Like Tossed Salad—It's All Up in the Air:

Last week Perry could not remember or name the services provided by three government agencies. Yesterday Cain was speechless when it came to a question about Libya. My bet is he couldn't find it on a map and clearly has no idea what has happened there.

So it is not surprising that in the conservative search to find someone to beat Romney, they are taking a second look at Newt Gingrich. Newt's campaign got off to a horrible start as he was taking cruises in the Mediterranean and buying his third wife expensive jewelry. Most pundits wrote him off as he was carrying enough personal and political baggage to fill a land-fill.

However, one should not forget that in 2008 pundits considered John McCain DOA, yet McCain ultimately earned the GOP nomination. Republicans somehow have a way of resurrecting themselves from a political grave.

It seems that Newt's political traction is coming from disenchanted Cain supporters, the Tea Party, and even some Romney supporters. These Romney supporters flip-flop as much as Romney himself.

We will not see how this plays out for another few months. Probably the picture will become clear after the Florida primaries. The question that is haunting me is how can a guy (Romney) garner at best a soft 33% of his party's support and still expect to win the nomination let alone the general election?

Gingrich is right about one thing. The GOP nomination is wide-open. There is still a lot of time for events to play out and dirty tricks will abound from the Karl Rove playbook. When it comes to seeking power, Republicans are known for the dirty tricks and they are not above using them even on their own.

Talking points are poison. Take a very complex issue, reduce it to three or four words and presto-change-o, we have a very simple problem; so easy, a third-grader could solve it instantly. That's why the right and the left constantly snipe at each other. They have the answers. Their ammunition? Their bullets? Talking points! In the arsenal of rational thought...those bullets are blanks. They make a lot of noise. That's it.

Not a soul reading this - or anywhere on the planet for that matter - can grasp the size of a 15-trillion-dollar Gross Domestic Product. That's not a huge number, a staggering number - it's an incomprehensible number. Yet, we toss it around as though we really understand it. In fact, the GDP is about 15-trillion-dollars, give or take a few hundred-billion. Not a soul reading this - or anywhere on the planet, for that matter - can comprehend a few hundred-billion dollars. Could we have a talking point please?

GDP - that's how much we produce in a year. That's about 15-trillion-dollars - give or take a few. How much do we owe? About 15-trillion-dollars - give or take a few. Well golly, all we have to do is keep working, stop eating, stop paying rent, stop driving, stop using utilities, buy absolutely nothing, and we can put all our savings towards the national debt and presto change-o, we're debt-free. We only have to do that for one year. It's all so very easy, isn't it?

Even a third-grader might see a bit of a problem with this. The issues facing us are not simple, they are not black and white. They are exceedingly complex. Yet, we have a very loud group, that in spite of mountains of evidence to the contrary, tells us if we cut taxes (this is a talking point) and cut spending (another talking point), our problems disappear. That's not magic thinking. That's not any kind of thinking at all.

On the other side, we have another loud group saying we have to spend more (another talking point). That's all. Just spend more. Debt? We'll get to that later. No problem.

For more than 30-years, these incredibly stupid arguments have dragged on. Our national debt has constantly increased, incomes have skyrocketed for the wealthiest at the expense of the vast majority of citizens, our infrastructure is decaying, the quality of our students is plummeting, medical care is out of reach for many, and the prospects for improvement are zero. This is that shining city on the hill? Is this the United States or Somalia? Please, could someone give us a talking point.

Here's a great talking point - "leading from behind". No one really knows what that means. It has no significance. Generals sure as hell don't lead charges from the front lines. CEO's aren't down there in the trenches. You don't get leadership from the left flank and it doesn't come from the right flank.

Leadership comes from the center. Great leaders create a synthesis of cool, rational liberal thought with its impetuous inclination to try something new, and temper it with cool, rational conservative views that recognize the values that brought this country to greatness.

Forget talking points. We need leaders.

Still waiting on that "Hope" Libs. Obama keeps complaining about things like his "Jobs" bill won't pass, Congress doesn't work, "Pass this bill!", and it's the banks fault. We don't have President, we have a complainer, a whiner, a malcontent, a man more suited to be a part of the Occupy Wall Street crowd, but more at the level and speed of Spokane Washington Occupiers where it takes real brains to organize someone taking a dump on the street.

Video: http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-spokane/video-shows-occupy-seattle-protester-defecating-on-public-sidewalk

Obama hates the business world, to him they are all cheaters, people whose only existence is to steal from the public, and that corporations are collectively unfair to the masses. Obama is a man who originally endorsed the socialists in the Occupy crowd, only to back away when the inevitable occurred with the un-American values of violence, rioting, raping, and shootings occurred. Even Barry knows that's not a big sell point for his already doomed re-election effort.

Obama says he hates corporations, while he takes millions from thoseso called "fat-cats" as he describes them in donations for his campaign. Hypocrite.

With all of Obama's domestic programs in total failure (ObamaCare, Dodd/Frank, Stimulus I, ClunkerCare, Mortgage Crisis, Solyndra, Stimulus II) Obama ignores the blame of the one person that is the central player and cause of these problems, himself.

With Obama, failure isn't an option, it's a requirement.

Who else is thinking Palin has to be kicking herself big-time these days?

Hell, she's every bit as dumb and inept as any of these idiots (well, maybe except for Mittens and Hunstman) that have been gracing our TV machines on these 'debates' lately.

And. further more.......HEY- here's a rarity: Smiff's on here whining about the President of the United States of America......AGAIN!

Wow!! How refreshing is THAT??

Yep. WCA's definately a Republican. He's on here worrying about what private citizens do in their equally private lives.

Who'd a guessed?

Well done, Ron, David Walker.

As to what Susan McFarland joining Fannie Mae after leaving Capital One has to do with the Obama Administration is questionable but it beats the GOP drum about Fannie and Freddie being the cause of all our problems and it's President Obama's fault yet fails to recognize that the problems existed long before Obama was elected Senator let alone President. Such an Albany stretch to link this story to Obama for negative impact is laughable. No president has control over who is hired at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. What about the $300,000 Freddie Mac paid Newt Gingrich? No concerns about that? Gingrich claims it was for historical work--yeah, sure, and there's ocean front property in Arizona to be sold at bargain prices.

MAW-1297690

"How about obama's saying he visited 57 states and talking about his muslim religion then changing his story?

How about: How the hell does any of this make Cain's or Perry's gaffes any less relevant? WTF??

Remids me of my Grandma when I'd get caught doing something wrong as a kid, and would say "well, Bobby did it, too". The standard reply would be "If Bobby picked up a dog poop, YOU would too??"

(BTW- Obama did NOT say he visited 'all 57 states', or that he 'visited the 57 different states". He commented on the length of his campaign travels, which did put him in 57 states. Get it right or leave it alone)

Obama says he hates corporations

Please provide the source where he said this, Smiff.

Feisty is a Pot Head . . .phinephancy needs alcohol to go to sleep and doesn't know what day it is. . . .

You're sick, WCA. Do you have anything at all to contribute?

In regard to gaffes: Please, please, please nominate Perry or Cain or Bachmann. Please, please, please. They're my favorites. We'll all be able to sit back on the couch with popcorn and howl with laughter.

It's not so much the amount of money Newt took from Freddie, although the number IS staggering. Rather, it's what he did for it.

He says he gave them advice they didn't take. What I read, however, is that he was paid to write and speak about the virtues of Fannie's business model.

It may not have been direct lobbying, but the effect of it was to try to influence legislators NOT to pass Chuck Hagel's bill that would have put the clamps on Freddie and Fannie, and perhaps might have de-railed the train before it crashed over the cliff.

So, yes, he has a LOT of explaining to do.

And conservatives, in particular, ought to be VERY interested in hearing what Newt's role with Freddie and Fannie actually was.

This article, which was written in 2008, pretty much lays out what happened.

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/mortgage-meltdown-freddie-mac-lobbying-held-federal-regulators-bay

Pushing back, Freddie Mac enlisted prominent conservatives, including Gingrich and former Justice Department official Viet Dinh, paying each $300,000 in 2006, according to internal records.

Gingrich talked and wrote about what he saw as the benefits of the Freddie Mac business model.

(emphasis added)

And good morning, everyone.

I'm especially glad to see we have no "talking points" today. ;-)

@ Albany Joe --

You're probably surprised to hear this, Joe, but I share your outrage over those bloated bonuses, which demonstrate a high level of disconnect from the consequences of Freddie and Fannie's actions.

Now, please read my article and see for yourself how it all came to be.

If that doesn't make you a liberal, then nothing EVER will.

No president has control over who is hired at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

______________________________________________

Sorry Jody, when Barry's Treasury Secretary is sending them regular billion dollars wads of taxpayer cash he can tell them exactly what they can and can't do. Barry did it with the Wall Street banks and GM/Chrysler and he sure as hell can do it with Fannie and Freddie.......

if he chooses to do so.

It seem the GOP has only one President Obama gaffe to tout--57 states and that was 3 years ago. Most people recognize 57 states for what it was, a mistake. But, hey, go ahead, keep bringing it up, it makes the right look downright petty.

But, hey, go ahead, keep bringing it up

I agree Jody - it's a sure fire winning strategy for 2012! ;o))

Good luck with THAT!

it makes the right look downright petty.

Speaking of petty, Sniffy makes a timely return... ol

“Honestly, the Republican debates have become a reality show,” former Reagan Chief of Staff Ken Duberstein told the Times.

.... minus the reality.

@Ron,

Romney is stuck at around 30% with primary voters by standing out of the way of the rest of the crowd. I do believe when all is said and done, he will be the nominee for GOP.

But the focus will turn to Congress for the next month with the deadlines for the super committee and the whole Congress passing a deficit reduction bill before the triggers kick in.

Congress is polling at 9 % and 70% of voters saying that Congress will not reach an agreement. It will get ugly right around Thanksgiving.

Still waiting on that "Hope" Libs.

I find it funny that Smiffy talks about HOPE when we are seeing the GOPers/Tea Partyers using that SAME HOPE that one of their Presidential nominees will beat President Obama.

Actually, Smiffy, us 'Libs' and other thinking people are HOPE-ing that you nominate ANY ONE of the clowns in the clown car as the GOP Presidental nominee.

*Popcorn*, anyone?

Joe in Albany --- Maybe Freddie and Fannie were following Newt's advice. After all it appears they paid him pretty well for his services, lol.

Congress is polling at 9 %

Northstar,

NPR said this morning that it sometimes helps to turn the number around--91% don't approve of Congress--to get a true reading of how bad the situation is.

They also mentioned that 11% of respondents in a recent poll said they favored a communist government in this country. Compare that to the 9% favorable rating of Congress! LOL

JAS1 -- May I suggest you quit reading and posting here and put your money where your mouth is.....under whatever it is your sitting on. : )

Damn its amazing how many times this fits.....Oh WOW Oh WOW Oh WOW!

JoannaSmith1:

Obama hates the business world, to him they are all cheaters, people whose only existence is to steal from the public, and that corporations are collectively unfair to the masses.

'
If Obama hates the business world, he sure has a funny way of showing it, seeing as how he saved the auto industry and the "fat cats" have gotten a lot fatter under President Obama. As usual JAS1 is just shoveling another load of BS. Obama doesn't hate the business world, but JoAnna sure hates President Obama. She's practically a poster child for Obama Derangement Syndrome. Someone needs to put on a telethon to help sad cases like her.

Dont_carry_it_all : JAS1 -- May I suggest you quit reading and posting here and put your money where your mouth is.

=============

You can suggest anything you want.

So gaffees or clumsy remarks are worse (and more important here at FR) than arrogant, pernicious delusions from the (mis)leader of the free world at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit?

Obam says ....

"But we've been a little bit lazy, I think over the last couple of decades ....selling America and trying to attract new business into America."

This coming from the guy too lazy to even get a budget out of his caucus?

This coming from the guy that trashes business almost everyday, demonizes the rich almost everyday and threatens investors with new taxes almost everyday?

This coming from the guy who has over 4,200 new regulations on business in the pipeline ...on top of Obamacare, FinRef, etc.?

This coming from the guy that took over the 2/3 of the auto industry, fired CEOs, put investors in the back of the line?

This coming from the guy that tells American companies where they can and can't build a new airliner ..... demonizes others for buying biz jets?

This coming from the guy that cancels contracts, leases ... anything that doesn't fit his political agenda?

..... and this guy calls America lazy ..... it's America's fault?

I can't wait to see just how lazy they are next November.

People say that Newt Gingrich is smart... and all I have to say is that I agree. He's very smart, I'm in the medical field and I watched the debate between him and Cain (Lincoln-Douglas style my butt).. but he seemed to understand a lot about the health care insurance issue along with the intricate terminologies, but man, can the man twist facts to mean something else.... he was twisting the facts so much that the "Herman" got dizzy ( we all know Cain doesn't know anything)....

So with all the smartness in Newt, all I can say that he is the most dishonest politician I've ever come across... anyone who thinks that he got paid $1.7million for ways to curb the fannie and freddie mess is kidding with themselves.... he helped them break the regulatory laws currently in the books... that's why they pay you that much money (to make more insanely ridiculous more money for F&F).

I guess we know how he can afford so much money after getting shamed out of Congress.... sell away the congress for money to buy "Callista?" $500k worth of jewelery. I guess the American dream is now split into the super-haves and the completely-have-nots. That's what we get with a bought government who believes in trickle down economics and complete know nothing about the impacts of globalization and currency valuation.

I'm not into personal character of politicians, but anyone who serves their dying wife divorce papers on her death bed is just beyond words. Nuff said.

Congress is polling at 9 % and 70% of voters saying that Congress will not reach an agreement. It will get ugly right around Thanksgiving.

Seriously, who in the blue hell are the 9% who are sitting around thinking Congress is doing a great job? THAT is the disturbing number!

Jack in Portsmouth: NPR said this morning that it sometimes helps to turn the number around--91% don't approve of Congress--to get a true reading of how bad the situation is.

But 95% of congressional members will be re-elected. So how do you explain that discrepancy Jack?

bob-1805084,

This coming from the guy who has over 4,200 new regulations on business in the pipeline ...on top of Obamacare, FinRef, etc.?

Your post was loaded..but with little substance, let's just take it one at a time, so please let me know one thing you do not like financial regulation bill??? Name one thing!!!! and we can debate that, rather than Obama admin passed it, so it must have a deleterious effect.

Dude, I've been away for a while... and your posts have become less and less substantive. What happened?

So when Obama (the smartest man in the world..lol) thinks Hawaii is in Asia, who does that benefit?! Was that Barak being stupid or is he and the libs contemplating selling Hawaii to China as well as Taiwan.

You know, with all the posts above, I have to laugh anytime someone gets temporarily or permanently banned from Newsvine for not respecting others.

And by the way, POT is a strawman in this conversation. How about sticking to the story at hand? It isn't like you can't find a slew of articles on marijuana.

Point of this is not going to surprise anyone. The Republican nominiation is up in the air. And it is important, because Obama isn't exactly doing well, despite his stark raving fan club. A point there, by the way - none of you fans of your favorite political priest has been able to save them with your radical comments. So it might be wise to stop making condescending remarks about your opponents. Or you can just join me and make condescending remarks about all of them.

Not that the bar is set high in First Read, here. I fully expect the poo flinging to continue. This is where it is done the most on all of Newsvine.

Good morning, Phinephancy and Feisty,

WCA comes out daily to be a big time cheerleader of the stuck on stupid crown. So, this character is being placed on ignore with the other clowns.

If that doesn't make you a liberal, then nothing EVER will.

__________________________________

I don't know about that. A frontal lobotomy would make me a liberal.

David,

Forgot about your inane question regarding how regulations kill jobs.

The one word response ........ California.

All you should need to know, but I'll try to remember to put up more tommorrow ..... you won't get it since it is a little more complicated than a 2 piece puzzle, but it is a good and important lib smashing exercise.

But 95% of congressional members will be re-elected. So how do you explain that discrepancy Jack?

How do you explain it? Seriously. I'd like to hear it.

I guess it's the Liberals turn to collapse posts. Wasn't there somebody bit*hing about this same thing yesterday?

But 95% of congressional members will be re-elected. So how do you explain that discrepancy Jack?

The answer is simple...

Average voter walks into voting booth and says, "My guy rules! Your guy sucks! I'm re-electing my guy!"

Why do you think people love talking about term limits?

Joe lives in Hamilton, OH and hates Nancy Pelosi. Steve lives in San Francisco, CA and hates John Boehner. The problem is that neither of them can vote the "enemy" out of Congress.

So, the answer is simple...create term limits so the Constitution can do what they can't.

bob - 180:

Let's see now, you tell us that regulations are job killers. That's a brilliant fact. I ask you to provide a single regulation that kills jobs, and that's an inane question.

Please bob, give it up. You can't do it.

Be careful about California, bob. I'm a native and lived there for many, many years. I know the politics from the inside AND the outside. Be very, very careful. I still have a big streak of home pride in me, and I'll cut a liar into little tiny bits.

Day Three of the lets ignore the 60 minutes congress corruption story, and never mention the violence going on at the Occupy Wall St events.

Imagine if the Tea Party events had reports of rapes, murder, disease, public defecation, you think there would be an article or two about it?

No, no, lets continue to throw red meat to the liberals and talk about gaffes in a stupid primary election.

Job1:

WCA comes out daily to be a big time cheerleader of the stuck on stupid crown. So, this character is being placed on ignore with the other clowns.

What is the fascination that the Libs on this board have with announcing that they are putting people on "Ignore"?

Jack in Portsmith:How do you explain it? Seriously. I'd like to hear it.

You brought it up my friend. You think the 91% number of people that are unfavorable to Congress is meaningful, but yet, most get re-elected. Kind of makes your 91% number meaningless trivia, no?

I don't believe the 91% number means anything when 95% of the incumbents get re-elected. You do buy into the 91% number. Please explain why.

Again, with the ANNOYING ad to the right of the screen?

LogicRequired - once again you validate rule #2 of the internet - i.e. a person's posting name will always be the exact opposite of what they post. E.G. Whenever I see a name like RationalJack I expect to see a post about Socialist Spider Monkeys being trained to assassinate with chainsaws by the Soviet Union in Kansas -

thank you for your service.

WCA: What is the fascination that the Libs on this board have with announcing that they are putting people on "Ignore"?

The Libs can't handle opposing viewpoints. They live in a shell where they only want to hear liberal doctrine and not be "tainted" by any opposing view. And apparently they struggle with using the scroll bar.

I put no one on "Ignore". What fun would that be?

Feisty -- Seen that coming as they shrunk the posts down...was just waiting! At least it's not the motorcycle creep now we have oil stalking us....

Fisted Redhead Roselle, IL

Adding up the gaffes

Then subtract the substance = ZERO

So are you admitting that they have substance or that you never learned basic math?

Maybe all by design? Beware of the wolf in sheep's clothing? Watch the plants in Democrat clothing as well...

Romney, Perry, Gingrich: all super successful fellows. They don't call it the Grand Old Party for nothing! Go GOP!

I don't believe the 91% number means anything when 95% of the incumbents get re-elected.

Really? Were 95% percent of the members of the House re-elected in the 2010 election?

But to answer your question. Da Noid gave one explanation--see post #1.46.

Another answer is "fear of change"--a lot of people express disappointment in their reps, but when it comes right down to it they're afraid to take a chance and vote someone else in.

Another is the disgraceful politicking that accompanies re-districting. Some districts are "bullet-proof", and so if it comes down to voting their rep out or voting for the other party, they'll bite the bullet and retain the person they're not happy with. Add to this the control the party hacks have over who they're going to support to represent them. No matter what anyone says or believes, we don't live in a true democracy--and the preceding is the tip of the iceberg.

That said, I think we're going to see another huge swing in 2012.

What is it with these Bob lostsa numbers and the constant lies they post.

Really Bob, 4200+ regulations. Prove it.

Really Bob, Obama told Boeing they can't build a plant in SC. Prove it.

Really Bob, Obama trashes business every day. Prove it.

Now Bob, how about posting something that ISN'T a lie.

computer glitch, see next post...

@drive-by-observer (post #1.15): By your reasoning regarding the 57 states, does that mean if I visit CA, followed by NV, UT, AZ then back to CA and UT, I visited 6 states? just curious.

Hey Tunde,

Welcome back and thanks for the critique.

Yea, I've kinda been bored with the libs lately and don't put as much into it as I used to.

In the above comment, I should have given specifics like Obama's travesty against Toyota with the brake problem when Ford and GM have had similiar problems ... Obama's Transportation Secretary telling Americans to "stop driving Toyotas." ..... Obama's congressional buds hauling Toyota's president before hearings and making him apologize before any wrongdoing was proved (it never was).

I should mentioned how Obama threw law out the window with political BP grandstanding ...... as the Daily Telegraph's Niles Gardiner wrote .....

"was beyond the pale, and symbolic of an arrogant imperial-style presidency with a track record of disdain for allies, as well as the private sector."

I should have mentioned EADS who won a $35 billion Pentagon contract for tankers to be built in right-to-work Georgia by 40,000 American new jobs .... the contract that Obama cancelled and gave to Boeing for union jobs.

Stuff like that, right?

You guys lap that Obama crap up, but you have to admit - it ain't good for attracting foreign investment.

One problem with FinRef - it didn't address the real issue - Fannie and Freddie, while at the same time adding over 2,500 pages of new regulations.

The pernicious part is the cronyism. The banks that were too big to fail are now simply bigger and more powerful with less competition.

Small banks are now failing, or selling out to the big boys who have the size and market share to handle all the new regulations.

Meanwhile, Fannie and Freddie keep asking for money, executives keep getting million dollar bonuses ..... blah, blah ..... what's not to like Tunde?

Btw - their obligations ..... about $7.5 Trillion!

Ready to add that to the $15 Trillion of US debt?

Thanks for your comments Tunde.

The leftist media emphasizes any gaffes by conservatives, but NEVER those of leftists. In case you're not familiar with the rules of the leftist media, they are as follows:

1. You are not supposed to ask for proof of Obama's past. PERIOD. The progressives in government and media support this man and his mission to ..."transform" America.

2. You are not supposed to inquire about his bizarre past including the lack of anyone remembering him, having photos of him, or any other trace of his presence at Columbia University.

3. You are not supposed to inquire about why he has a social security number issued under another name, and from Connecticut, though he never lived there.

4. You are not supposed to inquire about Obama's past cronies who were domestic terrorists (traitors), communists (traitors) and rabid black racists.

5. You are not supposed to inquire about Obama's own quote in his book where he states that if "push comes to shove, I will stand with the Muslim world".

6. You are not supposed to inquire about why his released "birth certificate' has been analysed by numerous experts, determining that it was an obvious digitized fake.

7. You are not supposed to inquire or discuss his "57 states" gaffe.

8. You are not supposed to inquire about his close relationship with G.E's CEO Immelt- you know, one of those big corporations who gets $ billions in "corporate welfare" that Obama is so against for everyone else.

Further, when anyone inquires into any of these things that Americans should demand to know, the media must attack them personally. Attack their character, their family, their children. Investigate THEM to see if there are any unpaid parking tickets or anything embarrassing that can be used against them to cause as much harm and pain as possible.

However-when the person in question is a conservative, the media MUST inquire about all of these things and more. If there are no issues, then they must be created from a fabricated rumor mill. The point is that once accusations are leveled against a person, their image remains tarnished. If their argument proves to be accurate, resort to name calling. Idiot, wingnut, mouth-breather, racist, and bigot are some good ideas to start with. Always imply that conservatives are in bed with big corporation while ignoring the fact that Obama got much MORE money from big Wall Street corporations than the Republican last election.

This will help in the progressive efforts to topple the American economy, remove all vestiges of American tradition, prosperity and patriotism and prepare this land to be merged into a global socialist totalitarian government. The "rich" that remains will be the political class instead of the free market wealthy, and the populations will be impoverished and slaves, but they will finally be EQUAL.

Truth is people, the GOP is only fronting these 'presidential' hacks to misdirect us from their goal of controlling state legislatures to inflict their ideology on us. Just look at what Wisconsin has legislated in the name of 'jobs' - gun rights, abstinence, and most recently - they redefined a 'small' business from having less than 50 employees to 500. Call any and all friends and relatives you have in WI to help them out to - RECALL WALKER - your country will thank you for it.

LogicRequired - once again you validate rule #2 of the internet - i.e. a person's posting name will always be the exact opposite of what they post. E.G. Whenever I see a name like RationalJack I expect to see a post about Socialist Spider Monkeys being trained to assassinate with chainsaws by the Soviet Union in Kansas -

thank you for your service.

What you Purnell and others who have posted exactly the same thing are missing is the name is spelled wrong. LogicReguired (not Required) is spelled wrong to indicate the the lack of logic or smarts on vines. I choose the name because I thought it was funny, not because I thought it represented me or my postings. So thank you for your assumptions, like most assumptions you are wrong and off base. Maybe I will change my name to little-big-guy and see if you smarties can see the fun in that.

other names I considered....

thinkingliberal, poorconservative, teechor, bestposteverrrr, smartilliterat, wisconsinfromgary, logically-illogical.....

I went with LogicReguired because it was suddle, most don't notice the misspelling, and it was fun for me to watch all the people respond to me by saying I was lacking logic, as if I give a crap about my silly newsvine screen name reputation.

"Romney is just a former one-term governor with little to no foreign-policy experience."

And Obama was a half-term Senator with absolutely no foreign-policy experience.

So what was the point?

First off, the Republican party is not doing itself any favors. I havent seen anything this ridiculous since Howard Dean's war cry. Romney is the only one who truly hasnt stepped in it. Is that the new litmus test? Just dont do anything stupid and the nomination is yours? Seriously, this group is the best the Republicans can do? Im no fan of President Obama, but come on....many people were waiting on Sarah Palin to announce, then Christie, we had Cain showing he is nowhere near ready, Perry just had to show who he really is and his campaign fell apart. Ron Paul is too...well, he's just Ron Paul. Bachman is bat sh#t crazy, Gingrich has too many skeletons, Santorum seems to have the Napolean syndrome... Meanwhile Romney is just sitting back and laughing his arse off, and I'm not sure I can get behind him either.

JustSlapMe - Glad to hear that the GOP is getting things done in Wisconsin. Thanks for the info.

Dont_carry_it_all "Joe in Albany --- Maybe Freddie and Fannie were following Newt's advice. After all it appears they paid him pretty well for his services, lol."

Apparently they DIDN'T follow his advice.

LOL Roy....did you miss where he talked about the benefits of their business model? He must of meant how they pay their consultants eh?

RedDev,

Prove it.

Prove you have an IQ of 62 and are capable of understanding what the Federal Register is, and I'l be glad to provide your info for you.

Nevada-Brett

"@drive-by-observer (post #1.15): By your reasoning regarding the 57 states, does that mean if I visit CA, followed by NV, UT, AZ then back to CA and UT, I visited 6 states? just curious."

You would have driven across 6 states (big ones, too), but you would not have driven across 6 DIFFERENT states.

Make sense?

David Walker,

I liked your post above (1.4) and agree with you. We have lacked real leadership in Washington for years, in fact I believe President Truman was the last real leader that I can remember.

Thanks for vindicating my post, radicals.

I was going to use LodgechicRequired, but thought that some might confuse us.

I thought bob would work pretty well, easy to spell for the libs - three letters and two of them are the same .... libs can even spell it backwards and still be right .....

Yet Fesity still can't do it ..... booby ....

Oh well.

Enyoy your stuff Logic

Joe from Albany

Maybe you do not know this but the President is not the CEO of Fannie, Freddie or any other company for that matter, he/she cannot dictate who is/is not hired.

Also, instead of pursuing your unhealthy obsession with the President (he is happily married), why don't you ask Newt about the $1.8 million+ he received from the very same Fannie and Freddie for (as he calls it) "talking about history to them" (choking back laughter).

BTW, their version is that they paid him to lobby, but I am going to wait for what you find out before calling your candidate for President Newt a liar.

I can't wait for him (or Cain) to be nominated.

The 'Anybody but Obama' crowd simply need to accept it.

Nobody but Romney

Derek -- Here is something....I think both sides best get serious in negotiating a deal under the "Super Committee". A big deal.

Bob -- You in a slightly better mood today?

Bob - you posted the lie. Do you have the IQ to spin your way out of it? How far are you going to take it? Yes, there may be 4200 regulations, but only a handful of those were proposed by Obama. Pipeline does not mean implemented. Can your IQ handle that concept? Spins and lies are what you post. Is there anything you post that isn't a lie?

Obviously the Republican Primary candidates are suffering from Debate Fatigue Syndrome (DBS).

I suggest they join President Obama in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

...or as Mr. "57 States" refers to it, "Asia!"

Talk about empty suits.

Machinehead:

1. You are not supposed to ask for proof of Obama's past. PERIOD. The progressives in government and media support this man and his mission to ..."transform" America.(You can ask for whatever you want, doesn't mean anyone has to answer it)

2. You are not supposed to inquire about his bizarre past including the lack of anyone remembering him, having photos of him, or any other trace of his presence at Columbia University.(This is a lie.)

3. You are not supposed to inquire about why he has a social security number issued under another name, and from Connecticut, though he never lived there.(Where is the proof?)

4. You are not supposed to inquire about Obama's past cronies who were domestic terrorists (traitors), communists (traitors) and rabid black racists.(Do you really believe that George Bush, a baby boomer white male, has had no associated who were racist? Bill Ayers was a 60's radical who was accepted into the Chicago political scene long before Obama became prominent. Reverend Wright was expressing his opinion on racism which was true for the most part. Beyond that, Obama himself has neither done anything or expressed anything that is racist, terrorist or unamerican. This is McCarthyism at its worst.)

5. You are not supposed to inquire about Obama's own quote in his book where he states that if "push comes to shove, I will stand with the Muslim world".(Who said you could not question him on that?)

6. You are not supposed to inquire about why his released "birth certificate' has been analysed by numerous experts, determining that it was an obvious digitized fake.(This is a BS issue and everyone associated with it knows that. If Obama had a birht ceritificate issue the Clintons would have discovered it during the democratic primary. Additionally, in order for Obama to have pulled this off someone would have had to know that he would run for president one day and countless people would have to be in on the conspiracy.)

7. You are not supposed to inquire or discuss his "57 states" gaffe.(Nothing to inquire about. He misspoke-period.)

8. You are not supposed to inquire about his close relationship with G.E's CEO Immelt- you know, one of those big corporations who gets $ billions in "corporate welfare" that Obama is so against for everyone else.(He never said that he was against them, he said that they should pay their fair share.)

No Machinehead, the situation with some of the republican candidates for the presidency is far different than the manufactured ones you cited. Some of your candidates literally are lacking in knowledge, the ability to think on their feet and fundamental mental acuity that is required for the position of POTUS. Worse yet, they think that all of this is about them. They will soon find out that this about the people.

Albany Joe,

Please explain how Fannie Mae's problems were created by Barney Frank. When regulation was defeated it was 2003 and the GOP controlled both houses. The bill passed the House and had sufficient Democratic support to pass and the Republicans couldn't muster enough votes. Frank supported the legislation to regulate until all affordable housing guarantees were removed. When Frank became majority chair legislation was passed. Fannie Mae was I believe established in 1937 and has been the catalyst for 100s of millions of American families over the last 70 yrs. Further the CRA led to the revitalization of dozens of American cities which had been decimated in the riot torn white flight 60s and early 70s.

jkh

What is the big deal abot gaffes, with Obama we have three years of gaffes. Moreover , he was elected after he campaign as a Muslim oops Christian all over the 57 States of the union.

Democrats want to see cadidates throung pies each to other like Obama and Hillary and disputing about who has the bigguer alarm to respons a 1 am call.

EXTRA< EXTRA not in MSNBS another Obama's gaffe ,we reach 15 trillions in debt today. But this is not important

bob-1805084

Hey Tunde,

Welcome back and thanks for the critique.

Yea, I've kinda been bored with the libs lately and don't put as much into it as I used to.

Thanks for the warm welcome... I completely understand as I get bored with some of the repubs lately...it seems that within our bickering, the real losers are the American people and nothing is really getting solved, as political posturing and maneuvering have gotten into the way of getting things done.

In the above comment, I should have given specifics like Obama's travesty against Toyota with the brake problem when Ford and GM have had similiar problems ... Obama's Transportation Secretary telling Americans to "stop driving Toyotas." ..... Obama's congressional buds hauling Toyota's president before hearings and making him apologize before any wrongdoing was proved (it never was).

Actually what you mentioned above wasn't the obama administration - it was congress and it was the disdain the American people felt for Toyota (I believe this was partly due jealousy, in part because Toyota was seen as more reliable than American cars)... and you have to remember Americans react to fear tactics and since frauds were coming out the wood-work about to basically slander toyota with regards to their "stuck pedal" - which largely was overblown. At this time this happened I was working for a major automotive supplier and we all knew this was BS... every car manufacturer has recalls on daily basis with no congressional hearing.

I should mentioned how Obama threw law out the window with political BP grandstanding ...... as the Daily Telegraph's Niles Gardiner wrote .....

I should have mentioned EADS who won a $35 billion Pentagon contract for tankers to be built in right-to-work Georgia by 40,000 American new jobs .... the contract that Obama cancelled and gave to Boeing for union jobs.

Stuff like that, right?

I would admit that I don't know the exact specifics of what you mentioned above, but still, this has nothing to do with my question of how the Financial regulatory bill harms the economy.

One problem with FinRef - it didn't address the real issue - Fannie and Freddie, while at the same time adding over 2,500 pages of new regulations.

The pernicious part is the cronyism. The banks that were too big to fail are now simply bigger and more powerful with less competition.

Okay you say that this doesn't address the issue... I would actually disagree with you here... again, you say 2500 pages... I say this is one of the best legislative victories of the Obama administration protecting the middle class and curbing corporate greed. Let me tell you a short story... I bank with BofA because they have a lot of ATMs; one time I made a large purchase that basically left my checking account with like $100, I realized that my spouse had made about 10 little purchases that total about $35, so I instantly transferred money from my credit union into BofA to ensure that it doesn't go into red. You know what my bank did? they withdrew the large sum first (even though I made the purchase last).. and then started giving penalties for the little ones totaling over $200 for the $35 in my spouse's purchase even though it shows that I had a temp account balance of over $1000... that should be fraud on the part of BofA, thank goodness the finreg bill has taken care of this and it shouldn't happen anymore. I don't dispute the maybe one time $35 penalty for the large purchase I made, but I completely detest that BofA re-arranged my payments so as to maximize their penalties. The 2nd was when they mistakenly put another person's property tax on my escrow... I argued with them for 6months before they ratified this and re-imbursed me for paying someone else's prop tax.

Small banks are now failing, or selling out to the big boys who have the size and market share to handle all the new regulations.

Don't worry small banks are coming back, thanks to OCCUPY WALL STREET

Meanwhile, Fannie and Freddie keep asking for money, executives keep getting million dollar bonuses ..... blah, blah ..... what's not to like Tunde?

Btw - their obligations ..... about $7.5 Trillion!

I completely detest them paying bonus's in the millions for select individuals... but that's the way the business works and there's nothing the president can really do about it.. .congress on the other hand has dropped the ball here.. they can actually pass laws to prohibit this.... but John B is busy affirming thet "In God we Trust" is America's motto and also regulating abortion.

Ready to add that to the $15 Trillion of US debt?

Thanks for your comments Tunde.

Of course not, that's why I support a cut in spending by raising medicare/SS age (70)... and massive taxation of the uber wealthy.... to the tune of 60% if you make over $10mil and 50% if you make over $1mil and 40% if you make over $500k.... I bet you this would fix that deficits thing... but tax revenues are off the table... we got to bow down to our lord Grover.

It was nice chatting with you....

And oh, you realize you didn't address my question about what you do not like about the financial regulation bill except that you like it and don't thing it didn't anything... while I applaud you for your opinions, you still didn't let me know in specific what you dislike about the law.

LogicReGuired - You're right; I didn't look closely at the name. At one time I was Ronald Hussein Reagan (for similar reasons.) So, I get it about the name - are the off topic postings for some similarly esoteric reason or are they because no matter what the topic you return to beat the same ground over and over?

@

SFCret:

Keep watching. The differences between true conservatives and true liberals are not that great. It's the pinheads who continue to rely on talking points who make the trouble.

We put up with the "uncertainty" chant until it became blindingly clear - even to the right-wingers - that it was just a steaming pile. These days we're hearing about the horrors of regulation. When cheap energy trumps clean, water, and air, then it becomes rather clear that the "concern" about our children and grandchildren is just another steaming pile. My primary concern about the far left is that they don't seem to understand that there are consequences for their behavior.

Towards the middle, we know you have to pay the piper. We know personal freedom ends where the other guy's nose begins, unless that nose is inside our door. Best of all, we know that we just might be wrong, and it doesn't hurt to listen to the other guy, just don't bring talking points. Bring well-reasoned arguments.

In any case, I'll bet we're closer on most issues than you think.

To all my fellow posters, please welcome Purnell Meagre Jr. aka Ronald Hussein Reagan. My guess - and it's just a guess - is that he might have gone a bit over the top in the past, and the word cops threw him off the board. Bad mistake. Some of his posts will leave you howling.

Welcome back.

@drive-by-observer (post #1.72): Thanks for your response, but I still do not follow your logic re. the 57 states. But, hey, I'm just a simple guy so it makes sense that I do not comprehend your über-liberal intelligent logic.

The following link goes to Obama's 57-state gaffe. Thought you might like to see it again, to see his pause when he's thinking hard at how many states there are and the subsequent crowd laughter at his "oops" moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u3PteRPLys

If a conservative merely swallows during his or her response to a question, MSNBC and the rest of the left call it a "gaffe".

WHAT THE PRESIDENT SHOULD DO THE FIRST WEEK OF HIS SECOND TERM.

1. Reinstate the FAIRNESS DOCTRINE in broadcasting.

2. Order an investigation of the Koch Brothers.

3. Propose legislation to outlaw Super Pacs and declare that a corporation is NOT a person.

4. Bring all the rest of our troops home.

5. Tax the heck out of American companies that out-source jobs overseas.

6. Order a full investigation of the "Rove Conspiracy" to interfere with State and Federal elections, union busting and the disenfranchisement of the America voter.

7. Close Quantanamo and all other off-shore military bases.

8. Give Texas back to Mexico.

(I included that last one because I am SOOOOO done with Texas and want them to go away :-)

9. Dump the electoral college.

10. By Executive Order make every law, regulation, statute, etc. that is applicable to we the people ALSO applicable to members of Congress. Every one, no exceptions. If WE have to abide by it, THEY have to abide by it.

That should take care of his first week in office.

Oh there are a lot more things I think he should do, like balancing the budget on the backs on the 1% instead of the poor and middle class. Make tuition at state colleges FREE for those who qualify and maintain a minimum grade point. Give us MEDICARE/MEDICADE type insurance for everybody. Develop WPA type projects for the chronically un-employed and under-employed that would provide them with training and a living wage.

But, I'll be ok with it if he holds off on those things until his second week in office.

Oh, and since we have a minimum wage I think we should also have a minimum standard of living for all our citizens which would include a place to live with heat and clean running water. Minimal nutritional standards and availability, etc.

No child should be homeless, or go to bed hungry or lack for the basics in a country where the wealthiest 1% own multiple million dollar homes, cars, and untold luxuries.

That's my idea of a NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND program.

Obama/Biden 2012

Now that's my idea of a Christmas wish list Skip! ;o)

Hey Santa - pay attention!!!

David - guilty on all counts - Purnell Meagre Jr. is my Country Western name - my brother Rob likes having a Country Western name so much he's become Chance Meagre Jr. It might seem odd for two brothers both to be Juniors but I'm sure there's a good explanation.

Btw - their obligations ..... about $7.5 Trillion!

Why am I not surprised that I can't find any truthfulness to the number-slingers claim that Freddie/Fannie have 7.5 trillion in obligations, nor can I find any reference to the issue that we will need to add that figure to our debt. The only way we would be adding those obligations to the debt is if all mortgages went into default. While mortgage defaults are dire, I don't think we are at a place to call a 100% default on all mortgages.

Only one person in our government gaffes more than Obama and that is Joe Biden..when they are not off around the world saying Americans are fat and lazy they are running an all-time gaffe rate. Ask Obama what day it is...

Tunde,

I thought stating that Dodd-Frank did not address the source of the financial collapse was pretty specific.

Nice personal story, but did bank's $35 overdraft fees cause the economic meltdown?

What I don't get is why the republican party is going against each other...from one previous comment :" ...to beat out Romney"...why is everyone trying to beat everyone else? I guess the Republican party is going to be split again...see the past in the 1800s when the whips became the republicans.

Like I said from the START Romney will be the one to beat, I hope you GOP folks don't have a problem with Romney being a Mormon, I'm a Democrat but if Romney is the GOP nomination I may just vote for Romney, I have no problems with having a Mormon as President ....

I do believe I heard one of these conservative idiots ask, "are you better off than you were 4 years ago".... Umm, actually, yea a LOT. After Bush crushed our country, my company let me go. I was able to receive unemployment benefits to finish my degree through the Obama extensions. I also took advantage of a couple other great oppurtunities offered by his policies as well. So, short answer, yes - I am. You can't fix stupid.... or conservatives. Same thing though.

Gaffes are slips of the lip, momentary memory lapses, inadvertent malaprops. These fools on the GOP debates just don't know sh*t from Shinola and it's beginning to show. You can't fix stupid.

I only saw video of Howard Dean's scream the other day, and it was nothing compared to this election cycle. We can now forget this reference forever and move on.

If we just eliminated candidates who are "running" for personal profit, Palin is out, Trump is out, Cain is out, and Gingrich is out. If candidates are eliminated based on qualifications and gravitas, Bachmann, Cain and Perry are out. If we look at who has the most scandals, Gingrich and Cain are out, with Perry trailing, then Bachmann and Santorum.

Here's a Top Ten list of gaffes (ranked from 1 to 10 in order of severity):

1) Herman Cain's response on Libya. Cain has struggled with foreign policy all along, but this was like a kid being called on by a teacher and trying to BS his way out of it.

2) Rick Perry's Cornerstone New Hampshire speech. Many would say the "brain freeze" was worse, but since this speech revealed the true "inner Perry" that he tries to suppress according to advice by his handlers, this is being ranked higher.

3) Newt Gingrich's non-stop fraud. Many think Newt is just flip-flopping, but he has serious mental problems of pathological lying, delusions of grandeur, and possibly is even a psychopath because he has no conscience (right from wrong remorse) or empathy (ability to feel for anyone but himself). The man is immoral, hypocritical, unethical, and a self-absorbed greedy SOB.

4) Mitt Romney saying corporations are like people. Now some may feel this wasn't so egregious, but this along with being more concerned about his image than whether he was breaking the law in hiring illegals are just tips of the iceberg yet to be revealed.

5) Michele Bachmann's gaffes are too many to list, but combined her gaffes ranks her at least at 5 if not higher. Her gaffes that reveal her hypocrisy and lack of ethics thereof are the most condemning.

6) Rick Perry's "brain freeze" and lack of debating and speaking skills in general.

7) Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan, and despite it being debunked by the Tax Policy Center, all he can keep saying is nine, nine, nine.

8) Rick Perry's Big Oil jobs plan.

9) The right-wing would say Perry's statement about illegal immigrants and education is the worse gaffe and should be ranked higher.

10) Mitt Romney is a gaffe period. Whether it is his religious beliefs in terms of how this may affect policy, or being a corporate raider, or just completely lacking experience and life achievements to be admired, he is merely a spoiled child who has anger management issues, has everything but the presidency so will do anything to get it, and absolutely NO core convictions.

The worse flip-floppers in order are Romney, Gingrich, Cain and Perry. All are about voodoo economics and war-mongering (except Ron Paul on war-mongering). Ron Paul would actually look good if he tacked to the mainstream (a lot), was younger and a little more charismatic.

In conclusion, conservatives would do well to stay home or write-in a candidate per their conscience and hope for a better field in future elections.

Machine that stupid thing you reposted contradicts itself several times notably how it says Obama discourages foriegn investment then at the bottom it says how his policy leads to progressive globalism or whatever the exact words were..It is all drivel anyway...And to you morons and the hawaii thing hawaii is in the asian-pacific so that is not a mistake you are a mistake...If you people were a little more for abortion maybe we wouldn't have so many cult( Fox Nation) members in America...And to all you people complaining about the collapse conspiracy did you ever notice that comments only get collapsed by the community once there is a lot of replies to a comment...Duh if they didn't collapse some the page would take all day to scroll through...I just bet that the collapsing is random..........

There is one republican candidate without any gaffes.....

Ron Paul

Guess what? The last Bloomberg Poll (2 days ago) on the Iowa Caucus says this....

"There’s good news in the poll for Paul, 76, a Texas congressman who has attracted ardent supporters. Among likely caucus-goers who say their minds are made up, Paul leads with 32 percent, followed by Romney at 25 percent and Gingrich, a former House speaker, at 17 percent.

Among Paul supporters who backed him in the 2008 caucuses, 69 percent are still with him now.

Poll participant Sarah Stang, 78, a retired teacher who lives in Osage, Iowa, said she switched parties four years ago so she could vote for Paul.

“He doesn’t want to raise taxes on us middle- and low- income people,” she said, adding that she “loves” his challenges to the Federal Reserve. “They have way too much power. They should let the marketplace do what it’s supposed to,” she said."

Obama told us we had to pass the stimulus, and expected unemployment to drop. It didn't. He sold us on "shovel ready jobs" and then LAUGHED about it a year later after $800 BILLION was blown and there were no shovel ready jobs.

Unemployment is higher than when Obama took office NEARLY 3 YEARS AGO. 12 million were unemployed when he took office, now it's 14.2+ million.

He expanded the war, and is now promising new military expansion to Australia, on the brink of a major CUT IN MILITARY SPENDING.

If this is what we get for electing "Mr Brilliant" I'll vote for the next idiot opposing him. ANY IDIOT.

Fancy, I am not convinced that Gov. Perry's 'slip' was accidental. If shutting down 3 parts of the Government is a central part of your 'sales pitch', and you have pitched this in previous debates and on the stump, how do you conveniently 'forget' one of the 3 parts of Government you want to close?

There is something rotten here, and Perry is one of the clowns in the circus that is putting on the American people.

If Rick Perry really believed that eliminating the Departments of Commerce, Energy and Education was necessary, no way he would not be able to remember them. That's the trouble with adopting what the base wants to hear as a campaign agenda, too often, candidates have brain freezes because they do not really believe what they are required to say.

Republicanism has always historically been, primarily, a politics of illusion and gimmickery, with hopefully, just enough substantive foundation to give it appeal. These candidates, all 8,9, or 10 of them, simply are not of the required caliber to go before an audience and deliver the traditional production that stirs the passions of that parties rank and file. Poor actors. All of 'em.

I was wondering if we were ever going to get around to the Texas Taliban today. There's another Rick Perry cronyism story out this morning in the Houston Chronicle. There's a company headed by Perry donors that has been granted a permit to inject toxic waster into the groundwater north of Houston. ( Where we get our drinking water.)The permit was granted by the TX Commissiion on Environmental Quality. Who would you guess is on the Board at TCEQ? That's right! Perry donor/appointees! This is the guy that wants to uproot the US gov't. He should start in his own backyard. Hypocritical bastard.

Wow, the biggest thing they all have in common is they are all chronic liars. Who could ever believe what any of them say at any point in time?

Pietro,

I need some help here, can you or someone else familiar with First Read explain to me why when a comment is collapsed all post are collapsed also? Also how do you collapse a comment? Shouldn't that be up to First Read Monitor and not the participants?

Personally I really don't believe comments should be collapsed, if some don't like them they can skip over them, I do all the time. Also I notice that a lot of posters can somehow keep their posts from being posted to their bio page.

Jody, Iowa "If Rick Perry really believed that eliminating the Departments of Commerce, Energy and Education was necessary, no way he would not be able to remember them."

So you're saying he was 'brilliant' to pretend to forget?

Thanks for the laugh. Perhaps he should have written it on his palm, like Sarah Palin did. Too bad he couldn't borrow Obama's teleprompter.

sfcret - All I can tell you is that once the main comment is collapsed, all subordinate comments are collapsed as well. You can have main comments that stand and subordinate comments that are collapsed.

I think that newsvine's website is set up so that the main comment (parent) controls all of the responses (child or children) to that main comment.

Personally, I do not like the comment collapse feature and I think it should be disables. However, since I am not in charge of newsvine's website, I have no say other than to deal with collapsed comments.

As far as their posts on the bio page, that is a setting that you can enable/disable for your moniker if you so choose.

I hope that helps, sfcret.

Pietro,

Thank you for the information, it did help. Have a good day.

It is a liberal conspiracy...I think they call it a Democrat machine secret that does all that collapsing secret..hahahahaha....You can't fix stupid...leave the cult ( Fox nation ) that was awesome reading one dumb GOP member explaining something to another one and neither knows anything...It was like watching Cain and Gingrich debating or old people having Hannity explain polotics to them... And then they voted for each others comments...Awww how cute...

So tell me Noid, if you are going to beat one side to death, shouldn't you at least report on the othersides mis-steps as well?

Or, because this has bcome a left wing site, hell bent on reporting every utterance from candidates who will never make it to the General Election, does First Read just get a pass?

Aren't you the least bit interested in what ANY Democrats have been doing for the past 4 months?

Talk about displaying bias!

An entire article devoted to gaffes, and no mention of this

One other thing that I want to say about this: When I meet with world leaders, what's striking -- whether it's in Europe or here in Asia -- the kinds of fundamental reforms and changes both on the revenue side and the public pension side that other countries are having to make are so much more significant than what we need to do in order to get our books in order."

Is Obama now, suddenly, a birther? Does he not know that Hawaii is part of North America- in fact, one of the fifty United States?

That, however, is the tip if the iceberg. The rest of the statement betrays total ignorance of the U.S. financial situation.

Obama may not recognize that we are in as dire straits as Europe- but he'd better either bone up on arithmetic, or let people who live in the world of reality take charge. He's done more to put us on the same shifting sands that the euro zone was based on than anyone else ever could - and did so without ever passing a budget.

This site may very well win a special prize for bias- it has gotten so blatant that it's laughable. I'm thinking you'll find some things changing around January of 2013. . .

1. First Read is pure politics. Right now the fight for the GOP nomination IS the story.

2. It's not First Read's fault that the GOP candidates can't get out of their own way intellectually.

3. There are plenty of other sources of information for everything else going on that I need to know about.

4. As I constantly remind you, if you hate this site so much why are you here? It would be like me wasting my time on a FOX News blog.

Is Obama now, suddenly, a birther? Does he not know that Hawaii is part of North America- in fact, one of the fifty United States?

Hawaii is part of the United States. However, technically, it is not part of any continent.

This site may very well win a special prize for bias- it has gotten so blatant that it's laughable. I'm thinking you'll find some things changing around January of 2013. . .

Do tell, No Joe, when the GOP is currently giving away the Presidency TO President Obama by NOT providing a credible challenge to him?

The only thing that will be changing around here is your constant blathering of all things anti-Obama for ANOTHER 4 years.

Wow, so No Joe, if the GOP wins, along with all the other damage they want to do to the country they are also going to get rid of free speech and the freedom of the press? What a joke you are.

In my local paper this morning, there were several opinion pieces decrying the weak field of candidates running in the Republican primary. It isn't just the gaffes - anyone can make a mistake - it's the general mediocrity, not to mention sheer craziness of the candidates competing to be President of the United States. I find it interesting, just on First Read, none of the candidates gets much support from Republican posters. This time in '07 I was singing the praises of several Democratic nominees. President Obama is my guy now, who's yours?

Nitpic as you will in a lame attempt to justify Obama's ignorance- Hawaii is not in Asia, either.

It is, in fact, one of the FIFTY United States- and has been, for his entire life.

Then again, maybe Obama really is a birther. It had to come from somewhere. . .

What a joke you are.

Make that a sick joke!

Poor thing, has a terminal case of ODS = Obama Derangement Syndrome!

I, for one, can not wait until President Obama wins re-election!

The men in white suits with butterfly nets will be ringing her door bell! lol

Amy, that is exactly what the senior gang has been talking about.

I find it interesting, just on First Read, none of the candidates gets much support from Republican posters. This time in 07 I was singing the praises of several Democratic nominees.

They're running the "ABO" platform...run against something and not for something. Democrats tried this in 2004 with Kerry. How'd that work out?

I'll issue the challenge right now...to the GOP on this blog...

WHO DO YOU SUPPORT IN THE FIGHT FOR THE NOMINATION AND WHY?

Try your best not to trash the President in your explanation...I want to hear about your candidate's merits.

NJNB -- Nice try but you lose. Everyone knows that it's the Republicans playing chicken with our economy. They earned us that downgrade and if they can't get their big boy pants on and do something big in the "Super Committee" they will forever be known as the gang that put our Country in a recession. Proud now? That "Pledge" may turn out to be the Republican's nemesis.

Thinking people do not let one biased article get them upset you are rather foolish to believe that....they are upset about the last four years and now we get to see the brainwashed left vomit all over the boards after their alcohol and pot binges yes you are liberal......lemming much!

njnbnj: He's [Obama] done more to put us on the same shifting sands that the euro zone was based on than anyone else ever could - and did so without ever passing a budget.

As is usually the case when you get a "Spread the wealth" kind of guy like Obama, he spreads the poverty instead.

I should not expect anyone who thinks it is too clever for words to deliberately mis-spell words, to be able to understand the meaning of anything not written in letters ten feet tall and shoved under her nose. . .

The change that will occur on this site will be the sudden critical reporting of the president- who will just so happen to be a republican. Suddenly, there will be an awakening- "hey! We're the Fourth Estate! Our job is not to cheerlead for the administration!"

Other outlets- staffed with professional journalists, have already made this discovery

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/solyndra-department-of-energy-pushed-hard-for-company-not-to-announce-layoffs-until-after-2010-mid-term-elections/2011/11/15/gIQA2AriON_story.html

I guess they got tired of waving Pom poms. . .

I guess they got tired of waving Pom poms. . .

...or maybe you're just hyper-sensitive to those who are critical of your guys, right?

Gee Noid, you mean like calling people racists and Nazi's when they criticize your guy?

No sensitivity there, eh?

You really need to stop playing this game. You keep getting smacked back with your own words every day.

The change that will occur on this site will be the sudden critical reporting of the president- who will just so happen to be a republican. Suddenly, there will be an awakening- "hey! We're the Fourth Estate! Our job is not to cheerlead for the administration!"

OK, No Joe - which clown in the current circus will 'become President'?

Need I remind you of the words of your BFF Ann Coulter - "If [New Jersey Governor] Chris Christie doesn't run, we will put up Mitt Romney and WE WILL LOSE."??

I've read lame nitpicking from Jersey Shores but this one of hers gets the over-reach prize. Hawaii is a State, it is not, however, part of the CONUS; it is non-CONUS. It is frequently referred to as part of the Asia Pacific island region. Anyone who claims that President Obama, who lived a good part of his life in Hawaii does not know that Hawaii is not in continental Asia is grasping at straws for the daily anti-Obama rant category of silly nonsense.

You really need to stop playing this game. You keep getting smacked back with your own words every day.

Sorry, I'm such a masochist! Bring the pain!!!

Pietro, no one will take you seriously as long as you refer to a Presedential candidate as a clown.

Jody,

Grasping at Straws? Really. Sometimes you all are just hilarious.

BTW, get that 6 jobs for 1 teacher program to Obama yet. I figure we should be well on our way to prosperity by now.

See, it sucks when you say something stupid and people keep bringing it up, doesn't it?

See, it sucks when you say something stupid and people keep bringing it up, doesn't it?

Well, if you want to play that game - you never did answer my question about the ass kicking I gave you yesterday?

Still can't sit down eh?

You can run but you can not hide WCA! lol

no joe, no bo, nj

Nitpic as you will in a lame attempt to justify Obama's ignorance- Hawaii is not in Asia, either

If you really think that Obama doesn't know that the place he was born is an island in the Pacific Ocean, you are a bigger idiot than I ever suspected.

Yeah, Feisty I answered your question.

You're not worth the time as proven in post 1.31 to jollyoldsoul.

What a small little compartmentalized world you live in.

Now be predictable.

Pietro, no one will take you seriously as long as you refer to a Presedential candidate as a clown.

First of all, WCA, I post my facts and let the chips fall as they may. Too bad for you that your 'approval' is low on my list of things to accomplish today.

Secondly, the GOP's 'candidates' are NOT SERIOUS. I proved my point twice yesterday on First Thoughts (the title: Newt-mentum) with two posts that I am sure you helped collapse.

But, then again, nobody takes YOU seriously, WCA.

Carry on.

WCA, what is hilarious is you and Jersey Shores. I'm not making excuses, I'm pointing out the truth about where Hawaii is. Look it up. You and Jersey spend more time twisting yourselves into pretzels to justify some disconnected logic that says it must be otherwise because it's President Obama.

BTW, WCA, I've heard republicans on Morning Joe refer to some of these GOP candidates as "clowns".

Secondly, the GOP's 'candidates' are NOT SERIOUS. I proved my point twice yesterday on First Thoughts (the title: Newt-mentum) with two posts that I am sure you helped collapse.

I may be further proving the point as nobody's taking the challenge I presented in #4.11 above.

Seriously, I'm waiting to see if anyone can answer the question.

Gee Pietro, you mean facts like this:

Actually, Smiffy, us 'Libs' and other thinking people are HOPE-ing that you nominate ANY ONE of the clowns in the clown car as the GOP Presidental nominee.

*Popcorn*, anyone?

Jody, Joe Scarborough is as much a conservative as you are.

BTW Pietro, I have only voted to collapse a post once here. When Feisty posted the website of the OWS crowd that was looking for donations. That was advertising.

So save your faux collapse outrage for your buddies who are already at it this morning.

Pietro: First of all, WCA, I post my facts and let the chips fall as they may

How's that high speed rail doing in Ohio Petes? 1 million jobs for every $1 billion spent, correct? You do still own those "facts", correct?

WCA - are you shilling for Smiffy now? They (all of the people that post under JAS1) were being condescending and that post was aimed at THEM, not you.

I guess Smiffy needed some help.

Carry on, WCA.

How's that high speed rail doing in Ohio Petes? 1 million jobs for every $1 billion spent, correct? You do still own those "facts", correct?

JAS1 - Smiffy - nice to see all of you again. Which one of you is posting today?

Grumpy?

Sneezy?

Dopey?

All of the above?

Carry on, Smiffy, Carry on.

About that high speed rail you so endorsed Pietro, at least Ohio had the common sense to trash that boondoggle, but California went for the bait. The feds kicked in $2 billion of taxpayer feed money, but it appears Californians need to kick in another, oohh, $96 billion to get the job done on a 250 mile span of track.

But you're good with that, right Pietro? $98 billion total, that's 98 million jobs!

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/californias-high-speed-ra_n_1069443.html

Instead of calling people names Pietro, maybe you can bless us with some your "facts". Looking forward to them!

Ahh, I see I am dealing with Grumpy today.

OK, fair enough.

California was wise enough to take the money for the high-speed rail that Ohio gave up. Now the jobs are in California, and Gov. Kasich in Ohio is not having a fun time right now, after getting his butt kicked by the Ohio electorate on SB5.

Gov. Kasich would lose by 18 points of the election was being held right now.

So Grumpy, Dopey, Droopy, or whomever wants to answer my post, Gov. Kasich made a MISTAKE by not taking the Federal monies for high-speed rail. BTW, none of you posting STILL CANNOT refute my argument that high-speed rail stimulates economies and provides MILLIONS of jobs.

Your move, JAS1.

Geez Pete, MILLIONS of jobs? Really?

You need someone to refute that?

How about we go at it from another angle?

I will defy any of your Lib buddies to jump on the MILLIONS OF JOBS bandwagon with you.

So how about it Libs? Any takers on Petey's Stimulus ideas?

Hey Jody, you ought to be up for this. You said if we hire 2.3 million teachers we will put all 14 million unemployed back to work.

So this ought to be right up your alley.

WCA - How about you stay out of the argument that all of the JAS1 posters and I have been having (since they brought it up - AGAIN)?

I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself trying to actually have a cogent thought for once.

WCA - How about you stay out of the argument

L@@K SQUIRREL! lol

Too bad WCA doesn't remember he hasn't earned a seat at the adult table yet... ;o)

Pietro: California was wise enough to take the money for the high-speed rail that Ohio gave up. Now the jobs are in California,

Really? So what of the 11.9% unemployment rate, the high taxes, and high debt load in California? Do you have explanations for that Pietro? Seems the Cali's are doubling down on yet anther bad deal.

And did you see the expected ticket prices to ride the high speed choo-choo? $300! My. Think people will pay that amount Pietro? Yeah, I don't either.

So we're going to nitpick the President's remarks again? Really? Is that all the right has?

Tell me with a straight face that none of you has ever transposed a word, misspelled a word. All you have to do is look up the thread above to see that is not true.

Some of us can realize that the speech was made at the Asia-Pacific Conference and understand the context. Others simply have to sieze on every little mistake and blow it completely out of context and proportion.

Of course, if you have nothing else to talk about...

Pietro, Columbus, Ohio said

California was wise enough to take the money for the high-speed rail that Ohio gave up.

Read it and weep little one...

Gov. Rick Scott feels vindicated over decision to reject high speed rail money

Written by

Dave Heller

Tallahassee, Florida - Gov. Rick Scott is feeling good right now about his decision to reject federal money for a high speed rail system in Florida.

California did accept the cash for high speed rail to link major cities. But now the projected cost of that project has more than doubled to nearly $100 billion.

Gov. Scott rejected high speed rail money in large part because he was concerned the state would get stuck paying cost overruns.

Now he's pointing to the California example as vindication for his decision.

"They're now on the hook. They signed the contract to do this and it was $43 billion. So they're now on the hook for another 50-some billion dollars, the state is. So I know all of you were very supportive of my decision on high speed rail."

Ironically, California received some of Florida's high speed rail money after Gov. Scott turned the money away.

Dave Heller

Pietro, You're not too bright are ya!!

Its ok.....WCA she searched (or had someone else do it) to get personal info. Everything she stated is on Linked in. It doesnt bother me because I know where she got it and what she has about me. I was trying to goad her into presenting something gathered illegally. Then my lawyer will present Newvine with a subpoena for her account info and IP address. I would love her to present my DD214 or my service record......that would make for a great Christmas present. WCA we should meet for lunch someday, Im betting we are close in proximity of each other.

Really? So what of the 11.9% unemployment rate, the high taxes, and high debt load in California? Do you have explanations for that Pietro? Seems the Cali's are doubling down on yet anther bad deal.

And did you see the expected ticket prices to ride the high speed choo-choo? $300! My. Think people will pay that amount Pietro? Yeah, I don't either.

I see am dealing with Silly now. I guess Dopey, Sneezy and Grumpy were busy.

Nice deflection, whomever you are, because my argument still stands. Since California took the money to complete the high-speed rail, the jobs are in California. California's debt load is California's problem, and that has NOTHING to with the advent of high-speed rail there. Your characterization of a 'bad deal' was obviously good enough for California to TAKE THE DEAL and build the high-speed rail!!

And finally, to kill your 'argument', the $300 is the PROPOSED price, which may go up or down based on market forces (you DO remember market forces, correct?).

This high-speed rail would be in direct competition with the short-haul airlines, where the cost of the trip would be ABOUT THE SAME as the PROPOSED TRAIN PRICE if the ticket was booked at the last minute.

I am thinking that there will be some competition for those travel dollars, and the advantage of high-speed rail (at least right now) is that you do not need to be strip-searched before you ride it. That MAY change as more and more people who are opting out of dealing with the TSA at airports WILL take the train and will pay the prevailing price(s).

So, Droopy, Drooly, Grumpy, Silly, whomever in the JAS1 cabal that I am answering - mocking what YOU think is ridiculous WITHOUT some logical thought becomes you. Yeah, people WILL take the train and there WILL be MILLIONS of jobs created (direct and tangential) because of that investment.

Your move, Jas1.

WCA we should meet for lunch someday

Great idea Harry - you & WCA could share a turd sandwich!

Don't be so sensitive Harry - you got busted for lying & embellishing your military service!

Telling us about coming home from Viet Nam to blood & urine filled balloons being thrown at you when the TRUTH is you GRADUATED high school in 1976! LMAO!

How many homes to do own this week? I lost count at 4...

Pull up your man panties and deal with it!

PS: You also lied about your weight! ;o)))))

You might want to think about skipping the mayo on the samich!

Tallahassee, Florida - Gov. Rick Scott is feeling good right now about his decision to reject federal money for a high speed rail system in Florida.

Maxx Power - please. This is the SAME Gov. Rick Scott, the one whom Florida voters are trying to get rid of? that same Rick Scott that gave away the monies that some Republican mayors of cities in Florida are decrying as 'a bad deal'?

THAT Rick Scott?

Rick Scott has his hands full trying to run Florida into the ground, much less worrying about what California is going to do.

But that STILL doesn't refute my argument - High-speed rail will create MILLIONS of jobs. Just because Gov. Scott doesn't want to create jobs in his State of Florida doesn't mean that California is as stupid as he is.

Last year, all the liberals on this site were totally confident that democrats would GAIN seats in the mid terms. Even the day before, we were told that they had GOTV! They had the Big Mo! They had Obama!

They are still having trouble with the fact that the losses were the greatest in about 80 years.

Now they firmly pronounce that Obama is unbeatable! The republicans don't have a candidate! The primary is in flux!

Well, I have bad news- none of that matters.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/11/15/130356/mcclatchy-marist-poll-of-15-november.html

In a poll where the pool was comprised of 35% democrats, 26% republicans, and 37% independents, we find-

Obama's job approval is negative 7. 43% approve, 50% disprove.

Those are his best numbers.

If the election were held today, 38% would definitely vote FOR Obama- but 48% would definitely NOT vote for him.

Among independents, it's worse- only 30% would definitely vote for him, while 52% definitely would not.

Obama is statistically tied with both Romney and Gingrich.

Those numbers are reflective of the interviewee's prediction of who will win the nomination, more than anything else.

Wait for the polls when there is a nominee. I sure hope the wife is gathering moving cartons.

Yeah, Pietro- there are just millions of people standing on line to get tickets on a train that runs from Bakersfield to Fresno.

WCA, I did NOT say Joe Scarborough made the comment, it was not him. If you think Scarborough's a liberal, that explains just how far right and whacky the GOP has become--their hero Ronald Reagan would be laughed out of the party.

eah, Pietro- there are just millions of people standing on line to get tickets on a train that runs from Bakersfield to Fresno.

And Yes, No Joe, you are irrelevant with this absolutely stupid response. Stay out of the argument I am having with the JAS1 cabal since THEY brought it up.

Pietro: And finally, to kill your 'argument', the $300 is the PROPOSED price, which may go up or down based on market forces

One of California's leading taxpayer advocates disputed the report's finding that the rail line would be profitable and would not require taxpayer money to operate in the future.

"They're in la-la land. No credible study has concluded that," said Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. "They would have to set a fare at about $300 a ticket and assume ridership levels that aren't going to exist to assume a break-even level."

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/californias-high-speed-ra_n_1069443.html

$300 is not the "proposed" price. That's the price that is needed to keep the boondoggle afloat Pietro. If market forces push that price down, it will be unprofitable.

I guess this train, at that price, is only for the 1%-ers. The taxes to pay for it though of course will be paid by the 99%-ers.

Carry on Pietro. Chasing windmills and all. And enjoy your high speed ride from Bakersfield to Fresno.

Which panties in a wad? Are you talking about Romney's magic mormon underwear? ROFL

@Pietro Is Smiffy actually the lost Chi Whaaaaaa Whaaaaaas of the 2008 general election? I wondered where they all went to.

JAS1 cabal, you are making that is TOO EASY. I posted the following:

"And finally, to kill your 'argument', the $300 is the PROPOSED price, which may go up or down based on market forces (you DO remember market forces, correct?)."

You turned right around and posted this:

"They're in la-la land. No credible study has concluded that," said Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. "They would have to set a fare at about $300 a ticket and assume ridership levels that aren't going to exist to assume a break-even level."

Let's examine what you have posted, shall we?

Since the price is not already set, then we would need to set a price, correct? I stated that the PROPOSED price would be $300, going up or down depending on market forces.

You are scoffing my post and then turn right around and post this: "They would have to set a fare at about $300 a ticket and assume ridership levels that aren't going to exist to assume a break-even level."

Is that or is that NOT a PROPOSED price? the words 'at about $300' is a PROPOSED PRICE.

JAS1 cabal, your research department is falling down on the job today, aren't they? Hey - it's all of you (however many of you there are) against ONE of me - and this is the BEST you can do??

The argument still stands - since you CANNOT refute it.

Your move.

Maxx Power

Read it and weep little one...

Gov. Rick Scott feels vindicated over decision to reject high speed rail money

You mean Rick Scott, the Medicare fraud kingpin whose approval ratings in Florida are now in the mid-30s? Maybe he feels "vindicated" but Florida voters sure seem to think they made a great big mistake voting this clown into the governor's office.

Cathy M - I dunno is JAS1 is the remnant of the Chihuahua Gang or not,. What I do know is that they need to do a better job of coordination of departments to refute my argument, which they are failing to do.

da noid is prophetic, with the call on the radicals screaming about Asia in response. Pure hilarity.

On the other hand, if anyone thinks MSNBC isn't biased left after they hired Chelsea Clinton, they need a dose of reality.

I dunno is JAS1 is the remnant of the Chihuahua Gang or not

Ummm... yeah she was... back then she posted under; selfish redhead...

On the other hand, if anyone thinks MSNBC isn't biased left after they hired Chelsea Clinton, they need a dose of reality.

Maybe they hired her to balance out Jenna Bush... remember 'W's daughter who also works for NBC?

FYI: I make no excuses for the entertainment channel known as Faux 'News.'

But back to the comment on MSNBC. Rachel Maddow? The Ed show? come on now.

Feisty - you may be right. Selfish would fit in with the rest of the people (like Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy, and Drooly) posting under that JAS1 moniker.

It also looks like the JAS1 cabal has bugged out for a while, probably furiously searching for ways to refute my argument about high-speed rail.

It's OK, JAS1 cabal, you take your time and carefully research your rebuttal(s) to my argument. Since you got nothing now, we can pick this up later on.

I am SURE you will bring it up again.

Until then, Carry on.

Pietro: Since California took the money to complete the high-speed rail, the jobs are in California. California's debt load is California's problem, and that has NOTHING to with the advent of high-speed rail there.

Cali took $2 billion in federal money to begin HSR Pietro. The other $96 billion comes from where? Yeah, added to the Cali debt load.

You really lack any common sense don't you Pietro? You think money is somehow free and endless. You're nothing but a dope my friend.

Cali took $2 billion in federal money to begin HSR Pietro. The other $96 billion comes from where? Yeah, added to the Cali debt load.

You really lack any common sense don't you Pietro? You think money is somehow free and endless. You're nothing but a dope my friend.

I see I drew Angry this time. OK, that's fair.

The argument was about the jobs that were to be created by the advent of high-speed rail. You and the rest of the JAS1 cabal has been unsuccessful in arguing the opposite, but all of you are intent on getting me mired in tangential arguments about prices and debt loads.

California would be the best to determine if they can handle the extra debt. The more important result would be the MILLIONS of jobs that are generated because of the high-speed rail line(s) in California, which you have a problem accepting (or arguing against).

So, now that your whole cabal has LOST this argument, you are calling me a DOPE?

Thank you, JAS1 cabal, you have just proven that you cannot refute my argument. Again. for the THIRD time.

Say hello to Dopey, Sneezy, Drooly, and Selfish for me. Tell you research department to keep up those Google searches!

Maybe all of you in the cabal - TOGETHER - can try and beat me NEXT time.

Until then, carry on!

You know Pietro if that train gets built, I will bet you a beer that TSA will be involved. I base this on, it's an easy target.

As for the Governor of Florida, I haven't heard any news that people are trying to get rid of him.

Lmao......Ms Fiesty Let me tell you once again, Im way to old to have graduated in 1976. You should know not to trust what you see on the internet. And Im not about to give you documentation. Let me explain this one more time. I enlisted (not drafted) In the active reserves out of high school. (not in Brunswick Maine) that was my second wife. I have a total of 9 years 6 months both active duty and active reserve duty. I hope you know the difference between active reserves and inactive ready reserves. Also, I never said I was IN country I was not, however I was and am a Viet Nam era vet ( I was on a destroyer Fletcher Class ) on station in the South China sea and the Thai gulf. I was flown home to my next duty station out of they Phillipines. I thought I would give you one more chance to refilter the correctt info through your thinker. In Linked in I only listed my active duty, and not my reserve status. And its 3 homes, but my son is living in one now so I filter between here(Detroit) and Port Richey Florida through out the year. lastly what the hell does weight have to do with anything, if you must know Ive been pretty ill lately and am down under my weight for my over powering 5 ft 8 inch height. This is the last time I will explain my self to you. Believe me I am capable of tracking your IP address to your ISP provider and depending how your ISP labels their network switches, I been able to follow the connect all the way to the street or neighborhood the last edge switch lives in . Ask anyone who is a worthwhile network engineer, they can confirm this.

Believe me I am capable of tracking your IP address to your ISP provider and depending how your ISP labels their network switches,

BWHAHAHAHAHAHA!

As for the rest of your bull@!$%# - you're either LYING here or you're lying on Linkdin!

http://www.linkedin.com/in/hgreynolds

Who creates the page again?

Oh... that's right... YOU do!

I'll let the readers decide... lmfao!

PS: Just so you know - I wouldn't waste my time on tracking your info, however, there are plenty of people out there who don't mind dropping a dime on you! ;o)

You know Pietro if that train gets built, I will bet you a beer that TSA will be involved. I base this on, it's an easy target.

Paul-Florida - You are probably correct in your assessment. No need to make a bet on that beer though, as I will probably lose your bet. When I am in Florida again, I'll make good on that beer wager.

Pietro,

Like I said you're not too bright are ya, let me spell it out for you...

I don't give a rat's rear end about Rick Scott that's Florida's problem, but he was right in saving his state and the tax payers $100 billion dollars, just as your Governor was at rejecting the rail money.

Now you said

The more important result would be the MILLIONS of jobs that are generated because of the high-speed rail line(s) in California

Well I just did a little research and that is a bold face lie!

Here what they said off othe website: Cahighspeedrail.ca.gov

No where on the website does it say anything about "millions of jobs".

Like I said before, you are too bright are ya!!

Check mate!!

Well I owe you a thank you, I have no Idea how the "brunswick hs" came from

. But if you look at my age and do some simple math you would see that I would have been going on 25 in 1976. Anyway it been corrected. Thanks.

Paul-Florida

As for the Governor of Florida, I haven't heard any news that people are trying to get rid of him.

If you really are in Florida, you ought to know that there are no provisions in Florida law to recall a governor. So your Medicare fraudster of a governor is probably safe, despite the fact that he's loathed by the people of Florida.

Speaking or recalls, Rick Scott's teabag comrade Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin is in trouble plenty: 58% of the people surveyed there want his butt recalled:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-poll-shows-most-favor-recall-of-wisconsin-governor-20111116,0,6633196.story

Walkers going to need huge infusions of corporate cash to save his sorry behind.

Well I just did a little research and that is a bold face lie!

Here what they said off othe website: Cahighspeedrail.ca.gov

High-speed rail means tens of thousands of good, family-supporting jobs for California — jobs not just to build the trains and the train line, but also jobs to operate and maintain it. And there’s more — hundreds more jobs will be created for suppliers, restaurants and other businesses along the route.

As many as 100,000 construction-related jobs each year that the system is being built

The potential for 450,000 permanent new jobs statewide created by the economic growth high-speed rail will generate over the next 25 years

No where on the website does it say anything about "millions of jobs".

Maxx Power - Really? I mean seriously? Just because a website didn't say '1 MILLION' you think that what I said is false?

Man... and you are saying that I am not too bright.

Let me spell it out for ya - if you add up the figures on the website snippet alone, that is already 500,000!!! The website hasn't even taken into account any of the TANGENTIAL jobs that will be created to service the people who service the rail lines!!

Did you get that, MAXX?

You need to do a LOT more research. Maybe you can call the JAS1 cabal and they can help you with 'the Google' because you are definitely not doing so hot by yourself!!

Pietro said,

The website hasn't even taken into account any of the TANGENTIAL jobs that will be created to service the people who service the rail lines!!

Just stop... you're making a fool of yourself... opps too late

Maybe reading is not your cup of tea but in the snippet it says...

And there's more — hundreds more jobs will be created for suppliers, restaurants and other businesses along the route.

Like I said before you're not to bright are ya!!

I have no idea how many jobs high-speed rail in cali creates but I do know if you create 500,000 jobs it will cause a chain reaction that creates many more,you know from those people spending their paychecks...But you righties believe the only way to create jobs is through tax cuts for the uber-rich so you are deaf to this.....The cult ( fox Nation ) that you balong to doesn't tell you any different so that's that.......

What's the old saying, history always repeats itself? Seems like the case here.

Ah, but can history repeat itself if there's no recording of 18 minutes of it?

Ah, the old if a tree falls in the wood question.

More like the "Woods" question.

LMAO

Stop with the PUNishment! LMAO

Jody -- One more....irony. Newt mentioned eliminating the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). You know that pesky office that scores bills on fiscal issues. How convenient for him, lol.

Just to add on here, Read this morning on another FR blog, that Ms. Bachmann has a new memoir out. Really, it seems that the goal of most of this group is not the presidency or good of country, but book sales and profits.

Don't Carry it All. Good point about the CBO, I've heard Gingrich and even GOP legislators say that. There's plenty of disingenuous "base bell ringing" to rid America of whatever floats their boats by GOP candidates. The Dept of Education was one good example of what empty suits some of the characters are.

phinephancy, I heard someone on Morning Joe today comment about it being hard to tell which were real campaigns and which were just book tours.

Jody, Iowa:

Cain's performance before the editorial board was not really a brain freeze or a gaffe. Regardless of the fact that Cain holds a degree in Mathematics, the fact is, he is not very smart.

As he climbed in the polls he was emboldened and he took this as validation of his qualifications. He became increasingly arrogant and dismissive and his tour, which originally was designed to enhance his marketability, began to approximate a campaign, lack of staff notwithstanding. After all, this guy is a political neophyte.

As he wallowed in his clippings and popularity, the press coverage grew and his pronouncements and plans received more attention. In addition, his opponents were helping out by vetting him privately and leaking nasty details about his past.

Suddenly, Cain realized he was going to be gutted, grilled, and questioned constantly. His Milwaukee performance was a manifestation of that reality. What did I say yesterday? If I say this, what will be the follow-up question? Can I defend this point of view? What did I read about this morning? Even a slow-learner like Cain is figuring out that politics ain't beanbag.

Welcome to Obama World! Cain can't handle it.

David, agree, Herman Cain's was not a brain freeze, it was clearly a lack of knowledge and current affairs.

David, I agree as well. However, to my utter surprise, Hermie DID give what I thought was the CORRECT answer - the President made the decision(s) based on ALL of the pertinent intelligence and facts and that is what he would do as well as a CEO.

It did not fit the 'bash Obama' meme, but it showed me that Hermie was unprepared for the question, especially since it took him that long to come up with the answer.

Watch out now! Seniors gone wild!!!

Will there be video @ 11:00? lol

No video's. Too racy for mainstream TV. Maybe on pay-for view! LOL

So the GOP says Americans are not very bright according to you phine, post your source or link, but Obama can call Americans lazy and that's the reason why our economy is struggling and he included the GOP in that remark.

So, are we lazy? You and myself are the reason why the economy is struggling? I guess the out of control speading isn't the problem, but we don't understand that because we are not that bright. So I figure either you're too lazy or not bright, which one are you?

For me, I don't know, I have a college education, but I guess I can be labeled not too bright. I've paid over $33,000 in taxes this year and counting, so I don't think I'm lazy, some people think I am, the wife thinks so. Boy, maybe I can think for myself and not have a politican tell me what I am. What do you think?

In every one of the Republican debates you hear Ronald Reagan this, and Ronald Reagan that.

The truth is he would be booted out of the Republican Party these days.

Paul, I was referring to the conversation I had with my mother on what she and her senior citizen gang thinks about the current GOP field. Now, you want to get ugly about my 87 year old mother - as our current POTUS once said "Bring it ON!"

phinephancy. Thanks for the update on your Mom's senior group. I give them a round of applause for even watching Saturday's debate; couldn't bring myself to watch after just a few days from the last one.

Last night, I received a Herman Cain robo-call. As Job1 said that the GOP must always reference Reagan, Cain's call began with a brief message about a "shining city on the hill."

I don't remember if it was Bachman or several of the GOP candidates who were so surprised during a debate to hear that Reagan raised taxes 11 times. Telling in itself--they praise the man yet no nothing of who he really was.

Paul, why don't you provide the link or quote where President Obama called Americans lazy because I have only heard him discuss what hard workers Americans are. Now, Congress and the GOP in it, that's another story because they are lazy. Since Jan 2011, the GOP House works 3 days per week for 2 weeks, then takes a week off. Now that's lazy.

Jody, Miss Louise, one of the senior gang received a robo call before the election. She had to buy a new phone after yelling at it and throwing it on the floor! The call, they wanted her to vote yes on Issue 2.

Job1, funny you mentioning Reagan. Mom said the exact same thing this morning. (However, then she got into how much she disliked Reagan and wishes the "senile old coot" was still alive so she could b*&ch slap him for what his economic policies have done to the country")

Hi Phinephancy,

Your Mom sounds like she has a great spirit. I like that.

Job1, you should see her at a slot machine! Really spirited then! LOL

phinephancy - does she go to Hollywood? We go there occasionally. Can't win there anymore, never see anyone really win a good jackpot, just $50 or $100. When it first started as the Argosy, the winnings were pretty good. You'd see a lot of $10,000 + wins. Then everything went totally gimmicky machines and digital payout tickets. Now not winning so much. Or does she go to Grand Vic, which is now named something else, Rising Star or something like that. Only been there once, as it is another half hour down the road. Also never been to BelTerra. But I sure did used to love Argosy until they turned it into Hollywood. Now they're going to open one over on Broadway in Cincinnati in about 2013. Can't wait.

She goes to BelTerra. The group used to go to Argosy, but started costing them money. At 87, they do count their pennies.

It is sad. What's a thinking Republican to do but sit out this election or pray for someone else to get in the race? Good grief George Bush looks like an intellectual compared to this crowd. Humiliating.

Nice post, Dan, so true.

Dan,

We know what Romney is, which is why his numbers never move past the porgressive and aestablishment portion of the party. And every primary cycle has its share of gaffes and controversies. I ultimately believe the last standing Candidate other than Romney takes the nomination. While Romney is not the choice of conservatives, they would support him in the event he is the nominee. Mainly because he has the one main quality shared by all in the field right now..

HE IS NOT OBAMA

When comparing gaffes, personality issues, personal issues etc, these all become secondary to this one main positive quality. And many people will vote based on this.

I know I will......

ABO 2012

The TGOP Candidates are not having Gaffes. They are being true to themselves.

The TGOP are showing the level of their real Ignorance to the way the Government and the World functions.

What we see is what they have to offer...nothing!

Nashville Fan, the GOP candidates and current legislators really are pathetic--the even contradict their own previous stances in order to be anti-Obama. Equally sad are the ones on FR who talk about teleprompters, 57 states, and now Hawaii is a state but it wasn't before because President Obama was born there which meant it could not be a state.

Here in Florida we unfortunately do not have a recall. If we did, Rick Scott would be gone. Heck, even a lot of the tea party doesn't like him if the letters to the editor are any indication!

Jody, great point. The Republicans were against Hawaii being a state before they were for it being a state. Irony and sarcasm intended!

Jennifer, he isn't crazy or dumb enough for this year's GOP.

Jennifer, how can you say he is overlooked??? He is a media creation almost entirely. Why does he get to be in debates when Buddy Roemer and Gary Johnson do not? Why does he land big interviews on Meet the Press and Face the Nation and the other Sunday talk shows? Didn't you see his big media roll out at Liberty Park? A better question is, why, in spite of the media blitz, is Huntsman still not going anywhere.

Jennifer: he's being overlooked by REPUBLICANS. have you seen his poll numbers?? He served in the Obama administration. That's all any Repubican wants to know about him.

Huntsman and his daughters will be on Piers Morgan/CNN tonight.

Huntsman and his daughters will be on Piers Morgan/CNN tonight.

His daughters are smokin HOT!

Their spoof on Cain's smokin' video was pretty funny and classy!

Jennifer, it isn't the media's fault that Huntsman remains at 3% and that republicans for the most part refuse to consider him despite his intelligence, his experience, his qualification because he is a right-leaning moderate and heaven forbid, he worked for the Obama administration as Ambassador to China--the ultimate sin, a job with their sworn enemy. It says a great deal more about the modern republican party than it does about the media. How sad is that?

Jody, Iowa

Jennifer, it isn't the media's fault that Huntsman remains at 3% and that republicans for the most part refuse to consider him despite his intelligence, his experience, his qualification

Actually the GOP primary voters won't consider him BECAUSE of his intelligence, experience, and qualifications. They want someone that's a stupid and ignorant as they are. They don't want no stinkin' elite type who can speak Mandarin Chinese! They'd rather have a candidate like Rick Perry, who barely can speak English and doesn't even know what the government agencies he wants to abolish actually do.

Paul's problem?

He's running for the wrong party's nomination.

Da Noid - I agree. I think that Ron Paul has made a critical error running as a Republican. With the political climate as it is today, he would have a better shot as an Independent.

"raising big money" LOL...you must be joking. The perennial candidate has raised nearly 12 m. from his usual sources...that's barely a third of what Romney raised Do you have any idea where McCain was at this point (and I can tell you how that one came out...he lost in a landslide.)

I agree with Da Noid. Ron should go Libertarian again. Maybe he would get in with a three way race. Appears that the others could stumble.

LMAO

The reason Ron Paul is running as a Republican is so that he can get some debate time. However, that's not working out well either as Fox, CBS, and CNN keep a very short collar on his input time. Which of the major media outlets are going to give an independent any air time? He really has very few choices to get his name out there.

Even the republicans don't like him.

Right Rick: As though not knowing China has nuclear capability, not remembering ever meeting one of the women paid $40,000 to keep quiet in a sexual harrassment claim against you, attacking a second one paid $30,000 while you were Pres. of the same association, and asking a reporter to tell you what side President Obama took in Libya so you could talk about doing the opposite are "mis-statements". As though not being able to talk about a central plank in your OWN campaign (Perry) is a "mis-statement". As though running from the time you were FOR national healthcare (Perry and Gingrich)or the time you believed a woman should not be told by her government she had no business expecting a right to privacy since she was a woman (Perry, CAIN) because your party will kill you now for saying so things are "mis-statements". Yeah...when Obama spoke about 57 states, meaning 57 primaries on the stump campaigning 3 years ago...we're supposed to believe it's the same "gaffe"?? Really you right wingers have to come up with some new material...because this nonsense is just not working for you.

scuse the typos, I meant to say Perry WINKIE, Cocain, and bachmalaria

That's ok. It was just as mindless the second time, but we realize that you cater to like minded Demos so what you did makes sense.

who said "death bed"? he cheated on wife number 1 with wife number 2 as wife number 1 was being treated for cancer. Now, feel better?? (of course wife number 2 later suffered the same fate with wife number 3, but yes, there was no cancer involved this time.) Painful? Well, probably a bit more pain on the part of wives 1 and 2 then for "all parties". You have an extremelly low bar on this "family values" thing the republicans are supposedly big on.

Can you read? The daughter says there WAS NO cancer. The wife asked for the divorce. No wonder you people fall for Obama's BS. He counts on you being stupid.

Damage, I suppose the oncologist was for show. LMAO

Damage: you are mistaken. She was in the hospital for treatment of uterine cancer. You are quoting something the daughter wrote 30 years later in defense of her father, denying the episode as fact. According to Newt's ex wife Jackie, she WAS in the hospital where she was being treated when Newt wanted to discuss the divorce. Go back and read the 1984 story and jackie's own account. (Someone is counting on you being stupid and it isn't the President).

If that isn't damning enough, read what wife number TWO, Marianne, wrote about how she told him to go get his divorce first from wife numer one, before sh'd discuss marriage. That TOO is public. (She gave that interview to Esquire.) Love this guy at your peril.

Really? A pond of pig manure.... what else do you think about? Are you alone with your thoughts? Do you stay awake at night? Do your thoughts just come to a screeching halt like your observation above? A pond of pig manure... frozen....Ask your doctor if he can recommend anyone.

Want legalized prostitution and legalized heroin? Want full protection of rights under the US Constitution --unless you're a woman (trying to use that right to privacy thing)? Want to return America to isolationism and tell every country, friend or foe, we know nothing--we see nothing? Want to embrace pork barrel spending for SOME Congressional districts and not others? Want to dissolve social security and embrace "you're on your own" , good luck with your insurance company if you have one health care again? Want to pack the Supreme Court with right wing reactionairies who think the Constitution AS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN should stand (well we might consider the slavery thing...but that's it)? Then go ahead and vote Ron Paul...

Want a big dreamer who would never get his reforms past Congress? Ron Paul is not smaller government, he's the ol' Confederate idealist who wants more freedom for businesses to screw you over. Ron Paul is the ultimate "knee-jerk" reactionist which is why he is mainly popular with college kids, druggies, and backwoods anarchists.

Ron Paul, Lazy Fare all the way.

Ap your comments are a lie and out of context

JimTN your comments are even worse. You are a knee jerk and a liar.

IMHO I know you thought it was some clever French play on words, but it's not.

That's all you got Matt? Wow, depressing.

takeouttheCons, well said.

Listenstop watching MSNBC and get a clue beforeyou comment on something you know nothing about. Jeepers Libs!!!

The American Dream has never gone away. People just lost the drive to pursue it.

History is replete with those ready to dance on America's grave...as Mark Twain said, reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.

The American dream is not Obama,Reid and Pelosi telling us what we should and should'nt do. After they take everything from the rich who do you think is next. You really think they are going to stop with the rich. By the way These people are some of the most corrupt people around the people that will not suffer under them is their buddies.

The American Dream is not your radical right agenda of dividing and conquering. Take money from the rich?? Have you been asleep over the last decade or just blind to how well the rich are doing and how lousy everyone else is doing by comparison? It's wonderful of you to shed tears over their lowest effective tax rate for the wealthy in decades, but they really, really don't need your help. Democrats telling us what to do?? While you demonize them, look at what your radical reactionairies on the right are doing--telling people who they can marry, forcing their religious views on all women by working to get women back to back alley abortions, degrading anyone who is not Christian, trying to outlaw collective bargaining, and for good measure, joking about killing border crossers, starting new world wars, a war on science and trying to limit who can actually call themselves "American". That may be YOUR American dream --for real Americans, it's a Taliban-inspired nightmare.

Dark Horse. Watchout!

Yeah...jeb bush is going to come riding in on his horse any moment now and save you from these losers....3...2.....1...

Please, no more Bush’s. We already have had three Bush's. George Bush, Walker Bush and Barack Bush.

When I put in a difficult week's work, each and every week, I sure don't want money to just "trickle down" to me. I want a wage or a salary that I can put food on the table, pay for my modest home, and be able to see a doctor when I am sick and to get decent medical care. I don't want something trickling down to me. I earned it. Just as I earned Social Security, earned Medicare. The Republicans believe they are the ones to determine all trickles and handouts, whether we earned them or not. And they are quite prepared to handout and subsidize companies and banks, oil and pharma, with "no bids" so therefore, no negotiations for the best deals. They are quite prepared to continue to "p!$$" money up - into the upper atmosphere - for their millionaire and billionaire buddies who turn around and contribute to their campaigns. They want to do nothing to stop the crises of the middle class, the working poor, and the poor, sick, disabled or veterans. Where are the jobs bills? And why is Medicare or Social Security on the table? Stand firm, Dems, and let your representative know you stand firm. No more DINOs. We finally got rid of Blanche Lincoln, even though she lost to a Republican, who cares? She was as much one as DeMint. This regressive mindset will never work in this country. We have always been a forward looking, problem solving people, and it is the republicans who want to turn the clock back to pre-civil rights, and you know it. Get off your butts and vote. Get off your butts and go occupy. The republican America is a sad, sad place to want to wind up in.

Can you repeat that one more time? Thanks.

A recipe for Revolution. OWS is only a taste of what's to come.

yakfitguy - i just want to say...hahaha! howl at the moon dude!!

You're going to eat those words. Read a history book. A system like this will collapse and the masses will force it to do so.