*** What to watch:

Two words...

Turn out!

I'm predicting record low numbers.

Republicans ready for 2012 Hate Fest Contest!!!

Most sensible American will gather their popcorn and other threats in order to sit back and laugh at the comedy and hypocrisy.

Election Day Registration, No Photo ID Requirement Will Help Boost Turnout In Iowa Caucuses.

http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2012/01/02/396177/iowa-election-day-registration/

Republican 2012 strategy: Suppress voter turnout

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/06/republican_2012_strategy_suppr.html

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

But, No Photo ID Requirement Will Suppress Voter Turnout in Other states . Can you see the hypocrisy?

After a great, long New Year’s weekend with family and friends in the Adirondacks near Lake Placid, I’m looking forward to a happy and prosperous 2012. As Da Rhoid pointed out last week, 2011 wasn’t so bad in the stock market’s depending on where you had your money invested, touting the almost 7% price rise in the Dow 30. Add in 2.5% for dividends and you were almost at the long term average stock market return of 10%. Of course, you would have had to invest in evil corporations like GE, Exxon Mobil and Bank of America.

Being in Lake Placid reminded me of the 1980 Olympics “Miracle on Ice” where the US hockey team scored a huge upset by beating the Russians, who were then considered the best non-professional hockey team in the world. The US team then went on to win the gold medal. In 1999, Sports Illustrated named the "Miracle on Ice" the Top Sports Moment of the 20th Century.

The 1980 connection also reminded me that it was the last time there was a Presidential election with an absolutely dismal economy. Jimmy Carter’s Misery Index (unemployment rate plus inflation rate) hit almost 22% in 1980. That year, the American people had the good sense to toss out a Dem incumbent who, while likeable and well meaning, was inept and incompetent, and just not up to the task of guiding the economy on the path to a strong recovery. Let’s hope the American people still have that good sense in 2012, because the country may not survive Jimmy Carter’s third term.

BTW, there was a news report on CNBC late last week that I’m hoping FR lefty liberals who claim “Republican’s are out to destroy the middle class” can help me understand. Florida theme parks are on track for record attendance in 2011 and the parks are so crowded they are turning people away in order to keep lines for rides and attractions to only one to two hours. They are also extending night hours to accommodate those they have turned away in a “second shift”, after some of the early arrivals have left. Are these record crowds the poor who have sold their food stamps on the black market and saved up the money for a week at Wallyworld? Or are they the 1% who have decided to skip Aspen and St. Barts, and instead do some slumming in Orlando? Or, paraphrasing Mark Twain, are reports of the “Republican’s trying to destroy the middle class” greatly exaggerated?

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

*** What to watch:

Turn out!

LOL watch Rick Santorum surge from behind GF

Greta Christiana tweeted that:

LOL watch Rick Santorum surge from behind

The idiot, Santorum, re-tweeted it. Now that is hilarious!!!!!

I can see the sewers backing up now.

GOP Base!!!! Are you ready to RUMBLE? In one corner, we have Willard "Mittens" Romney, beloved by the GOP elite establishment. In the other, we have, well, all the others! Who's it to be, GOP base? Is your savior the man from Bain or Texas? The much married former speaker or the lady who needs a geography lesson? How about that former ambassador to China or the former senator who couldn't get reelected? What about that rep from Texas who makes the GOP brass nuts? C'mon, we are dying to find out!

Happy Caucus day!!!!!

Bev---I can't watch.

Way to go Outhouse......I watched Rachel Madcow last night as well.....get your own thoughts and try not to plagiarize everything you hear....lol....silly liberals

Lean Forward!

Michael, No got my info prior to the RMShow.

GOP state legislatures have already put new rules in place in our country in time for the 2012 election. Yes duh, for the purpose of making it harder to vote this year.

The Brennan Center for Justice says these rules will make it 'significantly harder' for more than 5 million eligible voters to cast ballots in 2012. And of the 12 likely battleground states, five states have already cut back on voting rights, and may cut more.

For a full report on the voting cutbacks in 2011 and analysis please go to:
http://www.brennancenter.org/content/resource/voting_law_changes_in_2012

If you're a thief, what could be better than to have a victim who doesn't fight back when you rob him? Actually, there is something much, much better. That's a victim who actually helps you rob him.

We have a nation of victims and a fairly small group of thieves. Bank robbers? Nope, they're small potatoes, but by gum we'll throw the book at those vicious scum. Burglars? Not really, but we need to deal with them very harshly. Drug dealers? No, but these capitalists who are meeting consumer demand are a scourge and must be imprisoned.

Well then, who are these terrible thieves? You won't see them among us, but it's not because they're hiding out. No, they're on their yachts, flying in their private jets, hanging out at the country club, and making earth-shaking decisions in boardrooms.

They take in mind-boggling amounts of money for doing incredibly wonderful things with numbers. It must be very, very sophisticated, and it must be very important, and we can't possibly hope to understand what they're doing. First, we know that's true, because they tell us we can't possibly understand how brilliant they are. Second, we know that's true because we are scared witless by numbers and we know we could never understand how numbers work.

Because they're so smart, when they tell us we must give them money, we do. Doing this will help us. It will make jobs for us. In fact, they tell us if rich people pay less and poor people pay more, everyone gets richer.

You know what? That's just not true. In fact, that's an outright lie. The rich keep getting richer, and the poor keep getting poorer. It's always been that way of course. There's an upper class and a lower class. But for a brief period of time, the great experiment called the United States actually began to create a middle class. Never before in history has this happened.

Somehow, in spite of the fact that we aren't really very well-schooled in match, don't know all that much about science, couldn't build a machine or a home, refine metals from ore, we actually think we're responsible. We did it. We're brilliant. But we believe someone who tells us that more is less and less is more.

The Boardroom Big Money boys have been robbing us blind, and we've been helping them. We've done that simply by being dumb, by refusing to learn, and by refusing to trust our instincts. Time to learn.

By the way, in Iowa, there's a slug of these folks who call themselves Republicans. Every last one of them is telling us that less is more. And they're all so darned moral and saintly I just don't which one to choose.

And while the focus is on tonight’s Republican caucuses in Iowa, Democrats hold theirs as well.

????????!!!!!!!!!!

Not even a drop of coverage on the Democrats gathering in Iowa; the media has made it seem as though the whole state were choosing Obama's opponent, not just the Republican Party activists.

Backhouse, you gotta love the hypocrisy of the GOP. Even when the GOPers pushing Voter I.D. are asked to prove the fraud they claim runs rampant, they cannot back up their claims and instead talk about buying beer and writing checks. As Rachel Maddow pointed out last night, the right to buy beer and write checks is not enshrined in the Constitution, the right to vote is. I was listening to the GOP guest on Rachel's show trying to spin the GOP logic that requiring I.D. at a caucus, which isn't a real vote or something, would interfere with those independent and democratic voters who might show up to their caucus.

To All Ron Paul Supporters in Iowa:

Call all of your friends, family members & co-workers and let them know just how important it is to vote for Ron Paul. Our great nation cannot afford more war. We need PEACE. Peace leads to prosperity. We need to get the debt under control. Our greatest national security risk is not Iran, it is the unsustainable debt.

Please, for the sake of our children and grandchildren vote RON PAUL.

Backhouse

Ah well, one rule for GOP and one rule for everyone else. Hey - it's fair!

Backhouse,

It is good to see you and I are on the same page this morning. The only way the TEA NUTS win is to cheat.

I'm hoping the KOCHs and ALEX monkeys learn like Meg Whitman did in California money can't by everything!!!

Today is a great day for Obama to start working on his memoir. I can lend him a post it to write down all those stellar accomplishments. I can hardly wait to see him with his bags packed and the family in tow getting in a chopper to heading back to Chicago or whereever. Too bad there won't be a good visual of the end of progressivism that this impending defeat truly represents.

I’ve said once and I will continue to say it. The new laws imposed to suppress people from voting are in place to solve fraud problems that are practically nonexistent, instances of people impersonating others at the polls. Come on we know why the GOP is pulling this stunt.

Tom ,Yreka

Bev---I can't watch.

Tom , I understand it is sickening.

Jody, was it a GOP state person pleading a GOP Special, and what exactly was the logic this time?

Just think of it though, five million citizens denied the right to vote under these new laws. What happened to our constitutional right to vote - that we struggled so hard for over the last century?

New laws on photo ID reqs for voting, getting rid of same day voter reg, requiring proof of citizenship to reg to vote, changing reqs for voter registration, reducing early voting days etc. will make it much harder to vote. One example, Texas, has a student ID prohibition.

Welcome Home, Mr President. No one deserved a vacation more than you. I was happy to to see you get away from the insane Republican clowns in Congress

Today is a great day for Obama to start working on his memoir. I can lend him a post it to write down all those stellar accomplishments.

I wonder if the panel of Norwegians who awarded President Obama the Nobel Peace Prize ever envisaged that he would sign a bill allowing citizens of his country to be incarcerated indefinitely with no recourse to the courts? What a slap in the face to other recipients such as Liu Xiaobo, Aung San Suu Kyi, Nelson Mandela and others who were imprisoned by their government.

This legislation should be found to be unconstitutional. How is it not?

Ah, irony. The GOP changes the voting laws for Dems to try and ensure low turnout to win the general election, but makes it easier for the GOP in their primaries. Ah, irony. The fact that none of the GOP field is appealing to the base will be blamed on the left - instead of themselves.

Best part about tonight? How they will spin and blame the left if their candidate doesn't win the caucus.

Ah, the irony.

David Walker, great post and sadly, true.

Feisty, I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of the 41% who are undecided won't bother to caucus because they are unconvinced and uninspired by any of the GOP candidates. They are undecided because they just do not like the choices.

Backhouse, yes it was a GOP guy talking about the Iowa Caucus and why I.D. would interfere with the vote. What spin.

Good morning Backhouse...and Happy New Year

Having worked numerous elections for many years, I am appalled at the notion you can register to vote on the same day you vote.

If ever there was an open invitation for chicanery that is it. A photo ID is essential nowadays and it doesn't have to be a government issue, it can be certain work ID's or a student ID.....something that identifies the person in front of you is who they say they are. Here in Fl. you have to be registered to vote 28 days before Election Day, same thing for changing party affiliation.

Where we are upset about voting repression in my state, is that the changes have cut back on length of early voting periods and most egregious of all in doing voter registration, where you can be heavily fined ($1K) if you fail to turn in the potential voter's name within 48 hrs. This portion alone, has caused the League of Women Voters to withdraw from participating in helping citizens register to vote.

We recently had a high school Social Studies teacher threatened with a fine, because she was unaware of the change and didn't turn in the information in a timely manner. This was something she did every year as part of her class. How many kids will go to the Election Office to register on their own volition, my own registered to vote through high school classes. It is hard enough to get young people to vote, so when you throw obstacles in their way, few of them will look for a way to overcome a hurdle and..... Voila we have a disinterested citizen.

The GOP are their own worst enemy. The only viable candidate is Huntsman, and he is lucky to even have his name mentioned in passing once in a while, the rest of the clowns lie, cheat and steal to try and get your votes.

I'll be so glad to see the Iowa Caucus over with. What a waste of time watching them and who cares?

Obama in 2012.

There is a great visual, Rob. Take a look at the figures for the national debt- there is your visual.

He's been forced to wait to ask for another $1.2 trillion in debt ceiling- great idea, since it will come after all those Christmas trees have been put out to the curb, and the electorate will be paying attention. On the other hand, the Senate is in pro forma session- so, no recess appointments for Obama.

I love the arguments the liberals make "for" his re election- fifth grade level name calling of his opponents. Yeah, those are some persuasive arguments.

Even funnier? The brilliant minds behind this site "blue box" the absolute worst of these childish missives- so, anyone dropping by out of curiosity will simply go to another site, where there might, possibly, be something more intellectual to read.

Ah, well, the smell of democratic desperation fills the air. Happy New Year, Rob.

Obama shelved in 2012.

Anyone noticing that our friendly, upbeat posters from the right are talking about anything and everything but their own caucus tonight? One might think the should be pushing their candidate, but no, they aren't. Wonder why? :)

GBM, Hi and the very best in 2012.

Voter turnout is much higher in states using Election Day registration.

In the 2006 midterms electtions, states with EDR had a 10-12% higher turnout rate than in other states.

Since voters are 39 times more likely to be hit by lightning than carry out voter fraud, same day voting is a proven great thing for working people, and for a ton of reasons.

Romney/Rubio 2012

Happy now? I've posted it many times for many months!

Alan, President Obama signed a rare Obama "signing statement" that he would not do that. No, the entire law does not please me but logic from the GOP side of Congress and fear of being labeled soft on terror by too many democrats gets us to this place. I would have prefered President Obama veto the bill outright but understand that sometimes it is best to pick the battles and fight another day for more reasonable legislation and to repeal it perhaps when cooler and less partisan heads prevail after the 2012 election.

Happy New Year Nojo

It's gonna be a great year particularly November!

Jeb is advising Rubio to not accept a VP spot. (And he is a big influence on Rubio) That's the scuttlebut in Florida, anyways.

And yes, Rob, you and Paul supporters are the only ones to say who you are for, although the Paul supporters go into detail on why.

One might think the should be pushing their candidate, but no

Why would they start now? lol

They can't promote the current cast of clunkers, so, they will talk about anything but what they are offering up!

Straight from the Karl Rove playbook for dummies!

Dont let them sidetrack you, Rob. One of the missives sent out some weeks ago directed that, when people spoke against any of Obama's policies- or his entire, abject failure of a presidency- his supporters should immediately claim that they "never" heard any of his opponents tell them who they are supporting, or why they are supporting that person.

You didn't think all of the cult members on this board suddenly had an original thought, now, did you?

I am somewhat fortunate to have, as a congressman, a "rocket scientist"- who believes that every single email he gets is full of Obama worship- he, therefore, sent my name on to the DNC, which kindly sends me strategy emails. Makes it pretty simple to counter- so I haven't blocked them.

For your benefit- when those whose intellectual capacity stretches only to fifth grade level name calling suddenly, in lockstep, start asking for information that seems beyond their capacity to even understand- know it is a Team Obama directive- and treat it with the contempt it deserves.

Feisty,

Poor turdblossom. He has been gelded and reduced to the sidelines of Faux News. Nobody wants his giant brain anymore.

L Ron Paul is a loon. If any house has a Ron Paul sign in the front yard, the cops have probable cause to get a search warrant for the hydroponic growing operation in the basement!

Backhouse, I've read of the stats, but I still think it is a mistake, knowing from experience, how some try to cheat the system. We really have to have some form of control, that a person only votes once in an election. By allowing same day, a person can go from precinct to precinct if they so desired. It doesn't help the system if there is even a perception of deceit or fraud.

I should clarify that in Iowa, registering to vote on the night of caucus, or changing your registration does require I.D. but the I.D. can be an employer picture badge, driver's license, student I.D., anything that has a photo and says you are that person. It can also be a neighbor vouching that you are said person. However, if you are already registered, you do not need an I.D. to caucus or vote; you provide your name, sign your name on the official registration list, and that's it. Most polling places in my town have voluteers who have been doing this for years, and recognize those coming to vote, maybe not by name but by sight.

Bev, Yes,

Cheatin and chiselin right in our faces. And their last hope is that we will knuckle under, put up and shut up.

And here all this time I thought it was the Iowa Carcuses, not Caucases. BTW, doesn't "caucus" come from the same root word as "caucasian"?

Michael1969

Way to go Outhouse......I watched Rachel Madcow last night as well.....get your own thoughts and try not to plagiarize everything you hear....lol....silly liberals

Lean Forward!

Or, vote Republican and bend over.

GBM,

Soon as I get a minute, will send you some more of those stats! As an example, in Wisconsin after accusations of fraud: after it all came out in the wash, there were seven cases left to answer for. And they were folks whose names were misread/printed out by staffers. Poor writing is the stand out culprit time and again, and unusual names.

Just no evidence for fraud, nope. And we know how 'perception' is constructed and used against us.

Jody, Iowa

Alan, President Obama signed a rare Obama "signing statement" that he would not do that. No, the entire law does not please me but logic from the GOP side of Congress and fear of being labeled soft on terror by too many democrats gets us to this place. I would have prefered President Obama veto the bill outright but understand that sometimes it is best to pick the battles and fight another day for more reasonable legislation and to repeal it perhaps when cooler and less partisan heads prevail after the 2012 election.

Jody,

Thanx for point that out to Alan; but as you know "FACTS" mean absolutely nothing to the right.

Backhouse,

Do you suppose those who believe in voter fraud stand outside in thunder storms? I mean, what are the odds................

Alan, President Obama signed a rare Obama "signing statement" that he would not do that. No, the entire law does not please me but logic from the GOP side of Congress and fear of being labeled soft on terror by too many democrats gets us to this place. I would have prefered President Obama veto the bill outright but understand that sometimes it is best to pick the battles and fight another day for more reasonable legislation and to repeal it perhaps when cooler and less partisan heads prevail after the 2012 election.

And we know that once a President says he will not do something then it never happens, and that President Obama will be President for life.

Give me one example of a government giving up such a power without revolution.

Phine,

Exactly. Never in a month of Sundays.

@ Rob in ma: You certainly are a M@!$%#. I'm gald you're one of the uneducated idots out there. If you were trying to be funny it didn't work.

Jody,

Thanx for point that out to Alan; but as you know "FACTS" mean absolutely nothing to the right.

So Bev, you are for giving this power to the executive? Remember the next Administration is not bound by a signing statement.

This where supporters of the current Administration are no different from the spineless Republicans that never challenged President Bush. Basically it comes down to my side is right and I'll support them whether they trample on my principals or not.

However, in my world some things are right or wrong irrespective of the D or R.

Gingerbread Mamma

We really have to have some form of control, that a person only votes once in an election. By allowing same day, a person can go from precinct to precinct if they so desired. It doesn't help the system if there is even a perception of deceit or fraud.

We already do. The signature on you voter registration card has to match the signature you sign when you go to vote. At least that's what's already required when I go to vote. It's easy to detect forged signatures, especially when the forger has to write the fake signature quickly in the presence of election workers. Of course photo IDs provide more security, but why should voters who can't afford it and to some extent, the taxpayers, be burdened with paying for unnecessary security?

The sole purpose of these new Republican laws is to disenfranchise groups of people who tend to vote for Democrats: minorities, the elderly, and college students. That's why here in Texas, gun registration IDs are sufficient proof of citizenship to vote but photo IDs from state colleges are not. Which do you think is more likely to vote Republican and which is more likely to vote Democratic: people with gun permit IDs, or college students?

Like I said last week Feisty; don't count your second term chickens before they've hatched. Obama really doesn't have a Presidential record upon which to run. No special accomplishments, aside from eliminating Bin Laden.

The sun and the stars are very much aligned as they were in 1992, when Bush's father won a war; but, didn't get reelected because of a recession.

The same thing could very well happen to B.O.

Ah, c'mon GOP base, you cute little righties you!!! Today is YOUR big day!!! Show some excitement!!! Show some enthusiasm!!!! Show that you are at least breathing!!!

Amy -- it truly is unfortunate that there are no democrats with the courage to challenge the incumbent failure of a president. so it appears that the democrats are stuck with obama/biden in '12.

Backhouse

But thanks to the nationwide GOP war on voting, only nine remaining states have Election Day Voter registration: Iowa, Idaho, Maine, Minn, MT, NH, NC, Wyoming, WI.

It's amazing how the media is totally disinterested in the GOP voter disenfranchisement strategy, one of the most important developments in recent US political history (important in a very bad way). Last week on Meet the Press, an NAACP representative mentioned the voter suppression laws and was met with a stony silence from David Gregory and the other guests, who were all members of the corporate media elite (Kathleen Parker, Tom Brokaw, Thomas Friedman). The topic of discussion was quickly changed back to approved issues that fit the corporate media narrative, such as the level of dissatisfaction with Obama among independent voters, who's up and who's down in the GOP primaries, etc.

Well, been at this almost 2 hours and the only people talking up their candidate are the Paul supporters - no talking up of the others. Gonna be a whale of a primary season. Sorry GOP base!!!!! LOL

Houston! Thanks for clarifying the issues in your posts above.

Yes. It is about GOP disenfranchizing the Americans most likely to vote against them.

Clearly it is not about rampant voter fraud, when we can see that there is no reality to the spin upon closer examination:

The Brennan Center for Justice found the incidence of voter fraud to be 0.0003 % in Missouri.

And 0.000009 % in New York.

Well, been at this almost 2 hours and the only people talking up their candidate are the Paul supporters - no talking up of the others.

That's because the smart money is on Romney winning the nomination. Apart from Huntsman the others are not ready. Santorum is a good candidate, and definitely is qualified, but social positions are too extreme and outside the mainstream. I personally do not want a candidate selected based on social issues. I think Romney will be strong on the economy but his foreign policy views are more hawkish than I'd like. Although I do not see any good scenarios concerning Iran. I do not believe it's in Americas interest that Iran get fissionable material. As was pointed out this morning they could pass it to a 3rd party to have deniability. And even if you threaten them with massive retaliation after the fact, do you want to be the President that orders a genocide? I'm not happy with it, but as both sides will not back down I foresee airstrikes against their facilities. I think this will be the case whether a President Obama or a President Romney is elected.

I have faith in the Iowan supporters for Dr. Ron Paul. Keep the revolution going! We're counting on you Iowa. Ron Paul 2012!

GBM: Sorry I argued against a point you weren't trying to make in #1.35. I just reread and noticed that you were talking about same-day voter registration, not photo IDs required to vote, as I mistakenly thought on a quick read-through. For same-day registration, I think you're right that it would be reasonable to require some form of photo ID. Still, it seems to me that the logistics of such cheating would be difficult. I don't know what's required for same-day registration, but I assume you'd at least need a water bill or something else with your address on it in order to register. Collecting or forging such documents for multiple precincts would be an awful lot of work to go through. The most prevalent problem in voting is that people who are qualified don't register and registered voters don't vote. It's hard enough to get people to vote once. I would guess the number of fanatics who would expend the considerable effort and assume the potential legal risks of voting multiple times is pretty minuscule.

Backhouse

Houston! Thanks for clarifying the issues in your posts above.

Well, I'm afraid I did muddy things up a bit, too, since GBM was talking about same-day registration rather than voting, but I stand by what I said about the difficulty of using forged signatures to vote in multiple precincts. You'd have to be REALLY good at forgery to get away with it without being caught. If somebody had that sort of incredible talent for forgery, they'd be forging checks on the Koch brothers' bank accounts or something equally lucrative rather than trying to swing elections.

Thumbs up Alan. Thanks for actually talking about the GOP nomination fight.

And I do agree, the outcome regarding Iran is looking dimmer by the day.

"Gingrich calls Romney a liar" - sounds like a bunch of santorum to me.. (look it up!)

My prediction for today:

1. Romney
2. Santorum
3. Paul
4. Perry
5. Gingrich
6. Bachmann
   

Every state has different rules for voting, I have never had to turn away anyone from voting. In Fl we have provisional ballots for those who can't prove who they are or if they are in the right precinct. But not everyone votes...period, a lot don't bother. From my perspective, we would be better having a national data base of voters. In rural states it is easier for people to prove who they are, but not in huge populated states or cities where it would be a nightmare to register and vote on the same day.

Voting is not only a right but a privilege and unfortunately not everyone respects that, it is not something you do at the last minute or at least in my view it shouldn't be, that's when you get emotional voting and we know where that took us in 2010.

In a highly transient state such as Fl. it is necessary to prove who you are at the time of voting.

I think Feisty is right. Turnout will be low ... mainly because only the fanatics will care enough to go. I've said for a long time that it would be embarrasing to be a Republican right now. I think there are quite a few Republicans who agree with me and they won't want to show their faces. (And the weather is bad too!)

http://porterrockwell.newsvine.com/_news/2012/01/03/9918630-missing-in-action

That means that either Paul or Santorum will win. I think it will be Paul.

Houston, No stats to support voter fraud.

And certainly no reason for governors like Walker to spend $Millions in taxpayer dollars to fix something that doesn't exist, and wouldn't fix it even if it did exist!

We should be making it easier, that is the bottom line. Not harder. You know this, so not hammering in your direction. Purely as citizens we have the right to vote. Folks have fought long and hard to make it so.

The heavy suppression drama is recent and it is coming from the Republican party. New rules being enforced against our will by the Republican party at state level across the US. (Although Mainers fought back and won.)

This is the result of long planning. And the purpose is to gain an advantage to themselves. Again party over country and unabashedly in our faces, while they lecture ad nauseum about the Constitution.

Can one of you lefties PLEASE explain to me how the voting gets harder for ANYONE with the "rules" being instituted? Details please. I just don't get it. How the hell do they vote now? You saying they registered to vote with no ID? C'mon give me some real things to try to wrap my head around. So far I have seen none.

Its RON PAUL or U.S. Bankruptcy, More Wars and Many More Dead Solders.

Houston, in Fl and I can only speak for it, an election worker is instructed to compare signatures. if there is a discrepancy or a doubt, peoples' signatures can change over time, we provide the voter an affidavit to complete, attesting that it is their signature, same thing for change of address or name (through marriage or divorce) change. Also if you require assistance, one must be filled out, if the information was not provided prior to voting.

There is ample opportunity to register to vote and all the requirements are met if one cares enough about the process, and it is not treated as an afterthought, as is quite common, especially in these very partisan times.

Ron Paul is hoping his supporter's fanaticism will carry the day. Has any of them really looked at his stand on issues?? (other than unregulated drugs and prostitution...) It's koo koo time...

Time to get the kooks out and rally around a single GOP candidate that can debate O on the serious issues of today. Not the kooky ones...

Gingrich calls Romney a liar

Pot meet kettle...

Voter fraud?, Merry Christmas?, tax pledges?, socialism?... really?. these are the issues that captivate our political debates. Bull cookies!

50% of Americans live below the poverty line - 50%, 50%, 50%....

The poor are to blame for our economic situation? - really? - yeah, only because the bankers, brokers, and companies stole all our jobs and money, so now we are on welfare.

Our gas now costs more - because we sell it to third world nations because their people can afford to pay more for gas????

Our beef costs more - because we sell it to third world nations because their people can afford to eat beef???

Our medical care costs 10 times what it costs in third world countries and yet, we are 13th on the list for best health care???

Just what has to happen for people to realize that neither Democrats nor Republicans represent the interests of the citizens of this nation.

What has to happen for people to get involved in their own political parties and call out these frauds who are more concerned with getting elected, laying blame, or taking credit - then actually fixing our nation.

Neither YOUR political favorites, nor MY political favorites, are going to fix this mess until we confront our own leaders, not with weapons, but with questions about how the are going to help EVERY American get a job.

Politicians know that as long as they can dangle the carrot of a better life in front of you - they can get you to turn your back on your neighbor - get them to talk about how they will help everyone - even your enemies - and they won't be able to lie to you.

RON PAUL IN 2012!!!

Ron Paul is crazy and we need 'crazy' right now. Do YOU want to have to look at, listen to, suffer under Mr. Mittens for Four Years? I fell for BHO's B.S. last time and, somehow, do not want to do it again. Who else is there who, if nothing else, seems to be telling the truth?. And, if he repeals the treasonous 'patriot act' and disassembles homeland insecurity, we will have taken a giant step back from the edge of massive civil disobeience here in America because when the cops finally come out shooting, it's gonna get messy for everybody. You fat people might not even be able to hide in your computer games, no power. No food. BHO is the elite's candidate. A vote for Ron Paul is a vote against our parasitic thieving, murderous elite. BHO will almost certainly take the election in 2012 because the elite want him.This slate of gop freaks shouts that. McCain and his campaign shouted that. He gives them everything they want and more including unlimited knee time to the zionists. At least send a messenger with a REAL message. The coordinated attacks on Paul from BOTH sides shouts the parasite's fear of Paul. Make your primary vote count for more than evidence that you could hold your nose long enough to vote.

GBM,

Have to say that your last para is simply naive and untrue. Go look at the new requirements and think if you had a no concessions, all-consuming and/or low-paying job, children to drop off and pick up, a bus to catch and wait for, shop, after school events and no time off --to go twice or three times to deal with paperwork.

AND your state has closed up a lot of the ID buidlings (true) and/or suddenly limited the times that needed offices are Open (true).

You don't think GOP is messing here on Voting do you? This is serious stuff and they plan to snow us into submission right down the line, and not just on voting rights. Injustice is their trade and where they are putting their untraceable cash.

Many of the people who are supporting Ron Paul are doing so not because they like what he has to say on every issue, but rather what he says on one or two issues. As an example, Dr. Paul has said we should be bringing our military home. Do we really need military bases in Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan and however many other locations ?

With our ever growing debt, why are we spending hundreds of billions on dollars on these bases ?

Just as President Obama was unable to close the detention facility at Guantanimo Bay due to interference from right wing fanatics, Dr. Paul will be unable to close the EPA and other departments because of interference from left wing fanatics.

However, there is not another candidate who has enough support who has a position you can trust.

Mitt Romney may be a moderate and may have a position I agree with but he has changed what he is voicing so many times, I don't know what his position is on many issues.

Liberals charging voter fraud are so funny. Over the course of several election cycles, the only election fraud that I truly remember comes from the democrats. ACORN registered how many dead people? How many democrat officials have been charged and convicted of fraud? I don't ever recall anyone from the republican side being convicted of election fraud... and now the liberals are screaming that providing identification to vote is some how disfranchising voters. I'm certain that some liberal will provide some list of republicans convicted of voter fraud. Remember, I said I don't recall any republican convicted of voter fraud.

I guess it makes no sense to liberals to have someone prove who they are and to verify that they are registered to vote. In my assessment, according to liberals, it would be perfectly OK for liberals to have dogs vote, or possibly cats... and in the rare occassion, a person's pet bird.... just as long as it was a democrat bird.

Since the early 80's I've volunteered for GOP and Democratic campaigns as a poll watcher. (I was a registered Republican from 18-25, and then became a Democrat) Poll watchers volunteer for campaigns and mark off the names of the candidate's supporters after they vote, so that volunteers don't waste their time calling them after they have voted during the election day get out the vote effort. In 2008 the GOP volunteer was worried about election day registration, his worries were due to the GOP hype about fraud etc., I told him his fears were baseless, and by the end of the day, he realized at least at that precinct nothing untoward had happened. The majority of people who registered on election day, were not new voters, but people who had moved, and re-registered with their new address. Not a single person tried to register without valid identification. The real problem was untrained, or poorly trained poll workers. They sent away (forgetting to offer a provisional ballot as required by law) several people. A couple people requested an absentee balot and lost/misplaced it. Had they brought the unused absentee ballot in with them they could vote, without bringing the outstanding absentee ballot in they are allowed to vote provisionally. (If the ballot doesn't turn up the provisional ballot is counted). After I educated the poll worker with the clear language of the rule, that mistake wasn't repeated. Another voter had recently moved but he hadn't gotten a new drivers license to reflect the new address. One of the poll workers knew the gentlemen, and knew he had recently moved to the home in that precinct, but required him to go home and find a electric/cable/gas bill etc to prove his new address. He should not have needed to do that, at a minimum he should have been offered a provisional ballot. Fortunately he was motivated enough to drive home find a bill and return to vote.

On the surface a voter ID requirement sounds defensible, but one only need look at Indiana in May 2008 to see the perils. After the US Supreme Court upheld Indiana's law hundreds of qualified voters were unable to vote in the primary. At St. Mary's Convent/University in South Bend Indiana 10-12 elderly nuns were not allowed to vote because they did not have a current government issued ID. They had expired passports, and were personally known by the nuns who were working at the poll, and they were current registered voters, but because they didn't have a current drivers license (one nun was almost 100, and had never had a license), or other government ID they weren't allowed to vote. Out of state students at Notre Dame, St. Mary's, and all other private colleges and Universities weren't allowed to vote because they didn't have an ID issued by the state of Indiana. Student ID's from University of Indiana, Purdue, and all state Universities and community colleges could vote with their student ID.

Alan, NJ - As this first thread will eventually be collapsed. Posted my thoughts to your #1:18 below.

@ NewtPiggy You will find that Ron Paul supporters are the most educated voters out there. We have looked at everything he says and I can tell you it's not the "drugs and prostitutes" that people like. It is Ron Paul's non-interventionist policies and sound economic principles that people like the most. Now NewtPiggy please go back to Flip Romney's campaign headquarters and wipe the Santorum off your face...

I think democrats are more excited about today then anyone else. Gingrich and Perryare not on the ballot in Virginia, and Ron Paul is is a distant third in Florida and South Carolina. Romney is the only candidate who is in the top polling in all States and has a huge lead in New Hampshire. Even if Romney comes in second in Iowa he will most likely be on his way to getting the nomination. Gingrich is in free fall and it is just to late for Santorum to make a run at it. As it becomes more and more clear Romney will be the candidate more and more people supporting people like Perry and Huntsman will convert to somewhere and it won't be to Paul. Romney is basically a sure lock and also has the best chance to beat Obama this thing is only talked about like a real race because the media need to make sound exciting and up in the air which it is not. So good luck following it as if there is some big suprise or GOP back room deal going to happen.

David walker - proselytizing on morals and saintly behavior are we? How droll that that you are doing the same'.

Long ago at university I had to write a report on what a set of data points suggested. While my classmates wrote volumes, I could find little to say. As the time came close to submit the report I was still at a loss for words so I only said what the data implied. While I worried about thinking that the professor would give me a poor grade, I actually got a very high grade and my report was used as an example on how keeping to the facts was far better than flowery prose.

Yes david less is indeed more and more is definitely more.

It doesn't take a scholar to realize that more government means that more trees will die and that more government means more government workers to pay bennies to. Interesting on how you make the assumption that the wealthy and corporations are so evil, yet you ignore the fact that the majority of the private sector has given more back to the community than any government entity has. Then on a per capita basis they contribute more in tax revenue to support a burgeoning government bureaucracy.

Without the private sector, government wouldn't exist and it is far past time for tax reform across the board and a reduction in real government spending.

As far as voter I.D., and voter fraud goes it is simple, every state has there own rules and those rules are put in place by the people who got elected by the people. Primary elections often have different rules then General elections and again different states have different rules. Some states let everyone vote in a Primary Election and in other states only those who are registered with that party are allowed to vote. Republicans in General want stricter laws to try and limit voter fraud, and democrats want it made easier to vote so people aren't turned away from voting because they didn't have all they needed to vote. It is really a pick your poison, stricter rules that turn away some people who may have not done something that is required, or voter fraud because it is easy for people to vote without I.D.'s and by making up "new" addresses.

Backhouse - so sad to say that your facts are wrong about iowa voting laws. While we can indeed register the same day we vote you still have to prove who you are and that you live where you say you do in order to vote. Computers are indeed amazing as your showing a photo ID is all that is required to vote (assuming of course that your address is the same).

I expect that I will again use my photo ID at tonights caucus. Why the left wants to paint a picture as this being bad is so wrong on so many levels. BTW - ever get a job recently without showing verifiable ID and SSN?

Perhaps I should attend my local democratic caucus and see if they let me in with no ID, after all that is what you want right?

Ron Paul 2012

Hey phine,

Remember when I said we needed a little more of John Lennon's wisdom in this election cycle?

I'm posting what I think would be a GREAT election anthem... (for Dr Paul of course ;-))

You say you want a revolution, Well, you know,
We all want to change the world.
You tell me that it's evolution, Well, you know,
We all want to change the world.
But when you talk about destruction, Don't you know that you can count me out.
Don't you know it's gonna be, all right, All right, all right

You say you got a real solution, Well, you know,
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution, Well, you know,
We're are doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate, All I can tell you is brother you have to wait.....
Don't you know it's gonna be, all right, All right

You say you'll change the constitution, Well, you know,
We all want to change your head.
You tell me it's the institution, Well, you know,
You better free you mind instead.
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao, You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow,
Don't you know it's gonna be, all right, All right,

ALL, RIGHT!!!!!

NewtISaPIG

Your rankings are probably correct, but I don't think that Michelle Bachmann would like to be either on top of or underneath Newt Blingrich (a.k.a. Newty-Fruity). So give her a sincerity break (sincere but crazy) and place her fourth. Newt should be LAST because by all measurement criteria he is BUCKEN LAST.

I just wish people started thinking for themselves instead of believing everthing the media says. It's funny how so many think the corporations are the ones running the country. I submit it's the Media Corps. that are running the country. They are the ones who sway voters and politicians.

Sadly, American t'is you, you yourself who is misinformed here:

The Iowa Republican Party runs its own STATE CAUCUSES, fixes the rules, adds up the votes and announces the results to everyone and the media.

The IOWA Republican Party has complete control over rules, registration and balloting.

And they are NOT asking their voters today, for a state-issued Photo ID before voting.

Talk to the hand,...

In our city - we register to vote up to 30 days prior to an election. The registrants are entered into the voter rolls. A voter id card is mailed to the address as registered.

All you have to do is bring that card or any CURRENT piece of mail (utility) to the polls and you are allowed to vote.

As already mentioned previously, it would be quite elaborate to work around this system. In fact, rare - less than .02% ever convicted on VOTE FRAUD.

Gingerbread Mamma

Houston, in Fl and I can only speak for it, an election worker is instructed to compare signatures. if there is a discrepancy or a doubt, peoples' signatures can change over time, we provide the voter an affidavit to complete, attesting that it is their signature, same thing for change of address or name (through marriage or divorce) change. Also if you require assistance, one must be filled out, if the information was not provided prior to voting.

Interesting. So what you're saying is that the current voter laws requiring signed forms already causes problems for some legitimate voters. Of course, it doesn't cause nearly as many problems as the Republican voter suppression laws would cause.

Now, on the subject of same-day registration (which I mistakenly mixed up with the photo ID question), I don't think you can assume that people who register to vote on the same day are not necessarily lazy. Some of the working poor have to work two jobs and have to take time off to register and/or to vote. Combining the two tasks in one absence from work could save them some wages that they need just to get by. However, to me the pros and cons of same-day registration aren't the most critical issue because few states have it. In your state of Florida, the loss of registration on the Sunday before the election is a more serious obstruction for people who would have to take time off on a workday. From what I've heard, that Sunday has traditionally been the big get-out-the-vote day for AA churches, and disrupting that tradition is the only possible reason for banning it.

Ron Paul cares too much about the country to back out - even in the face of endless disparaging remarks, lies and fools who believe the present administration or any of the rep candidates intend on doing anything but digging the economic hole deeper, building the war machine bigger and taking away more and more of our liberties. Sarcasm, condescension, arrogance and dismissal don't change the reality that only Ron Paul drives the conversation on peace, liberty and sound money. Ron Paul 2012!

Popcorn, butter, and salt sales are up - an unexpected boost to our economy from this circuscaucus. Not sure on beer and alcohol sales, but the bars are doing better also. Let's hope they all get enough support to keep them all in it to win it to the end - our economy could use the boost.

Iowans are confused, along with the rest of us, but even more so they are wary of getting behind any of these candidates once they picture them as Prez. Fortunately for Iowans, their night sweats will subside once the circuscaucus leaves town. But how will Iowans feel about themselves in the morning - someone will actually win in Iowa?

Ron Paul for peace and prosperity. We don't need more US soldiers coming home in body bags or with missing limbs. We can't afford more wars. Let the Middle East sort out their problems! Come on liberals, where are your "Give Peace a Chance" chants???

We are not playing a game of "Sid Meiers' Civilaization". There are consequences to unending militarism. One consequence is other nations' need to aquire nuclear arms to be on a level playing filed with the rest of the "big boys".

Happy New Year. Welcome 2012. Say good bye to more of our rights. The right to a trial, to knowing your charges, to having a speedy trial.

Posted in this thread since I know that Ron Paul is strong on civil liberties. In my book he his is right on many of his foreign policy ideas as well. However, I don't support his economic policies at all.

As Edward R. Murrow would say - "Good night and good luck"

________

Per ABC news

"In his last official act of business in 2011, President Barack Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act from his vacation rental in Kailua, Hawaii. In a statement, the president said he did so with reservations about key provisions in the law — including a controversial component that would allow the military to indefinitely detain terror suspects, including American citizens arrested in the United States, without charge.

The legislation has drawn severe criticism from civil liberties groups, many Democrats, along with Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, who called it “a slip into tyranny.” Recently two retired four-star Marine generals called on the president to veto the bill in a New York Times op-ed, deeming it “misguided and unnecessary.”

“Due process would be a thing of the past,” wrote Gens Charles C. Krulak and Joseph P. Hoar. “Current law empowers the military to detain people caught on the battlefield, but this provision would expand the battlefield to include the United States – and hand Osama bin Laden an unearned victory long after his well-earned demise.”

______

Obama added a signing statement but it can be ignored by other administrations. You realize that this supercedes the posse comitatus act because

Posse Comitatus Act - A law enacted in 1878 to prohibit the use of the U.S. army in civilian law enforcement, unless otherwise instructed by the president...

Read more: #ixzz1iPzp9Ru1

Open to a discussion on how an Obama signing statement that could be ignored as early as Jan 2013 is enough to satisfy anyone Dem or Rep? Why do progressives keep giving Obama a pass on these types of actions?

You May Be a Liberal If:

1. You have a confused, wild-eyed stare
2. You use immature attack methods, such as name calling, inaccurate information, media rumors, false arguments, and twisted logic, to present your non-existent case
3. You talk a big talk and walk a tiny walk
4. You try to drive a picture of a Prius
5. You don't let facts get in your way
6. You know how to present a pointless argument 10 different ways
7. You think that hipocrisy is OK for you, but criminal for anyone else

Please feel free to add more !!!! This could go on for a while.

Greetings yellowdog, so nice to see you question obama on issues you find important. Hope your fellow democrats and liberal wingnuts take you up on this.

I will probably cast my vote for paul despite my misgivings on some of what he supports. I have to believe that not everything he wants will come to pass but for America to move forward the same ol' same ol' political policies have to change. if nothing else, paul supporters will at least send the message that the fundamentals need to change.

Enjoy your family first and may you have a prosperus and wet new year.

Yellowdog-Mark D:

You ask:

"Why do progressives keep giving Obama a pass on these types of actions?"

It's not a question of progressives giving the President a pass on this virtually constant attack on Constitutional protections. The question is why the vast majority of citizens are giving him a pass? The answer is as simple as it is pathetic.

Americans are scared silly or scared stupid - take your pick. The conditions now exist to virtually institute martial law without making an official declaration. Our rights have been taking a beating for some time. Such is the nature of government and such was the brilliance of our founders that they included the Bill of Rights in our Constitution. Apparently, very few care about that any longer.

Since 9-11 the fear meter is off the charts. The Patriot Act was one of the most egregious power grabs, and it passed with virtually no objection. In the Senate, only Russ Feingold voted against the act, and he was voted out of office. Samuel Johnson was so right when he observed that, "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel."

These attacks on our rights continue to accelerate. Recently, the Supreme Court, in King vs. Kentucky, decided that if cops hear "scurrying" - that's Alito's word - behind closed doors and they smell marijuana, they may literally create their own exigent circumstances and break down the resident's door if he refuses to open his home to them. Apparently the "hot pursuit" exception just wasn't enough.

Even as they tell us that they need this power and authority to fight crime, we also have the Supreme Court tell us that cops are under no obligation whatsoever to protect us. Yet, cops can't ever get enough money in their budgets. Truth to tell, the police are now the paramilitary arm of the country's wealthiest citizens. Someone has to keep those unruly poor people under control, you know.

Now, even before the President's signing statement on this issue, we know that the military had been using Predator drones to seek out American citizens in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878. This was in South Dakota.

For me, the ultimate irony is that you can still freely purchase 1984, a training manual for government. It's all right there for anyone who wants to see the truth. Orwell might observe, "You can lead a man to information, but you can't make him think."

David Walker - Yes, Feingold at least for me was the gold standard. I'm not asking for infallability from my president, just to take a stand.

If he vetoed it due to the NDAA, the defense bill goes unapproved. It would have been interesting to see if the (GOP and Dems) would have overriden the veto.

You are right, fear is an important part to why a number of politicians vote the way they do so, perhaps they would have overridden his veto. I guess we will never know, but Big brother knows.

American 205 - Hello and happy New Year as well. Interesting to hear you will vote Ron Paul. There is open registration in Texas, so I could caucus for Paul in Texas. Probably will not though, I'll probably be dozing at the Democratic table running their elections. With an open Senate seat the Dems will propose someone to run for the open seat.

Signed

Your favorite left wingnut.

David Walker @2.7

You know most on here know me as an ardent conservative, but it doesn't matter what side of the aisle someone is on when they post a good solid common sense argument for the American People. One that hits home and they should listen to.

I have voted this post up, you have my kudos friend.....

My name is Egilman, and I approve this message ;-0)

Yellowdog - accepting the status quo is not going to get us where we need to go. Paul may not get the nomination in august, but he definitely will get many voters to start thinking beyond the status quo.

David - nice to see that on occasion you do have the ability to post a mostly rational thought.

The main problem with 911 and the patriot act is that we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. Should we err on the side of the victims or on the side of the criminal?

You should write soap operas for a living...

So true Tom. President Elect Gore never got to serve.

job -- cry all you want -- there never was a President Elect Gore -- HE LOST!

No, President Elect Gore won. Facts are facts.

Job1 - The child who keeps crying "that's not fair!", even when it was proven it was fair (but then it would have had to have been a conspiracy! I'm supposed to win!) is a crybaby.

Crybaby, dude. Crybaby. Still crying over why you got the low locker, the cheaper pair of shoes, the bent apartment key, your mama's old car, the curve ball that couldn't have gone over the plate? Waaaa. Crybaby.

I repeat, President Elect Gore won the election as President in 2000 in which he never got to serve.

The fact proving so:

"Voters confused by Palm Beach County's butterfly ballot cost Al Gore the presidency, The Palm Beach Post concluded Sunday.

The newspaper's review of discarded ballots found Gore lost 6,607 votes when voters marked more than one name on the county's "butterfly ballot." A leading Republican called the finding "speculation."

Voters who marked Gore's name and that of another candidate totaled more than 10 times the winning margin Bush received to claim Florida's 25 electoral votes and the White House, the Post concluded. The newspaper said the result was "an indictment of the butterfly ballot, political experts and partisan observers agree."

Job1

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2001-04-03-floridamain.htm

Move on.

Nope, President Elect Gore did not get to serve as our President. The nation paid a dear price for this over through of the President Elect.

You're right - Gore did not serve as Pres, whether over or through.

Correction on my part:

Nope, President Elect Gore did not get to serve as our President. The nation paid a dear price for the over throw of the President Elect, by the High Court. The state should have set a date and had a re-vote.

Job 1, I lived in florida at the time. Voters in Palm Beach ended up voting for Pat Buchanan rather than Al Gore due to a butterfly ballot.

Job 1......you are correct, there should have been a re-vote. Working that election in PB County, I can attest to how hard that ballot confused voters.

Here you are allowed three attempts to correctly vote, we had a lot of voters that day, who came for a second ballot and thus a lot of voided ballots, because they realized their mistake in initially making their choice (Pat Buchanan not Al Gore). But obviously there were many, especially elderly voters, who didn't realize until later that they voted incorrectly.

George Bush, having his brother, Jeb Bush as Governor, along with Secretary of State, Katherine Harrison, (who could ever forget her) helped not to have a re vote. And as you said, we all paid and are paying a terrible price for that decision.

poor job1, he sees nothing wrong with marking a ballot with two different candidates for the same presidential position as being an invalid ballet.

I always thought that the old mechanical machines were cool, they wouldn't allow you to vote for 2 different candidates for the same singular office position.

american-2051576

I loved those machines also, besides they were VERY difficult to "Massage"

Today we are going more and more to paper and electronic scanning run by SOFTWARE!

Way to easy to screw the pooch in today's elections, and both sides see it as a viable way to get theirs elected.

Sometimes new tech is not such a good thing....

Bright side for you Jody, the circus will be packing up and leaving town. You might get a little peace for a change! :)

Jody, Last night I watched interviews with Iowans on the NBC Nightly News - such nice people, truly, and they look bewildered over which awful candidate to settle on. One man was sitting on a couch with his wife - who is a registered Democrat, lamenting his choices, and I half expected her to say "oh, just vote for Obama, dear."

Oh yes, President Obama is the best choice.

"Tonight's GOP results will be a surprise, probably even to Iowa republicans who have never embraced any of these candidates.

Jody, I think most Republicans - not just Iowans - are still a long way from the "embracing" stage. In fact, I'd be surprised if by convention time this summer they've even worked their way up to a nice firm handshake. :)

Jody

Thanks for filling us in on what goes on your state.

Jody,

When tonight is over, I suggest a nice Irish coffee and putting your feet up, then giggling over the fact that you got your caucus out of the way first and WE will have to entertain the road show in the near future!

Jody....add to Phine's suggestion, you wont have the phone ringing off the hook, most likely it will be someone you really want to talk to.

Fancy This Too

Sadly none of the Republican candidates is likely to bow out after tonight. Perry has too much money, Bachman too great a delusion and everyone else gets enough of a vote to move on

Michelle Bachmann has a lot of fantasies; I mean delusions. Do you remember that ding bat said in a debate she beat President Obama in a debate? What debate??? The woman needs to take her meds and go back home. I can't figure out why she is running.

She definitely would be an embarrassment to this country domestically and in foreign matters.

Her running reminds me of that image of trying to bite down on something she couldn't handle; like a corn dog. Here it is and it fits that doofus just right..

http://s-ak.buzzfed.com/static/imagebuzz/web03/2011/8/15/14/anigif_nobody-asked-for-this-19965-1313431354-24.gif

Jody---I hear that it is pretty easy to get into one of these caucuses---maybe you should infiltrate a Republican caucus and let us know what goes on.

phinephancy, GBM, the best thing about Iowa Caucus night will be that the GOP will quit calling me insisting I'm one of them thanks to Willard in 2007. I intend to go the the democratic one and then come home and watch the entertainment.

SF, would be interesting to do that but I don't think I could stand the speeches declaring the wonders of each of the GOPers. I prefer to hear President Obama's address to caucus goers!

Amy, "Iowa nice" is real. JoAnne, I think you're right. Beverly, Bachmann makes me cringe; she tried to make the most of being born in Iowa but even that didn't work.

Jody,

Went from a land line to cell phones. Hopefully that will help me to avoid any and all robo-calls.

job -- the only ones that will stick with barry are those that want more years of record debt, record deficit, high unemployment, record numbers of people in poverty, record numbers of people using foodstamps, dramatic decreases in the quality of health care, higher gasoline prices, higher taxes for everyone and just plain Malaise -- just like under carter #1.

James, who is Barry?

Job1 - Barry is the guy who stole the vote from Gore.

No, that guys name was George W.

George Washington. Good enough.

Beverly in Chicago

Yeah. What happened to Minnesota? Growing up on the Northside of [S]hicago, Minnesota seemed like a civilized, rational place. I guess things in the human world do cycle because, recently, Minnesota seems to have lost its direction and ditz has become the way. Personally, I think the Bunsen's up there in Lake W. will go for Paul cuz they've always had that stubborn Norske refusal to be stolen from as the Younger Bros discovered in Northfield, Minnesota. Knute especially. The rest of 'em, Mr. Mittens et al, we could just drill a big hole out there on the lake and use 'em for bait although even the crappies might find them tasteless and bland. Bachman's allure was probably to all dem aging bachelor farmers out there who need some stimulation from time to time and kinda like that gleam of empty wonder in a woman's eye. It's why they never got married. Women that dumb are hard to find, especially in Minnesota. Must've been some virus come over from the cheeseheads nextdoor, like Toxoplasma that makes a rat be attracted to cat urine. In my years at UMn-TC, I'da never thought to see, a woman dumber than a tree. Uff-da, ne?

Steeler fan - try the following link on how the GOP caucus works...

http://iowagop.org/caucus/process.php

About the only difference between the democrat and GOP caucuses is that the GOP uses a paper ballet with no "undecided" votes. The left uses a "viabilty" method of advancing delegate supported candidates to the next level.

2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul polls strong against incumbent President Barack Obama in a general election matchup, according to a new CNN / ORC poll has Ron Paul.

Poll highlights include Paul besting Obama 47 to 46 percent among those 65 years and older, said to be the most reliable voters. Paul also beats Obama among whites 51 to 46 percent, persons who reside in rural areas 52 to 44 percent, and independents by 48 to 47 percent.

When compared to other Republican presidential hopefuls in a general election matchup against Obama, Paul does best among the following population segments: males; persons ages 18 to 34; persons under 50 years of age; persons earning less than $50k per year; persons who have attended college; crossover Democrats; self-identified liberals; self-described moderates; residents of the Northeast and Midwest geographic regions; and those residing in urban areas. Noteworthy as well is that Paul fares better than all of his GOP competitors against Obama among non-whites – garnering a solid 25 percent, or one in four non-white adults.

“This poll further debunks the establishment-created myth about Ron Paul’s electability and shows an expanding base of support,” said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. “Americans of all stripes are tired of the status quo Washington insider games, and are looking for someone who represents real change. Congressman Paul is that candidate.”

ORC International surveyed 1,015 adult Americans via telephone from December 16th to the 18th. The margin of error for this total sample is +/- 3.0 percentage points. Total sample includes 928 registered voters, with the margin of error for this group also +/- 3.0 percentage points. Error margins for micro-targeting can range much higher

Read more: #ixzz1iQ7N77je

Supporting Ron Paul 2012!

Amy: I saw that as well. Just asking, why isn't the journalists asking hard questions to those candidates that are still in the race?

Ron Indiana

Good question. I bet Herman Caine was surprised they didn't give him a pass considering he's suspended his race. I wondered if Norah O'Donnell thought to herself "oh, your starting a "movement" are you, and are dangling an endorsement in front of the press, well, we've had enough of you, lover boy."

Amy, well said. The job of journalists is not to make issues "sexy" but to provide facts and expose the truth, to challenge the candidate. I see a big difference in the reporters just since 2007-08 and not for the better. Romney lies at every campaign stop not just about President Obama but about the other GOP candidates; so do the others but when interviewed, the lies are allowed to stand and instead the reporter talks about unimportant things like why they are doing well or aren't doing well giving the candidates a free pass.

Tony Perkins just called to urge me to pick a true conservative.

who knows, one day a journalist may ask the sitting president a hard question. but since there were none last time i will not be holding my breath waiting for it.

Lies go both ways. Obama supporters lie constantly on T.V. and lay out talking points as do the Republicans.

Journalist today are ALL OPINION pushers.

Why in the hell is she going after Cain? Oh because she is a racist bigot......lol.. Isn't that how it works with Obama?

It works exactly like that and everyone knows it. Truth is treason in the empire of lies. Ron Paul 2012!

@In the Middle Your post is the most common sense post I have seen in a while. Journalists don't report news anymore, they sensationalize and give opinions as facts. My brother is a newspaper editor and even he agrees.

CBS must not realize thyat cain has suspended his campaign.

The iced tea in SC will be spiked in jubilation.

I dunno, dangerfield. Here's a better question- what happened to McCain when Huckabee won Iowa?

He hired a nitwit from Alaska and lost handily to Obama.

Ideology,

Did you hear? Darling nojo says to ask why one is for a certain candidate and explain their position is a ploy of the left to get AWAY from the issues!!!! After all these years, I thought knowing where a candidate stood was important. Alas, it was all a left wing conspiracy

McCain didn't raise expectations in Iowa as that wasn't really McCain country. The point, if you missed it is that in playing the expectations game, Mitt could finish one vote out of 2nd place, like Hillary in 2008 and the media can spin it as a "loss" based on the campaign's now higher expectations.

Just LIKE McCain, Romney is not really an "Iowa-friendly" candidate, which is why like the eerily similar John Huntsman, Mitt was prepared to ignore the caucus and focus on the NH primary. If Romney places one or two in Iowa, it MUST be viewed as a "win" for him. But, as I was asking, what if Mitt finished behind Paul and Santorum?

Does that create an opening for SOMEONE (Huntsman?) to challenge Mitt in NH? The wild card here is that the Republican primaries are no longer "winner take all" so, if Mitt doesn't score a "knockout" with the Iowa-NH, 1-2 punch, candidates with an evangelical constituency, and MONEY (Perry?) to burn, can turn Mitt's stately procession to the nomination, a long, bloody slog as we go to SC and Fla.

Now that Mitt and camp are predicting a "win", they better not wake up 3rd....

The most interesting part of the primary season will the run through the south. Romney is not a well liked fellow down here. Should get interesting.

It isn't just Iowa where Romney doesn't fit. The media has done a good job of claiming how far right and evangelical the GOP in Iowa has become and that any vote might be irrelevant. In the process the press ignores just how far right the GOP has become nationwide. It isn't just Iowa where far right has become the new normal for the GOP, it is every "bible belt" state.

dangerfield, good points about the new GOP rules; it is no longer winner take all. It probably means a longer primary which is good. Although nothing is certain, I just do not see Romney winning Iowa tonight.

Jody,

Every Republican is considered "far-right" to liberals when they don't adhere to liberal policies.

I consider most liberals on this site "far-left". See how that works?

Dangerfield...excellent points. Not really sure how this is going to shake out tonight. Were I to guess, I would expect a top 2 finish for Romney in Iowa. But you are right...a 3rd or lower finish would probably be considered "losing" in the expectations world and might impact NH. But to be honest, unless Huntsman can somehow catch fire, I just don't see Romney losing in NH. A lower than expected finish in Iowa might impact his margin of victory in NH but that's about it.

Yeah, I see how it works;

No respect for each others opinions or positions and the ZERO tolerance borne of the anonymity of the avatar means no real discussion but simply trading snark, moral equivalence, and self-righteous indignation at the other guy.

I post a real question;

What if Mitt finishes 3rd? What would the impact be on the next contest and the ones following?

Nojoe says "what did it do for McCain" as though the circumstances were the same. McCain skipped Iowa (didn't even participate in the 'straw poll") and focused on NH, where he had won in 2000. Romney was heavily invested in Iowa in 2008, but was skipping Iowa this time until the last 3 or 4 weeks.

My agenda is that I myself am wondering what will happen. Will last minute exuberance become hubris in the morning? Why set ANY expectations when the situation is as volatile as it has been? Do the Romney people know something we don't...But a real discussion is something that is akin to a Yeti on this site, some have claimed to see one but they are largely mythical...

IntheMiddle totally belies his moniker when he indicates that in his worldview he believes that anyone who doesn't "adhere to liberal (conservative) policies." to be "far-left/right, leaving no room at all in the MIDDLE.

Of course, the 20 or so percent of the electorate who really are "in the middle" will be the ones who decide the 2012 presidential election, leaving many here to simply kick that dead horse while simultaneously singing to the choir...except folks like "Grimey"...you're always a class act, despite being the "Alan Colmes" of conservatives, here on the liberal version of FOX. Your tact and common courtesy are a rarity that is much appreciated...

Romney Backtracks: "I'm Not Predicting A Win" In Iowa

Related Videos | expand

"Well actually, if I get 25 percent, if that turns out to be the case, that will most likely be the highest number. So winning is just fine. Now, I’m not predicting a win. Maybe I get 20 percent, someone else gets 25 [percent]," Mitt Romney said on NBC's "Today Show" this morning.

Last night, Romney told supporters at a campaign stop that "we're going to win this thing."

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/01/03/romney_backtracks_im_not_predicting_a_win_in_iowa.html

Sad to say, but that's Mitt...Firmly astride almost every issue...the Republican John Kerry

Frank Grimey Grimes. I love your new avatar. Hope all is well, Happy New Year.

Absolutely, Ben. The administration is saber rattling but the pawns are too weak to speak. The hypocrisy is stunning. The outcome will be the same as the administrations they demean. Ron Paul 2012!

Truth is treason in the empire of lies.

Thanks but no thanks, wouldn't cross the street to vote for any of this GOP wannabees least of all a radical extremist like Ron Paul.

Your opinion is not new. Loyalists were pessimists who lacked the Patriots' confidence that independence lay ahead.

According to Bernard Bailyn “The preservation of liberty rested on the ability of the people to maintain effective checks on wielders of power and hence in the last analysis rested on the vigilance and moral stamina of the people....” Virtuous citizens needed to be strong defenders of liberty and challenge the corruption and greed in government. The duty of the virtuous citizen became a foundation for the American Revolution. Vote Radical - Vote Extreme - Vote Liberty - Vote Ron Paul 2012!

jody - I thought you were all for "hope and change"?

Since 9/11 I have wondered how I can expect the Patriot Act has ever deminished my TERROR from foreign entities. If anything it puts me in fear of false, or lies if you will, about my patriotic statis. I now fail to see how this new law [DNAA] will serve me or my family as it seems as though our enemy is within our own boarder. The only true freedom we still have, as far as speech goes, the internet, is in dier straights. The whole damned thing needs to go back to the drawing board. I'v been a registered Dem. my whole life and during the last election I felt as though for once I didn't have to vote for the lesser of two evils. So much for junior Congressmen. Even though he is a Republican I look at Ron Paul as a man that can drag the bluprint, The U.S. Constitution, back to the table and with the help of a good congress help him lift it onto that table and reinstate it's original intent for our Republic under God. I believe that if Ron Paul were to take the oath for the presidency he would not take it lightly. His record in congress is proof of it. How crazy is that? The oath backed by years of proven service. This time a senior Congressman. I do not stick my nose in my neighbors business nor he in mine, we get along. All I can say is if I am being missled then we are at the mercy of the liers and only the people can root them out. May God save us and may Ron Paul help.

By the way our "Postarity" is provided for in the Constitution. The Abortion Act violates this protection. "The suite of a fool will fit many" G.G.

Absolutely, Ron Paul 2012!!!

Nashville_fan: I have had many conversations here in Iowa... one question being asked is the following:

Could the Antichrist actually be a party and not just one person?

The term or title antichrist, in Christian theology, refers to a leader who fulfills Biblical prophecies concerning an adversary of Christ, while resembling him in a deceptive manner. The antichrist will seemingly provide for the needs of the people but deny them ultimate salvation.

So, with that being said... most are starting to view the Republican party as a whole... the Antichrist.

Insight - interesting on how well you have defined obamas rhetoric on how if the wealthy and corporations would give just a little more, all would be well.

The antichrist will seemingly provide for the needs of the people but deny them ultimate salvation.

Bright side Nash, the new boogeyman is going to be the Latinos. GOP is working real hard on that one.

Uh, Nash? You forgot something- the rest of the comment

He added: "I don't want to make black people's lives better by giving them somebody else's money; I want to give them the opportunity to go out and earn the money."

Sounds a little different in context, now, doesn't it?

Santorum's despicable comment about black people is exploiting white racists' assumption that because President Obama is black, he's taking money away from hard-working whites and giving it to black people who don't want to work. Of course, Obama has done nothing that favors blacks over whites. And as you probably know, some black civil rights leaders have criticized him for being too disinterested in the problems of blacks, especially black unemployment which is much higher than white unemployment. Despite what Santorum and his racist fans want to believe, it seems that most African Americans view being unable to find work as a terrible problem, not a chance to pick up big fat welfare checks.

no joe:

Actually, I did not "forget" the rest of the comment, I highlighted the part of the comment that I found ridiculous.

Big difference.

I provided a link for folks who need to pretend that what was said was ok in any context . . . folks like you. This just in, I don't need Rick Santorum to "give" me a damn thing. And him implying that black people are some type of priviledged class received government benevolence is just a bunch of bunk. You could not crash the world economy with aid to black folk . . . the same can't be said for the GOP and their corporate welfare recipients.

no joe, no bo, nj

Sounds a little different in context, now, doesn't it?

No, it doesn't. Santorum's implication is that President Obama wants to give white people's money to blacks. Other Republican scoundrels have told similar lies more explicitly. It was either Gingrich or Romney who asserted falsely that Obama "wants" people to be more dependent on government. I forget which. It's hard to distinguish one of these lying rats from another.

Okay, having read the entire article, I'm still not sure why Santorum was talking about "black people's lives" either, especially since he was supposedly responding to a question about foreign influence in the United States:

"It is unclear why Santorum pinpointed blacks specifically as recipients of federal aid. The original questioner asked "how do we get off this crazy train? We've got so much foreign influence in this country now," adding "where do we go from here?"

How you get from "foreign influence" to giving white people's money to blacks is something only Rick Santorum could explain. But I hope he considers this from the same article if the question comes up again today:

"CBS News found that of the people on food stamps in Iowa, only nine percent are black -- and 84 percent are white."

Now, getting back to that foreign influence the questioner was asking about.....

Happy New Year, Nash!

What folks on the right don't seem to be able to understand is that we on the left don't want anyone to "give" us anything. We do want a level playing field so that we can go out and achieve for ourselves. And we do want to help out those who do not have the same blessings as the rest of us and might need a bit of support. Rather than trying to understand that, it is easier for them to say we are all looking for a handout. How sad is that?

Steeler and Nash,

The whole idea is to keep the lower classes from upward mobility - thus the upper classes have a source of cheap labor.

Happy New Year to you as well Steeler Fan! :o)

P.S. Thanks for adding your excellent insights Houston and JoAnne . . . and phinephancy . . . your comment reminds me of what I always tell my husband . . . the GOP rediscovers the Hispanic population every 4 years . . . and then pretends not to notice them while exploiting them to build and clean their houses and subhuman wages the rest of the time.

Here we go again folks; the demonization of all white folks who speak out against those who could be working; but, instead choose to live off government entitlement programs, has begun.

Next will be the demonization of all white folks who speak out against Barrack Obama; and then comes the demonization of all white Democrats who choose to cross over and vote Republican, or perhaps vote for a third party candidate.

We saw all of this in 2008, and we know its coming (again) in 2012. We were just wondering when it would start.

But, I guess that time is here.

Stand by for more, America, and rermember; the only good white people are those who believe in giving free stuff to people who don't work, and those who vote for Barrack Obama!

J. Merle:

Please get back on your meds. Please point out who or what has "demonized white folks" in this thread or the articles linked.

So delusional.

Of course, when the facts don't back you up, nothing like a good old fashioned distraction, right?

This ain't got nothing to do with Barack Obama or white Democrats . . . its got something to do with Rick Santorum being a lying fake "Christian". Holler at me when have a comment about that.

Nash,

Read all the posts on today's threads. Except for Paul supporters, the right cannot talk about anything but the President. Now, one would think, since it is THEIR big day, they would be talking up the candidate they support, but oh no, just the usual blather.

Keep up the good work, GF. You are making 'em mad, which says it is working!!!!!!

but phine -- the whole reason for the exercise we are going through is to ensure that the president is stopped after just 4 disasterous years (if the first 3 are an indication of what he can do) so the focus is correct. obama must be a one-termer is America is to survive.

james:

What the hell are you drinking at your tea party? lol

Anytime you want to join the rest of us in the real world, where crony capitalism destroyed the world economy while the "corporate people" and their bought and paid for representatives in the Congress got rich, thus leaving President Obama with two unpaid for wars, rising unemployment, and a simultaneously crashing housing, job, and stock market, you let me know, mmmkay?

Meanwhile, enjoy your delusions . . . they sound real pwetty.

Poor James. See you prove my point. All the blather is against Obama, not who and WHY you are for a particular GOP candidate (except for Paul supporters). Ashamed of your field, hmmmmmm?

Ah, the GOP base. So easy to be against someone. So very hard to be positive and for someone.

A little sensitive, aren't we Nashville?

A) I don't take any medications (like you) and; b) I guess it wasn't you who posted the commentary about Santorum saying he didn't want to 'make black people's live better by giving them someone else's money.' I guess there must be another Nashville on this board.

You stepped in it, because you know damn well that isn't what he said. He said, (and this is a direct quote from the audio, and from written excerpts) “I don’t want to make [pause] lives, people’s lives better by giving them somebody else’s money."

Of course, when he paused he MUST have been talking about black people, because you are an Obama supporter and you MUST DEMONIZE all white people who speak out against entitlement programs.

THIS is what they're going to do folks! They are going to tacitly accuse everyone who doesn't support Obama, of being "racist." THIS is what you have to look forward to for the next 10 months.

Then, they will LIE about what they said, afterwards; and accuse you of being on "medication" when you call them out on it.

Happy campaign season America......hope you enjoy being called a racist if you don't support Obama. 'Cause THAT is exactly what you're going to get.

Nash:

You do all of this whining about Obama this and that.

Obama did not have to take this job. HE VOLUNTEERED. It is a job that you take AS IS. You all could have ran Al "I need a blowout kit" Sharpton again.

Everything that is good or bad BELONGS TO HIM. The next POTUS will attempt to clean up whatever mess is presumed he left.

J. Merle:

If you don't take meds . . . it is time to start . . . nice double down on the BS though . . . well done. Rick Santorum stepped in it J. Merle, not me . . . and he said BLACK PEOPLE, so just stop lying. . . what is sad is that somehow in your mind, me pointing that out has something to do with you . . . pretty pathetic, no?

As a Christian, I am gonna turn the other cheek though . . . just for you . . . because I know from past experience that you really are doing the best you can.

J. Merle Stanley-2759623: You actually hit a spot in my heart. To think that a person such as yourself would understand the poor and those who are down on their luck in todays economy would be insane. Every country will have poor people... it's a given. We are not all born with the same privilege as your neighbor. Most who are far less fortunate have struggled for education in order to move out of poverty... some have not made it. You want to make Obama the "welfare" President but in reality how can you blame one man for centuries of decision made by others. Information: there are NO JOBS here in the United States for those who even have a college education and most have had to turn to entitlement programs to survive and feed their families.

InTheMiddle:

First of all . . . good to see ya . . . been a while! :oP

Second of all . . . huh? Did you have a comment about my comment about Rick Santorum, or are you part of the "distract and deceive" squad?

When in doubt . . . just repeat Obama, right?

lol

Houston, There's the real dilemma he faces! Here in Detroit, the city is facing a financial manager or bankruptcy in the next month or two. The city, the Mayor and the public unions are looking to the Obama administration to bail them out. It will be interesting to 1. If he does! 2 and how he does it. With out making it look like he is not bailing out a democratic city, while getting them the 73 Million they need. It is the belief that there may be large scale riots in the city if Gov Snyder names a financial manager like the city of Pontiac and the DPS currently have.

Nash:

I could care less about what Santorum said. If we were to scout (like democrats) every public event a Democrat congressman/woman spoke at, I'm sure a person could record a lot of racially insensitive things said.

As long as Santorum is not hurting my bottom line with his comments, he can say whatever he wants. I live next door to a diehard liberal and he is one of the biggest rednecks in the city. When I see a white racist, I don't see a Republican or a Democrat, I see a racist, unlike most Democrats. All you see are Republicans.

IntheMiddle:

If you could care less, why are you on my front porch commenting on it?

And the comment made was idiotic, and that has nothing to do with the race or political party of the commenter, regardless of how bad you want to change the subject.

Nash:

It has a lot to do with the political party. Would you have the same animosity towards a liberal if they would have made that comment?

You don't like the fact that not everyone agree with your observation. You are just mad that someone caught you in your little half-pasted out of context comment. That is what this is all about, so don't attempt to fade me because you got caught.

InTheMiddle:

I shared my opinion on the matter in my comment. My comment dealt with Christianity and the unfair targeting of black people as boogeymen in Santorum's comment. I was very specific about what I found offensive and why.

Your attempt to put words in my mouth and motives in my heart are unsuccessful. And again I say, if you don't care, don't comment. You cannot find any rational justification for what was said, so you attempt to change the subject.

Fail.

Nashville, YOU ARE A LIAR.

Period end of story.

The audio, and the printed excerpts clearly indicate that Santorum never said "black people" in the part of his speech that YOU claim he did.

Nice try, but no cigar.

You are now exposed as a RACE BAITING and RACIST LIAR who will say anything to demonize the reputation of those who disagree with you.

And that is the way the Obama camp works.....isn't it?

J. Merle:

God bless you . . . and your defective ears . . . who is sensitive and upset now?

Mercy.

"Santorum went on Fox News, last night, and did not deny he referenced black people. Instead he said he had "not heard it" and didn't know the context in which it was said."

http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/01/03/144613385/santorum-explains-his-comments-about-black-people-and-entitlements

Funny . . . why would you have to "hear" something that you actually said . . . anid if you didn't say it (I saw him say it) . . . or if you just mispoke, how hard is it to say that?

Hmmmm, I wonder what other word that sounds just like black he was trying to say . . . crack people . . . talking smack people . . . the possibilities are endless . . . which is why J.Merle is trying to ramp up her faux outrage to defcon 12 . . . to drown out the sound of good old reality catching up to all her delusions.

Nashville,

First off, check yourself because I aint no "she."

LOL

Secondly, you are a proven RACE-BAITING-RACIST and a LIAR.

The only person who is delusional here, is YOU. Because the audio clearly shows he didn't say what you accuse him of saying.

Or, if you aren't delusional, is it that you're just LYING, again?

Well, J. Merle, you may be a 'he' or a 'she' but you are definitely a liar. I went to the link posted by Nash, and he says "black people" as clear as day. You are right that with the second sentence added, his comments are SLIGHTLY less offensive, but they are still racist, and they are still pretty damn offensive.

How far the party of Lincoln and Garfield and TeddyR. has fallen. Even Eisenhower looks like a giant compared to this crowd of fools and incompetents. They make Nixon look good to me.

First off, check yourself because I aint no "she."

Could of fooled me, given how hysterical you become when someone disputes your lies... lol

J. Merle:

Too bad he is not as clear about not saying it as you are . . . no joe and InTheMiddle didn't even fall for the "he didn't say it" card . . . he was asked point blank about it . . . why did he not clarify it then?

Because he said EXACTLY what he meant.

And as for you . . . he/she/it . . . your "poor mistreated white folk" act is getting a little stale and 2012 has just started . . . I am so sorry that Mr. Santorum cannot say whatever the hell he wants to without being called on it because he is white . . . sadly, those days have passed dearie . . . I am going to exercise my free speech to share my opinions as I see fit . . . even if you get your phony feelings hurt . . . if you can't stand the heat of reality . . . TAKE YOUR MEDS! :o)

Vote Perry, Perry 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ron Paul's an old fart Mitt Romney well he's a tree just like

Al Gore was and a big fake and Rick Santorum he's just a hot head!!!!!!!

once the primary comes to Texas I plan to vote for the biggest clown in the bunch since we have open primaries here. I hope all the DEMS that do not have a primary turn out to vote for the most Howdy Doody like candidate the GOP has to offer...

Robert-1960 I can't decide wether to vote for Clarabell,Mr.Bluster or Flub-A-Dub.What a dilemma.

It's probably a tough dilemma for the repub's anywhere....to pick the GOP candidate who they like the most, who they most trust and can relate with.....OR.....to pick the candidate that has the bestest chance to beat Obama/Biden (but not like this person)? It's a futile effort either way of course, but still an interesting dilemma.

We'll see Iowa's choice in a few hours, I guess!

The new laws imposed to suppress people from voting are in place to solve fraud problems that are practically nonexistent, instances of people impersonating others at the polls. Come on we know why the GOP is pulling this stunt.

Some estimates point to the number as 5 millions Democratic voters could be suppressed.

job1 - nice link to justify your opinion. If what you say about voter suppression is true wouldn't 5 million independant votes be suppressed as well? Or 5 million republican votes?

Like Bid59 suggests, why even have any ID for anything?

american-2051576

job1 - nice link to justify your opinion. If what you say about voter suppression is true wouldn't 5 million independant votes be suppressed as well? Or 5 million republican votes?

The reason why it selectively targets groups that vote Democratic has been explained countless times. It must have gone in one of your ears and immediately exited the other after briefly crossing the vacuum in between.

Lower income people, college students, and the elderly are the groups that tend to vote more Democratic than Republican, and these are exactly the groups that lack photo IDs more than other groups -- at least photo IDs acceptable to Republican governors. In Texas and Main, the new voter ID laws state that state college IDs are not acceptable while in Texas, concealed-carry gun permits are acceptable. One tea bag Republican politician in Maine even explicitly stated that the reason for excluding college IDs was because students tended to vote "liberal."

Bob,

You will find that the truth tends to have a liberal slant as well! :o)

Still recycling very old Jon Stewart jokes? How lame.

Where is the outrage over this? I don't care which side you vote on but this is taking it too far.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/03/alan-colmes-fox-news-rick-santorum_n_1180679.html?ref=media

What "truth" would that be, Nashville?.....That, Obama has a federally convicted political racketeer serving 10 years in prison as his closest friend and neighbor (Tony Rezko)?

Or, that his other C(R)ook County pal, William Ayers bombed federal buildings, and personal residences during the 1970's, and his cohorts killed two security guards and a police officer during an armored car robbery in 1981?

Nice friends Obama has, eh?

Is THAT the truth you're talking about? The TRUTH that nobody in the media has the courage to talk about or acknowledge?

You mean, THAT truth?

:-)

J. Merle Stanley-2759623

A guy I used to work with was arrested for holding up a pharmacy for drugs, in fact, he threatened the pharmacist with a letter opener he swiped from my desk; oh, shoot, I can never be President now!

Amy, Your juvenile equation of the guy who held up the pharmacy with your letter opener, to the close friends and business associates of the President of the United States shows just how ignorant you really are.

Tony Rezko is a federally convicted political racketeer who went to jail for influenece peddling. Obama did legal work for him, and wrote letters on behalf of Rezko in favor of giving him state/federal funds for building developments from which Rezko would financially benefit. Rezko's wife also brokered the deal for the Obama's Kenwood Illinois home at a price some $185,000 BELOW the seller's asking price, and the Rezko's (who live right next door) sold 10' of their property to the Obama's for "a song."

No quid pro-quo there, right? Maybe not. Maybe it's all coincidence.

But, it's one HELL of a coincidence, and as an American citizen I/we have every right to know about the people from whom our leaders "learn," with whom they hang around, and from whom they could get political pressure. This all should have been looked into by the media. It should have been given the same attention as the Chinese dishwashers, and Norman Hsu stories (about Hillary) were given.

Gee.....isn't is odd that it wasn't?

As for William Ayers; Obama has yet to explain from where he got his political philosophy, and/or his ideology. Ayers served on a community board with Obama in Chicago, and Obama is said to have hosted the man for dinner in his home. Why on EARTH would you break bread with a man who firebombed a home WITH SLEEPING CHILDREN IN IT, who set off explosive devices in federal buidlings, even blew up a residential buidling in Manhattan, and a man who's associates KILLED two security guards and a police officer during an armored car holdup?

You see, this isn't just holding up a drug store with a letter opener. These are TWO very bad people who are closely associated with the most powerful man in the free world; and, the only explanation we ever get is "oh is doesn't matter because they aren't on his cabinet," or "you shouldn't equate guilt with association."

BULLSNOT!

I remember when Michael Moore did a whole piece in his movie about the Bush's investing in the same company as the Bin Laden's, and people like you went nuts over it!

Why does Obama get a pass, for (essentially) the same thing?

This is the problem with the two party system in this country. One party will always pick on the shortcomings or "questionable" aspects of the other party's candidate. But, it will EXCUSE the very same traits in their own man.

Obama needs to fully explain the extent of his relationship with both men. He needs to come clean, instead of giving the "pat" answers we got in 2008.

Furthermore, the media needs to call him out on it. The MSM has done NOTHING but throw puff-balls to him for the last four years. Time for Obama to get the same treatment as any other candidate.

Because in the end, that's all he really is.

The TRUTH that nobody in the media has the courage to talk about

Amazing! "The media" is keeping this under wraps, yet somehow you knew all about it...

Oh, I get it, you meant the "mainstream" (i.e., non-Faux, non-Rush) media.

I just got my copy of the agenda for the top-secret meeting where the media decide which stories to cover up. Guess what? The media has absolutely no incentive to cover up stories about corruption and terrorism in the Administration. Quite the reverse. So if they don't "have the courage" to cover this it must be because...wait for it...these aren't stories!

Oh god I took care of numerous convicted felons as a nurse in hospitals, guess I am can't be president either!!!

So a lawyer did legal work for a felon....

Um lawyers do work for people in trouble with the law, its kind of their jobs. More idiot made up slurs from the right please, it only convinces me more to vote for the democrats and get the idiots out.

JohNY, when the story about Rezko was posted on First Read in 2007/2008, you had to have special software to open the link, and watch the video.

However, First Read posted stories DAILY about Hillary and the "Chinese Dishwashers" and her alleged association with Norman Hsu. First Read didn't require you to download any software to get THAT information, did they?

In fact, those two stories, one of which has since been proven to be a lie, and the other greatly exaggerated, were saturated across every news website, and newspaper from NY to California.

But, not a single expose' on Obama's relationship with either of these two scumbags.

WHY IS THAT?

They are stories alraight.......they just aren't about the guy, or the gal they want to spit at. In 2008 it was Hillary, then it was McCain & Palin.

In 2012 it will be anybody who opposes Obama.

Yes, there IS a media bias, and it lives at MSNBC just as much as it does places like FAUX and ABC radio.

LOL.....wait for it.....wasn't it Chris Mathews who said that Obama "makes (his) leg tingle"....LOL

Sorry JohNY....but these ARE stories, and they HAVE BEEN surpressed.

Jan. did you then invite those felons over to your house to eat? Or, write letters for them to get federal and state money to fund construction projects from which they would reap large profits?

Taking care of felons as a nurse in a hospital is different from hosting them in your home, and helping them peddle influence, for which one of these guys went to jail in the first place!

J. Merle Stanley-2759623

No wonder the majority of the people in this country laugh at you guys. Too much Lush Lintball talk going on. Also, the Hillary Clinton people would have used this if it were true.

Job1, First off, I'm not one of what you describe as "you people." I am (or at least I was) a registered Democrat, and I have a great disdain for Lush Limpballs.

Secondly, I WAS (am) one of Hillary's people (a supporter) from 2008, and they did try to get the media to cover it in print and at the debates without success. Until, the debate that was monitored by Stephanopoulis on ABC.

At which point Obama's crew accused him, and ABC of bias, and stopped just short of accusing them of racism.

The point is these stories have not been covered, exposed, or investigated like they should be.

Romney does not desire to win, if he had to do with with negative advertisement with all his money. is he trying

to buy the election?than he my get it....

Is it anything like Obama's ties to a terrorist, Bill Ayers, or ties to an American hater, Rev Wright. If so, I can't wait to read about it.

MoreObamaMoney

Is it anything like Obama's ties to a terrorist, Bill Ayers, or ties to an American hater, Rev Wright. If so, I can't wait to read about it.

Give it a rest.

Little thin skinned, or you can't take the truth? Typical liberal.

Everyone knows that the reason the Republican House and the McConnell-led filibustering Senate are being so obstinate is due to the total and complete control they believe that Ayers and Rev. Wright have over Obama.

Such nonsense. The real reason the Republicans are behaving like children on a playground is because they want to be 'it' and are willing to risk the entire American economy to re-gain the White House.