In my opinion The Super Committee is the most important thing happening in Washington right now. With that in mind, a couple of questions:
1. That the Super Committee exists at all represents a failure of Congress to, for lack of a better term, "do their job." Was the Super Committee formed to fail, to buy time?
2. As the Super Committee slides to its inevitable inefficacy there is talk of deactivating the automatic triggers. Can they? Will they? And if they do?
My intuition tells me that voter turnout is going to decide the 2012 elections.
Do you think the recent changes in voter ID laws will have any impact on getting people to the polls?
Will it cause the youth vote to become disenfranchised?
After all, they played a pivotal role in 2008.
Yesterday on Capital Hill, a husband & wife (both seniors) testified about the State of TN attempting to charge them $8.00 for an ID even though it was suppose to be free.
DCIA - Good question. I was going to ask it. OWS and 60 minute questions already asked too.
My take is that when the Super Committee fails, the markets take another huge hit on 11/23. Black Friday and Cyber monday notwithstanding, coupled with the Greek crisis it may be the straw that broke the camel's back.
Politically, I think it will reinforce the idea that even when under dire instructions to work together the politicians will not. It could stoke the fires for the "throw them all out" crowd. With more democratic incumbents in the Senate, I am worried.
I Hope I am wrong.
edit
Mark in So Cal good follow up. Can a future Congress reverse the automated cuts? The super committee is the biggest story that can affect the most. However, FR will answer a question about the GOP candidates.
Dennis -- What they legislate they can un-legislate it seems. If not possible after one election cycle it may become possible after the next. Everything is on the table and no longer has meaning. Talk about putting uncertainty out there this new Congress wins the trophy! The new norm.
Yes, any future Congress can undo any part or all of what the Super Committee and this Congress votes to do. That's why none of what is decided takes affect until 2013. It also allows time for the economy to improve and buys time. Lots of people complain about the idea of it but, in my view, the real purpose was to get both sides but mostly the GOP to focus on long-term goals instead of their piece meal focus on this year--focus on future cuts that won't impact the struggling economy today; and get Congress working on something important.
Ginrich couldn't "bear" Romney, or anyone else. He makes it clear by his candidacy that only Michele Bachmann is our best hope. (but thanks anyway, Amy B, ME.) Romney must already realize that he is out of it. He has burned out. Flamed out. Fizzled out. Crashed and burned. And Perry is history (even in Texas, I suspect). The rest of the male candidates are simply implausible. Since I am fully male and masculine as heck, I get to say that. Ron Paul? In what race? Postmaster of Detroit? Step forward, milady...you want to be President of the U. S.? Well, you've got your wish. And the Tea Party Patriots are solidly with you.
Amy B., I don't think the White House is scared of Romney at all. Republicans are "not in love" with him. His own health care plan is "Obama lite". The conservative base wants a REAL conservative to rally the troops. Even Ann Coulter said, "nominate Romney and re-elect Obama". Personally, I am starting to believe Newt is the best of what's left.
After Gingrich self-implodes (again), who do you think will fill the void?
What do you think will happen with the Super Committee? Will Republicans continue to be uncompromising on revenues causing the committee to fail, and if Republicans actually agree to significant revenues, what will be the repercussions if any?
Dem related questions:
If the OWS momentum continues until the 2012 election, do you think this will help get young voters back to the voting booth?
Where are surrogates for the president to tag Republican presidential candidates for "lie fixing" in which almost all have lied about the president saying the American people are lazy, when in fact he said no such thing and merely repeated what the Chamber of Commerce has been saying for a long time?
General:
Scott Walker has complained that recalls should only apply to "crimes and misdemeanors" similar to impeachment. Isn't taking actions contrary to promises made during a campaign a form of perjury? And how would his recall affect Ohio, Florida, Arizona and other states in which Republican state officials have over-reached?
With the all the different favorites that come and go in the GOP field, how many of the GOP base are really undecided and when will they finally get off the fence and lean towards any particular candidate?
Out of these lawsuits trying to get the Supreme Court to rule that the individual mandate of the ACA is unconstitutional, do any of them actually represent an actual person that would be affected by it?
It appears to me that every single person or entity bringing thes suit up all have health insurance, so the mandate wouldn't even affect them at all. How can the sue if it has no affect on them.
Can I sue big tobacco, big sugar, big oil or pharma because they might possibly make someone else sick with their unregulated practices or would I have to wait until I myself actually got sick? I think the answer to this is no.
Then how can anyone sue until there is actually a real problem to sue for?
That's a good question, because the news has focused almost exclusively on the Republican primary race, the belligerance of Republican governors, and the "Do Nothing" Republican controlled Congress.
I just read an article on another site about Obama's speech to the Australian legislature, and I was astounded to learn how much we are doing militarily in Asia. Who knew?
True, I agree with Amy. All we're ever hearing about is the "do nothing", "just say NO" and "I'll take your sound-bite out of context" people.
Why don't we start looking at the actual people that are trying to get something done for the sake of fixing the problems?
Oh, that's right... I forgot, outside the democratic party they don't exist. We can't fix things by ourselves, we need a majority and the elimination of the bull@!$%# filibuster to get us all back to work and moving in a progressive (as opposed to regressive) direction.
Why is the republican party so dead set on destroying America as we know it ! Most of them are not rich ..they don't realize it will effect them also? Their wealthy "FRIENDS" must be laughing at them behind their backs !
Do you think the recent revelations about Marco Rubio and the circumstances of his family coming to America will have long term implications for his future in politics or is it something he will address and put behind him?
What are the chances that any of the contenders for the GOP nomination run as a "3rd Party" candidate? Does Ron Paul run for the Libertarian Party? Does Michele Bachmann run on behalf of disgruntled Conservatives if, say, Mitt Romney wins the nomination?
I watched that 60 minutes piece; the insider trading cited was done by members of both parties, but, surprise surprise it's Pelosi who is getting smeared publicly, not the Republicans, regardless of the fact the evidence against them is more clear cut.
CBS’ 60 Minutes went after Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and Financial Services Committee Chairman Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.) in a Sunday story covering allegations of insider trading and “soft corruption” by powerful members of Congress.
60 Minutes based its report, which also focused on former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and ex-Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), on research by Peter Schweizer, a fellow at the conservative Hoover Institution. Schweizer said he and his team of eight student researchers found “forms of honest graft” by lawmakers.
Yes, Lots of politicians do it........but I want to hear the details of all the millions that the HYPOCRITE Nancy Pelosi has made from "INSIDER D.C. TRADING" with Visa.
After all, Pelosi's always fighting "for the little people" against the "rich."
HAHAHAHA
No wonder Pelosi tried (it failed) to defend Charlie Rangel when he didn't pay his taxes !
Leona, you realize you're not doing your party any favors by repeating Cain's "Princess Nancy" gaff, don't you? I think he's hoping it'll just die quietly, but with folks like you keeping it alive, we'll continue to be reminded of Cain's disdain for women.
"Princess Nancy" only refers to Pelosi's attitude and lifestyle of "the rich and famous". At the same time she portrays that she's for "the little people."
LOL Princess Nancy gets exactly what she deserves.
It has nothing to do with Herman Cain's "disdain for women." That's just a trumped up Democrat talking point and it's just another LIE coming from the LEFT.
Seeing that the mainstream media loves to point out Romney's or any republicans flip flops do you expect any coverage of Elizabeth Warrens 180 degree turn on occupy wall street?
First she was the inventer of the movement and now she won't even sign their petition.
Yeah - I heard that. But as you know it's just one of the few (thousands - sssh) exceptions of bad behavior. We can't let that deter from the important message. --- lefties are so funny.
Will Red State Democrat Senators up for re election in 2012, as a group dramatically break away from their support of Obama, or will they take a more low key approach ?
As the focus turns to Congress in the next few weeks, where do the GOP candidates stand on the debt ceiling agreement last summer and the current" super committee" work to reduce the deficit?
Can we officially pronounce the Occupy Wall Street Movement as DEAD.
Seems to me the markets on Wall Street opened without a hitch today.
Apparently, if you want to cause a disruption amongst the working class (which includes those on wall street) you can't sleep until noon in mommy's basement.
With the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and the Koch brothers suppressing the vote in states where President Obama won what, are the chances the Justice Dept can step in to eradicate this assault on the one basic principles this country was founded on; democracy?
I remember watching a local talk show on TV where the discussion said there was really nothing that could be done due to the stipulation by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
I guess what I'm aiming at is at the present are all voting laws created equal; despite these individual states claiming states rights, along with ALEC, Karl Rove & the Koch brothers effort to apply their political will trough dirty tricks and voter suppression.
What can be done about this; provided my understanding is correct, to prevent the 2012 election suppression of votes?
Please explain as I'm sure if their effort succeeds this effect 2012
What are the ultimate risks and advantages of a candidate taking an opponent's comments out of context and spinning it to his advantage? Does truth matter at all?
Although most of the coverage and build up for 2012 is for the presidential race, will not the most important developments come in the Congressional races. Whoever wins as President will most certainly face fillibuster votes on policy.
Question - As it appears that Republicans will keep the House and win the Senate (due to amount of Dem incumbents), what are the early indicators on Congress flipping solidly Republican? Also is there any likely hood that a new Senate leader could lower the number to break a filibuster to weaken the minority?
Is there any possibility, no matter how remote, that any form of campaign financing reform measures may be introduced and acted upon before the next election? Seems to me MONEY is usually the driving force in all our elections.
Is it not true that for all practical purposes the Super Committee is little more than a smoke and mirrors exercise? I am under the impression that even if it fails to come up with recommendations in a timely manner - the triggers have little or no financial effect until after the November 2012 elections.
IMO, I believe the races for the Senate is just as important, if not more, so my question is: Do you think the Republicans will regain control of the Senate, since there are 33 seats on the ballots and 22 of them are democrats?
It appears that the House is more important that the upper chamber because in the Senate the minority rules with the filibuster, needing only 41 votes to stop legislation. You should not believe that the Republicans will be able to hold all 11 of their seats and pick up 13 of the Dems 22 seats – extremely unlikely. The main thing the majority has in the Senate is that they set the agenda (bills for consideration) and calendar.
The Dems only need 25 seats to regain the House and I believe that is doable.
If the seriousness of election fraud is considered might it include possibilities of voter fraud & in particular, the Romney's claiming a residence in their son's unfinished basement in order to vote for Scott Brown?
In reference to other questions on the Senate races: How strong is Sen. Scott Brown's position in Massachusetts? I'm hearing that things stand at about 50/50 between he and Elizabeth Warren.
Does Gingrich really have a chance to bear Romney in the Republican primary?
I can't bear the thought of Romney as the nominee; I meant, above, can Gingrich beat Romney :)
Your not alone....
The white house is rightfully scared of Romney too.
Politically speaking, what will happen if the "Super Committee" fails?
Don't_carry,
You beat me to it!
In my opinion The Super Committee is the most important thing happening in Washington right now. With that in mind, a couple of questions:
1. That the Super Committee exists at all represents a failure of Congress to, for lack of a better term, "do their job." Was the Super Committee formed to fail, to buy time?
2. As the Super Committee slides to its inevitable inefficacy there is talk of deactivating the automatic triggers. Can they? Will they? And if they do?
Hi Mark & Domenico!
My intuition tells me that voter turnout is going to decide the 2012 elections.
Do you think the recent changes in voter ID laws will have any impact on getting people to the polls?
Will it cause the youth vote to become disenfranchised?
After all, they played a pivotal role in 2008.
Yesterday on Capital Hill, a husband & wife (both seniors) testified about the State of TN attempting to charge them $8.00 for an ID even though it was suppose to be free.
DCIA - Good question. I was going to ask it. OWS and 60 minute questions already asked too.
My take is that when the Super Committee fails, the markets take another huge hit on 11/23. Black Friday and Cyber monday notwithstanding, coupled with the Greek crisis it may be the straw that broke the camel's back.
Politically, I think it will reinforce the idea that even when under dire instructions to work together the politicians will not. It could stoke the fires for the "throw them all out" crowd. With more democratic incumbents in the Senate, I am worried.
I Hope I am wrong.
edit
Mark in So Cal good follow up. Can a future Congress reverse the automated cuts? The super committee is the biggest story that can affect the most. However, FR will answer a question about the GOP candidates.
Mark,
“there is talk of deactivating the automatic triggers”
Our President has already said he would veto any effort overturn the triggers.
Great questions everyone....maybe they can do a summary of all and answer????
Dennis -- What they legislate they can un-legislate it seems. If not possible after one election cycle it may become possible after the next. Everything is on the table and no longer has meaning. Talk about putting uncertainty out there this new Congress wins the trophy! The new norm.
Yes, any future Congress can undo any part or all of what the Super Committee and this Congress votes to do. That's why none of what is decided takes affect until 2013. It also allows time for the economy to improve and buys time. Lots of people complain about the idea of it but, in my view, the real purpose was to get both sides but mostly the GOP to focus on long-term goals instead of their piece meal focus on this year--focus on future cuts that won't impact the struggling economy today; and get Congress working on something important.
Ginrich couldn't "bear" Romney, or anyone else. He makes it clear by his candidacy that only Michele Bachmann is our best hope. (but thanks anyway, Amy B, ME.) Romney must already realize that he is out of it. He has burned out. Flamed out. Fizzled out. Crashed and burned. And Perry is history (even in Texas, I suspect). The rest of the male candidates are simply implausible. Since I am fully male and masculine as heck, I get to say that. Ron Paul? In what race? Postmaster of Detroit? Step forward, milady...you want to be President of the U. S.? Well, you've got your wish. And the Tea Party Patriots are solidly with you.
Amy B., I don't think the White House is scared of Romney at all. Republicans are "not in love" with him. His own health care plan is "Obama lite". The conservative base wants a REAL conservative to rally the troops. Even Ann Coulter said, "nominate Romney and re-elect Obama". Personally, I am starting to believe Newt is the best of what's left.
GOP related questions:
After Gingrich self-implodes (again), who do you think will fill the void?
What do you think will happen with the Super Committee? Will Republicans continue to be uncompromising on revenues causing the committee to fail, and if Republicans actually agree to significant revenues, what will be the repercussions if any?
Dem related questions:
If the OWS momentum continues until the 2012 election, do you think this will help get young voters back to the voting booth?
Where are surrogates for the president to tag Republican presidential candidates for "lie fixing" in which almost all have lied about the president saying the American people are lazy, when in fact he said no such thing and merely repeated what the Chamber of Commerce has been saying for a long time?
General:
Scott Walker has complained that recalls should only apply to "crimes and misdemeanors" similar to impeachment. Isn't taking actions contrary to promises made during a campaign a form of perjury? And how would his recall affect Ohio, Florida, Arizona and other states in which Republican state officials have over-reached?
With the all the different favorites that come and go in the GOP field, how many of the GOP base are really undecided and when will they finally get off the fence and lean towards any particular candidate?
Out of these lawsuits trying to get the Supreme Court to rule that the individual mandate of the ACA is unconstitutional, do any of them actually represent an actual person that would be affected by it?
It appears to me that every single person or entity bringing thes suit up all have health insurance, so the mandate wouldn't even affect them at all. How can the sue if it has no affect on them.
Can I sue big tobacco, big sugar, big oil or pharma because they might possibly make someone else sick with their unregulated practices or would I have to wait until I myself actually got sick? I think the answer to this is no.
Then how can anyone sue until there is actually a real problem to sue for?
What have any, and I mean any, Democrat Politicians been up to for the last 4 months?
WCA
That's a good question, because the news has focused almost exclusively on the Republican primary race, the belligerance of Republican governors, and the "Do Nothing" Republican controlled Congress.
I just read an article on another site about Obama's speech to the Australian legislature, and I was astounded to learn how much we are doing militarily in Asia. Who knew?
Amy: "How much we are doing militarily in Asia?"
.... sounds like it's just another reason for the LEFT to get mad at Obama.
LOL
True, I agree with Amy. All we're ever hearing about is the "do nothing", "just say NO" and "I'll take your sound-bite out of context" people.
Why don't we start looking at the actual people that are trying to get something done for the sake of fixing the problems?
Oh, that's right... I forgot, outside the democratic party they don't exist. We can't fix things by ourselves, we need a majority and the elimination of the bull@!$%# filibuster to get us all back to work and moving in a progressive (as opposed to regressive) direction.
Why is the republican party so dead set on destroying America as we know it ! Most of them are not rich ..they don't realize it will effect them also? Their wealthy "FRIENDS" must be laughing at them behind their backs !
Do you think the Occupy Wall Street movement will have any effect on the 2012 election?
Thanks as always for taking our questions.
Do you think the recent revelations about Marco Rubio and the circumstances of his family coming to America will have long term implications for his future in politics or is it something he will address and put behind him?
What are the chances that any of the contenders for the GOP nomination run as a "3rd Party" candidate? Does Ron Paul run for the Libertarian Party? Does Michele Bachmann run on behalf of disgruntled Conservatives if, say, Mitt Romney wins the nomination?
What if any fall out can we expect from the recent 60 Minutes piece on Congress members alleged stock profits from inside information?
I understand John Kerry has asked for a retraction from the cited book. And Nancy Pelosi believes that 60 Minutes is now being run by Glenn Beck.
I watched that 60 minutes piece; the insider trading cited was done by members of both parties, but, surprise surprise it's Pelosi who is getting smeared publicly, not the Republicans, regardless of the fact the evidence against them is more clear cut.
I'd like a lengthy article about Princess Nancy's "insider D.C. trading" activity as it pertains to her husband making 10's of millions on Visa stock.
Do I hear crickets again? LOL
Leona -- Did you watch the entire segment on 60 Minutes or just a minute of it? Republicans were prominently featured.
Yes, Lots of politicians do it........but I want to hear the details of all the millions that the HYPOCRITE Nancy Pelosi has made from "INSIDER D.C. TRADING" with Visa.
After all, Pelosi's always fighting "for the little people" against the "rich."
HAHAHAHA
No wonder Pelosi tried (it failed) to defend Charlie Rangel when he didn't pay his taxes !
Democrats = Hypocrites
Leona, you realize you're not doing your party any favors by repeating Cain's "Princess Nancy" gaff, don't you? I think he's hoping it'll just die quietly, but with folks like you keeping it alive, we'll continue to be reminded of Cain's disdain for women.
"Princess Nancy" only refers to Pelosi's attitude and lifestyle of "the rich and famous". At the same time she portrays that she's for "the little people."
LOL Princess Nancy gets exactly what she deserves.
It has nothing to do with Herman Cain's "disdain for women." That's just a trumped up Democrat talking point and it's just another LIE coming from the LEFT.
Seeing that the mainstream media loves to point out Romney's or any republicans flip flops do you expect any coverage of Elizabeth Warrens 180 degree turn on occupy wall street?
First she was the inventer of the movement and now she won't even sign their petition.
hey Rob,
Warren must have done a 180 because the White House gunman was seen at OWS in D.C. on and off before the shootings.
Yeah - I heard that. But as you know it's just one of the few (thousands - sssh) exceptions of bad behavior. We can't let that deter from the important message. --- lefties are so funny.
Did you forget how many white supremacist were in attendance at teaparty rally's? A few bad apples eh?
Will Red State Democrat Senators up for re election in 2012, as a group dramatically break away from their support of Obama, or will they take a more low key approach ?
I'll answer that.
It will depend on whether or not they want to get re elected.
lol
Just like in 2010, they were nowhere to be seen when Obama came to their state.
During our 2011 election, Virginia Dems ran away from Obama during his bus tour. Bad omen for the Democrats.
As the focus turns to Congress in the next few weeks, where do the GOP candidates stand on the debt ceiling agreement last summer and the current" super committee" work to reduce the deficit?
Sorry one more question.....
Can we officially pronounce the Occupy Wall Street Movement as DEAD.
Seems to me the markets on Wall Street opened without a hitch today.
Apparently, if you want to cause a disruption amongst the working class (which includes those on wall street) you can't sleep until noon in mommy's basement.
With the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and the Koch brothers suppressing the vote in states where President Obama won what, are the chances the Justice Dept can step in to eradicate this assault on the one basic principles this country was founded on; democracy?
I remember watching a local talk show on TV where the discussion said there was really nothing that could be done due to the stipulation by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
I guess what I'm aiming at is at the present are all voting laws created equal; despite these individual states claiming states rights, along with ALEC, Karl Rove & the Koch brothers effort to apply their political will trough dirty tricks and voter suppression.
What can be done about this; provided my understanding is correct, to prevent the 2012 election suppression of votes?
Please explain as I'm sure if their effort succeeds this effect 2012
hey Bev,
Don't worry about suppression of Democrat votes!
ACORN will come to the rescue !
LOL
What are the ultimate risks and advantages of a candidate taking an opponent's comments out of context and spinning it to his advantage? Does truth matter at all?
Excellent question!
Although most of the coverage and build up for 2012 is for the presidential race, will not the most important developments come in the Congressional races. Whoever wins as President will most certainly face fillibuster votes on policy.
Question - As it appears that Republicans will keep the House and win the Senate (due to amount of Dem incumbents), what are the early indicators on Congress flipping solidly Republican? Also is there any likely hood that a new Senate leader could lower the number to break a filibuster to weaken the minority?
Does romney believe in the book of mormon ? I am a minority lived in utah for some time , got the hell out of there , guess why ????
Is there any possibility, no matter how remote, that any form of campaign financing reform measures may be introduced and acted upon before the next election? Seems to me MONEY is usually the driving force in all our elections.
Is it not true that for all practical purposes the Super Committee is little more than a smoke and mirrors exercise? I am under the impression that even if it fails to come up with recommendations in a timely manner - the triggers have little or no financial effect until after the November 2012 elections.
IMO, I believe the races for the Senate is just as important, if not more, so my question is: Do you think the Republicans will regain control of the Senate, since there are 33 seats on the ballots and 22 of them are democrats?
Sarge,
It appears that the House is more important that the upper chamber because in the Senate the minority rules with the filibuster, needing only 41 votes to stop legislation. You should not believe that the Republicans will be able to hold all 11 of their seats and pick up 13 of the Dems 22 seats – extremely unlikely. The main thing the majority has in the Senate is that they set the agenda (bills for consideration) and calendar.
The Dems only need 25 seats to regain the House and I believe that is doable.
Is there even the slightest chance that the Senate will change the number of Senators required to stop a filibuster?
How serious is election fraud? (If you should choose this question, please don't pull any punches.)
If the seriousness of election fraud is considered might it include possibilities of voter fraud & in particular, the Romney's claiming a residence in their son's unfinished basement in order to vote for Scott Brown?
In reference to other questions on the Senate races: How strong is Sen. Scott Brown's position in Massachusetts? I'm hearing that things stand at about 50/50 between he and Elizabeth Warren.
Why isn't more being discussed of the fact that military vets are not happy with the Republican Presidential candidates?
When you talk to them about honor and integrity, they cringe at people like Romney and Cain.
Are you saying the military Vets should then vote for Obama?
Let's face it, Obama would have been turned away from the military.
Obama has some subversive friends who hate this country. (i.e. Bill Ayers, Rev.Wright, etc.)
LEONA-2986819
Obama has some subversive friends who hate this country. (i.e. Bill Ayers, Rev.Wright, etc.)
Rev.Wright???
Reading is fundamental.
In 1961 Wright left college and joined the United States Marine Corps and became part of the 2nd Marine Division attaining the rank of private first class. In 1963, after two years of service, Wright joined the United States Navy and entered the Corpsman School at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center.[12][13] Wright was then trained as a cardiopulmonary technician at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Wright was assigned as part of the medical team charged with care of President Lyndon B. Johnson (see photo of Wright caring for Johnson after his 1966 surgery). Before leaving the position in 1967, the White House Physician, Vice Admiral Burkley, personally wrote Wright a letter of thanks on behalf of the United States President.[14][15][16]
In 1967 Wright enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1968 and a master’s degree in English in 1969. He also earned a master's degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School.[12] Wright holds a Doctor of Ministry degree (1990) from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where he studied under Samuel DeWitt Proctor, a mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr.[17]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_Wright#Education_and_military_service
How many years did Bush & Cheney serve?
Hey Bev,
You left out that little tintsy winsty fact........Rev Wright spews hate towards this country in his "church" on a regular basis.
"God Da$% America."
I guess you forgot. LOL