He sure is Bev.

He sure is.

So odd, then to have the CBO come out with such crushing numbers, eh?

Hey, what does the latest GDP trend show Spanky?

I missed it....

Do you happen to know how it is trending? What are the latest numbers, up or down?

Help us out here buddy.

P.S. President Obama's leadership is working --- come on... you can go on and admit it.

Stupid - are you serious?

THe GDP trend?

Oh My.

1.7% in the fourth, low 2's at best in 2012.

THat'd be absolutely horrendous Stupid.

But hey - just ask the Fed. It just told you everything you need to know.

Oh, wait, I forgot who I was addressing this to.

I do.

1.8% for the year is the forecast. Not good. It's down from the 2.7% last Auguat, which was down from January's 3.2% projection.

See, we just got the initial from Quarter IV. Once the first subtractions- home prices- were made, it was looking sad.

We won't get imports- a big subtraction- untile later in the month.

So, right now, it looks like all of 2011 GDP will show about 1.8% growth. Probably lower, unless I miss my bet.

There is a word for that. The word is WEAK.

Lame, limping, dragging, anemic- all may be used in its place.

Poor also works.

Spanky-

He sure is Bev.

So odd, then to have the CBO come out with such crushing numbers, eh

But, did you see the deficit has been reduced?

Yeah, I remember when Kerry was telling us what a horrible abomination 5.3% unemployment was.

Then again I remember when Obama said how utterly terrible increasing the debt $4 trillion was.

Odd, but them fellas sure do sing a different tune now.

1.8% gdp is a disaster. Hello Euro-zone.

Bev. simple math now dear - we spent more money in 2011 than in 2010. We will spend more this year than last.

Crushing numbers Bev. IT's that bad. It's that simple.

Now don't tell outright LIES with the spin...

http:/ /www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/gdp/gdp_glance.htm

Here is a great graph that clearly show comparisons of GDP under Republican/Tea leadership, and Democrat leadership of President Obama.

How difficult do you think it is to clean up the messes dubya & the GOP-TEA created between 2001 &2009?

Well look at this graph and see just how deep repubs buried this country.

Certainly appears that you and bo-jo aren't very truthful AND don't know what you are talking about...

But with such turmoil in your primary elections and no real candidate for November, I guess spin, un-truths and excuses are all the TEA-GOP has.

Is that what it is Spank? Just HAVE to keep spinning and pitching lies to try to sway voters?

Sure Stupid. I just hope your Kool aide is tasty.

But yes, me, the CBO and Bernake - all just spinning away.

And hey, added bonus to any discussion re: GDP - historic debt. Now exceeding 100% GDP.

Now there is something to really be proud of Stupid.

Ill try, slowly, to explain.

There is an initial projection. If you read the explanation, you'd know that.

Then there are adjustments. We have one- home prices. They dropped to 2003 levels in the third quarter. So, right away, we cut the projection.

There are others, but the biggest is imports. Big subtraction from the initial projection.

1.7% is wildly optimistic. By the third revision, we'll be lucky if it's 1.3%.

As proud as percentage of INCREASE of the national debt?

Hey - pop quiz:

Which presidents are the top three to increase percentage of the debt Spank?

Any ideas about one, two, and three?

If not, just ask and I'll give the answer.

Percentages are neat, right Stupid. When the numbers are low, changes make a big difference.

But we got us a %15 trillion debt. Soon to be $1.5.

But I feel you Stupid Bush jacked debt by $5 trillion. Of course we all know that was in 8 years.

Obama - he's doubling that up.

So bottom line Stupid - no need to talk about percentages. We sadly have to deal with the real numbers. And they are horrendous.

NOJO - how clear is it that our gal Stupid just does not seem to 'get it?'

Oh, now don't go typical Tea-republican on us spanky.

We can ALL see you twisting and squirming and trying to deflect the question without an answer; uncomfortable?

Well, this is not a Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, so lets get an answer to the question.

Also typical RNC-TEA tactict to say:

no need to talk about percentages

Why is it the gotp adherents never seem to want to discuss what IS important? How on earth can you say in good conscience "no need to talk about percentages"? Are you unaware of the relationship? Surly you know about "compounding" don't you?

BEV... it is VERY clear we are attempting a dialogue with a couple of ladies who truly can't "get it" don't you think. Makes you shake your head in sadness doesn't it. Why do we even try to help the helpless?

Biggest debt creator? Worst growth? Worst unemployment?

Yep, all have the same answer - Obama.

Compounding percentages?

Oh Stupid. We already have 'Bevisms.' Perhaps it's time to add 'Stupidisms', or is that just redundant?

Spanky,

Biggest debt creator? Worst growth? Worst unemployment?

Yep, all have the same answer - Obama.

Yes Obama has shouldered the burden of who caused this now? yep, BUSH!!!

No matter how you slice and dice it, Bush was the "Biggest debt creator?" caused the "Worst growth?"...and "Worst unemployment?"... and Obama is fixing it... and you know the best thing I love about this argument? is that I know that you know it... HAHA....now matter how much spinning - YOU KNOW IT. FACT

Sure Tundie, let's go with 'fixing it.' Oh and all Bush. Never mind the dems in control of congress since '08. Just Bush, always only BUUUSSHHHH!!!!

So Tundie do tell - when can we expect Bernake to raise interest rates? And what up with the CBO?

But yeah - I know it.

Sure I do. I must, because you say so.

Funny. Or maybe sad, if you really think like that.

Come on Tundie you are better than that.

Awwww,

I am disappointed in you spank...

You are acting like getting back the spin and talking points is unfair and only YOU can do that.

Where is your sense of adventure?

But this is not even the tip of the iceberg. You set the precedents, so don't get upset when it comes back at you.

YOUR ANSWER IS WRONG, WRONG WRONG btw.

It was your poster boy Ronnie Reagan who is number one on the list. FACT: Reagan increased our national debt 187%, the HIGHEST of any president in history, followed by Dubya in second place, and his daddy Bush sr. in third - ALL republican/tea presidents.

Now I know you don't want to talk about it, but the TRUTH IS that GOP-TEA Presidents are the ones who have put America in the debt you complain about, and they - NOT Obama - are the ones who have done it; the TOP THREE.

It is all public record, true history, and indisputable regardless of your spin and talking points.

Don't avoid truth spanky - it will set you free. You can't re-write history to fit the RNC-TEA platform planks or talking points, even though we all see you trying to do just that.

Come on... put on your big girl panties and fess up. Everybody knows it anyway so you may as well admit the truth. It will be good for your soul and will help build character.

Oh, I see Stupid - we are back to percentages.

So what was the total debt Reagan left us with?

THe Bush presidents total [heck fell free to combine them if you wish].

See Stupid in the end Obama has already saddled us with $5 trillion. Soon it'll be $6.5 trillion.

So truth time Stupid - Obama kicked their asses. Straight up truth, just for you.

Plus since you loves you some percentages - I bet Mitt would let you pay his rate if he got to pay the amount you actually pay.

Shoot, Stupid I'll make you the same offer - I have a large amount of passive income. Come on, a nice low rate. :)

Oh and Stupid - which one of those evil republicans went out and got us downgraded?

Talking point or fact stupid?

Wait I know - stupid fact, that is sadly true.

Ya think Willard would bet $10,000.00 he -OR you for that matter - pay a larger percentage rate than I do?

Would YOU?

Oh and Stupid - which one of those evil republicans went out and got us downgraded?

Talking point or fact stupid?

Straight up fact spank:

The answer is .... (drum roll)

Mitch McConnell. "We got 98% of what we wanted."

Unfortunately that 98% included the downgrade.

Are you going to try to spin THAT fact too?

Percentages again, eh?

Mitt pays a ton. If I pay a higher rate than you my tax attorney ain't earning his money.

And Stupid - that was from Boehner [I know they all look alike to me too].

Night Stupid. See you tomorrow. :)

sleep well

(and a thumbs up for ya!)

Yea, sleep well Spanky. Put this under your pillow...

Report: US deficit falls slightly to $1.1 trillion

A new budget report released Tuesday predicts the U.S. government will run a $1.1 trillion deficit in the fiscal year that ends in September, a slight dip from last year but still very high by any measure. A previous estimate was for $973 billion.

The Congressional Budget Office report also says that annual deficits will remain in the $1 trillion range for the next several years if Bush-era tax cuts slated to expire in December are extended, as commonly assumed. The CBO is a non-partisan budget analyst for Congress

http://nbcpolitics.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/31/10279530-report-us-deficit-falls-slightly-to-11-trillion

tea bags here is a thought if the President did nothing like you wanted. You would be all over him for not doing anything. No what the President does is wrong even when he uses your ideas. W.T.F. is that all about?!

Once again a troll is trying to derail the discussion from the topic...

Maybe Romney will do better the next time he runs. Yeh, that's it, he just needs to run more times (not). The more voters get to know Romney, the less they like him. Well the him they think is him.

The reason we don't see the real Romney is; 1) he has enjoyed a privileged life all his life and can't relate to "everyman" no matter how hard he tries to make it look like he does, and 2) as a man of privilege and head of a company he is not accustomed to being questioned, but rather being surrounded by "yes men," and 3) All Mormons struggle with "being in the world but not of the world." So calling Romney "bubble boy" pretty much sums it all up.

The bottom line is turn-out in this primary is below normal levels so far with exception of South Carolina. And the percentages Romney is winning is lower than he won in 2008. This is telling.

Because the above section is likely to be collapsed, I'm re-posting this now:

Maybe Romney will do better the next time he runs. Yeh, that's it, he just needs to run more times. The more voters get to know Romney, the less they like him. Well the him they think is him.

The reason we don't see the real Romney is; 1) he has enjoyed a privileged life all his life and can't relate to "everyman" no matter how hard he tries to make it look like he does, and 2) as a man of privilege and head of a company he is not accustomed to being questioned, but rather being surrounded by "yes men," and 3) All Mormons struggle with "being in the world but not of the world." So calling Romney "bubble boy" pretty much sums it all up.

The bottom line is turn-out in this primary is below normal levels so far with exception of South Carolina. And the percentages Romney is winning is lower than he won in 2008. This is telling.

Aw, Stupid what's the matter - counting not our strong suit?

Shoot even Gov. Quinn can tell you that 1+1 = 2.

There you go trying to get technical spank.

"You may not have trouble speaking, but numbers give you trouble" - is that what you are saying?

I'll be glad to 'splain it:

Well, by MY count spanky, he LOST to Santorum;

then he LOST to Newter;

I can't really count his back yard hollywood production in New Hampshire... even YOU know how that is just theatricals.

Here is their problem, Spanky. . .

So, Romney got a LOT of votes from primarily democratic counties. See, from where I sit, that is the whole story.

In my family there are two -two- people who have never, in their entire voting lives, ever voted other than democratic. One is my father, the other, my sister.

Both are planning on voting for Romney.

My nieces, who voted for Obama, will vote for whoever the republicans nominate- but, my father?!?! Is close to eighty.

He's planning to vote for a republican.

And my sister? I almost passed out when she made that pronouncement.

Democrats know that Romney will take those votes- focus groups and polling tell them THAT story. Thus, this site- playing up the primary fights as if they were the first they'd ever seen. Wasn't just four short years ago that the democrats were locked in the Clash Of The Titans?

Remember two years ago, when we were reassured, on this site, that republicans had no prayer of recapturing the House? I think it was the week before the election when they allowed that there was a chance, albeit a slim one, that it might, could, happen.

This is team Obama. They'll do all they can to protect him. CBO? What CBO? Is that one of the scandals du jour they don't deign to cover?

1+1=2, 2 in the loss column ... 46 to go ... black swans on the horizon.

Hey stupid...casn you imagine a black president...no...just a puppet.

Shoot NoJO - that is not their problem. That libbies always lack historical perspective just ensures that they will always amuse.

No - it's the cold hard numbers.

CBO - poke Obama in the Eye.

THe Fed setting current interest rates just kicked him in the gut.

And they all play for his team.

Oh and plus gas just jump $.05. And hey did you see the big brained Gov. of Maryland? Wants to tack on sales tax to gas. Cause the $.23 the state already gets isn't enough.

Paging Gov. Quinn, Gov. Brown...

You do know Maryland's unemployment rate is 6.7%, right?

6.9%, according to BLS. That, of course, is the official number for November- December is not yet available. Also we don't have the LAUS numbers yet- Local Area Unemployment Statistics. Somehow, for the last two years, we can't get numbers we always had within a few weeks of the unemployment rate until months later.

So, maybe the horse farms and government worker enclaves in Maryland are doing just fine. Baltimore,on the other hand, is not doing so well.

Then again, I'll let you know when the actual numbers get released.

In six months.

nojo,

I saw an article (I googled it) that had the rate 6.7 reported as of Jan 23rd, but since that is in your neck of the woods, I gladly go with your number. Still 6.9 is better than my state. We would love to have such a number.

I also heard the Maryland governor on some news program say that their ports are doing pretty well. Maybe that helps that number.

Dear Stupid- We once had a prez named MILLARD Fillmore. We now have a president named BARACK-HUSSEIN-OBAMA. You got anymore silly comments about Romney's name or were you just being as stupid as we thought?

Hey phine - what's the rate in Illinois? Conn.? Hey how about Cali.

And just what does that rate have to do with more fun tax increases in libbie states?

Our controller came out today. Seems we out of money come 2/28.

Now we are blue all the way through so of course the big brains [Ummm, Brown] wlll call for more tax hikes and no tax cuts.

no joe, no bo, nj

Also we don't have the LAUS numbers yet- Local Area Unemployment Statistics. Somehow, for the last two years, we can't get numbers we always had within a few weeks of the unemployment rate until months later.

It doesn't matter what numbers you or the Spank(er) get since facts mean nothing to you where President Obama is concerned.

You people just agree to all kinds of make up skewed Koch brother CATO think tank stats.

Good one Bev.

Or apparently to the CBO, the Fed, or those bastard that keep revising GDP growth downward.

But Obama - now there is a dude who is all about facts and figures.

You know like if he gets the stimulus unemployment will be less than 5.7% in 2012.

Yeah, he kinda flubbed that one, eh Bev?

Look, states have to come up with revenue. If anyone has any great ideas on how to do that, instead of carping and sniping at each other, how about some positive ideas. Yes, we have to cut budgets at the same time, but you have to do both together for the state and country to move forward. Common sense people.

Nope - they need to cut spending.

See what a fantastic lesson Illinois and Cali have provided? Why raise if not cuts. Just silly.

Just last year Quinn said the Only way out was to raise taxes. And they did to a historic rate. And of course being blue they cut 0 expenses.

More revenue only ever equals more debt, cause the idiots never cut.

Now see if you can guess what just cuts will equal?

Yep, lower debts. It's hard, it sucks, but being broke sucks.

Just ask Quinn. Dude is toast.

Walker, on the other hand is gold.

Funny, right?

Spanky,

I worry about my state. I let the citizens of the other states worry about their own states. What is your morbid fascination with all this?

Are you capable of a reasonable, sane conversation. Or is all you know is how to be snarky? If snark is your way to go, please count me out of any of your comments, please.

My morbid fascination?

Oh, yeah, now that I think back on it all of you comments, every single one of them, have been limited to FLA.

Yeah, we are gonna miss you around here, you know, now that we are done with FLA.

What's the matter phine, that too 'snarky' for you?

Gosh phine it sure is late where you are at. Perhaps time to go nite nite?

Spanky,

I do believe the majority of my comments are about my home state. A place I truly love and want the best for.

As for my sleeping habits, why is it your concern? I well over 21, have my own home, I think I can determine what is best for me. Do you not agree?

But at least you have now proven you are incapable of having a civil constructive conversation. Thank you for that.

THe majority?

You are delusional. I was trying to be nice and give you an out.

Walk that talk.

Spanky,

Are we somehow talking past each other? I was talking about during this time of the Florida primary. And FYI, I am not a far left winger (is that a good term). Just someone who wants what is best and trying to find a path in the middle. (Life experiences can change ones point of view, sometimes)

I am a citizen of this great republic, in which all the states, regardless of size or power are created equal.

Relax.

Spanky,

I agree with that. But, I am learning that I need to concentrate on my own backyard (state). This is why I have some problems with this group of GOP candidates - I worry about some of the things the advocate. It would not be good for Florida. Maybe that sounds selfish, but it is the best way I know to explain it.

Phine, Spanky's daily nightmare ravings are between him and his unfortunate therapist.

Well, gotta give me credit for trying. Did you see some of the Florida numbers? While Romney did win, it isn't all it was cracked up to be! My little polling group was half right.

Oh ideo - my therapist?

Nope, that's what you are for - entertainment and merriment.

No it isn't and the press has a lot of soul searching to do ... they are not the parade leaders in this contest. Before it is over, how many assertions do you think they will make about who the winner will be? So far they have been flogging Romney with 3 wins and heading for a sweep. Didn't happen. Now it's he won two and headed for the inevitable. I wait for black swans, this is far from over.

Super Tuesday may be very interesting. And I look forward to the morning news programs to see how they spin all this. I know that from a first skim of the numbers, coastal areas with a lot of transplants went with Romney, but interior regions - the real Florida - well, didn't look that good for him, but didn't look half bad for Newt. Newt is right to hang in there!

I am wondering how the military and their families went. Florida has a lot of bases.

And there are some black swans living just down the road from me. An omen perhaps?

I agree he should hang in there. He will regain his heated cool and as Fl managed to mess up with the amount of delegates it can proffer, Georgia could be very big for him with more delegates in the offing than Fl.

I wonder about the states he is NOT on the ballot. How is that going to play out, I wonder? And when will Santorum quietly retire from the field?

It is hard to know what Santorum is bucking for ... perhaps US recognition of the Knights of Malta, it would elevate him within their ranks and that is where his heart lies.

Newt is hoping for Santorum's delegates to follow him no matter who Santorum eventually backs.

Ah! You are always one step ahead of me! I did not think of that! (although I think Santorum's delegates would go to Newt)

Midnight, the witching hour. And this witch is going to try and find some room on the bed. (Although it looking like the living room for the second night in a row. Hubby and the cat are snoring in stereo and hogging the bed).

Ideology,

Santorum is probaly already a Knight of Malta with a high degree. Or a Knight of Jerusaleum.

Too bad the Knight Templars were all killed regardless of what the movie said.

Are we somehow talking past each other?

That was putting it nicely. Spanky is one of those posters here that displays severe ADD. Notice he never sticks to a point. Rather, he introduces your sleeping habits, the price of gas in Tokyo, the closest planet to Jupiter, the debt in Illinois. Basically, he escapes using the "yo mama wears Army boots". Seems he spent to much time watching Perry Mason as a kid, convinced himself he is an attorney, and takes pride in his inability to argue a point. Herding cats is easier than a dialogue with Spanky.

Phine, I am sure he won big in The Villages area as the developer is one of Romney's Superpac donors.

Ideology,

That would be a 10 grand bet you would win for sure!

A bit of extra info, Clay and Duval have a large military group (mostly Navy).

phinephancy-4252115

Checking some of the counties around me. Romney only won by 2% in Duval (Jacksonville). He did when big in St. John's (St. Augustine) but we are mostly retirees from the NE here, however Newt won in Clay, Nassau and Baker counties which are really old South. The same with Putnam county. I don't how you want to spin this, but this really wasn't the big win that Romney wanted or needed.

Phine, Lawrence O'Donnell just said not all Floridians voted. Plus, exit polls show 4 out 10 still want another candidate even though they voted for Mitt.

I saw your note in another thread. Our parents are walking history books. We can learn a lot from them.

Bev,

I don't know if he was referring to the fact it was a closed GOP primary or not. (I have had the tv off all night) I have been spending my time googling for the most up to date info I can find.

My mother once told me that the older I got, the smarter she (Mom) would become. She was so right (darn it, I wanted to be right for once!) LOL

Hey Bev - I like the way you are thinking.

Obama's approval are at 44% - so that must mean that 5.6 out of ten want a different pres, right?

OR right track wrong track at 65% WRONG, so 65 out of 100 want ABO, correct.

While you are on numbers and statistics spank,

How much did mittens and his pac's spend to buy the Florida primary compared with Newter? Any idea?

And did jeb bush help HIM count the votes?

I also haven't heard... were there any hanging chads in this election?

Please enlighten us if you can...

Oh Stupid - now that you are just rolling is silliness, I will leave you to yourself.

OR we could debate: Who spent more in '08 - Obama or McCain? How many votes did Acorn produce/how many dead people voted for Obama?

Sadly, I suspect that there is no enlightening you, which I also suspect you have heard a time or two before.

Don't forget. Obama will soon be out on the trail urging Hispanics to vote against their "enemies." Because like most liberals, Obama assumes that ALL Hispanics support lawbreaking in the form of entering the country illegally. Yet more liberal, superficial condescension.

Damage123

Don't forget. Obama will soon be out on the trail urging Hispanics to vote against their "enemies." Because like most liberals, Obama assumes that ALL Hispanics support lawbreaking in the form of entering the country illegally. Yet more liberal, superficial condescension

Have you considered therapy?

Mitt Romney Losing Latino Republican Endorsements ... OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR ROMNEY FROM HISPANIC LEADERS

http://cafeconlecherepublicans.com/mitt-romney-losing-latino-republican-endorsements

Obama campaign memo: Hispanic voters reject Newt, Mitt

ON THE ISSUES HISPANICS PREFER THE PRESIDENT OVER THE REPUBLICANS

THE LATEST POLLS DEMONSTRATE REPUBLICANS WEAK STANDING WITH HISPANICS

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2012/01/obama_campaign_memo_hispanic_v.html

Yo Northstar - I don't suppose you can point me to any of my comments here that support Mitt?

In fact are there any?

Seems to me, most are related to the super fantastic CBO numbers, crushing debt, and the Fed's decision that the economy is in the toilet so it will keep interest rates a or near zero.

SO how about you enlighten me to your thinking on this, cause you lost me.

Northstar,

From what I am seeing, it is all in the areas where there are lot of people from the Northeast living. A very moderate to liberal group of the GOP. I am hoping there will be a breakdown on how the military voted (Mayport Navy base is in my area). I, for some wonky reason, find it really interesting.

Good new for Mitt, right?

Not like any of the hardcore, true red types would ever vote for Obama.

Moderates on both sides and independents and that is what you are saying went to Mitt.

Obama is going to lose in Carter like fashion.

It's all about the bread/Peace ratio.

Spanky,

Florida is a closed primary. Only GOP voters. The question is will the far right conservatives follow him? The folks I talk to aren't real sure. They may go 3rd party or stay home. This is just what I am hearing.

(FYI I was talking about the moderate/liberal part of the GOP voters - not all voters)

Spanky,

My sarcasm was meant in fun.Both you and NOJO still doing your" we are broke "riff.

My point is you can now PIVOT and as good conservatives your guy Romney just won his second primary.

So how again is he going to move this country from broke to plentiful, stop that debt clock that is driving you crazy.

Or maybe Spanky, you think Romney and Obama are two peas in a pod , just a different flavor...?

Damage,

While I freely admit to not being Gov. Romney's biggest fan, I will do what I can do discourage such talk. Sad thing is your probably right. You would have thought the election of JFK in 1960 and all the talk of him being a Catholic would have moved us past the religion issue.

Sadly, you're right. The kind of language we had last time Romney ran will re-surface. I was just thinking how nice it was that people seem to have finally moved past the religion issue. It's been a nice break. But I think you're right that the faith bashing will return. Sigh.

You forgot condescending!

Obama Biden2012

Look also at stock market trends. The market does better under Democratic Administrations rather than Republican Administrations.

Nothing is overblown, this just illustrates how much conservatives hate Romney. He got the majority of his votes in Florida's liberal counties where the moderate Republicans live. In the glades and trailer park country, you know, where the majority of "Cops" is filmed, Romney did terrible.

I'll give him this though, he is a uniter at a time when politicians are dividers. The liberal elitists and redneck conservative crowd both think he's a corporate schill with no standards and no values to speak of. Well done, Mitt.