Here are some outstanding questions raised by Forbes Magazine concerning Willard's "super-secret" tax returns;

You suggest that because you do not legally have to make your tax returns public, then you should not have to do so. Aren't there many things American voters expect from serious
presidential candidates that are not legally required?

Life and politics can often be unfair. You seem to suggest that you do not want to release your taxes because Democrats will be mean to you. Is that really a good reason not to do
something? Aren't they being mean to you already?

Your wife says so many more things would be open to criticism. Why?

Can you think of times when you said, "I know I could legally claim this as a deduction, but it would not be the morally right thing to do?"

You are rich and successful, why are you seemingly ashamed to show people how successful you have been in managing your own personal economy via your income tax returns from the last decade?

Willard, you are pleading with America to invest in YOU!

The very least you can do is show us your profit & loss statement…

On another note, what are the odds this morning on how many people Willard
can piss off in Poland? His press secretary has already done so with the press;

A Mitt Romney spokesman told reporters to "kiss my ass" when they tried to ask the candidate questions about his trip abroad on Tuesday.

Seemingly without irony, traveling press secretary Rick Gorka told reporters to "show some respect" and to "shove it" because they were trying to get Romney to answer questions about his numerous gaffes abroad while at the Polish tomb of the unknown.

http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2012/07/31/612531/romney-aide-tells-reporters-to-stop-asking-questions-kiss-my-ass/

Shemp Mathews did a segment on last night’s Wiffleball entitled “Bubba is Back” about Slick Willey’s big speech at the DNC convention. It looked like he wanted to tout the fact that “the big dog is back!!”. Unfortunately, his first guest, a NYT reporter, pissed all over that message in his response to Shemp’s first question, essentially saying that Obama knows he’s in trouble and he needs help wherever he can get it.

That seems to be a common theme among lefty liberal talking heads. From Politico:

Bill Clinton's political post-presidency

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza, pivoting off the news of Bill Clinton’s central role in next month’s Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, explains that it’s an acknowledgment by President Obama and his team of two things:

First, that there is no better economic messenger in the party than the former president. And, second, that Obama needs Clinton…

With the economy dominant, the unemployment rate too high (and stagnant) and President Obama struggling to convince undecided voters that he has a plan to make things better, much will fall on Clinton to make the case for why economic-minded voters — particularly downscale whites in the Rust Belt — should choose the Democratic party.

In short: President Obama (and his team) know that they need Bill Clinton and, to their credit, they aren’t letting past conflicts get in the way of acknowledging that necessity.

You’re doin’ a heck of a job, Barry.

Calculated Deception: How Obama Lies about Taxes.

In the president's telling, the "rich" don't pay their fair share of federal income taxes. And in the president's telling, that means the middle class and others are therefore bearing a disproportionate share of the federal income tax load – an egregious injustice that must be corrected. Besides, we need more tax revenue from the rich to help reduce the budget deficit. After all, those folks at the top have thrived in an amazing American system where their good fortune has been enabled by the helping hand of government every step of the way. But facts are pesky little things, and there's no delicate way to put this: the president is lying through his teeth.

A few weeks ago CBO issued one of its periodic reports on the distribution of household income and federal taxes in America. Based on 2009 data, CBO reports that the top 20% of income earners paid 94% of federal income taxes – while earning only 52% of the nation's income. And within that group the top 1% paid 39% of federal income taxes, while earning only 13% of the nation's income. So it's quite clear from the data that the higher earners among us are the ones who are bearing a disproporionate share of the federal income tax load.

As for the middle 20% of earners, while they earned almost 15% of national income they paid less than 3% of total federal income taxes. And folks in the bottom 40% of the income scale paid no federal income taxes at all – to the contrary, the government PAID THEM by virtue of refundable tax credits and other breaks built into the tax code. For those keeping score at home, what this means is that the bottom 60% of earners paid no net federal income taxes!! In fact, those folks were the beneficiaries of government supplied cash that amounted to about 10% of total federal income tax revenue. So the president – aided and abetted by an accommodating MSM that rarely reports such facts – is campaigning to correct a problem that does not exist.

All of this morphs into the debate over whether to allow the Bush era tax cuts to expire. In keeping with his shameless deception, the president argues the government needs more tax revenues to get control of its hugely out of balance budget – and the folks at the top are in a position to pony up a few extras tax bucks to support this worthy cause. But again, the facts tell a more revealing story.

If all the Bush tax cuts were to expire, the feds would haul in $3.9 trillion in additional tax revenue over a 10-year period. But if just the rates on the $200K+ crowd expire (as the president proposes), the additional tax revenues would only amount to about $700 billion over that period – or an average of $70 billion per year. And in the context of persistent federal budget deficits in the trillion dollar range, an extra $70 billion isn't nearly enough to fix the problem. Heck, it's not even a credible down payment. In fact, if you want to look at additional revenue sources that could provide serious help with our budget situation, then you have to look at where the real tax money is – the middle class, to the tune of $3.2 trillion over that 10-year period. Funny how we rarely hear the president (or the MSM) pointing out that factoid either.

So the fact of the matter is the president isn't campaigning for re-election based on any reality. Instead, he's campaigning on the basis of a divisive bogus narrative specifically designed to inflame some Americans against others. And a narrative that fans these flames by unabashedly proclaiming there is justice in increasing taxes because "you didn't build that" so you don't deserve your success anyway.

This man's calculated perversion of the truth knows no bounds.

http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/43373-AverageTaxRates_screen.pdf

So Obama says he needs to do more fundraising:

Source: http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/241171-anxious-obama-plans-fall-fundraising-spree

What, the previous 200+ $40,000 a plate dinners with his 1%ers just wasn't quite enough?

And who in their right mind will pony up that kind of money for the results Obama has given the country? The guy is a stooge of a president, a terrible communicator, hasn't a clue about the economy, is a partisan hack, and a divider of the country. Yeah we need four more years of that.

Obama 2012 - "You didn't build that, and that's why I want to raise your taxes"

The Kissing game

As reporters shouted to be heard by Romney across an open plaza a press aide implored them to be respectful, then adding "kiss my ass," and telling one reporter to "shove it." The aide later apologized.

JiA quotes: In short: President Obama (and his team) know that they need Bill Clinton and, to their credit, they aren’t letting past conflicts get in the way of acknowledging that necessity.

Billy is used to campaigning for losers. Just like he did for his wife.

JiA: TW, I wonder what the downside risk of “the big dog” upstaging ole Barry at the convention is?? What happens if Dems come away from the convention wishfully thinking about the “good ole days”

Kind of messes up Barry's campaign motto "Forward". Or has that changed again lately? Probably more like "Desperate" these days.

The deplorable Romney mob isn't the only ones telling US to kiss their asses so are the bussiness people who favor Mittens 4-1 over President Obama--greedy bas-turds.

4morefor44

Obama/Biden 2012

The campaign released the entire context of Romney’s remarks

Oh My!

There's that "C" word again!

Funny how the same campaign who has been disingenuously taking President Obama's comment out of context is now crying foul! lmao

DCIA,

"Why does Romney get a pass on skipping out on paying his fair share of taxes on his IRA?"

Same reason that he only took three questions from the US press corp

Romney is SPECIAL, don't you know.

And all of" you people" better get used to it.

Well said Backhouse! If this trip is an indication of Romney's diplomatic skills, we are in for a rough ride indeed should he win the oval office. Even "W" didn't post those kinds of gaffes. This character and his entourage scored several within a few days. His obvious ethnocentrism and disdain for those not as as financially accomplished as himself make him totally unfit for the office, and that is just the start. This man would perhaps be an even bigger disaster than his republican predecessor. We don't need a president who doesn't think before he speaks. The problem is he is so self centered that he has no empathy for others. There is no helping a man who's sole interest is the bottom line.

The higher Mitt the Monkey climbs, the better we can see his Ugly Behind.

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

Why does Romney not have the same tax burden on his IRA?

So many unanswered questions, so little time... ☺

GF Romney would rather spend his time watching Queen Anne horse dance to run out the clock that answer very, very, important questions to US.

Romney is a wimp.

Willard is such a flawed candidate, his team thought it would be a bad idea for him to visit the troops in Afghanistan!

Apparently, they couldn't even trust him in a "gaffe" free zone...

The lefties are whining again (still?) about Mitt's tax returns

Get used to it cup-cake, Willard's tax problems are not going away anytime soon!

It's not only us loony lefties who want to see them... Plenty of uptight righties are demanding he disclose them!

retards on MSNBC

You're a real class act Snuffy!

Disparaging the handicapped! Talk about desperation...

Our son lives in Denmark and is married to a Danish woman. Their comments were---"he dumber than Bush" and "Bush Redux." The world is watching and if Romney is elected we'll be the laughing stock of the world.

Obama-Biden 2012

Romney is Bush 2.0.

But enough of Repugnant Bushy crap already.

No surprise how Albany Joe's version of Hardball and the discussion of Bill Clinton is different from what I heard. Anyone who uses their brain cells recognizes that Clinton remains a popular democratic president. Common sense says any democratic presidential candidate would want him to speak at the official nominating convention.

Fairfax Bill lies about President Obama's comments--must be something in the GOP water because Romney lies every day, all day. President Obama has never said the rich don't pay their fair share of taxes, he points out a simple truth--the rich pay a lower effective tax rate than people earning $250K or less because of deductions, loopholes, capital gains, etc. Now maybe in GOPer world, multi-million/billionaires paying a lower effective tax rate than the working class is considered a fair share but those of us who pay a higher effective tax rate than Willard would beg to differ.

Bill in Fairfax -- Spreading his deceit by throwing out percentages. Here's one for ya Bill, the top 20% hold 85% of all the wealth in this country.

Additionally, Bill's key word in his diatribe is INCOME. Fact: The wealthy have money stashed around the world to avoid taxes. Another FACT: Most of the wealthy's money comes from investing and is taxed at the capital gains rate. It's not counted as EARNED INCOME.

For the record, once again. Who's responsible? Read on.

The reason why some don't pay federal INCOME TAXt is our tax laws. Many of which were put in place by Republicans. THE working poor STILL PAY FEDERAL PAYROLL TAXES.

Some of the poor pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes and fees compared to a wealthy person when you combine the state, local, and payroll taxes and add in the fees they are subjected too.

In 2000 32.6 million people paid no federal tax. In 2008 that figured had jumped to 51.6 million due to the tax breaks Bush and company, i.e. all Republicans, put in place. An increase of almost 60%. Under Republican policies. Why do they not pay federal INCOME TAXES? Read below:

23% pay nothing because they're poor. For example, a couple with two children earning less than $26,400 will pay no federal income tax this year because their $11,600 standard deduction and four exemptions of $3,700 each reduce their taxable income to zero.

10% are elderly and pay nothing because their Social Security benefits are exempt from federal income taxes.

7% pay nothing thanks to provisions in the tax code designed to benefit low-income families: the earned income tax credit, the child credit, and the childcare credit account.

The other 6% benefit from tax-exempt interest, itemized deductions, education credits, other credits; and reduced rates on capital gains and dividends.

http://jonathanturley.org/2011/07/29/half-of-americans-dont-pay-any-taxes/

The only candidate that we know for sure is flawed is our current president. It is time for real change in this country.

President Obama is a FAILURE as a leader. He knows it and America knows it.

JAS1: "Bill, Fairfax Va: Once again, excellent writing."

This from somebody whose own standard of excellence includes "I guess they get their cue from the retards on MSNBC telling them to do so".

"Retards", JoAnna? Even from you, that's pretty offensive.

According to his campaign staff, Willard's trip was "a great success." That's probably true: he didn't choke on his shoe leather, none of the bullets hit him, and nobody took offense from his Polish jokes.

Good Morning Fesity and Northstar!

Those of us that Ann Romney called "you people" want ANSWERS! ; )

Think we will get them before the election?

JAS1 -- Nice try at spin. I don't believe I mentioned taxing anyone, just listing facts.

"Retards", JoAnna? Even from you, that's pretty offensive.

The anger coming off Snuffy & her pals is palpable these days...

Think we will get them any time before the election?

I don't think Willard is going to have a choice, but he will wait until after the convention to make sure he has the nomination already locked up...

Then they're totally screwed! lol

How deep a hole does Romney have to dig before he disappears from view? And just when you thought that he was through with his gaffs in England and Israel, up pops his trusty Staffer in Poland who tells a reporter "Kiss my A++", and tells another reporter to "Shove it".

YOU CAN'T MAKE THESE THINGS UP. I LOVE IT.

President Obama doesn't need help, Romney himself and his Staff is killing his campaign. Now, just continue to refuse to show your tax returns and President Obama will lock up this election.

OBAMA IN 2012.

The reason why some don't pay federal INCOME TAXt is our tax laws. Many of which were put in place by Republicans. THE working poor STILL PAY FEDERAL PAYROLL TAXES.

Payroll taxes are supposed to fund entitlements. Simple answer to the poor paying too much in payroll taxes is to cut entitlements. Is this what you are proposing? Or to maintain entitlements at the level they are currently, perhaps you are advocating an increase in payroll taxes?

Just remember that currently you are getting the government you want at a 40% discount.

Question of the day: Why does Romney want to be president? He doesn't seem to like the American people, for a smart business guy he goes out of his way to alienate everyone. He isn't likable to most Americans (and yes, a lot of voters still vote on likability not issues - sorry political junkies).

Romney beating the war drums in Israel was not cool, this Clown is going to start a War !!!!!!

Grade f minus. As my relatives in Europe say," How can American become so stupid so fast to have this rich aristocrat , with no class running for office. You should have spent more on schools and education and less on bailouts for the rich! America is dumbing down!"

It is so sad that the press has to use every opportunity to belittle a success story like Romney in order to build up a character like Barrack Obama who cannot stand on his own.

Looks like the GOP is getting ready to pull the plug on the Clown !!!!!!!!!!!

Question of the day: Why does Romney want to be president? He doesn't seem to like the American people, for a smart business guy he goes out of his way to alienate everyone. He isn't likable to most Americans (and yes, a lot of voters still vote on likability not issues - sorry political junkies).

How did we vote an inexperienced freshman Senator and an illiterate Texas Governor president are the questions I would like answered.

It seems odd that we have a presidential candidat in Romney who wants you to know as little as possible about him as a person and a candidate. He tells us nothing of his plans and doesn't want you to know about him as a person either. He doesn't do interviews for anyone but fox, and on an overseas trip where one would think it was all about publicity he refused to take questions from the press. If this is a harbinger of things to come, it would be a very scary four years should Mittens be elected. He is heartless, self centered, and secretive. This is no man for the presidency.

Republicans are scared of Bill Clinton and how he will shine a light on "trickle down" economics as proven failed policy that led to the financial crisis. So that's why they are taking their pot shots at him now.

Clinton has a 66% approval rating, and has the experience to talk about the policy differences and how they will affect the economy.

Romney is inexperienced politically, on foreign policy, and is hiding from reporters, hiding his taxes, and hiding the details of how he would help the economy and jobs. Now is not the time to put someone inexperienced in charge of the country.

Mutt may be able to rape and pillage but that is where his experience ends.

He is more a dicknitary than a dignitary.

The Mitt haters are speaking with the mouth full. Mitt was right in London about his concern, he is right in Israel and he is right in Poland. Mitt show to have more experience than the community organizer we have in the White House , who travel overseas to gather a crowd of Germans aaccepting the apologies of candidate Obama, who as throwing our country under the bus, like he did with his racist grandma, that turn to be descendant of the very first African Slave in American lands.

Where are the jobs Mr. President.

How is doing the GDP

How is doing the Economy

We are going in reverse now after a weak recovery, as the result of 5 trillions of dollars Obama borrow from China. Now we are stock in the mod and Obama keep blaming Bush for his own failures. Obama offer to leave the White House if he don't turn the economy around. I'm waiting for that day. However, November is around the corner , want him or not he is going back to Hawaii , Chicago or Indonesia.

phinephancy: "Question of the day: Why does Romney want to be president?"

I don't think he actually does. In the words of former President Bush, "It's hard work!" Romney's kind of like a star-struck 20-something planning her upcoming nuptials - she's not even thinking about what it takes to make a long-term successful marriage, she's just worried about the having the right dress and the right flowers and who's on the guest list and who she should pick for her maid of honor and having a bigger wedding than her sister did and getting her hair done and where she's going on her honeymoon. And oh, yeah - who's going to pay for all this.

Alan NJ -- We all know that we have to fix SS and Medicare so they remain viable. The taxes to pay for those things has not increased since REAGAN raised the rates in 1983 I think. Decades ago. In those decades the cost of HEALTH CARE has gone up dramatically. So we will have to change a few things eventually. Sooner rather than later.

The press has gotten way out of line with respect to the candidates. Both parties are way to under the microscope.

The "out of context" game is unreal. Obama said nothing close to "you didn't make that".

The tax question is way out of line with regard to the topic. If you want to raise the taxes on the upper 1%, then why does Obama want to raise income taxes? Buffet and Romeny will still pay 15%. Obama has requested a raise on capital gains taxes, where the rich get richer and that debate needs to be had. (Low taxation on already taxes money vs. what it will do the economy). But stay away from Federal Income Tax Rates.

Romney's gaffs will take the pressure off Biden. I mean really. Can't someone from his inner circle ask him to shut his trap in an effort to simply save himself??????

And add a 10% tariff to all Chinese goods and use the money collected to pay for US social programs and universal healthcare. China tariffs US goods, why can't we tariff back?

Let's look at taxes. I paid approx 35% on an income of $39,000 not counting sales taxes, Mitt paid 15% on $??? million. There seems to be something off balance on that. One thing is sure, old Mitt is making Bush seem more and more intelligent.

Romney is the most inexperienced Republican candidate in decades.

He can't handle foreign policy, the press, his taxes, or lay out a coherent plan for the economy and jobs.

Now is not the time to put someone inexperienced in charge of the country.

Yes, we know Obama's flaws and his baggage. But we don't know Romney's. He refuses to release his tax returns, destroys records from the Olympics, erases hard drives from his office as governor, and avoids answering questions by reporters. He won't explain his ideas for foreign policy or the economy. Sorry, Romney is a weak candidate by any measure.

First Read's report on Mitt's Magical Insult Tour didn't mention his astounding praise of Israel's health care system, which mandates universal insurance coverage with payments withdrawn from everyone's paychecks and sent to non-profit insurance companies. That is far to the left of Obama's Affordable Care Act. Is Romney just a clueless clown or is he so eager to pander to the Jewish vote that he just doesn't care that he just praised socialism, or both?

Bill in Fairfax wrote:

the rate for the top 20% of earners was 23.2% while the rate for middle earners was 11.1 percent. Furthermore, the tax rate for the top 1% of earners was 28.9 percent (see Table 2 on page 27 of the CBO report).

Considering the middle earners earn an average of $41,000 a year and the top 20% range from $250K to billions of dollars, I would say that the effective rate for the middle earners is about right.

You would like to take what little spare change they have left, wouldn't you Bill?

NJNB --

Didn't you praise Maraniss' book on Obama and tell me to read it? You said he told the truth, I believe. Anyway, he came out with an op-ed in WaPo recently. Did you read it? I think it was directed at people like you.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/what-drives-the-obama-doubters-and-haters/2012/07/27/gJQAIbImDX_story_1.html

The truth hurts Mitt. You are a total failure!

White Collar Auto wrote:

"Now here is a Press Aide that speaks for Millions and Millions of Americans when it comes to today's "Journalists"."

Where is it you go for your information, WCA? Direct line to Congress? Press Secretaries call you each morning with the latest info, or do Fox and World Net Daily - unimpeachable sources - have all the truth you need?

JC-1439099p

hinephancy - some voters may vote on likability, but more of them vote their wallets...... and President Obama has not been good for wallets, at all....

I don't know about my wallet, but Obama has been great for my 401K account. After it was decimated by the Republicans' wretched "let the banksters run free" policies that ended in the 2008 disaster, it's now recovered all of its value and more, with ups and downs mostly following Angela Merkel's mood swings.

Well. A press aide lectures the press on respect for a "holy site" for Poland, using a vulgarity to do so. It just doesn't get much more ridiculous or amateurish than that.

This is a warning to all of you who will vote for Mittens for President because he has a big "R" branded on his rear. Think long and hard about this. We all understand that you hate having a black, Democratic President, but your President is confident on the world stage.

Mittens will be an unmitigated disaster.

Where is it you go for your information, WCA? Direct line to Congress? Press Secretaries call you each morning with the latest info, or do Fox and World Net Daily - unimpeachable sources - have all the truth you need?'

He walks outside to get the --- pfffft! I can't finish that LOL!

Alan NJ -- I said when was the last time taxes were increased on the WHOLE.

That's all right. Nobody will notice Mitt Romney's "errors and misteps" in Poland.

Everybody, and I mean everbody, is much more concerned in Mitt Romney's hidden "slush funds" down in the Cayman Islands, his hidden Swiss banks accounts, and what Mitt Romney is hiding in his "lost" tax returns, maybe shading financial dealings with known Middle Eastern Terrorist groups? Who knows?

And how can Mitt Romney "tax-off" for Tax purposes his wife's Olympic show horse, by calling it a "THERAPY HORSE". I don't think you or I can do that. Is that even legal. It's definity pretty shady and Not a very "Manly" thing to do.

Any more Examples of Mitt Romney's shady financial dealings? I and others would like to hear about them.

Innovation certainly isn't a word heard much in government, and certainly not in the post office.

Perhaps you could apply then, with your extensive qualifications.

LOL!

Annie's #77MIL therapy horse beats IRS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really, cdahl? My, a bit sensitive to something I wrote that was a general point, aren't you?

Could it be that the truth hurts?

Why is the tax thing with Romney so much bigger than a birth certificate for an already president? I would rather know that at least Romney filed taxes than not knowing if our president is illigal.

At first I thought these article was nothing more then another hit piece with no real objectivity. Then I read it and realized I was right.

Bill, Fairfax, VA: I'm so glad that you bring intelligence and facts to this discussion. I do appreciate it.

Ozmosis,

What health card anywhere requires holders to find their way to a system run photo ID location with a birth certificate and a credit card, cash or money order to receive an ID card. There is certainly no provision in the Affordable Care Act which requires any such ID. Just like medicare and all other insurance systems a membership card is mailed to you and it is free of charge.

jkh

The list about what we do know about Mitt and what we don't know is lopsided beyond belief. What we can see is that this man who could not care less for 99% of Americans deserves to lose this race. He makes McCain look presidential.

Romney's inexperience is showing all over the place.

He can't handle a 3 country foreign policy junket, can't handle the release of his tax returns, can't handle the press, and can't lay out his plans for the economy or jobs.

Now is not the time to put someone inexperienced in charge of the country.

Wow, the Romney-defense brigade is up and at it this morning! On the tax return thing, please be honest. If the shoe were on the other foot--if a Democratic candidate were the one refusing to show his/her tax returns (and also happened to be very wealthy), wouldn't you guys be a little suspicious, especially when literally everyone else shows multiple years of tax returns? I mean, Romney's father set the standard!

Wasn't it Romney that said, "I don't worry about the poor"?

@ Newday.

No. It means that I find it pathetic that you consciously chose to bring race to the discussion. It makes me question if you have the capacity to put forth an argument, or are just a mouthpiece for the liberal left.

I voted for Obama not because he was black, but because I believed in his speeches and I was tired of the Republicans lying to get their way, skewing numbers and abandoning fiscal responsibility.

Why did you vote for Obama? Because of the color of his skin?

Candidate Romney should apologise for most of what he said on his European trip... He was an embarrassment to this Country ...

It really did show that this guy lives in a world all by himself...

spider #'s -- Why do I get the feeling you and Republicans would be happy with controlling and editing everything the media says or writes? That's scary.

Who can blame his team for telling the press to kiss his ass. They are rude and slanted. Mike in SA nailed it to a tee. This is just a liberal media spins opinion. Ok back to work for me. I am sure more people will post when they get off WORK.

If all the Bush tax cuts were to expire, the feds would haul in $3.9 trillion in additional tax revenue over a 10-year period. But if just the rates on the $200K+ crowd expire (as the president proposes), the additional tax revenues would only amount to about $700 billion over that period – or an average of $70 billion per year. And in the context of persistent federal budget deficits in the trillion dollar range, an extra $70 billion isn't nearly enough to fix the problem. Heck, it's not even a credible down payment.

I guess if it's so small for deficit reduction it's also so small to pay. Also, why is always called "massive" by the right-wingers when it comes to paying, but "not even a down payment" when it comes to collecting?

Based on 2009 data, CBO reports that the top 20% of income earners paid 94% of federal income taxes – while earning only 52% of the nation's income. And within that group the top 1% paid 39% of federal income taxes, while earning only 13% of the nation's income.

And how is "income" defined in these numbers? Well, it also includes "transfer payments", like Medicare reimbursements, social security benefits, Unemployment benefits, Medicaid benefits, welfare benefits, etc. that means "income" for the poor includes all of these items (it's called comprehensive income). Of course, health insurance premium benefits, expense accounts, corporate yachts, planes, hunting lodges, etc. that CEO's receive as employees are not included as "income". This means the top 20% share of "income" is skewed downward because of this. Facts ARE pesky little things.

All Romney had to do was show up, make a few compliments, and leave. He's offended the British, called the Palestinians and Mexicans trailer-trash, and perpetuated the view that Romney is a arrogant, upper-crusty, boorish buffoon, who could not care less that his wife has some horse in the Olympics that only the mega-rich royalty own. All in a few days of auditioning to be the POTUS in front of a world stage.

Vote Romney if you want a really scary President.

Rich-281385

I don't care if Romney releases his returns or not. It's his choice. What am I going to learn? That he's rich? If you don't know that by now then you really aren't bright enough to vote anyhow.

Aren't you bright enough to see that you're going to learn more than that? First, we would learn whether or not there were years when Romney paid a lot lower than the ridiculously low rate he was forced to admit to for his 2010 returns. Second, we would learn whether or not he deducted business expenses for travel between Utah and Boston for the Bain companies' board meetings he attended (which he probably did, because we know Romney made such trips, and Romney wouldn't pass up the chance to avoid paying even a penny more taxes than he has to).

So, maybe you're not interested if Romney used every trick in the book to pay less taxes than the average worker, and maybe you're not interested if he was lying about what he was doing after 1999 when he said he wasn't associated with Bain. But lots of people are.

Amazing how MSDNC thinks that it is a major mishap when an aide to Gov Romney tells reporters to KMA (which Feisty has said worse that that on these blogs), but where was all of this horror when Pres Obama referred to the Nazi Death Camps in Poland as "Polish Death Camps"?

What is with all the "collapsed by community"? What are the rules and number of roving protesters required to collapse a comment just because they don't like it? Makes reading and following difficult. Why not just provide a master setting to allow all these collapsed posts at one time?

Come on Newsvine, it must take more effort to review and restore these comments than just letting the reader decide. You don't answer email, so I will post the questions occasionally.

JAS1: Another government entity going bankrupt

You must have missed it. The Post Office has been independently run since the early 1980s. It is funded by sales of stamps and mail services.

juanita -- happy to oblige, keep the faith.

Cannibals -- yes, facts are pesky things. You should try reviewing them accurately.

Houston,

First, we would learn whether or not there were years when Romney paid a lot lower than the ridiculously low rate he was forced to admit to for his 2010 returns

And why would we care? The rate that others pay has nothing to do with me. Unless he did something illegal, which is highly unlikely, it is irrelevant.

Second, we would learn whether or not he deducted business expenses for travel between Utah and Boston for the Bain companies' board meetings he attended

If he released the past five years of tax returns, you would see none of that. Are you saying that the only way you will be satisfied is if he releases all of his tax returns back to 1999? What happens if you still aren't satisfied? Back to the time he founded Bain Capital? Further? Perhaps from the time he started at Bain & Company?

The truth is that it doesn't matter how many years he releases, because the left will never be satisfied. So, in the end, there really isn't any reason for him to release more than the two years.

"Kiss my ass"! Good nuance there. While I wouldn't yet call "Mittens" an expert on foreign affairs, He probably learned much more with that pronouncement by His press aid than at any other time during His overseas foray. As I believed, Mittens, with that prepared script, can find and step in mudholes, even in a desert. Innocents abroad? Naw! Dumbasses wobbling a crash course? Yep. Waaa, haaaa,haaa,haa,....................

Why do I get the feeling you and Republicans would be happy with controlling and editing everything the media says or writes? That's scary.

Good thing they are still controlled and edited by the DNC, we wouldn't opposing views or opinions would we.

Fox News doesn't let the Obama campaign write their articles so they must be biased. Down with the one media outlet who doesn't parrot DNC talking points!

Romney is nothing but a gaffe - which is why his handlers keep him from going off-script. Every time he does he sounds like he has no thoughts and no intelligence.

He lacks the empathy to talk to people and come across as anything human. He doesn't connect with anyone and doesn't really care to.

His run for President is just to say he did one better than his Dad. His father was ten times the man Mitt is. He must be twirling in his grave that his son has turned out to be such a loser.

fielden - JAS knows very little but is vocal in showing how little she knows. Most of us know the post office has been run independently for a long time. This is just another lie JAS will hang her hat on.

Obama/Biden 2012

The collapse holes are out. It's the Republicans trying to end FREE SPEECH. Thus, I will REPOST.

To add more to Feisty's post on why Romney should release his TAX RETURNS:

After all, the one year's tax returns that he has released raise doubt about his campaign's claims that his offshore accounts did not save him one penny of tax. Putting business assets into an individual retirement account invested in a Cayman Islands corporation allows Mr. Romney to avoid the "unrelated business income tax" — a 35 percent levy — on at least some of his I.R.A.'s earnings, a tax that he would have had to pay if his I.R.A. were held directly by a financial institution in the United States.

With an I.R.A. account of $20 million to $101 million, the tax savings would be more than a few pennies.

The I.R.A. also allows Mr. Romney to diversify his large holdings tax-free, avoiding the 15 percent tax on capital gains that would otherwise apply. His financial disclosure further reveals that his I.R.A. freed him from paying currently the 35 percent income tax on hundreds of thousands of dollars of interest income each year.

Given the extraordinary size of his I.R.A., we have to presume that Mr. Romney valued the assets he put in his retirement account at far less than he would have sold them for. Otherwise it is quite a trick to turn contributions that are limited to $30,000 to $50,000 a year into the $20 million to $101 million he now has there. But we cannot be certain; his meager disclosure of tax records and financial information does not indicate what kind of assets were put into the I.R.A. .....

No one should begrudge Mr. Romney or his family the wealth they have earned. But if he has not paid the taxes that apply to transfers of such wealth, this should concern us all. After all, who do you think pays for the shortfall?

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/31/opinion/the-mysteries-of-mitt-romneys-financial-records.html?_r=1&hp

All of us with 401K's /IRA's are limited to what we can contribute each year and we are taxed at regular income rates when that money is withdrawn.

Why does Romney get a pass on skipping out on paying his fair share of taxes on his IRA?

And after sticking his landing in Poland, his campaign got into a spat with the judges -- that is, the reporters following him.

Only an egotistical, self-righteous journalist would think that the media are the judges.
The voters will judge and make the final call. No matter how much spin journalists try to use, at the end of the day their vote is as good as yours!

Amazing, when journalists report the many gaffes of Mitt Romney's European disaster, the right goes crazy and claims liberal media bias yet when those same journalists report negative things about President Obama, those same right wingers declare the media as honest.

Rich, the Churchill bust remains in the White House; it is on loan from Great Britain. All President Obama did was replace it in the Oval Office with a bust of Abraham Lincoln and place the Churchill bust elsewhere. Last I checked every new President prefers to personalize the office and not until President Obama moved in has there been a crowd whining about it.

As for the daily TP required birther poster, the press doesn't ask about President Obama's birth certificate because they recognize the one provided way back in 2007 is real; they know he was born in Hawaii.

Bill - Did you not forget about the navy CORPSEMAN. What a genius our President!

I want TAX RETURNS from Romney

and

an

apology

from

Romney

http://factcheck.org/2012/07/you-didnt-build-that-uncut-and-unedited/

READ IT

And let's put an end to this Romney-ized fabrication of crap-ola.

The GOP is pathetic in promoting this nonsense.

SHAME ON The GOP

What a waste of a story. Where was MSNBC when Rahm Emanual was around. His mouth needed washing out far more than this silly story (if you want to call it a story).

Seeking Sanity - Romney is nothing but a gaffe - 57 states, CORPSEMAN, "You didn't build that', "The private sector is doing just fine", "The police acted stupily', The Bow, Not knowing how to act with the QUEEN. ETC.ETC.ETC. Care to question your guy?

Spot on RI Mom!

The Republicans are SHAMELESS LIARS concerning the "build" statement.

I urge everyone to read the link to FACT CHECK RI Mom posted.

"...kiss my ass..."

And there you have it. The model for a Romney presidency...

cdahl, can't answer for anyone else but I voted for President Obama because of his vision for the future, his push toward renewal energy, his ability to inspire the nation, his ideas, his stance against unnecessary wars and dozens of other ideas. Contrary to what conservatives claim, the color of his skin was not on the radar of most who voted for him. The fact he would be the first black president was simply icing on the cake. The economy collapsed in Sep 2008 and President Obama's plans had to take a side trip. Too bad the repubilcans in Congress didn't see the need to put country first and help get us back on track instead of meeting for dinner Jan 20, 2009, to plot their obstruction.

For the people asking for Romney's tax returns: Why hasn't Obama released his college records?

Jody, continuing to post the same lie over and over makes you look foolish

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/9436526/White-House-admits-it-did-return-Winston-Churchill-bust-to-Britain.html

The White House LIED about the bust. They got caught. They tried to double down, then changed the subject. Still, I think you know it's a lie- and the proof is out there on multiple sites. Why continue to spread the falsehood? It doesn't make you look credible.

geo-1957883Bill -

Did you not forget about the navy CORPSEMAN.

Hey, don't give Mittens any ideas. He'll come up with an attack ad using one mispronounced word in order to claim that Obama wants to kill sailors. Then that will be Romney's new campaign slogan with banners and everything: "Vote form Romney. He won't kill our sailors" (unless he decides to send them into another useless neocon war to get killed).

Romney, "I'm not concerned about the very poor".

02/01/2012

Obama: "The economy is doing fine"

6/08/2012

Anyone ever notice that when Feisty and Bev and Backhouse run out of anything intelligent to say that they start "yelling" (posting in all bold and/or caps) and calling everyone in sight filthy names? I could also do with having Ruken permanently banned; he can KMA but he swears in his posts more than any 50 other posters on these boards.

Why are the Dems still beating the tax return drum? Don't they have anything better to talk about, like Oblameo's record? Oh, wait, he doesn't have a record to run on. That's why he is bringing out Slick Willy to try to bail him out at the convention.

Please, please, please find some talking points in favor of Oblameo. He desparately needs all the help he can get!

Houston!

Second, we would learn whether or not he deducted business expenses for travel between Utah and Boston for the Bain companies' board meetings he attended (which he probably did, because we know Romney made such trips, and Romney wouldn't pass up the chance to avoid paying even a penny more taxes than he has to).

So, maybe you're not interested if Romney used every trick in the book to pay less taxes than the average worker, and maybe you're not interested if he was lying about what he was doing after 1999 when he said he wasn't associated with Bain. But lots of people are.

It amazes me that you JUMP to conclusions that Romney is cheating and that he was still working with Bain based on absolutely no facts. He has been audited by the IRS on his taxes. If they didn’t see it as a violation, then the issue is over. As for Bain, no one other than the far left is concerned about when Romney left Bain and those people will never vote for him. All these hyperbole attacks by the left have made me and a lot of other independents frustrated enough to consider actually voting for Romney.

What I find so hypocritical on the Romney tax argument is how much some Obama supporters attack Romney on paying a low amount of taxes in 2010 that was perfectly legal according to the IRS. Yet they seem to have no problem with Obama choosing 5 cabinet members who admitted to cheating on their taxes including AG Holder. Two other appointees had to drop out because of their tax problems.

Pot meet kettle...

America - Land of the Fee, Home of the Slave

But don't gaffe. It's not funny.

Re: Romney's Poland trip: I don't want to say that the Romney campaign is gaffe prone, but I would not have been at all surprised to hear: "...and the other Polock puts his hand in front of his face and says 'I'll show you... here, hit my hand...'"

ITriple -- Do you think Romney should get special privileges concerning his IRA? Or a special rate that we do not get to enjoy?

The legal argument MAY be partially right. We don't know now do we? Just because it's legal doesn't mean it's right. TIME TO CLEAN up the TAX CODE.

Bob in KC-545426

Oh, wait, he doesn't have a record to run on.

Lie.

• Signed the Lilly Ledbetter Act that protects women from wage discrimination his first few days in office.
• Saved the auto industry that would have been devastated if Mittens "let 'em go bankrupt" policy of waiting for the private sector to float loans with money it didn't have in 2009.
• Got Bin Laden after Bush failed for 7 years.
• And averted a second Great Depression with the stimulus.

And on the last point, the proof that the Republicans are lying about the failure of the stimulus is that the GDP growth rate has increased by more than 10% from a negative 8.9% to a positive 1.5%

http://ycharts.com/indicators/real_gdp_growth

That's better than Saint Ronald of Reagan managed to do in the far less serious economic problems he inherited from Jimmy Carter.

If you've got a business — you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn't get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.

Direct quote from the website you link to. The full context is him telling successful people they got help along the way and that it's not because they are smart, or hard working, their are a lot of smart hard working people.

I'm always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something — there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there. (Applause.)

What he was saying was if your successful you were ALLOWED to be successful, and couldn't of done it without help which is not true. Many of the successful people became successful despite dropping out of school, despite poor economic conditions, and despite a government that makes it very hard for starting businesses.

If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive.

Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive.

Yes Obama those people were called the founding fathers and they wrote the Declarationof Independence and the Constitution, both of which you have worked against. They set up a system you have tried to dismantle and the consequences of your actions are showing in the ecoonomic numbers coming out which First Thoughts and First Read will not talk about.

Now we hear they are INVESTIGATING the MMD rate which is the benchmark for Muni markets. This is a rate that's set similar to LIBOR.

Wow. These banksters are in big trouble. LIBOR rigging stole trillions. The avalanche of lawsuits is about to hit BANKS. Now MMD may be a problem.

The Republicans keep turning a blind eye and refuse to let STRONG REGULATIONS be implemented. Why?

http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/son-libor-muni-market-eyes-american-rate-rigging-142813097.html?l=1

When I saw Romney at the Olympics all I could think is that douche bag tax dodger is so full of himself that he feels campaigning isn't necessary.

The arrogant prick is well represented by his aides who feel his majesty shouldn't be questioned on any matters, otherwise expect an idiotic response of "kiss my ass" from one of his flunkies.

Romney only reminds me about the two Americas: the one where growing poverty, fear of unemployment and homelessness is ever growing and the other of extreme wealth and affluence brought on by exploiting the middle class who they sneer at.

We are called to appraise, discern, evaluate, and discriminate in making wise choices for ourselves, our family and our country. To that end , I refuse to believe the delusional liberal biased comments offered in this chat originate for mainstream Americans! Many of these comments must be from imposters and paid political hacks.

As an example, how can any informed American attack Romney's Bain Capital record and their eighty plus percent rate of success? As a matter of record, Bain Capital engaged in a multifold business strategy involving investment in and the purchase of struggling businesses that were in decline, headed toward insolvency and possible bankruptcy as well as in stronger companies. Their goal was improve the overall management and infrastructure transforming these declining companies into a position of fiscal strength thus providing a bright future for employees rather than one of unemployment and corporate bankruptcy.

JOBS OF THIS TYPE ARE EXACTLY WHAT IS NEEDED HERE IN AMERICA!!!

Romney's Bain Capital "successfully" invested private money in:

• Staples
• The Sports Authority
• Toys "R" Us
• Dominos Pizza
• Dunkin Donuts
• Burlington Coat Factory
• Burger King
• AMC Entertainment
• Clear Channel Communications
• Guitar Center
• Warner Music Group

OBAMA INVESTED "YOUR HARD EARNED TAX DOLLARS" in companies owned or managed by his campaign contributors (talk about corruption):

• Solyndra– now BANKRUPT
• Ener1 – now BANKRUPT
• Beacon Power – now BANKRUPT
• Eastern Energy – now BANKRUPT
• Spectra Watt – now BANKRUPT
• Abound Solar – now BANKRUPT
• Amonix Solar – now BANKRUPT

Do you want a BUSINESSMAN WHO GENERATED MILLONS

OR

A SOCIALIST WHO HAS WASTED TRILLONS?

Spider: "I want to meet the Romney campaign aide who told the reporters to "kiss my ass"....I want to shake his hand, say thanks, and maybe, if he has time, buy him a drink. My hero!"

Your hero! How sweet! I'm sure the aide would love to share some of your cool aide!

Atruth:

Those types of jobs are just what the Republicans want for us. Minimum wage service jobs. Keep supporting Republicans and wait for your economic downfall.

As for the bankruptcy's under the energy program:

THE CONGRESS set ASIDE 10 BILLION DOLLARS for losses. They expected some of these new companies to go bankrupt. That's par for the course in business. Not everyone makes it.

Barack Obama has made it clear he plans to continue with his war on America, the Catholic Church, US Christians, success, small business and American socioeconomic thinking! As a result, this is creating backlash, even from within his own party.Conservatives like to complain that Barack Obama is the most liberal president we've ever had, a closet Marxist who's determined to turn America into a socialist hell and that his despotic socialist agenda is the big lie of the twentieth century. Historians realize world history provides compelling proof that Obama's brand of socialism promised prosperity, equality, and security, but has only delivered poverty, misery, and tyranny. Historically, equality was achieved only in the sense that everyone was equal in his or hermisery!

Those historic facts aside, Obama has crafted a shrewd campaign from a worldly perspective. Of note is the fact a significant portion of his campaign strategy was based on development of strategic alliances with many of the most godless and morally debased segments of our society in a Thinly veiled effort to secure votes from those "the Obama administration believes" to be one dimensional, intellectually compromised, single issue constituencies. Many in this group had the misfortune of growing up in a broken home. The resulting dysfunction in these homes leads to emotional instability, mental illness and severe narcissism producing a common thread and liberal bias as evidenced in many of these posts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beyond requisite intellectual acumen, our upcoming president MUST have a strong moral foundation and acute, politically savvy awareness the principles of prudent governance. Unfortunately for America, Obama's morally vapid strategic political alliances clearly disqualify him from this hallowed leadership role. For that reason, more and more moderate and conservative principled members of the democratic party believe they must abandon Obama's candidacy and their party line vote for the long term good of our country! Essentially, theybelieve it is best to retreat and return to fight another day when the Democratic party can submit a candidate who is willing to uphold traditional American values rather than to attempt to destroy the country from within.

According to the President Obama. “The private sector is doing Fine”

Unemployment 14 % real numbers

GDP growth 1.0% projection 2012

Obama borrow almost 6 trillion of dollars from foreign countries.

Oppose to Keystone pipe that could bring thousands of jobs.

Obama send jobs overseas giving more than 500 millions of dollars to a Finland automaker to produce electric cars, that only millionaires can afford to buy one of those. Price tag 100,000 Dollars.

While running for President, Obama had promised that he would not have any lobbyists working in his administration. However, by February 2010, he had more than 40 lobbyists working in his administration.

Although Obama claims to support the Occupy Wall St. movement, the truth is that he has raised more money from Wall St. than any other candidate during the last 20 years.

In June 2011, U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) said that had Obama violated the Constitution when he launched military operations in Libya without Congressional approval.

The ACLU accused Obama of violating the U.S. Constitution by having a U.S. citizen killed without judicial process.

During the Chrysler bankruptcy, Obama violated the Fifth Amendment and more than 150 years of bankruptcy law by illegally treating secured creditors worse than unsecured creditors.

The Obama administration pressured Ford Motor Company to stop airing a TV ad that criticized Obama’s bailouts of General Motors and Chrysler.

In 2010, Obama supported releasing Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi (who had been convicted of murdering 270 people) from prison.

In May 2009, the Obama administration dismissed charges that had been filed by the Bush administration against members of the New Black Panther Party who had been videotaped intimidating voters and brandishing a police-style baton at a Philadelphia polling station during the November 2008 election. In August 2009, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights demanded that the Justice Department explain why it dismissed the charges. In July 2010, J. Christian Adams, a former lawyer for the Justice Department, testified before the Commission on Civil Rights that the case was dropped because the Justice Department did not want to protect the civil rights of white people.

In Operation Fast and Furious, the Obama administration ordered gun storeowners to illegally sell thousands of guns to criminals.

In February 2009, U.S. Senator Robert Byrd (D-West Virginia) expressed concern that Obama’s dozens of czars might violate the U.S. Constitution, because they were not approved by the U.S. Senate. U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) expressed a similar concern in September 2009.

In March 2007, Obama said of his health care plan, “I don’t think we’re going to be able to eliminate employer coverage immediately. There’s going to be, potentially, some transition process…”In September 2010, some insurance companies announced that in response to Obama’s health care plan, they would end the issuance of new child-only policies.

In October 2010, Obama gave McDonald’s and 29 other organizations an exemption from some of the requirements of his health care plan. Over time, more than 1,300 organizations were granted waivers.

In November 2010, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East announced that it would drop health insurance for the children of more than 30,000 low-wage home attendants. Mitra Behroozi, executive director of benefit and pension funds for 1199SEIU stated, “… new federal health-care reform legislation requires plans with dependent coverage to expand that coverage up to age 26… meeting this new requirement would be financially impossible.”

In September 2010, it was reported that Obama planned to offer Saudi Arabia the biggest arms deal in the history of the U.S.

In September 2009, Obama’s green czar Van Jones resigned after it was reported that he was a self described “communist” and had blamed George W. Bush for the September 11 attacks.

The Obama administration gave $535 million to Solyndra, claiming that it would create 4,000 new jobs. However, instead of creating those 4,000 new jobs, the company went bankrupt. It was later revealed that the company’s shareholders and executives had made substantial donations to Obama’s campaign, and that the company had also spent a large sum of money on lobbying.

Obama nominated Timothy Geithner, a repeat tax cheater, to head the government agency that enforces the tax laws.

On September 12, 2008, Obama promised, “I can make a firm pledge. Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase. Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes.” However, less than three months into his Presidency, he broke that promise when he raised the cigarette tax. Studies show that poor people are more likely to smoke than rich people.

Although Obama had campaigned against George W. Bush’s “tax cuts for the rich,” as President, Obama actually signed a two year extension of them.

Although Obama said that he wanted to simplify the tax code, his proposals would actually add thousands of pages to the tax code.

In December 2010, Transparency International reported that corruption was increasing faster in the U.S. than anywhere else except Cuba, Dominica, and Burkina Faso.

In June 2010, the New York Times reported that Obama administration officials had held hundreds of meetings with lobbyists at coffee houses near the White House, in order to avoid the disclosure requirements for White House visitors, and that these meetings “reveal a disconnect between the Obama administration’s public rhetoric — with Mr. Obama himself frequently thrashing big industries’ ‘battalions’ of lobbyists as enemies of reform — and the administration’s continuing, private dealings with them.”

Although Obama had promised to wait five days before signing all non-emergency bills, he broke that promise at least 10 times during his first three months in office.

Obama signed a stimulus bill that spent money on bonuses for AIG executives. Prior to signing this bill, Obama had said, “when I’m president, I will go line by line to make sure that we are not spending money unwisely.” However, after reading “line by line” and signing the stimulus bill that protected the AIG bonuses, Obama pretended to be shocked and outraged at the bonuses, and said, “Under these circumstances, it’s hard to understand how derivative traders at A.I.G. warranted any bonuses at all, much less $165 million in extra pay… How do they justify this outrage to the taxpayers who are keeping the company afloat?” and also said that he would “pursue every single legal avenue to block these bonuses.”

Although Obama had promised that the website recovery.gov would list all stimulus spending in detail, a 400 page report issued by the Government Accountability Office stated that only 25% of the projects listed on the website provided clear and complete information regarding their cost, schedule, purpose, location and status.

While living in Chicago and Washington D.C., Obama expressed his true opinion of America’s public education system by sending his own children to private schools.

In November 2011, Obama announced that he would send 2,500 Marines to Australia.

As Senator, Obama voted in favor of funding the Iraq War.

Obama had armed federal agents raid the Gibson guitar factory, order the employees to leave, and seize guitars and other property from the factory – and all of this happened without any charges being filed.

In October 2011, Obama hired Broderick Johnson, a longtime Wall Street lobbyist, to be his new senior campaign adviser. Johnson had worked as a lobbyist for JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Fannie Mae, Comcast, Microsoft, and the oil industry.

During the 2008 campaign, Obama broke his promise to accept public financing and the spending limits that came with it.

In June 2011, Obama asked a Jewish singing group to remove its video from the internet.

In May 2011, Obama signed a renewal of the Patriot Act.

After the BP oil spill, Obama rejected offers of cleanup help from Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations.

Regarding school vouchers, in February 2008, Obama said, “If there was any argument for vouchers it was, all right, let’s see if this experiment works, and then if it does, whatever my preconceptions, my attitude is you do what works for the kids.” However, in March 2009, Obama signed legislation which brought an end to a successful voucher program for nearly 2,000 students in Washington D.C. Although the Washington D.C. public school district spends nearly $13,500 per student, and the vouchers for private schools were only $7,500 per student, a federal study of the voucher program concluded that the voucher program was a significant success at providing students with a better education than that of the city’s public schools.

In September 2009, it was reported that Kevin Jennings, Obama’s Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, had written about Jennings’ own past frequent illegal drug use in his 2007 autobiography.

Some of you here are asking why the Obama administration does not “stick to the issues.” Surprise, surprise, if you actually “listen” when he speaks, you would know he addresses all the issues thoroughly and thoughtfully. What exactly is it that you don’t understand?

AND contrary to your false claims, the president has a good record to run on in spite of the obstruction from the right.

But on the “issues” – here’s the point . . .

For the past four years too much time has been spent by the GOP/Birthers/Tea Partiers on the “birth certificate.” Is that really an issue? NO, IT’S NOT. And what about Reverend Wright? Is that really an issue? NO, IT’S NOT. And what about his “pal” BILL AYERS? Is that an issue? NO IT’S NOT! He’s a Muslim, they say . . . THAT IS CERTAINLY NOT AN ISSUE AS HE IS NOT! Every false claim, every lie and every distortion can be refuted, but many of you refuse to accept the truth. Why is that?

. . . You figure it out . . .

Furthermore, who is the “desperate”one? Who thought he was the great and wise “statesman” that he took his “first” (and last) foreign policy trip only to make a complete and utter fool of himself! From beginning to end, this trip was exactly that – a trip up and an embarrassing FLOP – in fact it was the usual FLIP FLOP!

Mr. Romney, once again, proved he has no leadership abilities, no diplomatic skills, and does not possess the necessary qualities to be the President and Commander-in-Chief of the United States.

OBAMA BIDEN 2012!!!

This meme from the left-wing loons and their media wh0res that 10 years of tax records is the STANDARD for presidential candidates to release is a LIE!!

If you actually LOOK at the release of these tax records over the last several decades, you will see the TRUTH. That is that past presidential candidates have usually released their tax returns BEGINNING with the year that they started campaigning or were elected.

Richard Nixon's FIRST release of his tax returns was for the year 1969.

Jimmy Carter first did so for 1977.

Reagan for 1981.

George HW Bush for 1989.

Bill Clinton for 1992.

George W Bush for 2000.

It IS traditional for Presidents to CONTINUE to release their tax returns AFTER being elected, but it is NOT the "standard" practice to do so for the PREVIOUS decade.

Romney was correct that this is just an attempt at a fishing expedition by the Obama campaign with the connivance of their media lapdogs.

It IS, however, a "standard" action for presidential candidates to release, at the MINIMUM, their college transcripts and records. Most go back even further. I'd like to hear Obama explain why HE doesn't adhere to THAT "standard".

Another question that I would like to hear Obama answer is THIS:

If you truly believe what you said, that the United States has what you called "...this unbelieveable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive...", why did you feel the need to "fundamentally change" that system?

Isn't THAT a question that a REAL journalist would want answered?

The Romney's know how to milk the system, therapy for Annie is looking good !!! Where is the IRS for these two Crooks

RedVirginia: Speaking of jobs....where are all the jobs the GOP promised in 2010 with their "Promise to America" bulletin? I haven't seen a SINGLE job bill passed by the GOP that has brought in any additional jobs for our unemployed. In fact, all they've been doing is raiding and raping the middle class of services, money, etc. since the "tea party" GOP was elected....can you answer this? Probably not...but, I'm sure you'll put some blame for this lack of jobs on our current President because that's how the GOP try to change the question......

Mainstream Democrats admit they will have to hold their noses if they were to vote for Obama, contribute money to him or volunteer to campaign for him and they don’t like it.

The whole idea of Keynesian stimulus has been so thoroughly discredited by Obama’s failure that it won’t even be tried in our next crisis. Millions of people are suffering needlessly as a result. Obama did not sufficiently re-regulate the financial system to make sure that too-big-to-fail banks can’t destroy the global economy again, nor did he prosecute any of the bankers, traders or mortgage lenders responsible for the meltdown. Instead he surrounded himself with very advisers who were implicated in the de-regulation that caused the crisis in one economic, fox guarding the henhouse misinformed misstep after another.

Liberals say they understand the president is not a dictator, or even particularly influential in domestic politics given our system of checks and balances, but what bothers liberals is that he has failed them on almost every front serving as an embarrassment to their cause while creating seemingly endless fodder for conservative commentators across America.

None of these so-called "gaffes" compares to the "You Didn't Build That" calamity, for three reasons:

- The speech plagiarizes Elizabeth "Fauxcahontas" Warren

- It is decidedly anti-business, anti-entrepreneur, anti-liberty and anti-individual

- It reveals Obama's true beliefs which are derived more from *his* father than the Founding Fathers

But what would you expect from a President whose only private sector job was as a part-time law instructor?

DCIA, "Why does Romney get a pass on skipping out on paying his fair share of taxes on his IRA?"

His IRA is going to be taxed the same as your IRA, there is no difference other than the type of IRA he has. If he has a Roth, which he probably does, Roth's are taxed before contributions thus when you take it out you don't pay taxes on it. Why because you paid taxes on it before you put it in.

If he has a regular IRA which I doubt, he is taxed when he makes a withdrawal since regular IRA's are a pre-tax salary reduction.

But as usual, some individuals who read political boards repeat things they have no idea if it is true since usually they have no clue about the subject. Or better yet, don't bother to research it to see if it is accurate.

not sure why Righties come here and complain about liberal news media? do they just want to ignore the fact that on paper, Romney looks like a decent candidate, but when he opens his mouth, he's a complete goof?

also, if the wealthy would contribute by paying their fair amount of taxes, I'm sure there'd be a lot more money in the gov't and programs wouldn't have gotten shut down. So sad when the states suffer and education programs get axed. Though I'm sure it works for them so that they can appeal to the poor and uneducated....

Not Approved for Export:

The Mittronic Rombot sputtered and lurched back to the domestic Teapublican reprogramming center after an interminable venture overseas. Some experts attribute an attack of hull-worms upon the candidates wooden facade, while others say a Stuxnet virus variant discombobulated the sophisticated electro-dynamic, mystical Mormon programming. For whatever reason, from insulting the British readiness for the Olympics to calling Palestinians culturally inferior and even further alienating a lukewarm press, Rombotic programming parameters have fallen to sub-optimal levels. Unlike a nimble and svelte dancing horse, Rombot clodded his way through a weekend of execrable exploits to conclude with a thud heard 'round the world.

This is what happens when you run a guy who couldn't beat Sarah Palin as V.P. Think about that Teapublican fellow travellers, couldn't beat Sarah Palin then; but is going to win now? Really, seriously, really...seriously?

Mittronic Rombot...not approved for export, not ready for prime time, rehashed review of the failed 43rd President. In addition...

Rombot.Has.Nothing.

P.S. Poster @ 1.146, it's official, you have overdosed on blue pills. Tragically, there is no known remediation, just endeavour to persevere.

Dont_carry_it_allThe reason why some don't pay federal INCOME TAXt is our tax laws. Many of which were put in place by Republicans. THE working poor STILL PAY FEDERAL PAYROLL TAXES.

The key word is "INCOME" tax. The working poor pay NO INCOME TAX. The ONLY thing they pay is SS & Medicare Tax. Those are Retirement Fund & Medical Insurance, not INCOME TAX. They may have Federal withholding, doubtfully, but may have a small amount deducted from their pay. But when they file their taxes, because of the Standardized deduction, all their federal income tax that was withheld is returned and in some circumstances they receive back more than they paid in. So no, they do not pay FIT....

atruth4u,

I don't care about Bain, but I do about Romney. Three countries so far outside the US he has just visited and a gaffe in each. "He doesn't care about the poor!" "He likes firing people!" He belongs to a religious cult! He has been bought by the rich military industrial complex. No thanks to this rich loser!

Didi, maybe you should ask Reid who keeps pocketing everything sent over by the House

not presidential material. he shoukd go on an apology tour now.. or a gaffe tour. or just say what he really believes: anybody aint rich like me deserve to lick my shoe.

JH-479998

The only candidate that we know for sure is flawed is our current president.

This statement speaks directly to those who point out that the Repug RWNJ's ASSUME THEY ARE PERFECT !

CHRISTIANS KNOW they are flawed, it's why they beg forgiveness from God

Liars who cloak themselves with the mantle of Christianity ASSUME THEY ARE PERFECT...

JH thinks Bishop Willard of the Church of the Magic Panties HAS TO BE PERFECT, probably because Bishop Willard uses the CoLDS as a vehicle to transport his PURITY & project an air of Christian beliefs .

Bishop Willard steps on his tongue more frequently than he urinates....so the proof of his "PERFECTION" is where exactly ?

....and, in 16 years of running for the office of POTUS have you ever once seen Bishop Willard serve soup or salve the wounds of any homeless or poor person ?

Not much time or money left over after catering to your rich supporters.... notice I didn't use the term FRIENDS, Bishop Willard ONLY has BUSINESS CONTACTS & ASSOCIATES...there ARE NO FRIENDS outside of the CoLDS... and there are no supporters outside of the CoLDS & the rich except for those who drank the juice of deception & equivocation .

CLB - I think dont carry it all was simply pointing out that they do pay taxes, just not the federal Income tax. To say statements like, "the poor pay NO taxes" is incorrect but is heard often.

Alltruth4u, after reading your 1.146post, I am unable to come to any conclusion except that you may, in fact, be a crazy person. I understand some people don't like the president, whether it be for, policy, party affiliation, race or some other tangible matter. What I cannot stand is when people like you create a "Fantasy Land" where President Obama is the creator of all things evil.

Read over your post again, please... try to find the points that lose grip on reality. The president's policies may not align with your's but when you repeatedly call him a socialist or "the most liberal president ever", you cannot be taken serious in any real discussion.

For anyone interested in reading a different point of view other then the Hack job of Politico and First Thoughts.

"Journalists Taunt Romney at Poland's 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier'"

"'Kiss My A**': Media Fabricates 'Gaffe' After Romney's Successful Israel, Poland Visits"

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Journalism/2012/07/31/MSM-Should-Have-Stayed-Home

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Journalism/2012/07/31/Kiss-My-Ass-Press-Fabricates-gaffe

"The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together."

No one seems to quote that part of Obama's speech. The summary.

It amazes me that you JUMP to conclusions that Romney is cheating and that he was still working with Bain based on absolutely no facts. He has been audited by the IRS on his taxes.

Romney has NOT been audited. No one is jumping to conclusions. All that's being said is we have no way of knowing anything about Romney's finances or taxes unless we see them. It could show something bad or it could show nothing.

Wow collapse my comment about name calling , got to love Liberals silence those who you disagree with. Your lives must be truly sad

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

Life and politics can often be unfair. You seem to suggest that you do not want to release your taxes because Democrats will be mean to you. Is that really a good reason not to do something? Aren't they being mean to you already?

ROTFLMAO!!!!

So, just because the limp-wristed Liberals and the equally whiney Liberal media just want more things to deflect the debates over Barrack Husseins absolute ineptness as a president, Romney should submit so they can be "mean". Only in the convoluted mind of a Liberal can that make sense.

It’s interesting isn’t it? The Liberals/Progressives protect our criminal progressive tax system because it’s fair, but they neglect its dysfunction. You praise it as being so “progressive” and allow it to explode into a 72,000 page disaster that you need an army of lawyers, accountants, MBA’s and consultants to decipher it. We hire an army called the IRS that is the most ruthless collection agency on the planet, yet that’s not good enough. If Romney had anything illegal in his taxes over the past 10 years I’m sure the IRS would have found it. If not leave it alone.

If you want the tax codes to be more “moral” CHANGE IT. At least 20% of our taxes are wasted on hundreds of social programs and entitlements that don’t work, yet you want more government. Demand a simple Flat Tax or, even better, a Fair Tax. If you really want it to stay “fair” demand that it’s Constitutionally amended as such so the criminals in government can’t change it every single day. Nothing Romney has done is illegal, leave it alone. This is a non-issue.

Can you think of times when you said, "I know I could legally claim this as a deduction, but it would not be the morally right thing to do?"

Hmmm, so if morality is the gauge of being a good person, how many of you Liberals who are well off have not taken one of your legal deductions. How many of you didn’t take your Child Tax Credit? It’s only $1,000 dollars. How many of you didn’t use all or part of your mortgage interest deduction? If you’re so concerned about everyone else doing the right thing, the moral thing, why aren’t you? Because it has nothing to do with morality.

All you want is to hopefully find something you can sit on these threads, and the media can exaggerate, to make Romney look worse than Barrack Hussein. Don’t waste your time, Romneys worst day is better than Barracks best. We all watched your childish histrionics with the Palin e-mails. There was no other intention than to find some dirt on her. Lo and behold, there wasn’t anything. You just made yourselves look more insignificant than you already are.

Grow up Liberals, you look childish.

I don't care what Mitt doe with his own money. I CARE ABOUT WHAT OBAMA DOES WITH MINE !!!!!!

NOBAMA2012

You suggest that because you do not legally have to make your tax returns public, then you should not have to do so. Aren't there many things American voters expect from serious
presidential candidates that are not legally required?

Romney released his 2010 return and agreed to release his 2011 return when it is completed. It's on extension and must be filed by October 15th. We know he has a lot of income; we know he, like many wealthy taxpayers, put substantial sums in investments whose income is tax exempt or tax sheltered as permitted by the current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (if you don't like that have the IRC changed), and we know he has offshore bank accounts. All releasing additional years' returns does is put more numbers with a lot of zeroes after them in front of certain individuals for them to display their jealousy that they don't have similar amounts to report on their income tax returns but continue to hold out hope Obama and the democrats will take as much as they can from rich people like Romney and give it to them.

Furthermore, if Romney had not paid all income tax due in accordance with the provisions of the IRC its an almost certainty the IRS would be asking him for additional income taxes and/or charging him with criminal tax evasion. The IRS, not the press and not the democrats, is responsible for enforcing our income tax regulations, so don't be disingenuous and pretend your goal in getting Romney to release more income returns is to ascertain he paid all income taxes due in accordance with the IRC. Have the balls to admit your sole purpose is to put more large numbers in front of the 50% of individuals who pay no income tax to fire them up against Romney and the rich. Get over it; Romney's rich; if that bothers you, you aren't going to vote for him no matter if he released every income tax return he ever filed.

clb #'s -- Laughing out loud. Nice try at spin. I know exactly what a Roth IRA is. There is limits to how much one can contribute to a ROTH as well. It's still IRA. Read what an economist has to say on Romney's IRA . Link in my other post on Romney and taxes.

The Bill's of the world like to run around and make it seem like some people pay NO FEDERAL taxes. I was just pointing out how much other taxes the working poor pay.

“Kiss my ass. This is a holy site

The third leg of the "Haven't Gotta a Clue" world tour is complete. Can't wait until the British BOO Romney's prancing horse out of the ring.

Dont_carry_it_all

Atruth:

Those types of jobs are just what the Republicans want for us. Minimum wage service jobs. Keep supporting Republicans and wait for your economic downfall.

Not all of Romney's investments were companies offering mostly low-wage and dead end jobs. Did you notice Atruth listed Clear Channel Communications? That's your #1 source for all your hate radio needs. And it's also Mittens very own propaganda network. He's hoping that investment will pay off in his attempt to buy the presidency.

Houston -- Something else about Clear Channel I read, not sure if it's true. They apparently hire people under a confidentiality agreement to act as callers into shows such as Rush Limbaugh's. It's kind of like how the reality shows are staged, maybe Rush's show is staged as well. The article was linked on the Vine somewhere. They had a copy of the agreement.

Guess who is a huge fan of Rush Limbaugh? Bill in Fairfax, LOL

Rush's crowd is the Jerry Springer crowd.

Romney is TOAST!PERIOD!

Dont_carry_it_all

Houston -- Something else about Clear Channel I read, not sure if it's true. They apparently hire people under a confidentiality agreement to act as callers into shows such as Rush Limbaugh's.

SHHHHHHH, yes, it's a huge conspiracy.

There's a secret phone number too. I have it. Here it is 555-555-5555 (psssstttt but don't tell anyone).

I understand they also have a secret handshake. It takes almost 5 minutes to go through the whole handshake so I can't show it to you.

I'm not sure about this one, but I hear they have a secret cave where they all meet to plan their "strategy". You can only get there in a special car that's all black and has stealth mode so even when it's right next to you its invisible.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Liberals, pathetic.

Jim Spence --Laughing out loud.

But if really want to hear conspiracy theories may I suggest look to the Republicans and the sites they post at like Fox "News". They are constantly coming up with new ones every day. HA! That's what's really pathetic. They haven't got anything else.

.

Houston!

That's better than Saint Ronald of Reagan managed to do in the far less serious economic problems he inherited from Jimmy Carter.

Really? REALLY?

Let’s look, shall we?

This is what Reagan “Inherited” from your boy toy Peanut Jimmy Carter.

One of the worst recessions in 1981-1982

Unemployment 10.8%

Inflation (CPI) of 13.5% (Carter tried to convince everyone inflation was now endemic in the economy)

Prime interest rate 21.5% in 1980

Poverty rate of 15.2 %

Decreased home values by 10% from 1978-1982

Family income decreased by 10%

From 1968-1982 the stock market lost 70% of its real value

Hmmmmm, looks a LOT WORSE than what Barrack Hussein inherited.

Hell, they even invented a word for it, STAGFLATION!

What did Reagan do? Did he whine like a child about what he “inherited”. Cry about some mythical car in the ditch? Blame everybody but himself?

Nope.

He got to work.

Decreased tax rates from 70% to 2 rates of 28% and 15% by 1986.

Decreased total Federal spending form a high of 23.5% of GDP in 1983 to 21.2% in 1989, a 10% decrease.

Created an anti-inflation monetary policy by reducing money supply growth compared to demand to stabilize the dollar.

Deregulation which saved an estimated $100 Billion. Eliminated the idiotic price controls Carter placed on oil and natural gas, the price of oil declined by more than 50%.

Four simple steps created 92 months of uninterrupted growth. That’s almost 31 quarters. The longest peacetime expansion EVER!

During this time economic growth was 33%, the amount of West Germany’s entire economy (they were third in the world at the time). 1984 had an unequalled 6.8% of growth, the highest in 50 years.

Nearly 20 million new jobs were created, increasing employment by 20%

In 1989 unemployment was 5.3%.

Inflation dropped to 6.2% by 1982 and 3.2% in 1983. Contraction (NOT EXPANSION) of the money supply created the recession of 1981 that he inherited from Jimmy Cahhtah.

Per-Capita disposable income increased by 18% between 1982 and 1989, a Standard of Living increase of nearly 20%.

Poverty levels decreased by 13%.

The stock market more than tripled from 1980-1990.

From 1982-2007 America experienced the greatest period of wealth creation in history. Adjusting for inflation more wealth was created in America in that 25 year period than in the previous 200 years. Debt increased simply because we were in the end-stages of the Cold-War. I’m sure you Liberal Progressives just discount this as a minor inconvenience. You should ask your boy JFK what an “inconvenient truth” it really was. Reagan also had to deal with the profligate spending of Speaker of the house, Tippy O’Neill, remember?

I’d be happy to compare Reagan’s accomplishments against Barrack Hussein’s up until now if you’d like but I don’t think you want to go there do you.

He embarrasses himself enough alone, he doesn’t need me helping him.

Right?

Houston!

That's better than Saint Ronald of Reagan managed to do in the far less serious economic problems he inherited from Jimmy Carter.

Really? REALLY?

Let’s look, shall we?

This is what Reagan “Inherited” from your boy toy Peanut Boy Carter.

One of the worst recessions in 1981-1982

Unemployment 10.8%

Inflation (CPI) of 13.5% (Carter tried to convince everyone inflation was now endemic in the economy)

Prime interest rate 21.5% in 1980

Poverty rate of 15.2 %

Decreased home values by 10% from 1978-1982

Family income decreased by 10%

From 1968-1982 the stock market lost 70% of its real value

Hmmmmm, looks a LOT WORSE than what Barrack Hussein inherited.

What did Reagan do? Did he whine like a child about what he “inherited”. Cry about some mythical car in the ditch? Blame everybody but himself?

Nope.

He got to work.

Decreased tax rates from 70% to 2 rates of 28% and 15% by 1986.

Decreased total Federal spending form a high of 23.5% of GDP in 1983 to 21.2% in 1989, a 10% decrease.

Created an anti-inflation monetary policy by reducing money supply growth compared to demand to stabilize the dollar.

Deregulation which saved an estimated $100 Billion. Eliminated the idiotic price controls Carter placed on oil and natural gas, the price of oil declined by more than 50%.

Four simple steps created 92 months of uninterrupted growth. That’s almost 31 quarters. The longest peacetime expansion EVER!

During this time economic growth was 33%, the amount of West Germany’s entire economy (they were third in the world at the time). 1984 had an unequalled 6.8% of growth, the highest in 50 years.

Nearly 20 million new jobs were created, increasing employment by 20%

In 1989 unemployment was 5.3%.

Inflation dropped to 6.2% by 1982 and 3.2% in 1983. Contraction (NOT EXPANSION) of the money supply created the recession of 1981 that he inherited from Jimmy Cahhtah.

Per-Capita disposable income increased by 18% between 1982 and 1989, a Standard of Living increase of nearly 20%.

Poverty levels decreased by 13%.

The stock market more than tripled from 1980-1990.

From 1982-2007 America experienced the greatest period of wealth creation in history. Adjusting for inflation more wealth was created in America in that 25 year period than in the previous 200 years. Debt increased simply because we were in the end-stages of the Cold-War. I’m sure you Liberal Progressives just discount this as a minor inconvenience. You should ask your boy JFK what an “inconvenient truth” it really was. Reagan also had to deal with the profligate spending of Speaker of the house, Tippy O’Neill, remember?

I’d be happy to compare Reagan’s accomplishments against Barrack Hussein’s up until now if you’d like but I don’t think you want to go there do you.

He embarrasses himself enough alone, he doesn’t need me helping him.

Right?

wlee: And maybe you can ask how much "pork" and BS are in those bills sitting on Reid's desk that come from the GOP. Reid isn't going to bring them up for a vote when there are things in them that are not good for the American people! Try talking about the obstructionism of the GOP party of ANYTHING that President Obama or his Congress has tried to put into place to help the American people....any excuses about that? Every bill the GOP puts through has crap in it.....and no one is going to vote for the "basic" bill when the rest of it is bad business!!!

Jim Spence: Reagan also was smart enough to RAISE taxes when necessary (several times in fact)....he didn't have Grover Norquist there to tell him what to do. That's why we got through the Reagan years....the GOP won't allow President Obama to raise taxes to pay off the deficit....can't understand the supidity in that move!!

JimSpence

Houston!

That's better than Saint Ronald of Reagan managed to do in the far less serious economic problems he inherited from Jimmy Carter.

Really? REALLY?

Yes. REALLY. Ronnie Reagan inherited an economy from Carter that was GROWING, even though at a very slow rate. Obama inherited an economy that was COLLAPSING at a frightening rate of 8.9% loss per quarter, which is close to the rates of the Great Depression. The turnaround from -8.9% GDP rate when Obama took office to +1.5% now is a net increase of 10.4%. Under Saint Ronnie, there was a net increase in GDP of only about 8% according to something posted yesterday by a Reagan worshiper.

from your boy toy Peanut Jimmy Carter.

Now that's a funny!

The rest of your history as far as unemployment numbers go under Reagan is sketchy, Jim. Slacking off? Go to BLS. Better yet I will list a few years for you:

1981 -- 7.5, 7.4, 7.4, 7.2, 7.5, 7.5, 7.2,7.4, 7.6, 7.9, 8.3, 8.5

1982 -- 8.6, 8.9, 9.0, 9.3, 9.4,9.6, 9.8, 9.8, 10.1, 10.4, 10.8, 10.8

1983 -- 10.4, 10.4, 10.3, 10.2, 10.1, 10.1, 9.4, 9.5, 9.2, 8.8, 8.5, 8.3

Anyway, 3 years into Reagan's term and it's Carter's fault?

BTW It took Reagan 7-8 years to get the unemployment numbers down and his recession doesn't compare to the Great Recession.

I'll research a bit more and perhaps counter some of post later.

ITripleDogDareYou!

It amazes me that you JUMP to conclusions that Romney is cheating and that he was still working with Bain based on absolutely no facts.

It amazes me how impervious the ignorance of you right wingdings is. Or it would amaze me if I hadn't seen it on a daily basis. It's a FACT that Romney was flying back to Boston from Utah to attend board meetings of Bain-owned companies when he was supposedly working 16-hour days on the Olympics:

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/07/romney-testified-he-maintained-business-ties-during-olympics.php

Jim Spence -- Just so you can compare Reagan's numbers and Obama's.

2009 -- 7.8, 8.3, 8.7, 8.9, 9.4, 9.5m 9.5, 9.6, 9.8, 10.0, 9.9, 9.9

2010 -- 9.7, 9.8, 9.8, 9.9, 9.6, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.5, 9.5, 9.8, 9.4

2011 -- 9.1, 9.0, 8.9, 9.0, 9.0, 9.1, 9.1, 9.1, 9.0, 8.9, 8.7, 8.5

2012 -- 8.3, 8.3, 8.2, 8.1, 8.2, 8.2

So it's gone from a high of 10% down to almost 8%. Much better than Reagan did in the same period.

Didi-376564

Granted. Reagan did raise taxes but his end-point was a significant decrease in taxes that created one of the greatest periods of growth and prosperity in history. You also have to remember, as I stated in my previous post, he was dealing with a Speaker-of-the-House who never found a tax dollar he didn’t like to spend, Tip O’Neill. Most of his tax increases were linked with legislation that was supposed to contain spending cuts. Unfortunately the spending cuts, as has been the case since then, always came “down the road”. Even as our own government admits to hundreds of billions of our tax dollars being lost to waste, fraud, abuse and corruption every year, we have 536 buffoons in Washington that can’t find any significant spending cuts.

Tax increases are a simpleton’s way of improving the economy. The problem is, they’re never accompanied by any significant cuts in spending. The more important issue is that regardless of the tax rate the revenue generated, as a percentage of GDP, has remained virtually constant at about 18%. We did get a temporary reprieve during the second Clinton term when he agreed to austerity measures while benefitting from a dramatic dot-com driven period of growth. Otherwise we have been, and continue to be, on a path that will require the fiscal cliff to be realized at the end of this year or in the not too distant future.

The DOW dropped 65 today, this is significant as the market today is driven not on earnings or corporate performance, it’s being driven by the Federal Reserve’s actions. I call this the financialization of our economy. This is the result of what has happened to the once strongest economy in history. The markets here and globally are awaiting what the Fed, the ECB and the IMF will do. Bernanke won’t do anything tomorrow as he’ll claim he wants to wait and see more economic numbers. Friday’s unemployment report will be bleak once again, our GDP is stagnant and consumer spending and confidence are down. He’ll most likely wait until September to throw us another round of “Bread-and-Circuses”, with QE3. Another temporary reprieve. Especially as Hairy Reed and John “Tammy Faye” Boehner agreed to a 6 month extension of continuing resolutions.

Yes, they’ll kick the can down the road, again, and no significant fiscal moves will be made. But then again, how can any of us expect any significant policy from this government when they can’t even create a reasonable budget.

Just thought I'd have a look at how the wingers are spinning the 'accidental tourist' antics of their candidate for the office of the most powerful person on the planet. It looks like there's no one defending the ol' Mittster here, just attacks on the President. Face reality, righties, Barack Obama IS the President of the United States of America. Eat your puny little hearts out.

Mitt show to have more experience than the community organizer we have in the White House , who travel overseas to gather a crowd of Germans aaccepting the apologies of candidate Obama, who as throwing our country under the bus, like he did with his racist grandma, that turn to be descendant of the very first African Slave in American lands.

Uh, what exactly are you getting at? Try again, redvirginia, this time in English please!

And it looks like you have just turned the U.S. Middle East policy over to Israel, Mitt. -- Oh, wait I see now, it is just another example of how you plan to offshore the U.S.

Jim Spence -- You're right about one thing, the FED shouldn't do another round of QE. It will do little to nothing. Several economists in WSJ came to the same conclusion.

"Another Romney press aide fired back, “Show some respect,” adding: “Kiss my ass. This is a holy site for the Polish people. Show some respect... SHOVE IT !!"

Those MORMONS of Bishop Willards Church of the magic panties sure do use words I never heard in a BAPTIST, LUTHERAN or METHODIST Church.

If you want more of "YOU people" to INVEST IN YOUR RELIGION...using endearments like the Mormon used on the "3 shots to the foot tour" is one way to gather a flock......

Being a PROUD MORMON in the 21st Century sure is different than it USED TO BE !

I can't wait for the CoLDS to endorse the new terms of endearment as DOCTRINE, to save Bishop Willard's "face" .

Willard Mitt-Wit Romney message to the American People who ask him questions, "Kiss My Ass."

I can see it now. Rick Gorka the new White House Press Secretary. First press interview, question #1.

"Mr President, what is your stand on anything?"

Rick Gorka, " the interview is now over. No more questions. Kiss my ass and shove it!"

All the trolling in the world won't distract from the fact that Romney appeared terribly unprepared to be President on the trip.

Unbelievable and I thought Poland was a "success".. so Romney goes to a memorable Polish site and his guy tells the press to kiss his ass???????? Am I dreaming. Mr. President this dumb jerk Romney shoulld travel more often. The Republican Party are FILLED with IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Romney's aide, "He's answered lots of questions".

No he hasn't, he's been hiding from the press, is vague about the details of his economic and employment plans, is hiding his taxes, and can't go 24 hours on a foreign policy junket without making huge gaffes.

Romney's inexperience is showing. Now is not the time to put a newbie in charge of the country.

Get this Clown back home, this nut is going to start a World War !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

His tax returns are none of anyone's business.

Actually Mike, they are. They are the business of the IRS and only the IRS.

This where the the Libbies get confused. Romney has filed his returns, even been audited like millions of us, and there has never been even a whiff of anything wrong.

Now I have had my own dealings with the IRS and I can assure the Libs here, who may have never actually paid taxes, the IRS doesn't screw around. Pretty sure if Romney's returns were not on the up and up we would have known about it.

So Libbies save all your conspiracy theories.

In Fact I believe the IRS should be a role model for all other departments. THose dudes are efficient as hell.

Really, Mike: so the Founders insistence on protecting a free and active press, one that is not afraid to speak truth to and about power is something that you don't support? You think the Founders were WRONG, Mike? My goodness, not a patriot are you?

What is funny about this, is Mitty's little entourage will be telling their boy Mittens what a WONDERFUL job he did, and how NO ONE could have handled that tour better. Since Mitty has been handed this all his life, he will do as he always does....believe it, because he has no desire to find out what REAL people think.

Poor Mitty, so deluded, and so incompetent.

Mitt & Annie are hiding their Tax Returns a Ocean away !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WCA,

[there has never been even a whiff of anything wrong]

You know that to be a fact because …

The IRS told you

His accounting firm told you

I've changed my mind. Go Mitt Go! No, I mean it, Keep on going! Don't stop! If you and Ann keep on touring the world, you're bound to find a country you can afford to buy.

Just not this one!

Keep on searching!

Annie said just looking at my Horse gives me therapy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nah Dennis, No one told me. just speculatin'. You know like everyone else here does.

Am I not allowed to do that Dennis, cuz I must have missed that in the Code of Honor. Maybe it was right after the part saying to "Treat others with respect".

But then again, don't you think that if there had been even a little issue, that Team Obama would know about it and be all over it?

Hell maybe something is up and they are saving it for October?

See, I cna play conspiracy games too.

You better hope they have something for October, cuz it's not lookinggood for Team Blue.

See, I cna play conspiracy games too.

As long as they don't require you to go outside.

WCA,

RCP (Average of polls) as of 7/30/2012
9 Swing States: Tied in NC (15), Obama leads in 8, Romney leads in 0.
Delegates: Obama = Solid(142)+Likely(37)+Lean(52)+Swing(101) = 332
Delegates: Romney = Solid(76)+Likely(55)+Lean(60)+Swing(00) = 191

God, save us from the right wing republican terrorists and Mitt their prodigy.

Yeah, Dennis, I know you're big on polls. Good for you.

Me, not so much. To easy to manipulate.

Anyway, real numbers like GDP, Unemployment, Gas Prices, Food prices...those are thigns I can wrap my arms around.

Cuz they are real and Obama owns all of them.

Yes, Obama owns that the GDP has grown each and every quarter since he was sworn in.

Obama owns that jobless claims fell drastically when he came into office.

Obama owns a falling unemployment rate.

All of that with total obstruction from the Republican party.

Anyway, real numbers like GDP, Unemployment, Gas Prices, Food prices...those are thigns I can wrap my arms around.

Cuz they are real and Obama owns all of them.

Lewl, the idiot closet homosexual loves to pretend he knows how the economy works. F*cking classic.

Tell me, how exactly does the President "own" gas prices?

Well then Eric, should be no problem getting re-elected, right?

How come all the negative attack ads then?

Why not a whole bunch of ads on all those things you say Obama "owns"?

Eric-913730:

can't go 24 hours on a foreign policy junket without making huge gaffes.

I have been in England since the week of the start of the Summer Olympic Games and I agree with Mitt Romney's answer to the question of security (which he was asked having overseen the 2002 Games). It is much looser than reported or what one would expect. Plus, things are not well organized or going smoothly. There are few people attending events, but yet cannot get tickets to events.

Romney's inexperience is showing. Now is not the time to put a newbie in charge of the country.

Mitt Romney has far more experience than B H Obama did in 2008.

Homer - Romney has NO experience for leading a country. As we know from past Presidents, businessmen make lousy Presidents - aka George Bush.

WCA - tax returns have always been the business of the American people when it comes to the Presidency. It has been the standard for every Presidential candidate to release their federal tax returns. The fewest released were two years by McCain - but as someone pointed out, he releases his returns every year as a Senator so he has actually release more than 10 years. Romney has yet to release a full year of his returns.

His failure to do so should and is raising red flags with most intelligent people - even a number in leadership in the Republican party.

When you run a shady character like Romney for President, don't be surprised if he gets skewered. This man is the BEST the party can do? Pathetic!

Obama/Biden 2012

It's funny that Republicans will try to make hay out of negative campaign ads, when Romney is spending just as much on negative ads. If Romney was such a "good catch" as a Presidential candidate why doesn't he stop the negative campaign ads.

Homer, Obama has been President for 4 years. Romney has no experience being President at all.

Romney is the inexperienced one this time around.

Slush-funds in the Cayman Islands to "laundry" Mitt Romney's money, all those Hidden Swiss Bank accounts suddenly switched over to his wife, all those "lost" Tax-returns that we already know show Outsourcing to China and Mexico. What else are in those "lost" Tax-returns? Shady financial dealings with known Middle Eastern Terrorist groups? Who really knows?

Taking your wife's Million dollar Olympic show Horse off as a Tax-Write-Off by calling it a "THERAPY HORSE"?!? WTF?!? Is that even Legal? It certainly isn't a very "Manly" thing to do!

Now is it?

That's why this once proud Republican is encouraging all my Republican friends, Ron Paul supporters, Policemen Unions, Firemen Unions, and Teacher Unions, and all Women, and the Mexican and Gay community, and all People of Color, to Vote a straight Democratic ticket come this November 2012.

Let's send Mitt Romney and the Republicans back to the "Dung Heap of History" where they all belong.

And another thing! How does Mitt Romney, the CEO of Bain Capital, "RETIRE RETROACTIVELY" from Bain Capital, while still receiving an obscene Salary and with records still showing he worked there?

How does one "RETIRE RETROACTIVELY", to avoid Criminal Prosecution?

That doesn't sound very "Manly" either.

Mitt Romey's got a "CHARACTER PROBLEM" with all his "SHADY FINANCIAL DEALINGS", doesn't he?

He's definitely NOT a very "MANLY" character, now is he? arf. arf.

Romney should go back to Mexico !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RFO (what a BIG F'ING LIE)

As you dam* well KNOW, Romney retired from ACTIVE PARTICIPATION in 1999. He still OWNED the company until the sale was finalized.

And what "criminal prosecution" are you talking about.

If ANYBODY has a "CHARACTER PROBLEM", it's YOU!!

RFO,

What isn't "manly" is blaming all of your shortcomings on someone else rather than taking responsibility for your failures. Perhaps the President will learn that once he is replaced. The American people are not interested in hearing the excuses for why things haven't been done - they expect leadership and progress from their leaders.

ROMNEY 2012

Eric,

Do you honestly think that anyone is going to believe that Governor Romney is inexperienced? He certainly has as much experience as the President in the Executive branch of government and has infinitely more experience than the President when it comes to management in general. Romney is a proven leader and has demonstrated the ability to succeed. He is, without question, infinitely more qualified than President Obama was when he took office.

"

White Collar Auto

Yeah, Dennis, I know you're big on polls. Good for you.

Me, not so much. To easy to manipulate.

Anyway, real numbers like GDP, Unemployment, Gas Prices, Food prices...those are thigns I can wrap my arms around."

WHAT A FLIPPIN HOOT..!!!

A RWNJ REPUG that BELIEVES THE NUMBERS THAT GOVERNMENT PUTS OUT !

Well NOW WE ALL KNOW the sound that RINO'S make

when they can't pull their head out of the sand

that they've packed up some hole

that they hid their heads in....!

You cannot FOOL ME Whitey, you are a SANTORUM collector w/o a jar to keep it in .

And you know this was Mitten's code for "rich Jews." He's such a fool. Actually, I don't really think he's stupid, I think he's just never lived in the real world and has no comprehension of it.

I'm sure Adelson lapped it all up, and will donate 100 million as promised.

Jerusalem - Romney told wealthy Jewish donors that Israels culture is superior to the Palestinians, then this Clown goes on to say it's like the U.S. & Mexico. Israel, Mexico & Palestine's are all scratching their heads saying all Mitt Romney's comments were grossly mischaracterized and racist. All three Country's said Romney is out of touch with the World. This foreign trip looks like a time bomb for this Draft Dodger !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beautiful,backhouse. Very astute. It's funny that everything Romney does is a "great success" according to he and his staff. He was a great business success, a great Olympic success and now a great diplomatic success. Except he managed to insult or belittle everywhere he went! Thank goodness they left Russia off the travel list! In no way can he be a diplomat, he doesn't know how! He never HAD to be diplomatic before now. He ws always the boss who could and would say anything he wanted to his underlings. After all, even if your boss says something silly or insulting the serfs just have to take it. Remember, he likes to fire people. Please, this man cannot be president! I thought Bush's second term was bad, this would be worse.

Looks like Romney's VP pick is going to be Palin or Bachmann ????????????

I predict that Romney's VP pick with be the Krispy Kreme hound Christie.........

Backhouse, trying reading actually scholarly work about culture and its impact on development. I realize all you libs get your education from MSNBC; however, Romney does have a valid point based on actual research. While you may not like what he said there is truth in it.

geterright - why don't you cite some "scholarly work(s)" for us? Because you don't have any - and don't know how to do the research to obtain any - even if it existed. Typical republitard. Your candidate isn't going to work for YOU, moron - unless you have billions you aren't telling us about.

Palestinian culture is violence and Romney points that out. Their "culture" also says that there is no room for Israel in the Arab world. NBC is a leftist rag, and this is just another instance of their campaign to re-elect the most inept president this nation has ever known.

If Poland was smart they would kick Romney out of the Country !!!!!!!!!!!

If we're talking Veepstakes, I predict the nominee will be one Mike Huckabee. Why Huckabee? Rallies evangelicals and Teapublicans, Huckabee speaks fluent "Tea" dialect and has shown an ability to relate to some independent voters. This sets Huckabee up for a 2016 run, when he can claim (correctly) that Romney hurt them in 2012 and he's a more appealing candidate with the ideological purity needed to run in the Teapublican established world view that is far right politics.

Did you see that one coming? This is the move that Rombot will make to throw the MSM off the scent of all of Rombot's massive downside. It probobly won't matter though, because...

Rombot.Has.Nothing.

Good Morning Floyd,

With Willard Romney hiding so much about his life and dealings, many people are left to wonder if Willard is covering up sinister or criminal activity. Let's keep the investigation going on Willard Romney, and expose him for what he is. So, let's all hope the media/press will just keep pounding him.

101. Mr President, what happens if at every single press conference and town hall meeting you have for the rest of the campaign, the only question anyone ever asks you is “Why won’t you release your academic and other records?”

If he hadn't paid what is due, I am sure the IRS would have come a calling.

One German paper is calling Ruinme's, sorry I meant Romney's, euro-visit a "Tour de Gaffes" How can you really want that incompetent, bullying, rich-mongering, elitist as your president? Really? Are you so much an "us against them" kind of guy that you would actually pick someone that Wants you put us in war? Do you really Want to pay more taxes?? Do you want grandma to loose her SSI?? Do you really want America to be so intrusive that the state gets to decide what your wife can keep in her body?? Really??

Wally---the IRS does not automatically audit every tax return that is filed. They do a math check, which we assume Mitt's returns pass. For example, we know that Mitt has taken an aggressive position with the deduction for the expenses related to the dressage horse that is competing in the Olympics. He has treated it like a business loss but has told us it is a therapy horse for his wife. Well, which is it? And if it is a business, does it meet the tests of the IRS for deduction of business losses or is it more like a hobby? And that is just one issue from the one return we've seen. Who knows what else is in those returns---that is the whole point.

Did I miss something? Did Romney go to or even mention Mexico? Could this writer have made a more blatent post for Obama and an attempt to get Obama the Mexican vote? Them the BS comment made that white, poor and seniors along with blacks and all Democrates are being denied thier vote by Republicans demanding I.D. to vote? How stupid and blind does this author think people are. But then desparate times bring out desperate if UNTRUE measures. So the hispanic representatives are Cuban not Mexican? So? They were elected by the people. Is this author trying to influence the vote by trying to indicate a Mexican needs to be elected? NEWS FLASH, the head of Laraza sits on the board of one of the biggest banks! So stuff the so called descrimination. Voting should be limited to LEGAL citizens of the US. If this author disagrees with that then one has to wonder about the agenda being put forth. Seniors being stopped from voting? I don't think so, those same seniors in a lot of states have to show a drivers license (photo I.D.) to buy allergy pills so stop the BS. Dead people and illegals would be descriminated against by the photo I.D. law and that is the big problem for Democrats who practice Chicago style politics.

Independent Redneck Va.

You demanded that Sen. Ted Kennedy disclose his taxes to show he has “nothing to hide.” Why?

“It’s alright to admit that Ol’ Willard is a bad candidate for President.”

After all you’ll Yahoo’s didn’t have much to choose from but how is that the fault of We the People who have to put up with this Bushra till November.

Independent Redneck Va.

These are important questions R-money needs to answer but he won't because Romney is a coward.

Shaking my head-2479300

Did I miss something? Did Romney go to or even mention Mexico? Could this writer have made a more blatent post for Obama and an attempt to get Obama the Mexican vote.

Shaking my head,

Yes you did, you can rattle that empty head all you want. President Obama already has the Hispanic , the women's, the LBGT, the Black's, the elderly, and Jewish vote.

4morefor44

Obama/Biden 2012

Shaking my head--yes, Romney mentioned Mexico in his speech yesterday in which he was comparing Israeli and Palestinian economies. He compared the disparity (wealthy/poor) in their economic standing to the U.S. and Mexico. He said that the economic disparities between rich and poor countries were due to "culture". So what is he saying about Mexican culture? He just throws crap out there without thinking.

GOP is looking at Romney with a Boot !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shaking head certainly missed a lot! In trying to back peddle on calling the Palistians inferior, he mangaged to drag in acouple of other countries, including Mexico. There, that fixed it...

And where did you get the idea that Grandma heeds a photo ID to buy allergy pills! ALLERGY PILLS, for heavens sake!! Boy you swallowed hook line and sinker! Many older folks do not have a drivers licence with their photo. They may have their Medicare card or RX card or insurance card.. no photo. They either don't drive now or never had. Like my mother for instance. It is very difficult for the elderly to get a photo ID, and so they will be left out. Along with those with student ID"S which in some states not good enough. It's a concerted effort to thin the ranks of possible Democratic votors and is absolutly criminal!

Elect Romney because "Kiss my Ass" and "Shove It" are great slogans to win the Presidency. (sarcasm)

Liberals have short memories, Romney turns over what is required from him, and you whine. Obama refuses to hand over school records, thesis, and for quite a long time his Birth Certificate. Yeah Obama is quite the President, gotta love what he's done for the economy. 1.5% growth great job Mr.President keep up the good work.......

wlee, Obama is not required to turn over school records or thesis. Obama turned over his birth certificate before the last election in 2008.

Eric, I agree. Romney's team is treating him like he is a King who shouldn't have to talk to anybody else. It is beyond disgusting. Respect is earned. And, they have not a penny earned in the "respect bank".

Obama is in trouble the Libs know it hell Bill won,t even vote for him.

Romney and ? 2012

Bill will vote for Obama, heck, he's campaigning and raising money for him.

fielden, Romney turned over required tax docs, just showing you the similarities, it's up to you to judge.

Romney says donate all your money to him for World Aid !!!!!! F - America !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE CHURCH of LATTER DAY SAINTS is in a STIR...

it seems BISHOP WILLARD is becoming a LIABILITY to their "church"...

the negative statements & attitude is SLIDING OFF Bishop Willard and onto the ENTIRE CHURCH & all of those
"believers"...they are ALL being TARRED with the brush that Bishop Willard has crated by being obtuse & offensive .

IF the good BISHOP doesn't win this coming election, look for some heavy sanctions to be placed on him & his family for SULLYING the "good name" of THE CoLDS.....

of course it will never make the MSM because the CoLDS always acts in secret, JUST LIKE BISHOP WILLARD..... except when he opens his mouth to change feet, which is actuall pretty hard to acomplish when you have your head up your pooter .

anybody know how many mittens it takes to change a lightbulb? :)

None!

MittWitt hires illegal aliens when he's NOT running for President! ☺

Three plus the Dressage horse, Rafalco, has to help.

Feisty wins the prize.

anybody know how many mittens it takes to change a lightbulb? :)

Let me guess, none. You People will change my light bulb.

Class envy, Jody? Why are you so jealous of Mitt's successes? We sure wouldn't want that for our country. We need to be mediocre so the dems have a strong voting base of entitlement recipients.

“Why doesn’t the public know Romney better?”

Willard Romney Olympics documents aren’t being released for the public to view. Why?

Willard Romney is not being honest about his time at Bain Capital. Why?

Willard Romney and staff spent nearly $100,000 in state funds to replace computers in his office at the end of his term as governor of Massachusetts in order to keep his records secret. Why?

Willard Romney refuses to release his tax returns. Why?

Why? Because this man Willard Romney is hiding many things, and don't we the people have the right to know what he is hiding.

With Willard Romney hiding so much about his life and dealings, many people are left to wonder if Willard is covering up sinister or criminal activity. Let's keep the investigation going on Willard Romney, and expose him for what he is.

No one's jealous of Mitt's success. We're just not stupid enough to believe it makes him in any way a superior human being. And the GOP already has its strong voting base of entitlement recipients: corporations who take billions of our tax dollars in subsidies while simultaneously making record profits.

One to insult it and a corporation to ship it overseas.

"anybody know how many mittens it takes to change a lightbulb? :)"

(NoJoe and JAS1 waving hands madly): We know! We know! What difference does it make? It's all President Obama's fault for turning the light on in the first place!

JOB1

We may not know Romney. But we do know Obama.

Thats why we will vote against Obama. We know him.

Sorry to disappoint you, Lloyd S, but there is no class envy from me. Amazing how conservatives can take a joke and twist it into some other meaning. Must be Rove rule # 20; always imply that liberals are envious of the rich. I'm perfectly content with my wealth, Lloyd; have everything I needBelieve me, the last people I would want to be like are Mitt Romney and his wife because condescending arrogance is not an appealing trait (rich or poor) which is what both Romneys exhibit.

ru,

Romney is a shyster, that is obvious.

Backhouse, JoAnne PA, good ones!!

Anybody know how many obots it takes to change a light bulb? Nobody knows because the union motto is "not my job".

I heard that Mitt has prepared a whole string of hilarious "Polish" jokes for his upcoming visit to that country. I bet they'll get a real kick out of that!

Crystal,

And management's motto is, 'I wasn't there when that happen" "It was that way when I got here", and, "Someone else planned that"

Crystal-569996

Anybody know how many obots it takes to change a light bulb? Nobody knows because the union motto is "not my job".

Not at all funny; Crystal ! Had it not been for the unions. you so despise, you could be working under better conditions and for wages; rather than being a slave to your corporate masters.

Class envy, Jody? Why are you so jealous of Mitt's successes?

Class envy? Romney success? Hah - if anything, Romney should be judged as a massive failure when it comes to generating wealth. With the number of 'success guarantees' lining his pockets, he should be 100 times wealthier. Was Bill Gates born with a silver spoon in his pocket? Was Soros provided an Ivy League education? Was Steve Jobs given a fallback safety net if his venture with Apple proved unsuccessful? Did any of them receive hundreds of millions in Federal guarantees to 'save' the Olympics?

It isn't class envy. The question to Romney is why does he think his ability to amass the meager amounts of money he managed to siphon via his Vulture Capital enterprise qualify him for the presidency. As far as I can tell, given his crutches, his record is simply average, if not even sub-par.

Romney is becoming an Embarrassment to his Party !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This whole page is like reading something written by communist. Class envy.

Outstanding answer Job1

ron17571, when all else fails, bring out the communist accusations! Joe McCarthy would be so proud. ron, take some humor pills; you need them.

Chris, Dorr, MI. Who would think that a one line poke at an old joke could be turned by the right into class envy and accusations of being communists. You just have to laugh at the ridiculous right.

hiya Jody :)

I know what you mean. I knew the rwnj's wouldn't be able to help themselves. so predictable, so scary, so sad, so pathetic

Thank God there are a few more of us than there is of them! as Bev would say ...4 more for 44!

In Obama's own words...If I don't fix the economy ,I'm a one term President. Liberal=excuse, those darn ATM's

Hey Wee Wee, President Obama didn't know the GOPTEA ReTards were going to fight him every step of the way !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patriotic American , good comeback name calling the Liberal response when you have no argument. In his own words, Bush is unpatriotic for raising the debt 4 trillion in eight years,Obama in three raised it 5 trillion. I'll cut the deficit in half my first term...Obama quote

Q: How many Mittens does it take to change a light bulb?

A: Well, we have to make sure that tax breaks are available for the "light creators" in our economy. Of course, with the cultural difference between light creators and "you people" who expect to have light after dusk, on the government dime, this could be a difficulty. I feel sure that once burdensome regulations are remove from the light creation sector, this country will become lit to it's fullest potential, a veritable temple of luminance displaying that thanks to the personage of multiple corporations, America will lead the way in forging a refulgent pathway to the glories of the time between 2001 and 2009. However, personally, I believe that changing a light bulb is for the people I might like to fire if I don't get the prompt personal service to which I feel I am entitled.

Willardistic Mittronic Rombot

Great post, Jody---love starting the day with tax jokes!!

If then-candidate Obama had made any one of the the gaffes that Romney and his staff have made on this trip, we would still be hearing about them. The phrase that keeps coming to my mind is that Mitt is "not ready for prime time". And this after Mitt has been running for President for six years. He doesn't seem to learn any lessons from his gaffes, either.

Mitt's not ready for prime time? Funny, Bill Clinton doesn't seem to think that way. And what qualifications did BHO have before getting elected besides being half black? And how come he's not running on his record?

I don't think he is going for the Palestinian vote. The Palestinians are entirely responsible for their own problems.

Mitt's not running on his record, either. But then, if my greatest accomplishment were outsourcing jobs and creating Romneycare, I might not run on my record.

Hey Jody, you forgot one. He's touting the small government model of Poland right? Well, Poland also has mandatory health insurance deducted from your paycheck (8.5% of gross pay). They cover every citizen and registered resident. Everyone else that wants to move in has to provide proof of health insurance coverage.

This is where tying his dog to the roof of his vehicle, and leading a gang attack on a fellow student ( and astonishingly not remembering it) come into play as being important glimpses into the psyche of a man who cant communicate effectively because he has low empathy. Are we going to put a guy in the white house that cant even carry on a conversation without insulting people? A leader needs to understand people. It isn't all about the ability to make a dime off of others misfortunes. Sometimes it is not about the economy, as much as it grieves me to say that. Sometimes it is also about judgement, transparency, honesty, comprehension of situations involving groups of people, communication skills, empathy. Those are important leader traits. How is this man going to react as president when all the hounds begin heckling him- if he cant even handle the thought of answering questions about his income tax returns? How can he be so strong in economy if he wont even show us his numbers?

Talk about important glimpses into the psyche of a man- Obama's parents abandoned him, and left him with communist chasing grandparents. That's how they ended up in Hawaii, chasing Frank Marshall Davis who along with grandfather would take the 11 year old Obama to strip clubs. Now THAT'S messed up!

Lloyd S's undies must be bunched up this morning. FYI, Bill Clinton's wife was running for President against Barack Obama, what would you expect him to say. You ignore that Bill Clinton also said that he would like to think he would have made the same "gutsy" call President Obama did regarding taking out Osama bin Laden.

What GOPers refuse to acknowledge: Barack Obama could have become a wealthy, successful attorney in any of a dozen large firms wanting to hire him. He tried that but decided that, like his mother, he preferred public service--an equally honorable but far less profitable choice. The right ignores his two terms at an Illinois State Senator, they treat his community organizer job prior to law school as something to mock and irrelevant (what better way to gain insight into the struggles of regular working people, the poor, the unemployed than to work with them); they ignore that Barack Obama could be an author or just about anything he set his mind to do.

Mitt Romney is good at making money and obtaining taxpayer dollars to help him make it; he was good at leveraging profitable companies to buy other firms ultimately bankrupting the first; he was adept at borrowing worker pension funds and pocketing millions while sticking the US Government with the bill after he shut the factory doors. He refuses to run on his Massachuetts Governor job--why is that? Was he a bad Governor? He refuses to acknowledge his successful MA health care law because the far right might not like him. Instead of telling the base the truth about health care and the good it will do, he runs from Obam-Ney Care.

In short, Mitt Romney is an arrogant, condescending, weak, whiny, wimp who specializes in pandering and flip flops and who believes that achieving wealth and success is a presidential qualification.

Crystal, the one messed up is you judging from your comment.

Crystal, the one messed up is you judging from your comment.

No kidding.

Whats ina name. Thanks for adding the info about Poland's health care.

Forgot to tell Lloyd that he must not be paying attention because President Obama IS running on his record; he talks about his accomplishments at every campaign stop. The only thing Romney tells at his campaign stops are lies about President Obama and one of those lies is that Obama isn't running on his record. Maybe conservatives should actually listen to President Obama's speeches instead of tuning into FOX or Limbaugh for an inaccurate break down.

6) Praise the Israeli health care system for its 8% GDP and how healthy Israelis are, compare it to the USA's 18% of GDP and the poor health without ever knowing that the Israelis have that evil "socialized" medicine, that every Israeli has a mandated monthly premium deducted from their pay checks based on their income levels which is desposited in the Israeli Government account. RomneyCare on Steroids!

Thanks for bringing that up Jody. It is very under-reported in the media, and it no doubt simply makes the GOP/TP cringe, shudder, and plain old crap their pants.

What say ye righties - there is your Messiah once again touting the absolute greatness of universal health care, right under your itty-bitty noses, on the international stage, and not a peep from any of you. Let me guess - not even you folks can keep up with his flip-flops.

Who really cares about the British??????? America worries too much about what the world thinks of us. Guess Romney should have bowed to the Queen of England like Obama did to the King of Saudi Arabia. Obamas foreigh policy is to kiss everyones ass and give them foreign aid. Countries insult the USA constantly and we never respond. Foreign policy for the Democrats is foreign aid dollars nothing else. FYI I am a Democrat but an honest one.

Jody, Iowa

Judging Romney's Performance On the World Stage. DISASTER, spelled with a capital "D".

Jody,

I'm certain every one agrees with you ; including the world, with the exception of the knucklehead pundits over @ FOX NOISE and right wing nut jobs who post here

For example, John BOLT-on thinks Romeny's Isreal's trip was successful.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/zekejmiller/bolton-unlike-predecessors-obama-not-committed-t

Like DNC Chair Lady Debbie Wassermann Schultz said Romney should just stay home!!!!

Numbers one and two are just plain false- and, guess what? The Brits were not really ready. See all those empty seats? That's because they allowed "bundling" of tickets with "hospitality packages"- inflating the ticket prices so high folks were unwilling to pay the fare. Not a good visual on the world stage.

Number three is ALSO a lie- debunked less than an hour after the White House claimed the bust was still there. It is, actually, in the residence of the British Ambassador- where it has been since Obama unceremoniously threw it back in the face of our best ally. You remember them, right? The ones he insulted by not knowing that, when giving a toast, "to the Queen" is the signal that the toast is over? That it is uncouth, to say the least, to TALK THROUGH the national anthem? Which he then, stupidly, claimed he believed was being played as "background music" to his speech?

As if that were not embarassing enough, he attempted to insult the British at the G20 meeting by referring to the Falkland Islands as the Malvenas- the preferred term of the Argentinians- but made himself look like an ass by referring to them as The Maldives.

Want to talk about Obama's success with brokering peace talks between Israel and Palestine? No? Gee, I wonder why? Maybe it's because he's as successful there as he is on our own economy? Probably.

When the only way Obama's pet network can drive the story of his greatness is to skew their own polls- which Chick Todd was forced to admit, then disregard as he talked about how wonderful the results were for his cult idol- you folks are in a lot more trouble than you care to see. Fortunately, it will be possible for you to get over your crushing disappointment- because the economy will improve for all of you, as well as for the rest of us, when Romney gets elected.

because the economy will improve for all of you, as well as for the rest of us, when Romney gets elected.

Lewl, Pastyface NJBJ pretending to know about the economy.

because the economy will improve for all of you, as well as for the rest of us,

WTF Snookie Joe?

Talk about class warfare!

WTF Snookie Joe?

Talk about class warfare!

Best part is, she pretends she isn't actually a jobless financial leech. Talk about irony.

The blue one compliments my eyes, but grey is the new beige. What to do. What to do. Who mandated we must wear uniforms anyway?

Ever notice that Obama is most popular in countries that seem to hate America. There is a reason.

Judy,

You forgot the gaffe the day before with the Australian PM.

Romney cannot even reflect the truth about a detail in his conversation.