First, I don't think what happens in Texas points to what will happen nationwide. Next, I think Democrats will hold onto the Senate, but what is really important is regaining the House.

Oh, the tea bagger party, continues to dumb down America!

If these tea people politicians are so committed to the cause, why don't they forego pay and benefits?

I think the Senate will see some 'redecorating' in November, just like what happened to the House in 2010!

...kinda like how Carly Fiorina, Ken Buck, Linda McMahon, Christine O'Donnell, Sharon Angle and Dino Rossi were all supposed to win in 2010 and give the GOP control of the Senate, right?

Patty Murray, the Dem economic terrorist who has recently threatened to drive America off the fiscal cliff into another recession in early 2013 is a moron. All the R's have to do is flip a net of four seats to take control of the Senate. The Dems have to defend 23 seats to the R's 10 seats. I am so looking forward to hearing all the lefty liberals whining and screaming about "abusing the fillibuster" when it's the Dems doing it.

Can you say "Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell"?? Sure you can.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe - nope, the Democrats will pick up an additional 2 seats in the Senate and gain the majority in the House - as well as keep the White House!

I do however like that you finally admit the GOP has totally abused the filibuster.

Obama/Biden 2012

Seldom Seen Sam Colorado

If you look to what happened in Texas yesterday (Ted Cruz, a tea party guy) won his primary handily and is favored to win the seat in November.... you will see a very nice trend!

Hey, Sam Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Does this T-bagger have a challenger?

Five Things Everyone Should Know About GOP Senate Candidate Ted Cruz

1) Ted Cruz Believes George Soros Leads A United Nations Conspiracy To Eliminate Golf:
2) Ted Cruz Wants To Gut Social Security
3) Ted Cruz Wants To Party Like It’s 1829: The Constitution provides that Acts of Congress “shall be the supreme law of the land,” and thus cannot be nullified by rogue state lawmakers. Cruz, however, co-authored an unconstitutional proposal claiming two or more states could simply ignore the Constitution’s command and nullify the Affordable Care Act so long as they work together. Although the Constitution does permit states to join in “interstate compacts” that have the force of law, under the Constitution such compacts require the consent of Congress and can be vetoed by the President. Cruz falsely claimed that states do not need to meet these Constitutional requirements to undermine laws they don’t like.
4) Ted Cruz Is An Islamophobe:
5) Ted Cruz Campaigned On How He Helped Texas Kill A Mexican:

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/07/31/619461/five-things-to-know-about-gop-senate-candidate-ted-cruz/

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

Most T-baggers are crazier than Ted Cruz. Americans are sick and tired of Whack-a doodle Tea Baggers. I doubt very seriously if the baggers set a trend.

Joe -- excellent points and solid analysis. At least your post is backed up with facts.

Thinkprogress is full of some of the most vile, gutter journalists (so-called) on the planet next to the nighttime lineup of MSNBC. They are liars of the worst kind and totally invalidates all who endorse them or their way of lying.

Detroit Storm Said: If these tea people politicians are so committed to the cause, why don't they forego pay and benefits?

What a dumb thing to say. I don't see any offer from you to have anyone else forego pay and benefits.... Only the Tea Party. Why would you even consider them giving up anything without your benevolence cast upon all politicians of every gender.

Your point is lost over your ideology. You wouldn't vote for them even if they did give up their pay and benefits, so what is YOUR point? More nastiness from the left... typical.

Can you say "Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell"?? Sure you can

Yea Patty, Let's take it off the Cliff! Also, Mitch McConMan will have to wait.

Job1 said: Oh, the tea bagger party, continues to dumb down America!

And this is supposed to be an intelligent statement from the left? No... it's more of the left's nastiness and inability to comprehend any of what the Tea Party stands for. If it's not comprehension, it's the inability to even come close to understanding what America is all about. I guess to Job1, the preference is for complete and total government control... most sane people call that tyranny.

Tell me Job1 - if the liberals get their way and this country falls under tyranny by the elite band of evil people at the top of the food chain, how is that going to benefit you in any way? Oh, you'll have the ability to say that your side won, but that will be it. You'll be just as strapped and saddled as the rest of us will be... only difference, I will be willing to die to get freedom back... you can just stand there and say I surrender.

Barack Obama believes GM is a successful bailout

After recovering to become the world's largestseller of automobiles last year, General Motors is once again struggling to maintain its top position in the auto industry.

On Sunday, GM abruptly fired its top marketing chief, the latest in a flurry of management shake-ups. During the first half of this year, GM lost its ranking as the top automaker to Toyota and its stock has fallen 41 percent since the company's 2010 post-bankruptcy offering price.

Now GM still owes the government (you know, us the taxpayer) around $42B but they have enough street cash to sponsor Manchester United.

The ouster of General Motors Co's (GM.N) global marketing chief is related to a hugely expensive sponsorship deal with England's Manchester United soccer club for which GM is paying twice as much as the team's previous automotive sponsor.

On Monday, GM, the biggest U.S. automaker, announced its Chevrolet brand would sponsor the hugely popular club's shirts for the next seven years. The deal is worth $60 million to $70 million a year and includes a $100 million activation fee that brings the total value to as much as $600 million, said a person with knowledge of the contract who asked not to be identified.

By comparison, insurance broker Aon Plc (AON.N) pays about $31 million a year for the current jersey sponsorship, which runs through the 2013-2014 season.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/31/us-gm-manu-idUSBRE86T1HE20120731

Great post Bev. Sometimes I wish Texas would secede like they like to crow about. Why you would vote in a hood like that to the U.S. Senate is beyond me.

If these tea people politicians are so committed to the cause, why don't they forego pay and benefits?

For the same reason Warren Buffet doesn't voluntarily follow the Buffet Rule?

They know giving money to the government is throwing it down the drain and they make better decisions as to where the money should be spent. You know, expand from the middle rather than give it to the government to re-distribute it from the top down.

If someone is really that committed they should LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Whats wrong, aren't the strengths of their convictions strong enough?

My God DS, I couldn't have put it better myself. Why don't all these millionaires and billionaires that complain they are not taxed enough LEAD BY EXAMPLE?

Hey Brian

exactly how is that nastiness? I asked a simple question about their commitment levels to small government and spending. I did not ask other politicians to take the same pledge because they aren't running on a "government is the problem", and "they waste your money" platform. If someone is really that committed they should LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Whats wrong, aren't the strengths of their convictions strong enough? And don't assume you know how I would vote. When you assume you make an ass out of u, not me because you're the one assuming.

Great post Bev. Sometimes I wish Texas would secede like they like to crow about. Why you would vote in a hood like that to the U.S. Senate is beyond me.

Well we know California will never secede. They know their only hope of a bailout is an Obama re-election.

Beverly if you consider ThinkProgress to be a reliable source of information and undeniable truth, my nickname for you stands even stronger... Ditz!

How about I counter your post with something from NewsMax? How many insults would I receive from you because you consider that source to be very offensive to your ideology? ThinkProgress is owned by Soros... and if you consider him to be a great and benevolent person, than you truly are a socialist. Soros wants to destroy America... and you support that?

Alan,

not taking pay isn't the same as giving it away. With that kind of financial smarts your bank account must be a mess.

Joe in Albany,

What date does the current tax rates (Bush tax cuts) expire?

What date will the new congress get sworn in?

OFF THE CLIFF

Detroit Storm retorted:

Hey Brian

exactly how is that nastiness? I asked a simple question about their commitment levels to small government and spending. I did not ask other politicians to take the same pledge because they aren't running on a "government is the problem", and "they waste your money" platform. If someone is really that committed they should LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Whats wrong, aren't the strengths of their convictions strong enough? And don't assume you know how I would vote. When you assume you make an ass out of u, not me because you're the one assuming.

It is nastiness when you single out a group of politicians that you don't understand. If you are so committed to the job you do, and you get paid for that job... why? Why would you want to accept pay for it? You are committed to it, correct? That's why your statement makes no sense. You aren't willing to do it yourself, but will send out a message that is in effect an attack on the Tea Party. That's where the nastiness comes in.

I don't give a flying hoot over who you vote for, but your statement tells me that you are against the Tea Party... do you even understand what they stand for? Do you even come close to trying to figure them out before you cast dispersions over them? If you aren't for them you are against them... it's that simple and is not an assumption. So don't assume that I assumed.

Brianb-999431,

The tea party is falling out of favor and hopefully they will continue to fade. If the Republicans are so smart, why do they fall in line with an extreme group such as the tea party? The folks need to do some research other than relying on FOX Noise, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich.

Remember the President, has been painted by their leadership as a Muslim, Nazis, Socialist, Un-American, not born in the United States, you name it. Then the Moderate Republicans move to the far right in order to keep the likes of Sarah Palin from launching a Tea Party soldier to take them on, such as the candidate Christine O'Donnell, in the last election.

So wake up people on the right and prove to me that you are smarter than you act.

Let’s all think back to September 2008 and the financial storm that had developed and the whole government and the rest of the world that was unraveling in financial markets. The jobs were going down so fast that and the United States had suffered the worst crisis sense the great depression.

Then Obama takes over on January 20, 2009, and suddenly it’s his fault. No way! Obama stepped into this storm on the brink of depression, and Obama has done a GREAT job of turning the country around.

I honestly have to say anyone that doesn’t recognize this fact is pretty out of touch with reality, and living in “Rush World.”

Let’s remember the bigger the Government the better we will all be. This talking point of smaller Government was a talking point that President Reagan started, and we all know how much expansion happened in the 1980s. So, don’t get in to the Republican argument of smaller Government. It’s a myth and a big lie that will never happen.

So, let the Government grow and expand, because that is how jobs and opportunities come about. Remember the expansion started by FDR that created GREATNESS?

not taking pay isn't the same as giving it away. With that kind of financial smarts your bank account must be a mess.

And the principal is different how? I assume you are backing Romney on this principal as he did not take a salary as Governor of Massachusetts? May I ask why the President does not LEAD BY EXAMPLE and voluntarily pay tax at the Buffet Rule level? He is wealthy enough, yes? He advocates that the rich like him "should pay a little more". Why does he not lead?

here is the web site if you would like to pass it on to the White House

https://www.pay.gov/paygov/forms/formInstance.html?agencyFormId=23779454

Welcome to the United States Treasury's

site for making donations to help reduce the public debt. If you would like to make a

donation, please fill in the required fields

and click the Submit Data button when

completed.

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio

Joe in Albany,

What date does the current tax rates (Bush tax cuts) expire?

What date will the new congress get sworn in?

OFF THE CLIFF

When are taxes due?

Let’s remember the bigger the Government the better we will all be. This talking point of smaller Government was a talking point that President Reagan started, and we all know how much expansion happened in the 1980s. So, don’t get in to the Republican argument of smaller Government. It’s a myth and a big lie that will never happen.

So, let the Government grow and expand, because that is how jobs and opportunities come about. Remember the expansion started by FDR that created GREATNESS?

How did that work out for Greece and Spain?

Wayne - they didn't vote in a hood, however, he regularly wears one at night - with his sheet!

Hi Dennis, we both know that neither party is going to let the current tax rates expire, it is nothing but political posturing. The Democrats will give in an extend all the Bush/Obama tax cuts. Even the President has admitted that raising the rates for those over $200K (single)$250K (married) will not raise that much revenue (maybe enough to run the government for 6 to 8 days). He admits that it is more about his so called "fairness" issue and trying to please his base.

I see a one year extension, maybe two years, which will give congress the time to completely revise the current tax codes.

Everyone knew Texas would stay RED, but when extremist TEA party take over without moderation, Texas will continue it's downward motion. Maybe next to go will be the other moderate, Perry.
Richard Hanna of New York has shown his disgust with the antics of the TEA fringe. Hanna must be paying attention to TEA activities and pronouncements calling for limited government while forcing women to undergo medical procedures without a physician's order. TEA fringe calling for voter ID to combat voter fraud, while enacting additional voting restrictions, in Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
Voter fraud simply isn’t a problem in this country. Studies have definitively debunked the voter fraud myth time and again. Call TEA party operative what they are - Radical fringe extremist all bent on taking down the government rather than allow Obama any positive stroke. Republicans are so scared of the TEA fringe, they will not disavow them as radicals and embrace their skewed notions and issues especially now that Texas has lost it moderate standing.

If liberalism/socialism dies, will anyone notice it?

Yes, yes you would and don't kid yourself you need us.

Wayne-1656909

First, I don't think what happens in Texas points to what will happen nationwide. Next, I think Democrats will hold onto the Senate, but what is really important is regaining the House.

People like good old Sam in the opening post apparently don't believe in a two-party system of democracy, and who needs Social Security to live in dignity during the golden years? The Tea Party is filled with ignoramuses who shake their heads in agreement to any stupid thing they hear.

It has quickly reached the point of saturation in which the Teabag candidate can't get to the Right of the so-called establishment candidate, because the entire Party has gone insane. Ted Cruz, like Richard Mourdock who vow never to compromise (or therefore govern) are the reason more moderateless extreme Republicans are resigning mid-term from office (see Hanna and Lehrer for most recent fall out).

Texas with it's large Hispanic population is why Tea Party extrimists like Cruz will turn the state purple. It is just a matter of time when the sane majority in this country will vote out folks like Cruz even in safe red districts like his (thanks to GOP gerrymandering) -- Because voters will be fed up with obstructionism. Even now many know the Teapublican-controlled House has done zero to create the jobs promised before the 2010 mid-term election. Talk about wasteful spending, why are these idiots being paid?

Look at these Teapublicans jagoffs trying to pass yet more abortion legislation instead of pretending to care about struggling Americans. McConnell just tried to attach another vote (the 34th?) to repeal the Affordable Care Act to the Cyber Security Bill -- blocking movement of an important national security matter! And rightwingers think it would be a good thing to have McConnell as the majority leader of the Senate, really?!!

Obviously Romney is not ready for prime time, and after all the years he has had to prepare, he never will be. Folks need to reelect the President and give him a congress that will work together and work with him to get this country going again.

Yes Dennis,

OFF THE CLIFF

Job1:

The tea party is falling out of favor and hopefully they will continue to fade.

In your world they are falling out of favor. Actually they never were in favor with you or your kind. The Tea Party is larger and in more force than you will ever know... they have taken themselves off the map on purpose... Their ideals haven't changed one bit and you find that to be completely against your ideology so all you can do is sit there and make insults... I'll laugh at you in particular when you find out how many Tea Party members win this November... it will be the beginning of you seeing that they are not going away.

If the Republicans are so smart, why do they fall in line with an extreme group such as the tea party?

This goes to show exactly how much you know, or are paying attention to. The Tea Party is just as much against the Republican party as you are... You do understand the difference between establishment republicans and the Tea Party, don't you? If not, then I will let you figure it out... If you don't want to, then keep yourself in the dark. My points will stand through the election whether you like them or not. You probably aren't all that interested anyway... it's much more convenient for you to cast insults than learn something... that's normally called ignorance...

Then Obama takes over on January 20, 2009, and suddenly it’s his fault. No way! Obama stepped into this storm on the brink of depression, and Obama has done a GREAT job of turning the country around. I honestly have to say anyone that doesn’t recognize this fact is pretty out of touch with reality, and living in “Rush World.”

All anyone expected him to do was his job. Obama automatically dove into the socialized medicine business and cost was not a problem. If the democrats are so hell bent on saying the economic conditions were all the republicans fault, then why did the collapse happen 17 months after democrats took both houses in 2007? It didn't happen overnight.. it took 17 friggen months!!!! If Obama was this big hope and change guy, how come everything he's touched has hurt this economy instead of miraculously turning it around? I would have rather it turned around... but Obama isn't capable of the job at hand. And you support this guy? Fundamental change has occurred... but not for the better.

Let’s remember the bigger the Government the better we will all be.

Wow! You are so disillusioned. When has the government ever produced money? When has the government created one self sustaining job? When has the government ever not cost more than they claimed? Answer those questions and then tell me bigger government is better... who's going to pay for it? Tell me you can't be this mired in ignorance.

Hi Sarge,

I totally disagree. It is the only way to break the no tax increase pledge – even some Republicans in the Senate have said this. After they expire then they will be voting to cut taxes.

Tax rates for those making less than 200/250K will go up for 3-4 weeks while a new bill is being passed.

Democrats are going to hold firm on this and this is why there has been strong consideration for a bill that extends the current rates for incomes below 200/250K.

OFF THE CLIFF

elliot,

[When are taxes due?] For tax year 2012, Apr 15^th

But we are talking about tax rates for tax year 2013 … try to keep up!

Brian,

you must be more obtuse than I imagined. I work in private industry, not the public sector. I didn't get my job by saying that the private sector is paid too much and wastes too much money. Getting paid for doing a job is normal, but when you got the job by saying that your employer (the people, in this case), are paying the employees (government workers) too much, and you are one of them (politicians get their pay from where, again?), why would you not prove that you are committed to the ideals that got you elected in the first place?

I understand the Tea Party, I think that many have gone off the deep end. Besides, this "Tea Party" which is just repacked Libertarians, didn't seem to heed their own champion, Ron Paul.

I do understand the "Tea Party" very well, their belief is that everyone but themselves are the problem.

Brianb

Wow! You are so disillusioned. When has the government ever produced money? When has the government created one self sustaining job?

You might want to ask the thousands of companies that were an offshoot of NASA's discoveries and technological needs.

Detroit-Storm,

Have you ever been to a Tea Party rally?

Dennis -- Well I am sure that while on his way out this December as Obama starts giving pardons to criminal friends, he -- since he is benevolent -- can sign an executive order mandating the current tax rates until the new and improved right wing Congress has a chance to vote.

Joe - nope, the Democrats will pick up an additional 2 seats in the Senate and gain the majority in the House - as well as keep the White House!

I do however like that you finally admit the GOP has totally abused the filibuster.

_______________________________________

Seeking Sanity: You are quite clearly insane, which explains your post above and your screen name.

Brianb-999431,

Boy, have you been brain washed and a lost cause. I feel sorry for you.

Joe in Albany,

What date does the current tax rates (Bush tax cuts) expire?

What date will the new congress get sworn in?

OFF THE CLIFF

__________________________________________________

Dennis: Here's the problem with your neat little package: Businesses are always looking ahead and using thier judgements about what they expect in the future to make their decisions TODAY. The presence of the impending fiscal cliff, and economic terrorists like Patty Murray making threats to drive the American economy off the fiscal cliff into another recession is affecting their decisions to invest in new plant and equipment and hire the new workers to run them, RIGHT NOW. It has to be a factor in the GDP slowdown in Q2 to 1.5% from what was an already dismal 2% in Q1.

You lefty liberals just don't get it. In your zealotry to win the class warfare battle you are willing to sacrafice the economy recovering.

Morons.

blackcatwhitecat - Those offshoots were privately held companies that invested their OWN money... none of them were government owned... Taxpayers paid for NASA... That government program depended on those private companies to produce the technical equipment and support equipment... so can you explain to me how government created a self-sustained position without taxpayer money? You mentioned NASA like their mission was self sustaining when it wasn't... there's no commercial enterprise created by sending men up into space... Another government program that costs taxpayers instead of paying for itself.

Don't for one moment think I don't support NASA... but we now have a president that offshores flights into space... instead of us doing it for ourselves. And you liberals want to blame Mitt for off shoring jobs.

Joe,

I spent several years in corporate planning so I understand what you are saying … but … the Republicans better get busy dealing NOW or the Dems will allow all the tax cuts to expire – count on it.

OFF THE CLIFF

Job1 - That's your only comeback? I've been brainwashed??? Sorry jack, I believe in this country the way it's supposed to be... not according to the liberal la la land of government taking over everything so I don't have to do anything approach... yours is lazy, self-serving and just plain wrong for this country... If that's being brainwashed... then I guess I'll live with that.

job1.

If the T party is dumbing down America that would be a good thing for the left. The problem is the T party can't dumb it down as far as you have to in order to vote Liberal.

Big govt IS THE PROBLEM. If you can't see that your sight impaired and silly headed. Not a great combination to be in.

Brianb-999431

blackcatwhitecat - Those offshoots were privately held companies that invested their OWN money... none of them were government owned... Taxpayers paid for NASA... That government program depended on those private companies to produce the technical equipment and support equipment... so can you explain to me how government created a self-sustained position without taxpayer money? You mentioned NASA like their mission was self sustaining when it wasn't... there's no commercial enterprise created by sending men up into space... Another government program that costs taxpayers instead of paying for itself.

Don't for one moment think I don't support NASA... but we now have a president that offshores flights into space... instead of us doing it for ourselves. And you liberals want to blame Mitt for off shoring jobs.

Companies subdivide into many companies for many reasons. The original company would have been funded by the Government hence investing their "OWN" money into new companies would have been the profits from you and I, the taxpayer aka the Government. GPS that is used in your car, on your boat, in your phone are not an invention born of private need but of government need and yet we have a myriad of companies utilizing said technology to manufacture products for private need. So, yes indeed Government eventually produces jobs within a self-sustained environment.

Dennis, I don't agree, I still thing they will extend them for at least another year. Besides the Republicans know if Obama is reelected tax cuts for those over $200/250K would never pass even with a Republican controlled House and Senate.

Also remember we have the reduction in payroll tax deductions that are set to expire at the end of this year. Both parties will see how the election comes out in Nov then will try and do something based on that during the lame duck session.

Joe - as I say often, seeking sanity in the GOP but as posters like you prove daily, there is NO sanity in the GOP!

Obama/Biden 2012

Have you ever been to a Tea Party rally?

Yes I have. Very disturbing It's like a KKK rally without the white robes and hoods. Heard an awful lot of the N word there too. So don't give me this crap about it being for every citizen.

I know Smitty. there are the incompetent in Texas also that will vote Left

Yea, Texas is a great example of diversity. After all, Rick Perry and the former Disaster in Chief George W. Bush are from there. Please don't too excited. The saner part of the country isn't buying it.

I am sure you will not see this as a "positive" endorsement but in reality it is and means a lot to the Summers cause. What is your reflection of the independent candidates in this race. Truthfully now, where will King fall since he is leading the polls as the Independent? What are his leanings -- right or left?

SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — Former President George H.W. Bush is endorsing Charlie Summers for Maine’s open U.S. Senate seat.

Bush endorses Summers in Maine U.S. Senate race

The Summers for Senate campaign on Wednesday announced the Republican’s endorsement by the former president.

In a prepared statement, Bush, a summer resident of Maine, says he’s gotten to know Summers well and Summers has the experience and background to become an outstanding member of the Senate.

Summers, Maine’s secretary of state, faces Democrat Cynthia Dill, and independents Angus King, Steve Woods and Danny Dalton in the Nov. 6 election.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120801-NEWS-120809994

Debbie -- I have not heard of too many Republicans distancing themselves from our great President Reagan. I would be interested in seeing who said that. A few does not make a movement.

Also, you are taxed at the same rate as Gov. Romney --both income and capital gains. I also caution you that although over the weekend there were rants from the left that Gov. Romney wanted to start a war with Iran, just today Leon Panetta said the U.S. may not have any other recourse but to strike at Iran.

Obama -- All Foam and No Beer.

Romney 2012

Ben - I agree, I think a strike against Iran just might be the "October Surprise" that Obama will count on to get him reelected. You notice when Panetta, the Joint Chiefs and even Obama talk about military action you see no reaction from the left, only if military action is suggested by a Republican, can of a double standard. BTW, I still haven't seen the MSM talk about the casualties in Afghanistan, since more have been K.I.A. or wounded during Obama's 3+ years than Bush's 8 yrs. OBL, the reason we went to Afghanistan in the first place, has been killed as has a lot of his Lieutenants, so why are we still there and why are our military personnel still dying?

sfcret -- You and I are on the same page. I believe the other surprise might be to replace Biden on the ticket. This administration will stoop to nothing -- even endangering American lives -- to get re-elected.

Actually, President Reagan was a nice guy. However, he was not a great President when you look at the facts and his record as President.

A sample

http://themessageis.com/ronald-reagan-is-not-george-washington/

Facts are Obama can't climb a ladder high enough to get him elevated up to Jimmy C range of incompetence.

rukidding - and yet both Bush and Romney would be thrilled to be where Obama is - and neither will EVER be. Bush will remain the WORST President of all times and Romney will just remain a "never was."

Obama/Biden 2012