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Susan Walsh / AP
President Barack Obama speaks before the National Governors Association, Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, in the State Dining Room of the White House.
The last time a Democratic presidential candidate won Arizona was 16 years ago, when Bill Clinton carried it in 1996.
The time before that? More than half a century ago, when Harry Truman won the state.
But as Republicans compete in their own primary there today, President Barack Obama's re-election team also has its eye on Arizona, a state where a growing Hispanic electorate and a deep divide on immigration policy could potentially help the president collect a much-needed 11 electoral votes in November.
A win there would be a reach, however. A recent NBC/Marist poll put Obama's approval rating in the state below 40%, and it showed him trailing most of the Republican presidential candidates there.
While Obama -- who didn't contest Arizona four years ago -- lost it by eight percentage points in 2008, his team believes that Sen. John McCain's less-than-double-digit victory in his own home state did much to lay bare Republicans' vulnerability there.
And, four years later, Obama's opponent is likely to face a much harsher reception from the state's growing Latino electorate than McCain, whose push for comprehensive immigration reform nearly derailed his candidacy early in the GOP primary.
From vows to veto the DREAM Act to heavy courtship of controversial endorsers like Arizona's Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, GOP candidates' language on immigration has prompted public worry from Republican Hispanic groups as well as from party leaders like former Gov. Jeb Bush.
In Arizona, which became ground zero for the immigration debate after its 2010 passage of legislation that would give police broad authority to detain suspected illegal residents, Democrats have a favorite noun to describe Republican rhetoric on the matter.
"Overreach."
"I can't underscore enough our sense on the ground is that Republicans have overplayed their hand in terms of rhetoric and legislating immigration law," says Phoenix-based Democratic strategist Barry Dill. "And there's a backlash."
Those working to turn the state blue were thrilled to hear Mitt Romney call Arizona's stringent SB 1070 immigration measure "a model" for the nation's policies during a Feb. 22 debate in Mesa. They believe that kind of language -- underscored by Romney's endorsement on Sunday by Gov. Jan Brewer, who signed the bill into law -- could further mobilize Arizona voters looking for more moderate solutions to the immigration issue.
Harnessing that feeling on the ground will be the task of the campaign's substantial Arizona field operation.
The re-election campaign has three field offices already in Arizona -- in Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff -- and another set to open in heavily Hispanic Glendale in the coming weeks. The campaign says that staff and volunteers have held almost 500 voter registration sessions and more than 200 phone banks since the spring. Much of that effort is focused on the Hispanic community, with events held at Hispanic supermarkets and weekly Spanish- and English-language phone banks targeting Latinos. The campaign recently hired a Mexican-American regional field director.
While Team Obama hasn't yet invested in paid media there, the DNC has aired TV advertisements, including a six-day anti-Romney buy last year.
With the number of voting age Hispanic citizens growing by a whopping 85% last decade, per Census data, the benefits of such a focus are obvious. But the lift may still prove to be a heavy one.
The NBC/Marist Arizona survey this month also found that 51% of Hispanics approve of the president's performance, with 34% disapproving and 15% unsure.
Compare that to the 2008 numbers: Obama won 56% of the Latino vote in Arizona compared to McCain's 41%.
Luis Heredia, the executive director of the Arizona Democratic Party, estimates that Obama would have to boost that number to at least 65% in November to get over the finish line.
And Dill, who served as deputy state director for the Clinton/Gore win in 1996, puts that number even higher, at 68%.
He added that Democrats must be careful in 2012 to tailor their message to a diverse Hispanic community, saying that the party stumbled in past elections by treating the group as a single monolithic block.
"A big part of it had been our fault as campaign managers, as leaders," Dill said. "We had sort of homogenized the Hispanic community in Arizona into one group. And they're not, they're very diverse."
This year, Democrats say there's plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
Obama's team points to Democrats' double-digit mayoral victories in Tucson and Phoenix last year as well as the recall of Arizona State Senate president and author of SB 1070.
And Heredia adds that downballot races, like the one to replace retiring Rep. Gabby Giffords, will help build excitement for activists locally.
"I gain more and more confidence every day," he said.
Leave a Comment:
Why wouldn't it be?
The GNOP have gone out of their way to piss off the very important Hispanic vote there.
AZ was in play in 2008 & if McCain hadn't been the home state Senator, President Obama could of very well won it!
Of course it is. The 50 state strategy will continue to exist. It worked in 08 and will work again in 12.
Given the behavior of the Governor of that state, as well as the Republican party, I would imagine it is in play.
NDD
That's a good observation. And I wonder if Brewer is up for re-election? I know Maine Dems are really fired up and ready to go, after a year of living under an unpopular Teapublican governor. A Democrat won a recent special election in Maine recently and it is said voters were motivated to send the governor a message.
.
Way to go MSNBC. You are full of it as always. An NBC poll finds President Obama's favorable rating under 40% in Arizona so you write an article about how he could win the state? You guys are too funny.
You must mean because we don't promise them a welfare check for life?? and a few get pissy about it....oh well....lol (just like liberals) You wanna come here and make a go of it, I'll be the first to say kudos, let's get to work.
I am certain you meant "57" states....lol
Another DinkProgress hit??
P.S. I sure hope that wasn't Obama's "Tough Guy" photo submitted with the artical shaking his finger at the tarmac of AZ...lol....he's what? 98 pounds soaking wet?...lol....lets get a real man in office, we've had enough of the Community Organizer-In-Chief
Hey fellow seniors in Arizona, check out Romney's and Santorum's plans to cut Social Security and Medicare should they get elected:
www.outcomemag.com/news/politics/2012/02/10/romney-vows-social-security-medicare-cuts
www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/06/rick-santorum-social-security-cuts_n_1190527.html
Remember that come election time!
This is a no-brainer. The GOP should've given a thought towards the recrimination they would receive from American Latinos. Not only are they pissed off, but they are motivated to set things rights by them and by their state. Yes - THEIR state. They were there long before the loony TP retirees descended on them like parasites. AZ SB1070 is a legal means to discriminate and criminalize legal US citizens.
Latinos realize that Obama has been the most effective President against illegals. His record is unchallengeable. And he's managed to do it without making legal residents and citizens feel like they are criminals.
It's a no-brainer. Obama has a real shot at taking Arizona in November.
Obama is toast. He eeked out most of the battleground states in 2008, most noticeably NC with a 0.3% margin, Indiana 1% and Ohio 4% and Florida 3%. Without a huge student turnout like in 2008, with disappointed independents due to lack of change, no jobs for graduates and expected $5 gas this summer, it will take a miracle. The $16 trillion debt may come into play as well.
A real man like who Mikey 1969? You Puss? Please return to the bottom of the gene pool with your T- Bagger Friends. Tell us Mikey? Just how are things in the trailer park?
Ummm, Nope.
"Overreach." and Sheriff Joe Arpaio. That is the new GOP in a nutshell.
As a California native, I am not surprised that many voters of Hispanic origin were attracted to the Republican Party. They did not ask for assistance. They worked hard. Many of them lived in deplorable conditions. But they reaped their rewards. The system worked and they lived the American dream. The G.O.P. of 30 years ago was exactly where they would be expected to gravitate.
But that was 30 years ago, before Republicans began this mind-boggling lurch to the extreme right. Proposition 13 and the super majority rule have brought gridlock to government. In an incredible turnaround, the Hispanic population that was so instrumental in making California agriculture an economic powerhouse suddenly became the target of the right wing. Hispanics were "the others".
The 50-state strategy will work, and work very well, if the Obama team can make it clear that the Democrats have taken the financially responsible position from the right-wing. That must include entitlement reform, a serious focus on job creation both inside and outside of government, a clear plan towards deficit, and by extension, debt reduction.
Let Republicans have their culture war. Hell, encourage these totalitarians. Let them spread their message of intolerance and hate. For Democrats, an opportunity to seize complete control of the government from the hands of these right-wing extremists does not come often. Democrats MUST focus on fiscal responsibility as a fundamental tenet of the party while directing attention to the Republican attempts to use government to abridge our fundamental freedoms.
Now that's an "Overreach".
Obama/Biden 2012
Some things in life are waaaay too predictable....lmao...*popcorn*???
The other people apart of that pole is a GOP leaning group. So always fun when blaming a poll.
State of Arizona was brought to court by the federal government because federal law trumps state law. And the name on the lawsuit is not Obama. Just another example of GOP members not realizing the POTUS is not a king and decisions on issues are made by others as well.
And finally for Mr.Ben. Why is it that the GOP on the trail flat lies even in their speeches about the president for votes. Why does Mr.Sanatorum not correct a woman who asks why a Muslim who should not be allowed to be president because he is Muslim is still in office. And instead of crrecting her says thats why I need your vote to change it.
Why when bashing Wall Street does Mr. Sanatorum say that after all those rich bankers needed bailing out that Obama took their side and bailed them out. When the Wall Street bail outs were under the Bush administration yet preaches wrong facts? Why does he feel that he wanted to puke when JFK said he did not take his orders from the pope and understood that this country is built on separation of church and state and rightly so. Sanatorum things his religion should be how he runs the country.
Why is wanting your kids or wanting people to go to at least a year of training school or some kind of higher education make you a snob? Really Wanting college for all makes you a snob. To think I guess I am a snob since I went to college, and the military are supporting snobs cause they are the ones that helped me go after I served.
Why does he want to make contraceptives a states right to ban if they want to even for married couples in their bedroom cause non married couples should not have sex in his mind. Why does he want to make even married couples who dont want hids only thing to do is have more kids, not have birth control possibly be legal, and then when everyone has kids not have the government help it taking care of these forced pregnancies.
You were answering some questions so I figured I would ask some. Since regardless of party affiliation. I am a former democrat that is now a left leaning independent cause I dont care for the DEM party either. But just cause you may or may not like a party or the president as your chice. I am curious when people decided religion based on ones views should be how the country is run. Everything I asked about Santorum are his views and he has said. So I am curious as why a normal person, who has voted for moderate GOP members in elections before, would vote for this man unless they were a right wing evangelical christian who believes a raped woman should have the baby and contraception should even be outlawed if a state wants to married couples, and pre marital sex a crime if a state wants. Why does this person when you look past whatever party and simply what a person stands for get the support he gets. Do people really want to be run by a religious extremest running the country and intermingling in the world based on HIS religious values. And having parents stay home to teach children since public school is bad cause it teaches science.
Just some curiosities for this independent who would have loved to had a choice of who to vote for. But cant for someone with those values and who wants to vomit because JFK understood churce and state are separate. And thinks I am a snob cause I went to college by those Snob inducing people known as the armed forces
And let the fully owned Democratic state of California wallow in their debt, their protests, the wearing out of the roads as people and businesses leave the state, their "progressive" (more like regressive) ideas. Just keep voting for Democrats California. At some point they might get it right, but probably not anytime soon, and more than likely too late.
Sure. Those year over year $1+ trillion deficits really demonstrate Team Obama's "financially responsible position".
California had a nice debt going, it got huge under that Democratic Governor named Arnold to the point they needed rolling blackouts though correct? All that started under democrats? My the education system needs more emphasis on history. Even though apparently people cant remember a couple of years
Road Warrior-252445
Obama is toast. He eeked out most of the battleground states in 2008, most noticeably NC with a 0.3% margin, Indiana 1% and Ohio 4% and Florida 3%. Without a huge student turnout like in 2008, with disappointed independents due to lack of change, no jobs for graduates and expected $5 gas this summer, it will take a miracle. The $16 trillion debt may come into play as well.
-----------------------------
Last I checked NC & Indiana (as well as CO, VA, and NV) had never been swing states before. The demographics, with northern moderates moving south, combined with the GOP going sar far to the right will end up making more traditional GOP states swing states, while solidifying the traditional Dem states.
Interesting. Arnie is responsible for all of California's debt, but Obama is responsible for none of the federal debt, at least according to the Libs.
Well, not to worry, you have a full top-to-bottom Democratically controlled state of California today. Everything should work out just fine.
"All the Governors from the Tea Retards are going down & out in 2012"
"OBAMA / 2012" Guaranteed, and a dem Congress for the good of America !
newdayDAWNING...RETURNED
Very, very much so!
tw1sted:
If that was intended as sarcasm, it was horrible. Let's test that memory of yours. In fact, the rolling blackouts began during the Davis Administration. Those blackouts were the primary reason for Governor Davis' recall.
However, Mr. Memory, it was later clearly shown that the cause of California's blackouts were the result of market manipulation by Enron. You remember Enron, that pinnacle of corporate responsibility? You remember Enron's CEO, Kenneth Lay, a dear, dear friend of President George W. Bush?
Don't come here posting that kind of trash. I'll expose you as either a senile poster or simply an outright liar.
David Walker
You are the one who posts trash. ENRON was growing bigger every day under the Clinton administration. It was people who left the Clinton administration who went to work at ENRON. It was President Bush who told ENRON they couldn't have a governmnet bailout.
Most thinking Americans are getting better informed today than ever before and that is why President Obama will be a one term president.
Folks, so we don't kill the messenger, please type "Enron California blackout" into a search block.
Judge for yourself whether tw1sted and JH lotsanumbers have it right, or whether the facts substantiate what I have written.
"Do you sit on a fire to barbecue your meat" You are a sucker for punishment with your bull$hit JH !
TO: JH-479998 who wrote:
Maybe you're underestimating the unpopularity of the Republican Party, and maybe you're not paying attention to all of the devastating promises Republicans have made to the American People, namely, everything from attacking our Social Security Retirement money, to making assurances that the American People will never have the chance to afford quality health care, to promising to break up employee unions and repealing minimum wage laws in order to lower American Workers' wages all across the country, and Republicans have systematically been doing exactly that everywhere they govern.
The Republican voters are too obsessed with Obama to pay attention to what Republicans are doing, or maybe I should say "un-doing."
There is NO good reason for any average American Worker to vote for a Republican unless you're just a sucker for punishment, and THAT is why all 50 States are in play this election year.
Obama / Biden 2012
More threats from Mr. Walker. Why not just put him on 'Ignore', you do that with everyone else you have a beef with. Pretty soon everyone will be on ignore for you, and you can just listen to yourself babble.
Not likely. The DoJ under Obama has now sued Arizona twice, both time with Arizona winning. A third federal lawsuit takes place next year, with a 4th in the works. Obama and his DoJ have shown contempt for the state overall costing Arizona millions in legal fees to defend frivolous federal lawsuits.
Obama has also refused to increase funding for the incarceration and care of illegal immigrants that burden Arizona's system. Homeland Security director Napolitano once lobbied the Federal Government to recuperate more of these funds, but has since gone back and joined Obama claiming costs tied to illegal immigration are to be born by the states. Southern Arizona has lost 3 Trauma 1 care centers in the last 15 years due to these costs. The prison system likewise is overburdened housing these inmates until the Federal Government finally gets around to deportation orders.
The Federal Government is costing the state of Arizona, and Obama has merely exacerbated this. Doubtful he can woo over actual knowledgeable voters. He better hope for a race based or hope and naivete based vote from Arizona. Highly unlikely he garners more approval down here.
Funny, I don't remember Christmas cards from Bubba to 'Kenny-boy' Lay of Enron. Does anyone else? Ken Lay was a Bush insider buddy from 41 to 43. Trying to spin the California blackouts as Clinton's fault is just more desperate nonsense from the right.
American Girl
You are going to be one sad person after 11/6/2012. You have been fooled by the progressive/liberals. They lie too much for me. President Obama is a failure as far as I am concerned. He sat back and let Harry and Nancy lead him off in the wrong direction. Not to mention that most of his promises were lies.
1/20/2013 - the end of an error
JH, you are right. Despite the media prostitutes' attempts to paint a different outlook, except in a few blue states Obama is in deep s**t. I live in three different states during the year....south, west coast, and midwest. In each area, people are fed up with the ineffective job and housing fixes, the high fuel prices, the screwing of the military, and the intrusion of the federal government into state, local, and even our personal affairs.
How much AZ is in play for Obama will depend on how many illegal aliens the Democrats can get into the voting booths.
Lots of speculation here, perhaps the left wants to "regulate" this speculation as well.
Come november and just before the lever is pulled, or the circles are filled in, the most important question will be "Am I better off now than I was in 2008".
"The DoJ under Obama has now sued Arizona twice, both time with Arizona winning."
Perhaps you could provide some sources for your statement here. If this is in regard to SB 1070, I believe the courts found several parts of the law to be unconstitutional, while the SCOTUS has yet to hear this case. So I am unsure as to this could be construed as a win for Arizona at this time.
Most of Arizona do not like our state republican leaders. Unfortunately more dislike Obama. He'll get the stupid vote from those who want social welfare or believes his lies. I think he's toned it down because an election is coming up. I don't mind the man, and will distrust his objectives if he is re-elected. Too bad the Republicans don't have anything to offer.
-Proudly, more than you can imagine, a Independent
JoAnnaSmith1 -
Of course what you've failed to point out is those deficits are a direct result of Republican incompetence after 8 disastrous years of the White House in GOP hands prior to our President inheriting a depression-in-the-making two years after 6 years which had complete GOP control of government. Surpluses wasted on tax cuts for the top which HAVE NEVER WORKED and billions - almost a trillion wasted on unnecessary wars. JoAnna, the GOP is so lost they can't find snow in Alaska in January. Financially responsible??? After Bush?
Up your meds, they're not working.
"Marilyn Monroe, Rocks" !!!
I lived in Arizona for 18 years. I can say honestly that Arizona is not in play. Sorry
What exactly are the democrats offering the latinos? Slaveship? Be very careful who you vote for there are strings attached.
60% of Enron political donations went to Democrats. That is why they clammed up over after initially pointing the fingers at the Republicans, especially when it was publicly clear that the Republicans told Enron to go pound salt.
What Obama has to do is get the Republicans to put money in states that they shouldn't have to defend. If the economy was stronger that will work, but overall the American public appears not to be buying the bed time story.
Feisty Readhead, wrong. My family lives in Arizona, and McCain is simply NOT POPULAR because he is a RHINO! He was simply the lesser of two evils.
Her last name is spelled "Brewer" but it is pronounced "Brew-hah." Tell this to your Hispanic friends and make them laugh!
Arizona has become the book burning and 'show me your papers' state of the nation (sounds 'brown-shirt' to me). You must carry around a birth certificate or passport to prove citizenship; schools are recalling books that teach any sort of ethnic studies. Given the proliferation of whites and Mormons in the state, it is difficult to see how the state would lean into blue territory. They prefer seeing the Red Under Their Beds.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-rodriguez-ethnic-studies-20120220,0,773799.column
SF Pedestrian - Ken Lay was a republican, but apparently the rest weren't. In the mounds of evidence, he didn't really know what was going on, but being the owner, he bears the responsibility. Records show that Skilling was the one doing the dirty deeds. BTW: Enron in a sense was a warning to finance that was not heeded in congress. One of the favorite tools of Enron accounting was to use "Mark to Market" valuation of assets. For those who don't understand all the parameters of the 2008 collapse, one of the problems causing the overvaluation of housing, real estate in general, was a federal mandate to use "Mark to Market" valuation. I'm never looked in to see if that was a republican or democrat idea. Regardless, it should never be used because the overvaluation that takes place.
Geo, typical rightwing attempt to manipulate voters using fear... We've all seen it a thousand times, and the Fox New's robots are a sad example of the GOP/TP fear mongering...they actually believe the GOP/TP. How sad, they keep themselves so ignorant by being so closed minded... bless your pointed little head
The Latino vote is important, but it's the many non-Latinos that don't support the Arizona immigration overreach along with the many retirees who want the Health Care Act provisions that are going into effect and don't want vouchers that won't cover their medical needs to replace Medicare that are the voters that can push Arizona over the line.
Ken Lay and his Enron group were all Bush cronies. Don't know how DH plays to anything else. JaAnna always makes things up then is surprised when she's called on them. Thinks everyone is as dumb as she is. Arizona is definitely in play - although it will be a squeaker either way. Many of the southern states who voted for Obama in 2008 will be in his camp again this year. NC is a very educated state and won't fall for the GOP hatred of women. Not many will hold their nose to vote for Romney and fewer for Santorum.
Obama/Biden 2012
Tim, Please tell me how the African-Americans have done since voting democrat from the Kennedy election on. I'm a sure you will not show any stats. This is not fear mongering this is fact! The democrats have destroyed the black family period. If I am so ignorant, please tell me through facts and open up my mind.
@Michael666:
Your snide implication that all Latinos want "a welfare check for life" is a classic example of how the modern GOP has abandoned it's historical roots in an attempt to pander to bigots and the tragically ignorant.
It is PRECISELY that attitude that drives voters away.
@Denver bill:
Same with your bigoted attempt to categorize all Latinos as unauthorized immigrants who don't possess the right to vote.
I challenge you to find ONE documented example of an immigrant, authorized or unauthorized, beng convicted of voting unlawfully anywhere in the United States at any time in the past 20 years.
Doesn't have to be in Arizona.
Doesn't have to be an immigrant from Latin America.
Doesn't have to be enough votes to sway an election.
Doesn't even have to be TWO votes.
Just ONE.
Or admit that you don't know what you're talking about.
Because I think you're just trying to spread vile bigotry, without having anything to back it up.
DB Akron:
Mark-to-Market is actually a part of GAAP, and is neither Democratic nor Republican. Theoretically, Mark-to-Market is an accounting device used to reflect "fair" value of assets. As we have learned, there was nothing fair about the values of the assets that were rolled into derivatives.
In the final analysis, M-to-M was a perfect tool for those bent on fraud. Valuation of assets was almost totally subjective because benchmarks were changing daily, and just about any figure was acceptable - as long as it went up. That was crucial to the looting.
Pretty sad, but the excesses are the reason we must have regulation, and for all the whining, Dodd-Frank really doesn't help all that much. The modernization acts of 1999 and 2000 are the real culprits. They must be repealed and Glass-Steagall reinstated.
The nonsense about CRA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac is pretty much a smoke screen. The 1999 and 2000 acts were the work of bipartisan votes led by Republicans, and signed by President Clinton, most assuredly a Democrat. That's where we, as a nation, really took the hits that almost destroyed us then, and are still a threat this minute.
One party or the other must show some integrity in the world of finance. The Republicans won't do it because their agenda is simply to continue the transfer of wealth to their richest constituents. Democrats just don't seem to have the guts.
That's because it IS brown-shirt.
The infamous SB 1070 wasn't even written by anyone in Arizona. It was written by Kris Kobach of the anti-immgrant hate group Federation for American Immigration Reform, or FAIR (an acronym that would make Josef Goebbels proud, and George Orwell weep). Kobach and his cronies write the hateful laws and ship them to drooling bigots around the country, and then get paid to help defend the lawsagainst legal challenges to the more unsavory (and unConstitutional) parts.
FAIR itself was founded by Nazi-admirer John Tanton, whose own public papers indicate that he wants the United States to adopt the "genetics policy" formerly used by Nazi Germany, and thinks that immigration is the right place to start. FAIR has other ties to 'white supremecist' groups as well, as documented by the Southern Poverty Law Center and others.
Russell Pearce, who introduced SB 1070, has his own ties to 'white supremecist' groups. Prior to intorducing SB 1070, Pearce campaigned arm in arm with Arizona neo-Nazi leader J. T. Ready. J. T. Ready is not ashamed to parade around with swastikas on display.
And now that Russell Pearce has been recalled, losing his seat to a less 'Nazi' Republican, Pearce has been named to the "number two" post in the Republican Party in Arizona.
It doesn't just SOUND brown shirt, it IS.
By all means, waste resources in Arizona. That will give the edge to Republicans in the REAL 'battleground states'.
PS - Not all Hispanics oppose stronger laws against illegal immigration, because the illegals compete with legals residents for jobs.
@commonsense, the master of polemic
I said nothing about Latinos, and not much about illegal aliens, other than as they relate to the Democrats I was really talking about (but you already knew that). The fact that there are no examples of an illegal alien being convicted of voter fraud (but you already knew that) reinforces my case. That is, unless you can prove that no illegal alien has ever voted in an American election, in which case I will bow to your superior knowledge. I'm betting you can't (but you already knew that).
I was wondering when I'd next see the president up at a podium, wiggling his skinny little finger at the American public...and here it is. How precious !
"That is, unless you can prove that no illegal alien has ever voted in an American election, in which case I will bow to your superior knowledge"
How could one prove a negative? That makes no sense.
@Commonsense,
Let me point you to a website called Google where I found a few examples is under five seconds. I'm not going to spoon feed you since you'll just pull the typical liberal crap and call it Fox reporting (even though none are on Fox!).
You seem like a semi-intelligent being, so go do your own research.
@DrDr
Nice catch, and absolutely correct. Which brings me to the unstated syllogism contained in my post, which does make sense:
If commonsense can prove a negative, then I will bow to his superior knowledge.
Commonsense cannot prove a negative.
Therefore, I will not bow to his superior knowledge.
Wow. Other than the last paragraph, which attempts to place the blame going forward on just one party, I actually agree with David Walkers post.
Both parties were complicit
85% of the subprime loans were NOT under fannie or freddie, so blaming them isn't really appropriate.
Clinton and Bush BOTH pushed for easy mortgage credit for all.
The real problem is that we don't make the loan originators responsible in any way.
If it was up to me, I'd make all lenders hold thier own loans, and make it illegal to bundle them as investment instruments.
Reinstating Glass-Steagal is a great place to start.
I'm a citizen of Arizona...some of you are posting that you have to carry around proof of citizenship, passport etc here in AZ...that is an absolute lie. Also SB 1070 does not allow the police to stop people randomly to ck their immigration status etc...they have to have just cause to pull someone over or to detain them...that means there has to be a reason other than checking for their immigration status to detain someone...I cannot get over the abuse of the truth on this vine...I am of hispanic heritage and I fully support SB 1070...a bill that does nothing more than mirror the federal immigration laws...there are many brown folks like me that fully support Governor Brewer.... and we definitely are not going to vote for our current president. Brown Shirts? I think not.
You are correct Juanita. For those who have not taken the time to read SB 1070 here is a link to SB 1070 as revised by HB 2162.
Azleg“dot”gov/legtext/49leg/2r/summary/h.sb1070_asamendedbyhb2162.doc.htm
Asking people for ID to buy beer is NOT racist.
Asking people for ID to buy cigarettes is NOT racist.
Asking people for ID to cash a check is NOT racist.
Asking people for ID to vote is NOT racist.
Santorum lost Arizona & Michigan and they have him on a Suicide watch, its leap year for him ? Lets celebrate this dirtbags lost. Now this loose cannon ricko is running to Ohio like a chicken with its head cut off, this wacko is a total joke.
Yet you are unable to document it?
Hogwash.
Asking people for ID (and proof of status often requires much more than a simple ID card) merely because they have brown skin or speak with an accent is WRONG, whether it is 'racist' or not.
Yes. It does.
That's baloney. And besides the whole "mirror" thing being dishonest baloney, the "law" gives the federal government the right to print money. That does NOT mean Arizona can print it's own.
Commonsense, you may want to follow the link that I provided above and educate yourself on what SB 1070 permits and what it expressly prohibits.
ID requirements:
“A PERSON IS PRESUMED TO NOT BE AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES IF THE PERSON PROVIDES TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OR AGENCY ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. A VALID ARIZONA DRIVER LICENSE.
2. A VALID ARIZONA NONOPERATING IDENTIFICATION LICENSE.
3. A VALID TRIBAL ENROLLMENT CARD OR OTHER FORM OF TRIBAL IDENTIFICATION.
4. IF THE ENTITY REQUIRES PROOF OF LEGAL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES BEFORE ISSUANCE, ANY VALID UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUED IDENTIFICATION.”
To you point; “ merely because they have brown skin or speak with an accent is WRONG…”
From SB 1070:
“A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE MAY NOT CONSIDER RACE, COLOR OR NATIONAL ORIGIN IN IMPLEMENTING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SUBSECTION EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY THE UNITED STATES OR ARIZONA CONSTITUTION.”
Further you may want to read Federal District Judge Susan Bolton ruling/order and inform yourself as to the sections of SB 1070 that were legally prohibited or restrained by her injunction. Here is a link:
tucsoncitizen"dot"com/mark-evans/files/2010/07/sb1070boltonruling3.pdf
Here's the text of SB 1070 that gives law enforcement greater leeway to stop and question those they suspect may be illegal: "Requires a reasonable attempt to be made to determine the immigration status of a person during any legitimate contact made by an official or agency of the state or a county, city, town or political subdivision (political subdivision) if reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the U.S."
The problem is that the highlighted areas are not well-defined and therefore, subject to wide interpretation.
drdr, sb1070 was engrossed and amended by hb2162 so some of that language has changed. it now reads:
“for any lawful stop, detention or arrest made by a law enforcement official or a law enforcement agency of this state or a law enforcement official or a law enforcement agency of a county, city, town or other political subdivision of this state in the enforcement of any other law or ordinance of a county, city or town or this state where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien and is unlawfully present in the united states, a reasonable attempt shall be made, when practicable, to determine the immigration status of the person, except if the determination may hinder or obstruct an investigation. any person who is arrested shall have the person's immigration status determined before the person is released. the person's immigration status shall be verified with the federal government pursuant to 8 united states code section 1373(c).”
“Reasonable suspicion” simply means “probable cause” and probable cause has been upheld as a legitimate legal standard by the SCOTUS several times.
here a link to the engrossed version of sb1070:
azleg“dot”gov/legtext/49leg/2r/summary/h.sb1070_asamendedbyhb2162.doc.htm
Asking people for ID to buy beer is NOT racist.
Asking people for ID to buy cigarettes is NOT racist.
Asking people for ID to cash a check is NOT racist.
Asking people for ID to vote is NOT racist.
.
That's a silly question, of course it is. Every state should be. Now will he win in all of them, No. His campaign is working towards winning, they have many offices in many states. They'll compete hard for every vote.
Go for it! Nothing beats a failure then a try! I can see the look on the governor's face if President Obama wins! Priceless!!
I've been to Arizona. I like Arizona. The cactus are just the right height. And the lakes, well I didn't see any lakes, but I did see a pool, and that was nice. Do you know, it gets hot there. So hot. And you need to cool off by jumping in the pool. And it's good to take your dog with you. And jump in the pool. Family times.
Come on Ames,
Dontcha know it's a 'dry' kinda heat - just look at how it mummified the current Governor!
Dayumm~~!! Fiesty, you took it to mummy Janny - you didn't have to go there~!
Terrific, Amy. May I add--you don't need any of those fancy plastic ponchos in Arizona since it is a desert. But their streets are just right, too. Perfect place to drive a Mustang convertible (although I don't know where you would put the dog).
Steeler Fan, I would hate to imaging Mitt would consider the trunk, but what else would someone like Mitt do?
Well, Wayne--I've never heard the President say "dogs are people, too, my friend" so the dog wouldn't be sitting in the back seat with the family.
Amy. Best kept secret in the state is Monument Valley in Winter..Try The View Hotel which is Navajo owned. Then go to John Ford's Point and hire a Navajo Guide who will take you to places were many of John Wayne's films like "Stage Coach" were shot. Very few tourists this time of year.
TorpedoYou
Thanks for the advice. I really did go to Arizona for four days in my twenties. That was the first time I saw a cactus. Most impressive! We landed in Phoenix and drove to the Grand Canyon. I wished we'd stopped in Sedona, which looked like the coolest town. Grand Canyon was, of course, magnificent. We also went to Canyon de Chellie (sp?) and the water in the creek was so cold! And we saw real native Americans there! We went to a bar at one point where there were cowboys and a fight broke out. My friend, who was from Turkey, got busy taking pictures, she found it highly entertaining. I had huevos rancheros for breakfast for the first time in my life, and I was like "where have you been all my life?" to Mexican food. Tucson seemed awfully flat to me, and the Petrified Forest cracked me up, because, being from Maine I was expecting to see real trees, not little rocks. The Maine sky seemed so hazy and moist when I came back, compared to the intense, clear blue of the Arizona sun. It was remarkable to me to be able to see so far into the distance, while in the southwest, and the magnificent landscape was inspiring. The United States has such a diversity of climates, it's amazing it still feels like one country.
Amy..If you went to Canyon de Chelly (Pronounced deshay where the movie "McKenna's Gold" was filmed) then you were only about an hour from Monument valley which straddles the AZ/UT border. My Navajo Guide told me that he has visitors from all over the world but none more memorable to him than the Frenchman who broke down in tears telling him that he had fulfilled a lifelong dream of riding in the footsteps of John Wayne and John Ford.
That's interesting. When we were crossing the creek at Canyon de Chelly, there were some German tourists laughing and exclaiming over the cold water there, but we all felt like foreignors in that landscape, which is so much more dramatic than New England.
Back at the motel, we watched a Western movie that was on and it felt surreal. The Southwest certainly exists in the imagination, as well as on the map.
PS John Ford was born in Portland, ME of Irish immigrants. We have a statue of him in a director's chair, in the neighborhood associated with those immigrants. http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=20915 The inscription on the base says "I make Westerns."
"Mitt said dogs are mans best friend"
"Mitt's bark is much worse than his bite"
"Bark, bark, ruff, ruff", Santorum dog days are coming ?
As conservative as John Wayne was, He would be turning over in his grave if he saw the state of Arizona and National politics today.
Ha Amy that is some funny stuff, "the cactus are just the right height", thanks for the LOL.
The cactus are just the right height - best line of the day!
Thanks, Arne and Grump! I actually cracked myself up :)
If Mitt says dogs are man's best friend I'd hate to see how he treats his enemies!!! Oh, that's right, he sends them to China!
Democrats are kidding themselves. Illegal immigration is a slap in the face to all LEGAL immigrants, people who did the right thing, people who followed the rules.
Most of the LEGAL immigrants I know, hispanic or otherwise, feel that way.
And the Arizona law is not a model for the national laws, that's just a stupid thing to say.
The Arizona law is written almost exactly like the national laws that the Obama administration refuses to enforce.
Cue "commonsense" who will now reinterpet my statements to say something entirely different than what I said.
Alil - Obama doesn't refuse to enforce any laws. Get real!
Seeking sanity, you are wrong.
Google is your friend.
Here, I'll get you started, provided you care to actually seek the truth.
http://www.ice.gov/doclib/secure-communities/pdf/prosecutorial-discretion-memo.pdf
A while back I posted that the GOP attitude towards the Latino community could come back and bite them. You cannot demonize a group during the primaries and come back in the general and say "Never mind what I said about you earlier, vote for me now." President Obama can and should make a play for Arizona.
Phinephancy, President Obama will not spend time or money in AZ because he can't win there. Remember the Supreme Court will be ruling on the law suit brought by the Obama Administration over AZ's immigration law. There is also "fast and furious" debacle, and of course the border security issue.
Obama's only claim on immigration is that he has deported more illegals than Bush did.
Amy, somewhere above you asked if "Governor Brewer is up for reelection this year", the answer is NO, she ran in 2010 and won with about 53% of the vote.
sfcret, I lived there for 18 years and you are right.
Where ever the Latino vote is strong, Obama will own the precincts. The GOP is a party of exclusion and they do not respect Hispanic voters at all.
Sail Gato: you are so full of caa caa.
Ah, it's Juanita! How's the willful ignorance and deliberate self-deception going for you these days?
Hopefully all those p-o'd latinos will be ABLE to vote, despite the voter ID laws which the Repukes clearly enacted to stop the latino vote.
Pat, I'm a Veteran of Dix Hills, Have a nice day Miss Long Island !
Pat:
Voter ID wasn't enacted to stop the Latino vote. It was enacted to stop the Illegal Alien vote. Why do you think the border is still open? Obama needs all the votes he can get. He has thumbed his nose at America's laws regarding immigration for a reason. When illegal immigrants cause the damage they do, and our Federal Government doesn't bring it to a halt, why do people simply overlook the obvious reasons? And yes, if they wanted to close the border it would be closed.
Durable goods orders DOWN 3% in Jan....Yup, it's getting better. You all ought to start polishing those rose colored glasses again!
This is all it's going to take to win against Romney... just like it worked against Goldwater.
Democrat Daisy TV ad for 1964 Presidential Campaign
We have to make sure that legal Hispanic voters don't get disenfranchised on their way to the voting booth. Right now Brewer's law could do just that, legally. Go in large numbers in November. Go with white friends. It seems ridiculous that I would have to say that in this country, but with racial profiling laws in AZ, this kind of nonsense could take place. Keep trying to cast that vote, no matter how hard Republicans are working against you!
Sorry, just saw pat's comment. So true!
It must be the case if Media Matters--er MSNBC--says so...
I wondere if MM sent the memo to the White House yet?
Sure, he should contest AZ. Even making the state close and softening it up for the future is worth the doing. This is EXACTLY what John Kerry did in Colorado in 2004, one of the unsung endeavors of his. Even if AZ may or may not be in reach this time around, making the GOP have to pay dearly to keep the state requires the Republican Candidate and his party to sink time, money and energy into the state, which means less time, money and energy for states. In other words, the more battlegrounds Obama opens, the less battlegrounds the GOP can open. Obama should go for the gold in AZ, GA, SC, MT, and TX on top of the 9.25 pickup states from 2008 (NM, NV, CO, IA, VA, OH, FL, IN, NC, NE-02). He should also lay much more groundwork in KS and NE than a Democrat normally does, for KS is also undergoing demographic shift. But the state that he should really launch an all out campaign for is: TX. I really, really think Obama can take TX this time around. Mark my words. I was one of the few who in 2008 predicted early on that IN and MT would become battlegrounds, and they did.
All polling is showing Obama more the solid in every single DEM core state from 2008 - so there is no retreat going on anywhere on the electoral map. Exception: NH, but even there, the last poll showing Obama at suddenly +9 over Romney.
Mark
We all know how successful John Kerry was don't we?
Yes JH, we do. Obama took Colorado in 2008 thanks to inroads made by Kerry. Did you read Mark's post? If you read it, did you understand it?
Exactly! I was very disappointed in 2008 when Obama didn't put any effort into South Carolina, especially after we worked so hard on voter registration and getting out the vote. I even sent his campaign an e-mail demanding that they stage a rally or something, anything. We Democrats are small but mighty in SC. At least make the opposition put some time and money in.
Yep - Somehow Obama took Colorado in 2008...we the people of this great state are making sure that mistake doesn't happen in 2012. Especially now that he has a record...um, I mean, err, a "past history" or doing all kinds of neat presidential-type stuff that have been really good for the country.
I'm surprised Obama/Biden didn't get insurance companies to pay for hair plugs in the garbage health care bill either.
Mark
Obama is in good shape, according to the media sponsored polls. That distinction is important. The news media often controls different parameters including, and not limited to what question is asked, how the question is asked, and to what mix of partisans get asked.
The polls to pay attention to are PPP(D) #1 in accuracy so far during this primary season. Yes, it is a Democratic polster, but it consistenly is the most accurate poll.
Rasmussen, surpisingly not as accurate in the primaries. Primaries are the most difficult to poll, because regular samplings may not match the attitude of the smaller regional units. Rassmussen has regions that their polls are the most accurate and others that aren't so accurate in, but they add up to a whole as the most accurate
Gallup - Always a consistently accurated for years.
Survey USA - Same problem as Rasmussen, the ironic thing is the regions that Rassmussen is least accurate, Survey USA is most accurate, and the regions which Survey USA is least accurate, there Rasmussen is more accurate.
These polls combined say this is anybody's race, but show Romney and Santorum in a virtual tie in the swing states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and North Carolina. With just those 4 swing states, would put either of those two over Obama.
Duh
JH had you bother to read the post (or have someone read it to you) you'd understand.
Juiceisgood - in your dreams. Colorado people - for the most part - are too smart to play into the hands of the far right idiots and will be firmly behind Obama again this year. Sorry - you'll have to pay for your own hair plugs.
Pipe dream. The Candy Man has no shot in Arizona. And as for the Hispanic Voters, believe it or not they don't like illegals anymore than the rest of us.
Do Hispanic voters like getting racially profiled in AZ? Go poll all of the Hispanic voters you asked in crafting your comment. I'll wait.
Who's getting profiled in AZ...numbnuts?
Haven't you heard of the racial profiling law in AZ? It was kind of big news.
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1579/arizona-immigration-law-fact-sheet-hispanic-population-opinion-discrimination
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2R/bills/SB1070S.pdf
And name calling? Really? Grownups don't use that kind of talk.
Yup JFK..All those Parasites that moved here from other states and raised our sales taxes to nearly 10%...It was those goddamn@d illegals and their welfare that put us in this sorry state affairs. We need more guys like Sheriff Joe! Yup That'll learn em! Why our Republicans have had control of the legislature for the last 12 years and the governorship for 3. We need more of that??????
Read the law sad...before inserting your foot in mouth.
Duh JFK...I've read the law and as an Arizona Native, I don't agree with it you Fascist. That is why it is being challenged in court. You know that Constitution Thingy? Of course you realize that cops NEVER lie right?
sadmoronsvote2 the revision of SB1070 (HB 2162) was kind of big news as well but I guess that you did not get the memo.
azleg.gov/alispdfs/council/sb1070-hb2162 “dot” pdf
Torpedo, since when does the left give a @!$%# about the Constitution? Nice try...
JFK - if you were up to speed on anything in AZ you would know that legal hispanics are being racially profiled along with others. They are being stopped and having to prove they are legal - carry additional paperwork, etc. You DO know how to read, right????
SeekingSanity...I am of Hispanic heritage. I've lived here in AZ for many years...I know of no one that has been racially profiled...if the crooked news dug up some person that said he or she was profiled; it was a very isolated incident. We don't have to carry paperwork, passports etc...don't believe everything you read and especially this make-up bogus story.
After March 1st, not sure there will be much "play" in AZ or any other states for that matter, there is that Natural Born Issue as intended by our Founding Fathers that may have to be actually enforced
Kurt's comments - you mean like it has always been enforced? What an utterly STUPID post!
I wonder if Kurt's Comments babysitter knows he's on the computer?
Kurt's Mommy forgot to take the keyboard to work with her again... lol
What a (im)mature crowd we have, bringing someone's mother into the comments. I guess it is easier to bring one mother in as a source of slander than reply on the issues. All of you are forgiven for your lack of 18th Century Constitutional History.
I'm a lawyer. This President's legit, born a U.S. citizen.
Kurt's comments - we actually understand the Constitution. Too bad you clearly don't and instead try to play on the ignorance of the far right.
Clotho - even a non-lawyer knows. Pity Kurt is still clinging to hatred and ignorance.
"...18th Century Constitutional History."
Since the constitution was adopted in September of 1787, there wasn't a lot of "18th Century History" for it to have, and, from your ravings, it looks like you meant "Constitutional Law", anyway.
Fail, fail, and fail, Kurt.
Senior Sail Gato: a little lesson for you...when we were living during the 1900s that was called the 20th century...therefore the year 1787 occured during the 18th century...we currently in the 2000s which is the 21st century....you fail fail fail Senior Sail Gato.
laughing @Sailcat....................sorry to laugh, but that was a two-fer.
Pull yourselves together, children. Kurt was making a crack about 18th Century Constitutional History, a blitheringly stupid remark considering the history of the Constitution in the 18th century lasted a total of 13 years, a preposterous statement I was drawing and quartering for its ignorance.
And speaking of ignorance, you two imbeciles would do well to actually read some of the discussion before you wade into it and make compete asses of yourselves.
Fail.
Senior Sail Gato: oh get over it and have a Negro Modelo! You'll feel better.
That would more properly be Negra Modelo, my ignorant, racist friend.
Amy from Portland:
Thank you for the dead-pan Romney humor--I really liked it.
As for Western states, Democrats are going to need to perform well there in upcoming elections to offset the occasional loss of a Pennsylvania or Ohio, for example. I'd like to see President Obama make a significant effort (again) in Oregon, in Nebraska and South Dakota. I also believe it's time to pick off an Arkansas, Louisiana or Mississippi.
However, most crucial is the Midwest, especially Wisconsin and Iowa. Look for President Obama to bring a sizeable chunk of his resources to bear in those two states.
Obama is the antidote to Republican neo-fascism that is attacking more and more citizen rights every day.
I have seen you post this before. What rights are the republicans trying to take away. From my viewpoint, the people attacking our rights are liberal more often then not.
PAF: the right to collective bargaining, the right to descent schools, the right to a safe environment, the right to a fair system of taxation, the right to safe products, the right ot a fair and equal banking system, ciivil rights, reporductive rights, the right to be treated fair and equally.... should i go on? The fact is that, in spite of all the false information spewed by the wing nuts, the cons are only looking out for themselves while the progressives have the good of the entire country in mind. Thanks for asking.
Have you seen what the state legislatures are doing with reproductive rights?
DOMA?
Racial profiling?
The reality is that the GOP is doing these things state by state because it's easier to get a majority and pass these laws under the radar than it is in national politics. That doesn't mean that they wouldn't do the same if they got control of the federal gov't.
Women's health care choices and services, voting rights for minorities, including the elderly, collective bargaining rights, private and public property rights, marriage rights, voter registration campaigns, health care insurance, sectarian barrier to intrusion into government, educational equality, safety net laws, progressive taxation, profiling restrictions, personal privacy, and freedom of assembly are a few.
Lakerman.....you are kidding right? The republicans are not trying to take away any of those "rights". About the only one you have a case with is tiny portion of collective bargaining for a select group of state government workers. You could also make a case that republicans are taking away the right to choose in favor of the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The rest are not even close to what republicans are trying for and in many cases they are fighting against the democrats for those rights (fair tax system, fair banking system, be treated fair and equally).
The bottom line is that most of the things that you are talking about are distorted and not really rights. The republicans are not racially profiling. They want the laws to apply the same to everyone. The reason that the GOP works at the state level is because that is our belief. The states should have more power than the federal government because it is a better prepared to understand and meet the needs of the citizens of the state instead of DC.
Keep defending them. The rest of us see what's going on. Distortions? Vaginal probes? Stopping people for LOOKING Mexicany? Voter ID? Taxing the poor? Discrimination against gays and Muslims?
The conservative movement has lost it's way. You guys believe this stuff these days...It used to be a fringe within the fringe who believed this stuff. Now they've taken over the party and shamed the rest of you into going along.
As Gingrich says: Moderate Republicans are liberals.
Bear.....most of what you are saying are distortions of the truth. How is expecting someoen to prove they are who they say they are in voting a bad thing? How can I take you serious when you re talking about looking Mexicany? Republicans don't care what you look like, just that you are legal to be here. Taxing the poor? Bush gave the poor and the middle class that largest tax break in history. I don't even know what you are talking about with the vaginal probe issue. I have yet to hear of a republican suggest that. You might be able to make a case with gays, but not Muslims. Where have they been discriminated?
Let's take this piece by piece....
It's not, except it's being done for purely partisan reasons. Do you really thing the GOP so altruistic that they would promote sweeping changes to state laws (at a very high cost) to stop a handful of criminals?
This article is about AZ. The portion of SB 1070 the gov't is fighting in court is the part that says AZ cops can stop you for looking illegal. What they're saying is they can stop anyone for any reason at any time and ask for documentation but they primarily concerned with being able to stop anyone who looks Mexican.
These guys aren't Bush neo-cons. These are true right wing conservatives. A whole different breed of conservatives.
Google VA and AL abortion bills or just search "transvaginal probe".
These are the same conservatives who thought Chris Christie was an abomination for appointing a Muslim judge. The same people who are hiding out in VA and NY mosques and think all Muslims are potential terrorists.
Just leave this post here long enough and some of your pals will come along and tell us all how horrible Muslimy and Mexicany people are.
I believe freedom is my right and I have 3 rules. Don't hurt anyone physically, unless self-defense, don't hurt anyone financially, and try (hard now a days) to not hurt anyone emotionally. More government rights equals bigger government because of more laws, which most carry fines. I really don't care about new government laws, probably added pork. It's all about money and votes. Our government could care less about us.
As an Arizonan, I can tell you that this state is definitely in play. To those Republican know it alls, Governor Brewer's unfavorables outweigh her positives these days. There is no enthusiasm even among Republicans for any of their candidates. You can drive around Phoenix for hours and except for an occasional Ron Paul sticker, you won't see a bumper sticker for Romney, Santorum or Gingrich. I'm not predicting an Obama victory here in November, but Arizona is in play and it will be close in November.
How dare we actually have one of the few state budgets with a surplus this year. There is more angst against the Federal Government and the countless DoJ lawsuits that they have lost (Feds are now 0-2, 0-3 next year) costing this state money. The refusal of the Feds to pay for costs related to illegal immigration is also a big problem in Arizona. Those two factors more than most are likely to show an anti-federal bias towards Obama.
MikeD, I can guaranty that Governor Brewer will not be elected next term… she is term limited.
While driving around Phoenix do you see many Obama stickers that are not four years old??
Actually, I am in my car a lot everyday, and I hardly ever see a Obama sticker let alone any other candidate's sticker.
The illegal immigration issue in Arizona is hard one to predict. Obama has deported illegal immigrants at twice the rate that Bush did. But since the federal government has failed to do its job properly to curb the influx of illegal immigrants politicians like Jan Brewer have gone to extremes that seem draconian in nature to try and deal with the problem.
Arizona could be a toss up state, but I wouldn't put money down on it. Just because a politician makes someone mad doesn't mean that they will actually show up to vote against them.
When the RepubliCAN'T clown car pulls into AZ it will be met by Jan "Bozo" Brewer and her gang of crazies. With the news that the most powerful RepubliCAN'T in the state government was recalled by his district because of his anit-human stand on immigration and then placed in the number two positioin by the state RepubliCAN'T party, it sounds like even the Republicans of that state are ready for change.
Arizona, along with many states will seem close until the republicans settle on a candidate. Right now all the republican "attack" ads are pointed at each other, not at Obama. Once the republican ticket is set, you will see a war waged on the airwaves between Obama and the republican candidate. When that happens, you will see the president lose support.
I can hardly wait for all those "he's a kenyan, where's the birth certificate, where's the college transcript, we were right to want Detroit to die" RepubliCAN'T ads to begin.
You'll also see Obama defending himself and making their conspiracy theories look stupid.
There won't be many "conspiracy" theories. It will be a discussion about the economy and about the debt. Only a tiny, tiny portion of republicans believe any of the "conspiracy" theories.
It's going to be the same Muslim, socialist, marxist, fascist, dictator, foreignor garbage that's been going on for over 4 years. You really think you guys are going to stop now? These are true believers and they want their candidate not only to beat Obama but to hate him the same way they do.
Pretty hard to argue with non-partisan economist and the CBO,
Over 2 years of straight economic growth,
We are now exporting more than we have been since the day Bush took office.
Over 2 years of job growth,
It may be slow growth but it is far from the losing 1/2 million jobs a month Obama inherited
The Stock market is booming
Iraq war over
Bin Laden & Kaddafi dead
$500 billion in spending cuts this year
Obama is gonna be hard to beat in ANY State
It's not hard when you ONLY believe partisan economists and ONLY believe the CBO when the numbers are in your favor.
Almost like believing there are 14,000 news sources worldwide and only FOX talkingheads are telling the truth
PAF, Why would people be more inclined to vote for one of the four horseman of the Apocalypse who are left because the other three are eliminated? Will that make the one left standing more capable? more competent? less crazy or extreme, or disconnected? I'm sorry I don't see it. From a purely political stand point Obama is very vulnerable. Regardless of whether you think he has done all he could to fix the economy in the face of a withering opposition in congress,the buck stops with him and its his economy now. And while its getting better it is not likely to be all that great in eight months time. But in an astounding failure of leadership and savvy the republicans have surrendered their sanity to the tea party extremists and have already blown their opportunity to defeat the President, because none of the above have proved themselves to be "presidential". This has been a campaign bereft of ideas, of vision, of solutions. All they talk about is cutting, reducing, limiting. Smaller government, less taxes, less program, it all sounds so diminishing, so conservative, so constraining. Other than Newts Moon Base talk there is nothing visionary, optimistic, forward looking. They all seem to be nostalgic for some America that never was, not for all Americans anyway. Because if you wax nostalgic for say the mid 20th century as your quintessential America one needs to remember it was not such a great time to be a person of color, or a woman, or Gay. Much of the republican talk is couched in phrases like "restoring America". What exactly do we want to restore about segregation? about denying groups of people their civil rights?
Hey Bo,
Agree on all the points and things are looking better. Job growth and spending are both voo-doo economics, but both parties use them. If we could just get rid of the lobbyist.
Thinking on not voting for Pres next time. Might write in my dog.
Hey Bo, you cuttin and pastin again.
PutAmericaFirst - for those of us who truly believe in this country, Obama will not lose support. And, you don't know anything about "vaginal probes?" Are you living under a rock or do you just believe women shouldn't have rights
The GOP has shot itself in the foot with the group of idiots it is running. President Obama will again outshine and outsmart the far right buffoons!
How Eisenhower solved illegal border crossings from Mexico http://bit.ly/h0jNr3 Illegal Immigrant Workershttp://bit.ly/hnHEbs
gangs http://bit.ly/xWXH2F
Border Drug Intercepts http://bit.ly/dVkcwD
Illegal Immigration http://bit.ly/zKUNxy
JFK,
"Hey Bo, you cuttin and pastin again."
I think he's huffing and puffing................
I think the GOP really likes Obama. The reason AZ is in play isn't because of anything Obama did for the state, it's because the GOP has SSOOOOOO overreached that people are scared to give them anymore authority.
We've seen how scary these people are. Conservatives think the things they want are mainstream and Obama is the extremist. The rest of the country sees Obama as a centrist and they are extreme right.
I think libs are in for a big surprise as to how many states Obama will lose in November. Moochelle will then be forced to pay for her own luxury vacations.
PutAmericaFirst, Here's a prime example. How often have we seen first families attacked like this? Your candidate must HATE the Obamas, not just want to beat them.
I have no doubt they will be surprised if he loses any, Considering his competition
I'm not a Democrat myself but the facts say Obama has a landslide win coming on
Republicans cannot simply keep denying the improvement in the economy and UE
or saying "what has he done",,,,,,He has done A LOT and 90% of it has worked
They don't know the difference between "I don't like the way he did it" and "It didn't work".
beardown- the poll of the poll (some polls have him at 43%, some at 50%) 0n your site has it a tie at 48%, he is gaining and the republican side is trending down. so not sure what your posting?
Let me guess Bo your a Republican and for the first time in your life your going to vote Democrat this time around. Give it a rest will ya.
Obama Lies - the only one lying here is you. And, the slam to the First Lady shows your complete lack of intellect, integrity and class. But, we expect nothing less or should I say nothing more from you. Obama will lose no states in 2012 but will gain some. And, just for your information - as everyone with a brain knows (sorry - left you out) the Obamas, like every other presidential family, pay for their own vacations. And, they have still taken about half as many as Bush did during the same period of time. Now, wipe the egg off your face and go crawl back under your rock.
Seeking, I second that, It appears this guy is a fox predator !
You guys that think Obama has a shot here in AZ are gonna be sadly mistaken come election day he wont win this state. THE ONLY REASON RUSSEL PIERCE WAS RECALLED WAS CAUSE HE IS DUMB, IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH S.B.1070 WE OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT IT. Arizona is not defined by the idiots that inhabit Tuscon contrary to popular belief. You people that don't live here calling us a state of hate have no idea what your talking about, we are great people that support fair and justified laws it has nothing to do with race like you idiots want to believe.
The problem is that Romney doesn't overwhelmingly support SB 1070. He can't run on immigration because his plan is to have them leave on their own.
Chuck, a minute ago I went to some papers in Arizona and found that Brewer has a lower approval rating than disapproval ..or at best, evenly split. I read posts that said she should be recalled. You like her, fine, but there are many, many more who think she's a lousy Gov. P. S. You did read that she started this special fund to use against immigration, but it seems she's used a lot of that money to buy copies of her book....close to $4,000 and spent some of it for rooms in very fancy hotels, etc. She's a joke and if she's elected and Obama is President in 2012, I hope her invitation to the Governors' luncheon gets lost in the mail.
Just because Chuck says it, doesn't mean it's true. We don't like Gov Brewer up here in Flagstaff, either. So, I'm sure you hate Flag people as much as you hate Tucson people, Chuck, but most of AZ is fed up with Jan Brewer and her circus and self-love fests.