh? He was born into gazillions.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Ben - 'Why would it be wrong to let each state judge what is best for its people? Isn't that rather logical?'

Perhaps, if said states have half sensible legislators.

Going further, I would ask conservatives - in terms of abortion rights would it be wrong to let each pregnant woman judge for herself what is best for her and her family?

Isn't that rather logical?

Apparently that's a crazy notion for millions of conservatives....

0 ( +1 / -1 )

SushiSake,

I am neither running for US president nor conservative. I also am not particularly interested in what 'millions of conservative' might feel is a 'crazy notion'. I feel Romney is quite moderate on many issues. You suddenly bring up a woman's right to choose. Personally I feel this is a strawman because there is not going to be a president that reverses Roe v Wade. So, what is it again about Romney's healthcare plan you don't like again?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Ben - " You suddenly bring up a woman's right to choose. Personally I feel this is a strawman because there is not going to be a president that reverses Roe v Wade.'

Not a strawman at all - simply an illustration of the hypocrisy shown by conservatives.

Ben - "So, what is it again about Romney's healthcare plan you don't like again?'

Sorry, can you remind where I said I had a problem with it?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

As long as the price tag just keeps going up you better believe it. I'm thinking at least 40 billion in losses to the taxpayer by the time this "success story" is over with by the Obama administration.

January 30th 2012

Treasury ups auto bailout loss estimate

Washington -The U.S. Treasury Department boosted its estimate of government losses in the $85 billion auto bailout by $170 million.

In the government's latest report to Congress this month, the Treasury upped its estimate to $23.77 billion, up from $23.6 billion.

Last fall, the government dramatically boosted its forecast of losses on the rescues of General Motors Co., Chrysler Group LLC and their finance units from $14 billion to $23.6 billion.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120130/AUTO01/201300393/1148/AUTO01/Treasury-ups-auto-bailout-loss-estimate

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I assume you're also opposed to the measures that kept GM and Chrysler alive.

My above post is in response to Laguna's statement above for clarity.

Apologies in advance for any confusion.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

SS; as a card carrying member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, let me say this regarding abortion: I agree with you. Women are free to terminate their pregnancies as they want. As long as they don't expect others (gov't health care for example) to pay for the procedure, it is their decision. And as long as they don't expect others (welfare for example) to pay for their child after it is born, it is their decision.

Similarly, pharmacists should not be forced to provide birth control/morning after pills to people if they don't want to. That is also their freedom, don't you think?

Ain't freedom wonderful?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Ben, regarding Romney and healthcare:

What is it about it that you don't understand?

During his 1994 run for the United States Senate, Romney indicated he would support a bill which included a federal health insurance mandate; he now attacks the same mandate as "an unconscionable abuse of power." Which Mitt is it?

Why would it be wrong to let each state judge what is best for its people? Isn't that rather logical?

Logical in right-turn-on-red laws, say, or drinking ages - logical even for fuel economy standards for cars. In the former two cases, the laws are applicable only in local jurisdictions; in the latter case, car companies will end up following California law, as it is the largest market (and also has standards even stricter than those Federal). In the case of insurance and health care, though, we'll see a race to the bottom which will benefit no one but the insurers and a maze of 50 regulatory loop courses for all to jump through. Logical? Not in the least.

sailwind, your comments are indicative of why "business" experience does not necessarily translate into good governance. Your article continues:

"The auto industry rescue helped save one million jobs and is still projected to cost dramatically less than many had expected during the crisis," said Matthew Anderson, a Treasury spokesman.

Business is balance sheet plus/minus: shove medical expenses off the sheet, for example, and you've saved; that the costs have simply been shifted to other bearers matters nothing. Government does not work that way. Spend some tens of billions to save America's auto industry is certainly expensive, but in the long term, on a wide-view social scale, it was a bargain. I doubt we'll hear even Romney criticize Obama for this - though he's probably secretly saddened at the opportunity he missed to buy up distressed assets and sell them at a profit.

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I see that Romney and Obama are in a virtual tie in the latest poll. How is this possible? The man who got Bin Laden and saved the U.S. economy from a total collapse ( roll eyes ) is tied with a Republican?

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The virtual tie will change as the election nears, and Romney starts to pull ahead. I give President Obama credit for getting Bin Laden (but not for the 'victory lap' he did afterwards). However, his accomplishments on the economic side are thin. A platform of "it could have been much worse" is a tough sell.

So, he has only a couple of choices. Run against Congress- difficult because the Democrats controlled both Houses in the first two years of the Obama administration. Also, class warfare. A good classic Democratic strategy- jealousy and tax increases. Neither of which will accomplish much, other than employ a fresh legion of accountants and lawyers.

I don't see much room for the President to gain any traction.

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Can't believe the yanks didn't vote more for Ron Paul. The only one who has kept his policies consistent for 30 years, who preaches the constitution and budget constraints. Fools?

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I found it interesting that Gov. Romney said, "get out of the way!" That declaration would resonate with anyone who has read Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged". Paging John Galt!

I'm not commenting on Gov. Romney's conservative credentials in this post. But, by referring to John Galt, he brings up "Atlas Shrugged".

The theme of the book is this:

Politicians invariably respond to crises -- that in most cases they themselves created -- by spawning new government programs, laws and regulations. These, in turn, generate more havoc and poverty, which inspires the politicians to create more programs . . . and the downward spiral repeats itself until the productive sectors of the economy collapse under the collective weight of taxes and other burdens imposed in the name of fairness, equality and do-goodism.

When profits and wealth and creativity are denigrated in society, they start to disappear -- leaving everyone the poorer.

If only "Atlas" were required reading for every member of Congress and political appointee in the Obama administration. I'm confident that we'd get out of the current economic mess more quickly.

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I feel a lot better about the general election knowing that Mitt Romney has given the same speech through 3 states and still has to look at his notes.

That tells me two things. 1) Mitt's all-canned. It's all a pre-packaged product. There's not a lick of sincerity in it nor does it come from the heart. That's why you got the same speech on Monday as you got on Friday. If there was some substance to it, it wouldn't be canned and would just flow naturally because it would be what Willard really feels. It's not. It's a pre-packaged product. ABC's Emily Friedman explains that the Romney stump speech includes lines from the song "America the Beautiful" recited (never sung) every day — often three or four times per day at each event.

2) Mitt's not as good at debating as people think. He's just looked good because he's been debating against losers. It's not tough to look smart when you are standing next to Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum. You pretty much win that contest by default. That won't be the case with President Obama. He also won't be able to goad him into anger like he was Newt Gingrich. President Obama is a very good debater who won't fall into that trap.

These debates will be very interesting to watch.

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Similarly, pharmacists should not be forced to provide birth control/morning after pills to people if they don't want to. That is also their freedom, don't you think?

Sure, and since that's the way you want "freedom" to work, then I should have the right to not serve pharmacists who won't provide birth control.

And you should have the right to not serve those who won't serve those who won't serve those who won't serve those who won't serve those who won't serve those who won't serve those...do you get my point?

What you are calling freedom is really just childish behavior, don't you think?

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I would vote for Ron Paul if he's nominated but if not I won't even bother voting. These guys are wasting their time. It's apparent to me that Obama will win a 2nd term. I won't vote for him or anything but I do see that he has a pretty big fanbase.

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Spahnmatthew,

You bring up an interesting point in comparing Romney to a Randian. He certainly has the lack of altruism thing that Rand is often dogged by locked up. Just ask the Romney family dog!

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Call it what you will...love him or hate him...as long as he runs against Obama...he has my vote! I would vote for a Pet Rock before I ever voted for Obama...it would accomplish more just sitting in the white house, and actually spend more time there...

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Mixed bag of responses to stuff that was written:

During his 1994 run for the United States Senate, Romney indicated he would support a bill which included a federal health insurance mandate; he now attacks the same mandate as "an unconscionable abuse of power." Which Mitt is it?

He is not attacking the same mandate as in 1994, he is attacking the one now. They are not the same in content or context. I find it amazing you take a name of something from 94 and a name of something now and assume everything about them is equal.

In the case of insurance and health care, though, we'll see a race to the bottom which will benefit no one but the insurers and a maze of 50 regulatory loop courses for all to jump through.

That is what you say. It is now what Romney is saying.

I doubt we'll hear even Romney criticize Obama for this

Because, unlike Gingrich it seems, Romney does not seem to be willing to sell his soul to become president. If he likes something, he says it. If he doesn't, he says that. That is called being a moderate and exploring all options. That seems to be what the US needs and what they got with Bill Clinton to a great degree.

I feel a lot better about the general election knowing that Mitt Romney has given the same speech through 3 states and still has to look at his notes.

That tells me two things.

It just tells me one: that he does not want to make a simple error and be accussed of being senile or something like they did with Perry, who I don't think would have been a good choice for president anyway.

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TTM: Lack of altruism? You must be joking. His tax returns indicate that Mitt gave $7 MILLION to charity! How does that compare to his opponents in either party?

As for debating, you are falling into the trap of equating those who dont believe you with people who aren't smart. The two aren't the same. I don't agree with a lot of what Santorum or Bachmann say either, but that is different from disparaging their intelligence. Obama has proven himself a little thin-skinned. He had no leadership experience before being elected, so he wasn't used to making tough decisions. I think the two will put on some good performances leading up to the election.

My point about freedom is that freedom works both ways. Free to do, and alo free not to do. It's not "how I want freedom to work", it IS how freedom works. You gotta put up with things you disagree with or make you uncomfortable.

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Sorry, can you remind where I said I had a problem with it?

Search the words "healthcare" on this page. You claimed his position has switched, which it seems is not the case. What exactly is it about his position on the issue that you don't like? Again, it is a rather simple question.

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DS,

You gotta put up with things you disagree with or make you uncomfortable.

You and I are in total agreement on this. We were trying to make the same point.

As for the altruism thing, again, I'll refer you to the Romney family dog.

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Above: now =not

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TTM. I think you need to find a newer Romney story, if the "dog on the roof" is the best you have. That was nearly 30 years ago. I find $7 million in charitable donations a little more recent and relevant.

Otherwise, I could rehash the stories about Obama discussing "the 57 states in the US", or Biden discussing how President Roosevelt "got on TV and addressed America" during the depression". But I won't.

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Like Juan Williams I don't know how long I can put up with code words like "get out of the way" and "The Founding Fathers" and "The Constitution" and other dog whistles to the extreme right that bankrolls Romney.

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"I'll refer you to the Romney family dog."

Jesus I'd forgotten that classic. Wasn' that back in 04 that snippet was released? What sort of person straps the family dog to the roof of the family car when leaving for a vacation? Surely even most Obama haters love their pooch?

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Oh no, another religious lunatic on the run in American politics.

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Romney wins big in Florida; tells Obama to get out of the way

Obama needs to get out of the way. He's done enough damage already.

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You bring up an interesting point in comparing Romney to a Randian. He certainly has the lack of altruism thing that Rand is often dogged by locked up. Just ask the Romney family dog!

Right.He read Atlas Shrugged and it like, poisoned his mind. It's all so sad.

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Right.He read Atlas Shrugged and it like, poisoned his mind. It's all so sad.

He is, like, a uber religous homophobe. it's all so sad.

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Jesus I'd forgotten that classic. Wasn' that back in 04 that snippet was released?

American politics really that fascinating ? Please don' t tell me participatory democracy is so moribund in Europe that the papers were, for some bizarre reason, following every move of the governor of Massachusetts and reporting breathlessy on same.

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American politics really that fascinating ? Please don' t tell me participatory democracy is so moribund in Europe that the papers were, for some bizarre reason, following every move of the governor of Massachusetts and reporting breathlessy on same.

No, it's because American politics is so cartoonish and over the top, like this godawful melodramatic soap opera you can't turn your eyes away from. And you're not American anyway.

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Romney...something about him, makes me suspicious @__@ come on ron paul~!

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lol obama's a loser

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TTM,

Besides his disdain for the family dog, look at Romney's campaign website. On it, he claims he'll sign the Ryan Plan into law. You remember the Ryan Plan, the one that calls for deep cuts in social services.

So no, I am not joking. His tax write-off...er charitable donations don't make up for the damage he'll do by signing the Ryan plan into effect if you want to talk about altruism.

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“Mr President, you were elected to lead. You chose to follow, and now it’s time for you to get out of the way,” he said, to chants of “Mitt! Mitt! Mitt!” from hundreds of supporters in a packed Tampa ballroom.

Winning big in Florida is easy. Hell they don't even count the black vote there. That's how Bush won and then distracted the nation with 9/11.

Lets not forget the train wreck economy that the Republicans left behind. Republicans are politicians controlled by companies. These companies don't believe in capitalism anymore. They want you to be legally forced to buy their insurance plans.

No more filibusters and starving the nation. Under Republican rule families lost their homes. America was under bad management. Now that America has an HONEST President we are on the road to recovery. It's best to stay the course.

It's halftime in America, we don't change coaches mid game. Mitt Romney and his Mormon friends can keep practicing polygamy down in Mexico. It's a shame his church believed having multiple wives was okay but won't allow same sex marriage for people who love each other deeply. Nope.....not voting for Mitt.

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