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WASHINGTON -- Ohio Sen. Rob Portman's biggest asset as a potential running mate for Mitt Romney has traditionally been seen as his depth of experience in government and knowledge of the economy.
But Portman, speaking to an audience of hundreds at the American Builder and Contractors Association conference here in Washington, tried his hand at an important secondary role for vice presidential nominees: attack dog.
The Ohio pol talked about the difficulties his father faced when he started a forklift dealership in Cincinnati when Portman was five-years-old, a risk he says he dad may not have taken today because of the "anti-business rhetoric" and regulations imposed by Democrats. Those hurdles were compounded on Monday, Portman said, by President Obama's call to let the Bush-era tax cuts expire for Americans making over $250,000.
"We saw it again yesterday, just right across the way here," Portman said at the Capital Hilton, located just blocks from the White House. "We had the president of the United States telling us again that the way to get out of these economic problems we’re in is to raise taxes on small business owners. And some of them are in this room."
For all of his efforts to sharpen his rhetoric toward the president, Portman's edge was less pronounced than some of the other rumored short-listers, namely Florida Sen. Marco Rubio or New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
"We gave him the ball," Portman said of the president. "The American people gave him the ball. At a time when he was inheriting a tough economy, let's be honest. But in my view he fumbled the ball. It's time to give the ball to somebody else who has a game plan whose got a strategy to be able to turn things around, who understands because he has the experience and a record and the public policy positions to do it. That's why I'm supporting Mitt Romney."
There was no crescendo in his voice, and admitting that Obama inherited "a tough economy" is not on any list of GOP talking points. But his mild manner is often cited as a reason why Portman is so well-liked on both sides of the aisle.
Though Portman may have trouble stirring up more than moderate applause in front of big crowds, it likely is of little consequence to the presumptive Republican nominee. Romney is believed to be looking for someone with the readiness to serve as commander in chief, and Portman's time in the House and Senate, along with serving as U.S. trade representative and director of the Office of Management and Budget fits the bill.
Upon exiting the conference this morning, Portman told ABC News that he had met with Romney aides while in Boston a day earlier raising money for the Romney Victory fund. A Portman aide told NBC that the face-to-face time was for "fundraising meetings and financial events” and downplayed the notion he was there for anything related to the vetting process.
And while other Romney surrogates may be able to fire up a group of supporters, few can be as specific as Portman when it comes to how to fix the economy.
Along with lowering the tax burden on small businesses, Portman urged to reform a tax code that is "now 9 times longer than the Bible, and not nearly as interesting." For as bad as things might be now, the senator said all is fixable with the right leadership.
"We all love this country. I think the president loves this country. I believe he thinks he's doing the right thing. But frankly, I dont think he gets it."
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This has to be the funniest thing I have read here in ages..
Portman, "W"'s ex-budget chief an attack dog? lmao!
If you consider a beady eyed, sniveling, shaky chihuahua a threat maybe...
Like the idiot from Albany likes to say;
BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
*popcorn*?
Portman ..."attack dog" ? More like another prancing french poodle to keep mitt company !
Rob Portman
The 56 year old Rob Portman first fell in love with Washington, DC in 1984, 28 years ago, when he moved to DC taking a position as a lobbyist for the firm Patton Boggs in 1984. He followed that up with a position as an associate White House Counsel under President George H. W. Bush in 1989. In 1991 Portman left the White House to move back to Ohio where in Jan. 1993 he entered a special election for the US Congress.
Rob Portman served as a US Representative from Ohio’s 2nd district from May 4, 1993 to May 17, 2005 – 12 years, leaving Congress to work for President George W. Bush.
Among Portman's first and deciding votes was his support of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on November 17, 1993. During the first four years of the Bush Administration, Portman served as a liaison between Congressional Republicans and the White House.
On March 17, 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Portman to be United States Trade Representative. He was sworn in on May 17, 2005 leaving that position to become Bush’s Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from May 29, 2006 – June 19, 2007. On June 19, 2007, Portman resigned his position of OMB director, citing a desire to spend more time with his family (??). However only 18 months later he announced he would seek the Senate seat being vacated by George Voinovich’s retirement.
If Mitt Romney picks Senator Portman to be his running mate it will only provide more proof that Mr. Romney will re-implement George W. Bush's failed economic policies.
This Portman fella guy is kidding right?
We were in the midst of a catastrophic meltdown, so now that's stabilized...they want the ball back.
What a douche~! America, do not give the GOP the ball back.. we know what they'll do, beacause they said it: more tax breaks for the rich in hopes that it trickles down to the masses.
And if it doesn't trickle down... they blame someone else. lol, how stupid.
Isn't he the one they call "lollipop " odd choice for Romneys VP
Dennis, you have an issue with him returning to public service after 18 months?
Does NBC/MSNBC ever plan to go into journalism or are they all just content with being media hacks? Just curious.
No wonder their ratings are so low.
LOL
What a bunch of hacks these clowns are. Did any actually graduate from an accredited college? If so, let me know so I don't send my kids there. LMAO
JFK,
Nope, I just think he lied about his reason for leaving his position as Bush’s Director of OMB.
Did any actually graduate from an accredited college?
Red Sux - Rachel Maddow was a Rhodes Scholar to start with. Check out the rest for yourself...
She is also a Mensa member and holds a Doctorate.
Contrast her with Glenn Beck. Did Beck graduate the 5th grade? Anybody know?
Then you must feel the same about Urban Meyer who left Florida to spend time with Family and ended up on ESPNs College Football payroll for a year and then returned to coach...thats right, Ohio State. I think you should not be allowed to watch OSU games for two years, because now I'm stuck with Will Muschamp...ugh.
Sen. Portman, a few weeks ago, made an offhand remark that he thought Romney would be willing to be a one term President. That struck me as odd. Does he know something we don't?
I think Portman knows it won't take Romney that long to fix what Obama screwed up.
Attacking O?
Yeah, that's a toughy:
1. GDP - toilet;
2. Earning - Toilet;
3. Real estate values - toilet;
4. Unemployment - toilet.
5. Obama's proclamations re:stimulus/green energy - ridiculous.
Fact is gang, all you need to do is pick an economic indicator, any indicator, and they all are attacks on Obama.
And just think we will get new manufacturing and jobs numbers come early August.
Ouch.
JFK - No. It will take Romney that long to fix what the GOP screwed up for years.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
To all of those on the extreme left.
For years since Senator Obama was running fro president and up to now. The President, his dogs, you Feisty and those like Jody, GT-2021701,SeekingSanity, the Horse with no name and the Left Media, have been reporting the following:
The Bush tax cut only benefited the Rich and those like me Voted for Obama in 2008. We now have become more knowledgeable and have learned that the Bush taxes benefited all Americans.
President Obama, in his speech yesterday, confirmed this by saying that he would like to extend the Bush taxesfor those that make 250k or less. So all along it has been a lie from the left including Obama.
We should be mad as hell and vote out all those liers, including you MR President.
Feisty if you say I'm making this up then pour President is lying on both counts.
We should all be mad as hell and get together to vote him and all others that lie to us.
Romney for 2012 and get some of those bums out.
Still waiting for a cogent, sensible post, Concern: obviously you are not capable of writing one.
And bulletstopper, our little re reg......rules apply to everyone but you. How very amusing.
NDD,
Hell, I would settle for coherent!
What a hot mess...
Typical tea-bagger... lol
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL
Feisty it is I who would like an answer from you who knows it all. Was the Bush tax for all or not?
You can not fool everyone all of the time. You do the usual to get away from giving a TRUE answer.
You girlfriend, can not stand the truth.
Horse with no name. What is the TRUTH? How long is it going to take you and your friends to give an answer?
Just one question. WHY ARE YOU HERE SO OFTEN THEN? If we're so beneath you, why not stay away?
Feisty, DDN (horse with no name), Seeking (will never find it).
I'm waiting for the truth, but you are probably not capable of that either. Good night.
Romney 2012. Correct the error and lies of 2008.
What the hell are you talking about Concern Citizen? Again we are all still waiting for a coherent, sensible post from you.
I know, Mo, I keep asking, but it isn't going to happen!
JFK 2112-- More likely scenario is Romney, IF elected, would come in and institute severe austerity. That's my guess.
Please concerned enough of the BS. We all know you didn't vote for President Obama.
It was bush tax cuts for all, but they benefited the rich the most. President Obama would even like to extend the bush tax cuts for the bottom 98% for another year to give our country a little bit longer to heal from the bush policies that left our country bleeding jobs.
I know the republicans have dreamed up this fancy new job creator name to fool the voters. But, demand from the middle class creates jobs, not rich people. The republicans have hundreds of millions to throw at the republican party for forever tax cuts but no money for creating jobs.
Then the republicans cheer the bad jobs numbers as if it didn't prove that the tax cuts don't create jobs.
Another attack dog call MO and let's not forget NDD. Who else are you going to send Feisty?
Simply answer us, the truth about the Bush TAX Cuts. Was it for all Americans? and not just for the Rich.
If you can answer yes or no, them the rest of us will know you are liers, or simply can not tell the truth.
Any simpler than this and I might as well call you low intelligent voters.
Americans First-3238795 let's put aside Mitt for now, Can somone answer my question. Who cares what you think, you are just another liberal occupier.
If you had read my post, you would have seen I answered your question.
Or are you just playing pretend attack dog?
Woof, woof back at ya!
Americans First-3238795,
No, I'm not an attack dog, but you sir are a lier. I will tell you the answer, the tax cuts were for all. This is what I mean about the left. I ask a question and you all go around it with lies and little jokes.
I hope all in this site see what I was trying to do.
You want an answer? Here goes.... The Bush tax cuts were supposed to help everyone and to stimulate job growth by giving tax breaks not just to lower and middle class people but the wealthy too. We were to use the lack of revenue to pay for two wars and the obligatory (like it or not) social programs such as unemployment insurance extensions from all the jobs being oursourced. The lack of income was also to go for infrastructure repair and improvement, to hire more police amd firefighters, and more teachers not to mention benefits for those who served us in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yes, those tax cuts were sure beneficial weren't they? Now, had they been only for the lower income levels they would have more money to spend and thus the demand for goods and services would be up helping the economy. Interestingly during times of growth we have had much higher tax rates for the wealthy and corporations and when taxes are cut we seem to suffer so much economically. Sure, we need to cut the pork and the fat, the wasteful spending and find ways to trim the Pentagon and black budget as they are bloated we also need to educate young women about the ramifications of having an abortion. The party of no has not made anything any better. They may not have made anything worse since Bush left office, not that they haven't tried, but let them control Congress and the White House and Mussolini will look like a bambino by comparison.
[Portman tries out attack dog role]
Romney: Ok Portman...go get 'em!
Portman: (chasing ball of string)...meow...
Romney: "...sigh"..."
Watch out all! The only response that poor "Concern" ever has is that you are all RACISTS! You can join our club! It is not exclusive though, since there are so many that think poor "Concern'" is about a sandwich short of a picnic...
But we have fun!
By the way "Concern" here is how to spell LIAR! Study it well since it is your stock in trade!
119 days until Obama gets FIRED.
Yippeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!
All this VP picking is just a formality.. Whoever Mitten's picks as his VEEP isn't going to change the fact that he's still going to get his ass kicked come November!!!! LOL
Obama/Biden 2012
119 days until Obama gets FIRED.
Rob in MASS - You mean FIRED UP, right?
Man, he's going to be one bummed out person then.
One down & one to go... lol
Romney could pick the Palin kid with down syndrome as his running mate and he'll still wipe the floor with Obama?
Polls are completely meaningless right now. By mid October Romney will be up 8 to 10 points. And Obama will be lucky to carry 12 states.
"Andrea, your struggling. You're struggling Andrea"
John Sununu Sr. to Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC today.
Unfortunately, for all the shills at MSNBC it's damn near impossible to defend this failed administration and keep a straight face.
Google the clip - its damn funny stuff. Its just unfortunate that Obama has caused so much misery to the citizenry of our country. That I'm sorry to say is not a laughing matter.
Yeah, that went over his head, Feisty! ; )
Obama spend 29 BILLION DOLLAR of taxpayer money shipping jobs overseas!
Great Job Obama - NOT!
Adler-273784
Thank you for that answer. It was almost exactly what I was looking for and I agree with everything you said. It does not matter what side of the political world you are from.
I started this whole discussion for a point that was totally and purposely missed. The Tax Cuts were for everyone, however if you remember every one like Nancy P,, the President and the lefty Dems kept selling the cuts as just for the Rich. Again, thank you.
I did vote for Obama but I have seen all the lies, and yes from the Reps also, however as an Independent, toay's Dems are not the Dems of the 60's. Therefore, I will give someone else a chance, and if they do not correct the issues, I will give my vote to someone else in 4 more years.
Who is this Porkman?
Concern & Rob
Please be so kind as to let us know where the GOPPERS created jobs--could it be Banks, Wall Streeters, Insurance Companies, Pharmaceuticals, Oil and Gas, black lung recipients. Name one you twits!
OBAMA 2012
I dunno, but I warn against bending over in front of him. You know how them republicans like back door sex.
Forget it. They're useless trolls serving out their sentences in a federal slammer. They earn their cigarette and porn mag money by posting rubbish on any site that doesn't kiss the reichwing's behind. You won't get a coherent response.
No, no, no. Portman needs to choose between compass, rudder, or puppeteer. Balls would be too much to ask?
And would picking Portman mean that Romney will stop trying to pretend his is Bill Clinton or some president other than Dubya (on steroids)?
Concern
You will never get a straight answer from these people. They do not have it in them. Thanks for trying though. Anyone with common sense knows your correct and what you were trying to do.
I seriously would fist fight Chris CrispyCream if given the chance. That guy makes me sicker than fox news.
Every time I need a good laugh I come over to MSNBC and read some of the comments. Too funny! People you need to start asking questions of your fellow citizens about how their lives have changed over the past 3.5 yrs. and stop using this site as a credible news source. I would be willing to bet you a dollar to a dime that most of them will say they are worse off today than when Barky took office. And don't blame it on the Reps. because the Dem-wits controlled everything for two years. What did they accomplish...oh yea, they forced, by using back rooms deals and intimidation, a massive tax on the middle class...some would refer to it as ObamaTax, not ObamaCare. ObamaCare is a joke because Obama doesn't care about anything but himself and his radical agenda, his union cronies, czars, golf, and vactaions. I have laughed my self silly reading goofy comments so no point in replying to this post...I won't be back here till I need another good laugh. Enjoy the free ride for the next 119 days because it is coming to an abrupt end and this nation will be turned around and heading back to greatness. No more bowing, and pandering to the radicals who want to destroy us. Laugh, laugh, laugh Thanks for the laughs.
Awwwwwwwww. Are our noble "job creators" scared by those mean ol' Democrats and their concept of tax equity and fairness?
We are so, so sorry we traumatized poor wittle snookums, but it is time to come out from under the bed, put your Big-Boy pants on and face business realities like taxes and business operations.
Poor widdle "job creator".
If a "job creator" is clever enough to earn $250K after business expenses, he can certainly figure out how to avoid that extra 4% on his one dollar income over $250K.
Please don't throw me into that briarpatch!
Really Ursula!! Well put.
Gee,...... I wonder what Horace Dodge, Henry Ford, Walter Chrysler, and Andrew Carnegie did without Cayman Islands bank accounts, H1B Visa employees, off-shoring, outsourcing, tax loopholes, private equity firms, and all the other vehicles and instruments today's business leaders use to advantage their operations.
Oh yeah! I knew it would come to me. Those men were visionary inventors, innovators, hard workers and they worked with intensity and a single-minded focus on doing what nobody else had done before and they did it better.
Not at all like the bed-wetting "Gimme-my-tax-breaks-or-I'm-not-hiring" whiners of today. If millies like Portman complain,....then take their company away from them and give it to someone with the stones and brains to make a business work.
Grow up and get a job you repubs. Go to work like the rest of us.
If their ratings are so low how do they keep you tuning in here all day, every day?
Ursula, You just confirmed that Obama's tax increase for this over $250K is a farce. Thanks
Ah, look at Ursula - using some big words.
So Ursula, as a w-2 employee, who claims only standard deduction and exemptions, of what of any of this do you know?
This is called "The Bush Recession" for a reason, and Portman is an architect of it.
I'll believe he's Romneys attack dog when he's tied to the the roof of the car...
LMAO - best comment!
Isn't he the one they call "lollipop " odd choice for Romneys VP
LOL... good one...
...as a matter of fact - he has to be tied to the roof, and and driven all the way to canada.
Naaa - Obama ate the attack dog.
Detroit Storm that was funny. Sounds like something Fallon would come up with.
Spanky that wasn't. Always a day late and a dollar short aren't you?
Spanky is just agreeing that President Obama would have no problem with any pantywaist the republicans throw out.
Naaa - Obama ate the attack dog.
Come November, Obama is gonna have the attack dog's owner for lunch...LOL
Or when the president eats him.
Isn't it time to get off that stupid train and say something even moderately true?
High Five to Detroit Storm. That was FUNNY!
Pretty slow news day here, how about some Baseball!
All Star game tonight, good time to be a Tiger fan.
Prince Fielder wins the Home Run Derby and Justin Verlander (Reigning MVP and Cy Young Winner) is the starting pitcher for the AL.
To top it off, Justin Verlander is on a real roll, reports here in Detroit say he is now dating SI Cover Girl Kate Upton!
Now that's a "Lucky" Dog!
Way to go JV!
I thought Verlander was married. WOW!! No wonder the boy looks so tuckered out.
He had a longtime girlfriend. Guess he decided to "Upgrade".
Hope he doesn't lose his focus!
Hope he throws a "high hard one".
As long as he isn't on the cover, we should be OK
Personally I hope Verlander brings the heat early and mows em' down.
All this is doing is screwing up Leyland's rotation. Ron Washington knows this and that's why he started Verlander.
Won't be the first time the VP is better qualified to be Commander-in-Chief than the the candidate running for President.
I don't want either Portman or Romney, however. Let's stick with Obama/Biden 2012.
If Portman is the VP nominee I'd be interested to hear why he thought it was okay to continue to exclude the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq from the President's budget back when he was Director of OMB.
Wow, never thougt I would see you slam Obama that way. There may be hope for you yet.
Yes, look at 2000 and 2004. Puppetmaster, Darth, the sneer, Cheney was undoubtedly better qualified than Dubya.
Neither Dubya or Cheney were qualified for POTUS! Dubya approval rating on the way out was 22% and Cheney's was 13%. That's more than I would have given their sorry butts!
Portman is considered an attack dog with the words "anti-business rhetoric" today would have prevented his father starting a fork lift business. Really? Sounds more like a Meow.
That's just silly. It hasn't stopped small businesses around here. Anyone who has a good idea or sees a need to be filled isn't listening to the political chatter and saying, "oh, wait, there's all that anti-business chatter, guess I better not try".
Hey, Rocco, Amy was referring to Bush/Cheney. Remember those guys?
Why shoot Jody - you have the good fortune to be in a state with a republican governor.
Lucky. You know, not like here in Cali, or Illinois, or New York.
Hey you see what they just did in Biden's hometown? All Scranton municipal employees now get minimum wage.
A real progressive paradise, with a dem mayor, of course.
Right Spanky they just got rid of their republican governor in Cali. Do tell us how great he was and why they now have a democrat for governor.
You seem to make an art of only telling half the story.
Why is it that republicans love to gloat over peoples suffering while defending tax cuts for the richest?
And Spanky you are not rich enough to benefit from the republicans plans, you are only another sucker for them. Trust me, I know.
VOTE FOR TRUE FREEDOM...VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT 2012
[You seem to make an art of only telling half the story.]
Awww...cut Spanky some slack, AF...he has to be good at something, and telling half the story is what he does best.
I'm just waiting for him to defend Romney in some way, shape, or form. Seems he has a problem with that...I wonder why?
Americans First-3238795, And that Democratic governor is making more cuts than any of the Republicans before him did. It's tough being a Republican in California as the Democrats are stealing their thunder. With a simple majority to pass legislation we have the first budget roughly on time in decades. We also are seeing much of the affordable healthcare act implemented ahead of schedule in California among other things. California is leading the way, again, in technology that may help, in part, to get us out of our financial mess. New and awesome products are coming out of Silicon Valley. California is selling to China not the other way around. We are seeing an up tick in agricultural production in the Golden State. Yes, the state suffered and still is, from the Bush recession but we are slowly coming out of it in a way that will make us stronger than ever before.
Spanky,
Call you believe they approved spending on the bullet train? I am hoping someone will realize it does not meet the requirements that people originally voted for.
It appears that the so called bullet train is just a cash grab. Now the bullet train will look more like electric commuter rail service on the San Francisco Peninsula, a subway in San Francisco, new cars for the Bay Area Rapid Transit system and upgrades for Southern California's Metrolink rail service.
And they want us to vote for tax increase.
Actually the bullet train seems like a waste right now. Sure, it will create some jobs, but the overruns are already piling up and they haven't even really gotten started on the thing, yet. Once we're back on our feet the bullet train is a good idea. Instead of an hour from SF to LA by plane and 4.5 to 5 hours by car we'll get there in 2 hours. The route for the bullit train has been cut short due to lack of funding and really is not going to serve anybody but the urban areas when complete. It won't help with daily commutes as it goes to fast to stop in every little burg like Caltrain does now.
The general concept is a good one but I opposed it initially and do even moreso now.
So Portman is an attack dog for Romney.
Be careful, Bob, or you might end up on the roof of Willard's limo.
lol
SHOW YOUR TAX RETURNS,
WILLARD!!
Gee. What a concept. How disappointing for those just looking for a good show, a pep rally, or snarky rhetoric.
I'm pleased that Governor Romney would take the job so seriously as to work to make a responsible choice for a Vice President. Makes me think, if elected, he might go along with the Constitution and become the leader of the whole country - not just a few choice groups.
Actually, Mr. Rafferty, few in the GOP deny it was a tough economy. It is a Democrat talking point, though, and they throw it out there constantly as a reminder to the country, (because they think people are too stupid to recall on their own, I guess). More so the talking point is just as an easy and pitiful excuse for the lack of progress. How different things would be had President Obama confronted that tough situation, and conquered it with resolve! We'd be much more impressed with him had he been able to do that.
You already know what Gov. Romney's VP choice will be like - boring male whitebread. Gov. Romney is using his business experience to select a VP and that means he won't be taking any risks that might impact the bottom line. Businessmen do not like excitement.
Claims to reform the tax code are also about as old as the Bible. Fact is tax reform is simply code for "I have a new set of friends that I need to reward/pay back." The fact is that the various tax codes are designed to raise revenue in an efficient and not overly burdensome manner without creating too many unintended/unproductive effects or encourage tax avoidance. Over time the characteristics of income, profits and wealth change and the tax code has to be adjusted. And unfortunately, there are times when policy makers want to use tax policy to promote social policy or short term economic policy. Anyone remember the passive loss real estate investments of the early '80's. The current GOP is talking tax reform because they have many rich friends that stand to gain with a system that lowers their tax burden. It's best to be more than a little skeptical of the claim that if only the rich kept more of their money, they could make even more money some of which will trickle down to you in the form of higher wages (or at least a library or new hospital wing when they die).
Wm. I do remember the passive loss real estate investments of the early 80's. It was under President Reagan that the tax code was changed to "unshelter" that money. I remember how quickly those illiquid investments blew up and how investors lost pretty much all of their money. That was definitely a tax code change that did not favor the wealthy.
You make many good points in your post, though, Wm.
I read an interesting fact today. Prior to the first round of "Bush" tax cuts (I wish we would quit calling it that -- it's really EGTRRA) - Prior to the first round the government was taking in $2 trillion a year. After the tax change, revenues increased to $2.5 trillion. Lower taxes --- more revenues.
I think the GOP is talking tax reform because --- the tax code is ridiculous. Only the Government could create an ambiguous monstrosity of interpretive, loopholes and rules.
Often the increase in revenues is temporary and an illusion. Many of Bush's cuts allowed people to change asset classes, declare capital gains earlier, and then put the funds into tax sheltered vehicles. The classic case is the Traditional IRA/Roth conversion. It made sense for many investors to sell growth stocks that weren't growing and buy dividend paying stocks that were going to be taxed at the lower rate anyway. You get income and potential growth as opposed to just growth at the same tax rate.
Actually the Traditional IRA/Roth conversion introduction happened in the Clinton years. The Roth was incredibly inticing and so many IRA's were converted. I think those conversions and the taxes that were paid upon the conversions contributed to the balancing of the budget and the projected surplus for the President at the time. So, the influx of revenue due to conversions turned out to be temporary and an illusion as well.
That's one thing about the economy and fiscal policy.....it's never certain, it's always shaky and you can't count on it consistently. (I guess that's 3 things...) :-)
But I recall the 4 years to spread out the tax burden upon conversion was instituted under Bush. Also the expansion of Health Savings Accounts which I see as a means to shelter more capital gains and avoid the Roth income restrictions. If you keep the HSA until retirement, you can then use it for anything.
The truth comes out!
By Matt Patterson (columnist - Washington Post, New York Post, San Francisco Examiner)
Years from now, historians may regard the 2008 election of Barack Obama as an inscrutable and disturbing phenomenon, the result of a baffling breed of mass hysteria akin perhaps to the witch craze of the Middle Ages. How, they will wonder, did a man so devoid of professional accomplishment beguile so many into thinking he could manage the world's largest economy, direct the world's most powerful military, execute the world's most consequential job? Imagine a future historian examining Obama's pre-presidential life: ushered into and through the Ivy League despite unremarkable grades and test scores along the way; a cushy non-job as a "community organizer"; a brief career as a state legislator devoid of legislative achievement (and in fact nearly devoid of his attention, so often did he vote "present"); and finally an unaccomplished single term in the United States Senate, the entirety of which was devoted to his presidential ambitions.
He left no academic legacy in academia, authored no signature legislation as a legislator. And then there is the matter of his troubling associations: the white-hating, America-loathing preacher who for decades served as Obama's "spiritual mentor"; a real-life, actual terrorist who served as Obama's colleague and political sponsor. It is easy to imagine a future historian looking at it all and asking: how on Earth was such a man elected president?
Not content to wait for history, the incomparable Norman Podhoretz addressed the question recently in the Wall Street Journal: To be sure, no white candidate who had close associations with an outspoken hater of America like Jeremiah Wright and an unrepentant terrorist like Bill Ayers, would have lasted a single day. But because Mr. Obama was black, and therefore entitled in the eyes of liberaldom to have hung out with protesters against various American injustices, even if they were a bit extreme, he was given a pass. Let that sink in: Obama was given a pass - held to a lower standard - because of the color of his skin.
Podhoretz continues: And in any case, what did such ancient history matter when he was also so articulate and elegant and (as he himself had said) "non-threatening," all of which gave him a fighting chance to become the first black president and thereby to lay the curse of racism to rest? Podhoretz puts his finger, I think, on the animating pulse of the Obama phenomenon - affirmative action. Not in the legal sense, of course. But certainly in the motivating sentiment behind all affirmative action laws and regulations, which are designed primarily to make white people, and especially white liberals, feel good about themselves.
Unfortunately, minorities often suffer so that whites can pat themselves on the back. Liberals routinely admit minorities to schools for which they are not qualified, yet take no responsibility for the inevitable poor performance and high drop-out rates which follow. Liberals don't care if these minority students fail; liberals aren't around to witness the emotional devastation and deflated self esteem resulting from the racist policy that is affirmative action. Yes, racist. Holding someone to a separate standard merely because of the color of his skin - that's affirmative action in a nutshell, and if that isn't racism, then nothing is.
And that is what America did to Obama. True, Obama himself was never troubled by his lack of achievements, but why would he be? As many have noted, Obama was told he was good enough for Columbia despite undistinguished grades at Occidental; he was told he was good enough for the US Senate despite a mediocre record in Illinois; he was told he was good enough to be president despite no record at all in the Senate. All his life, every step of the way, Obama was told he was good enough for the next step, in spite of ample evidence to the contrary.
What could this be if not the sort of empty narcissism on display every time Obama speaks? In 2008, many who agreed that he lacked executive qualifications nonetheless raved about Obama's oratory skills, intellect, and cool character. Those people - conservatives included - ought now to be deeply embarrassed.
The man thinks and speaks in the hoariest of cliches, and that's when he has his Teleprompters in front of him; when the prompter is absent he can barely think or speak at all.
Not one original idea has ever issued from his mouth – it's all warmed-over Marxism of the kind that has failed over and over again for 100 years.
And what about his character? Obama is constantly blaming anything and everything else for his troubles. Bush did it; it was bad luck; I inherited this mess. It is embarrassing to see a president so willing to advertise his own powerlessness, so comfortable with his own incompetence.
But really, what were we to expect? The man has never been responsible for anything, so how do we expect him to act responsibly?
In short: our president is a small and small-minded man, with neither the temperament nor the intellect to handle his job.
When you understand that, and only when you understand that, will the current erosion of liberty and prosperity make sense. It could not have gone otherwise with such a man in the Oval Office
LOL... what GOPteabagnut conservative wrote this BS?
What a bunch of crap!!!!
care to cite your source?
Care to pick a couple lines libtards and explain exactly what is false with proof?
Military Members, Veterans, Military retirees;
please note that Swiss Bank account Romney PROMOTED THE DRAFT during the Viet Nam War,
then skipped out to France for extraordinary length of time when church missionary tours were limited.
When Romney came home, he sided with his dad that the whole Viet Nam War was a scam and that he was against the war.
Promoting the draft, while Americans were dying, he skipped out, then says he wishes he could have participated. His whole life has been a lie.
Romney is a COWARD, Lying, Draft Dodger, who promoted someone else to die for him, that is his way of management.
Some may want anyone but Obama, but this guy ranks with Jane Fonda and should not be given anything or elected for anything.
For those who are not old enough to remember the military draft, it was a mandatory commitment for two years that was implemented during the Viet Nam War. If your number was called, you went and served like it or not. Young people may say, I wouldn't go and they can't make me, think again.
This is what Romney promoted as if he were a "responsible citizen", then he left his fellow citizens to serve and some died for us and him. I am ashamed of him as I am retired military member, and forget about representing our country Mr. Romney.
I am one of the Military members who are against Romney, this has nothing to do with politics.
Thank you for your service and I'm sorry that it was never adequately honored, because of how unsupported that war was, but those who served still deserve our thanks and gratitude. You didn't have much say about anything that went on, you were called to serve and so you did.
Romney IS a coward, he hides behind his father and his wealth-- his being born in the lucky sperm club has no reflection on his character or ability he was a lousy OUTSOURCING Governor, and he'd make one lousy President. And given his behavior and hypocrisy should NEVER be made our Comandeer in Chief. Our President never served either, but he didn't draft dodge in order not to. Romney ran off to France, did he?
I hate to tell all you progressives this but if President Obama is re-elected he will extend all the 'Bush' tax cuts and he will make you cattle believe that was his intent all along. Just like keeping GITMO, withdrawing troops from Iraq and Afghanistan using the Bush Administration's time schedule, and the use executive privilege he rail against 'W'. Keep moving forward cattle--
That's so true Ducky. Kool-Aid drinkers extraordinaire believing they are imbibing fine champagne.
Actually, the Republicans in the House of Representatives blocked the closing of GITMO because they did not want terrorist prisoners in their backyards. The plan was to move the prisoners to federal prisons all across America. NIMBY yelled the Republicans!
Actually Terry, it was Democratic Senators from New York, and mostly Democratic Congresspersons from New York rightly stand up and say it was STUPID to have a trial in NY, which it would have been. Gitmo is CHEAP to maintain. Look it up. Further, the Democrats controlled the house until late 2010
It's true Regan triple the deficit and raised taxes 11 times. Bush doubled the deficit and gave tax breaks to the rich. Obama cut taxes twice to the lowest tax rate since pre-Reagan. And that's a fact.
TerryWhat other LIES do you socialist lib democratic MOOCHERS want to spew? Mike,,,No taxes out of obama,,,well, I kind of miss that unemployment under 5-6%, gallon of gas under $2, groceries that were 20-40% less then now, 4 light bulbs for $1(not $4 ea now), king obama hireing 6000 IRS agents to act as bill collecters, or douche-bags that check our children's lunchboxes because they do not trust the parents! Obama has spent more then every president since Washington put together,( I already know you will blame Bush,Bush, Bush), and like the msDNC libtard you are, can and will not take a single IODA blame for ANYTHING bad! People are seeing and no matter how much your murdering dept of no-justice holder tries to corrupt this election, We have a surprise for you!!!
Amazing with so many attacking Portman, who know nothing about the guy.
How about Joe Biden? There's a really savvy guy who so often puts his foot in his mouth and doesn't taste the leather. When Joe Biden's IQ goes up to 75, he should SELL. And he is the Vice President, just a heart beat away. Scary indeed!
AMEN Micheal!
Obama SUCKS! Bottom line!
"The President doesn't get it "? Sorry, Bob, the Prez has it and is gonna keep it for another 4 yrs.
I know LOTS of hairdressers, barbers, bakery owners, mechanics, carpenters, carpet cleaners, and you know what NONE OF THEM would be worried about raising taxes on those making OVER 250K a year. If you make MORE than that, you are NOT a "SMALL" business. You are doing well enough to PAY WHAT YOUR OFFICE HELP DOES FOR A TAX RATE!
That's 250,000 taxable income, I don't know anyone who makes that and I'm a plumbing contractor.
Mike, wear a resperator,,,that explains it all! (kidding pal)
Republicon Motto; When the truth becomes inconvenient, destroy the truth. Joe McCarthy would be proud of these guys.
If Willard gets elected it will be like the movie Willard
I love the new Ohio Law for paying teachers only if their students pass the statewide end-of-term test. No more seniority and no tenure for teachers. Portman helped create the new law, which he referred to as a "sure-fired union buster".
It's true. President Obama does NOT get it. And if he is re-elected. he STILL won't "get it." Our country will not survive four more years of Obama. At least Romney will be able to turn things around and get America working again. And isn't that the most important thing? Our security hinges on our economy. Our children's and grand-children's futures depend on our economy rebounding. And it will under Romney. This November it really won't be about Republican versus Democrat. Or conservative versus Liberal. It will be about saving our country.
It's true Regan triple the deficit and raised taxes 11 times. Bush doubled the deficit and gave tax breaks to the rich. Obama cut taxes twice to the lowest tax rate since pre-Reagan. And that's a fact.