E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Jeff Swensen / Getty Images
Rep. Paul Ryan speaks at a campaign event at Walsh University on August 16, 2012 in North Canton, Ohio.
The Ryan pick -- one week later… The vetting of Ryan (on the stimulus, China) continues… Obama camp makes offer to Romney on his tax returns, ensuring that the tax-return story stays in the news… Just in: Romney camp declines the offer… Team Obama unveils its first TV ad on Medicare (and it’s reactive)… Medicare vs. the Romney-Ryan plan is akin to pensions vs. 401ks… And ad spending in the presidential contest tops $500 million.
*** The Ryan pick -- one week later: So what have learned in the week since Mitt Romney tapped Paul Ryan to be his running mate? For starters, the pick has given the Romney campaign a shot of energy (it says it has raised more than $10 million online from 125,000 donors, and it has seen its website and social-media traffic increase). But that energy hasn’t necessarily translated to the polls, with surveys (like Gallup) showing a minimal bounce. The Ryan pick has shifted the issue terrain to Medicare, not only in the presidential contest but also the battle for the House (example: that new DCCC ad). And the week since Ryan’s selection has marked the most negative turn in the campaign so far, with President Obama invoking Seamus the dog, Vice President Biden referring to “chains,” and Romney accusing the Obama camp of engaging in “division and anger and hate.” Again, so much for that promise of a more high-minded debate…
*** The vetting of Ryan continues: But here’s what we haven’t learned yet: Is the Ryan pick a winner? As one GOP strategist has remarked to First Read, the VP choice could either turn out to be a stroke of genius or it could go badly -- but it’s too early to tell. In fact, Ryan is still being vetted by the national press. Yesterday, we learned that the Wisconsin congressman was talking tough on China’s currency manipulation, even though he voted against a 2010 House bill that would have cracked down on China’s currency manipulation. Also yesterday, he told a Cincinnati TV station that he didn’t ask for money from the $787 billion stimulus when the record shows he did, and he later acknowledged sending the letters to the Energy Department requesting funds for two companies. As we wrote earlier in the week, there’s a potential danger for Ryan sounding a like a typical politician, which would undermine one of biggest perceived strengths.
Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R- Minn., joins Morning Joe to share his thoughts on not being chosen as Mitt Romney's VP running mate, Paul Ryan's strengths as a candidate, and tax reform.
*** Romney’s tax returns stay in the news: In an obvious attempt to keep yesterday's story about Mitt Romney's tax returns in the news, the Obama campaign sent a letter to the Romney camp making this offer: If Romney releases just five years of returns (including the 2010 and 2011 he has given/pledged to give), the Obama camp promises NOT to criticize him for not releasing more. “I repeat, the governor and his campaign can expect in return that we will refrain from questioning whether he has released enough or pressing for more,” Obama manager Jim Messina wrote to Romney manager Matt Rhoades. (Note: This offer doesn’t seem to pertain to WHAT’S IN the tax returns.) This letter is proof of why Romney’s answer yesterday that he paid no less than 13% in federal taxes over the past 10 years was such an unforced error (even though we, as members of the press, give him credit for answering the reporter’s question he was asked). Bottom line: It immediately changed the conversation from something the campaign wanted to talk about (Medicare) to something it probably didn’t (the tax returns). But there’s a bigger public-policy issue here: 13% is a VERY low number for a multimillionaire like Romney, and it demonstrates how the current rules (and loopholes) benefit the wealthy.
*** Just in: The Romney camp declines the offer: Rhoades responds, “It is clear that President Obama wants nothing more than to talk about Governor Romney’s tax returns instead of the issues that matter to voters, like putting Americans back to work, fixing the economy and reining in spending. If Governor Romney’s tax returns are the core message of your campaign, there will be ample time for President Obama to discuss them over the next 81 days. In the meantime, Governor Romney will continue to lay out his plans for a stronger middle class, to save Medicare, to put work back into welfare, and help the 23 million Americans struggling to find work in the Obama economy.”
*** Obama camp unveils its first TV ad on Medicare: Meanwhile, the Obama camp is it up with its first TV ad on Medicare, and it’s a response to the Romney camp’s attack on the subject. “The non-partisan AARP says Obamacare cracks down on Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse and strengthens guaranteed benefits,” the ad’s narrator says. “And the Ryan plan? AARP says it would undermine Medicare and could lead to higher costs for seniors. And experts say Ryan’s voucher plan could raise future retirees’ costs by more than $6,000.” What is surprising is that Team Obama waited a week to unveil an ad like this -- and what’s more surprising is that it’s a reactive ad. That development has Boston grinning, because Democrats are playing defense on Medicare -- especially regarding those $716 billion in cuts.
*** Medicare vs. Romney-Ryan plan is akin to pension vs. 401k: But keep this in mind: The actual Romney-Ryan plan still hasn’t been truly litigated yet. Yesterday, Romney compared his plan to Medicare Advantage. “It gives all of the next generation retirees the option of having either standard Medicare, a fee-for-service-type, government-run Medicare, or a private Medicare plan," he told reporters. But as one of us wrote yesterday, there is a SIGNIFICANT difference between Medicare Advantage (or traditional Medicare) vs. the Romney-Ryan plan. The former is a defined benefit (where the government guarantees a level of coverage), and the latter is a defined contribution (where the government decides what it will pay). It’s essentially the same difference between a pension (defined benefit) and 401k (defined contribution). And 401ks save companies money, but they are a weaker benefit than a pension. What’s more, just like many seniors probably can’t maintain their standard of living on a 401k alone, the CBO has said that the Ryan plan will force most future seniors to pay MORE for their health care than under the current Medicare system. Folks, this is the debate that’s coming…
David Gregory, host of NBC's "Meet the Press," speaks with TODAY's Savannah Guthrie about the ongoing inquisition into Mitt Romney's financials and whether or not his running mate, Paul Ryan, has helped the GOP ticket.
*** Reunited and it feels so good: Politico: “Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan plan to campaign together again sooner than aides had originally planned, likely twice next week, as part of a new offensive to take on the touchy issue of Medicare… Romney and Ryan had planned to go their separate ways before meeting up at the end of the month at the Republican National Convention in Tampa. But then campaign strategists saw how much of a psychic boost Romney got from Ryan — and how much more animated Romney appeared on television with his younger running mate at his side. ‘They really like each other and they feed off of each other,’ campaign manager Matt Rhoades said. ‘There’s an energy, there’s a chemistry.’” One take here is that they indeed have good chemistry. Another take is that Boston might be worried that Romney’s solo crowds could be smaller than Ryan’s solo crowds…
*** Ad spending tops $500 million: As another of us wrote yesterday, ad spending in the presidential contest has now crossed the health-billion-dollar mark. “With the $37 million being spent this week on political advertising -- including the campaigns and the Super PACs that support them -- the grand total for this campaign is now more than $512 million, about the amount spent on advertising in the entire 2008 general election, according to an NBC News/Smart Media Group Delta analysis. Almost half of that money is coming from outside groups, like Super PACs -- and the vast majority of the outside money is going to support presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney.” As NBC’s Brian Williams pointed out last night, this $500 million is a staggering sum, and could easily be used to pay for other things, such as feeding 9.2 million malnourished children.
Countdown to GOP convention: 10 days
Countdown to Dem convention: 17 days
Countdown to 1st presidential debate: 47 days
Countdown to VP debate: 55 days
Countdown to 2nd presidential debate: 60 days
Countdown to 3rd presidential debate: 66 days
Countdown to Election Day: 81 days
Click here to sign up for First Read emails.
Text FIRST to 622639, to sign up for First Read alerts to your mobile phone.
Check us out on Facebook and also on Twitter. Follow us @chucktodd, @mmurraypolitics, @DomenicoNBC, @brookebrower
Leave a Comment:
Not much detail on V-P nominee Paul Ryan yet, but as with Mitt Romney, don't expect to find honesty.
We know Ryan voted lock-step against the stimulus (ARRA) that unequivocally saved our economy from tanking, even as he wrote asking for Obama stimulus cash from the Energy Secretary and Labor Secretary - because it "would create jobs" (thousands) in his constituency.
Just yesterday Ryan said "I never asked for stimulus".
That was a lie he is scrambling to cover up.
You might not read that Paul Ryan voted for TARP, the Bridge to Nowhere, and $Trillions in Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Both he and Romney want to extend the Bush tax cuts, on top of an additional $5Trillion tax cut skewed to the wealthy - that happens RAISE TAXES on the rest of us. Ryan's budget would add $10Trillion to the deficit. And his budget would not balance till beyond 2040. Ryan knows you cannot balance a budget without raising taxes, but still he chose to sign up with anti-tax right winger Grover Norquist.
Ryan is no deficit hawk.
By definition, a stimulus for economic recovery includes spending = to keep states afloat, cops on the beat, money circulating via tax cuts, stimulating and creating new jobs, maintaining infrastructure. GOP has always voted for a Stimulus before this President was elected. They voted for a stimulus in 2008 under GWB, and under Reagan in 1981 as a recovery strategy.
Paul Ryan voted for President Obama's stimulus, yet today he denies it.
Under President Obama's stimulus, 3.9 million jobs were created in the 37 months after the recession officially ended. Over the same period under President Bush, following the milder 2001 downturn, only 1.1 million jobs were created.
Anyone, even a supposed wonk, can see the Obama Administration stimulus worked.
Like all the Norquistians (including Romney), Ryan is for extending the Bush tax cuts, adding $Trillions more to the deficit. If you confront him with the non-partisan CBO numbers that deny his own, Ryan always responds yebbut, "that's just CBO".
Fiscal wonk Ryan ain't.
Elect me but I’m not going to show you my resume!
I don't understand how Willard who, currently sits upside down on his personal favorable rating thinks it's a good idea to go "nukuloor" with his unfair attacks against President Obama's character...
But hey, it works for me! lol
Are Democrats perfect?
NO…
But I’ll stick with them over the party who pretends to be…
'I Never Paid Less Than 13 %' in Taxes:
So said Willard Romney yesterday on the campaign trail. What is striking is that he seemed to think that was normal. There was no recognition that Americans who pay their fair share pay somewhere in the neighborhood of twice that amount. He went on to say, "Every year I paid at least 13 percent and if you add in the amount that goes to charity the number gets well over 20%" Doesn't Mitt know that the amount given to charity is a tax deduction? Apparently, from his way of thinking, if you give a charitable contribution and if you pay taxes it is a loss of personal income. What is lost is the notion of giving for the greater good. The only greater good in Romney's mind is his personal wealth.
An additional point is the interjection of the term "legal". He pays the amount that is legally required. I'm fine with that as it is clear that the tax structure is rigged in favor of the rich. Then Romney omits the word "income" when he talks about his taxes. He likely does pay sales tax and property tax which adds to that 13% figure.
There are just too many unanswered questions involving his off shore tax shelters, his $100,000,000 IRA, and the question of whether he applied for amnesty in 2009. Here is an untrustworthy man who says, "Trust me." You tried the same ploy when you ran for governor of Massachusetts and come to find out you lied. That tactic will not work when you run for POTUS.
The Ryan pig (pick) is a disaster, a train wreck, worse than the Palin' in the arse.
Palin is just a laughing stock, but Ryan is a bogeyman to the voting seniors. Florida is no longer a battleground state, now in Democrats' column because seniors are scared.
Twinkies and Joe Biden
OK I admit it, I've had a few Twinkies in my time. Yes indeed, the queen of empty calories has been known to darken my door every now and then. But as a free American I get to make that choice without some government waif barging into my home to save me from myself. At least so far, who the hell knows what might happen if Michelle ever gets her way. And don't get me started about cigarettes.
Which got me to thinking. We're aware the prez has been known to take a few puffs from the evil weed, but is he a Twinkie fan as well? Like when Michelle isn't looking, does he take a few luscious bites on the sly then flash that million dollar smile to cover his sins? Or when he's on the golf course, does he deliberately hit a ball into the woods just so he can scarf down a few of those Hostess gems without anyone seeing him? Goodness, the things the leader of the free world needs to do just to get his gooey fix.
But then I started thinking a little more. If this guilty pleasure truly is bad for us, then maybe we want to make sure the prez never gets within a mile of a Twinkie – or a smoke, for that matter. Because it's clearly in the best interests of every American that this man stay in the peak of health and be strong like bull. Because.....well, because Joe Biden is the guy who's just a heartbeat away.
For those who have been living under a rock, Biden is the guy who has been using his VP-ship as a very public embarrassment platform for the past several years. His picture is in the dictionary, right next to the word "gaffe." The dictionary folks wanted to put his picture next to the word "everyman." But then they found out his wealth put him into the ranks of the top 1%, so that was a nonstarter.
The other day Biden played the race card by blabbering that Republicans wanted to put black folks back into the chains of slavery. Good grief, if anyone deserves to be put into chains it's old Joe. Maybe in a nice padded room, with some velvet around the shackles so they don't chafe his sensitive skin. That way he could say any stupid thing he wanted without anyone hearing him. And whenever he showed signs of being lucid, he would get a Twinkie as a reward. Yup, that's just the ticket to straighten this guy out.
But sorry Mr. President, no Twinkies for you right now. Just wait a few more months, then you'll be freed to eat anything you want.
TGIF Everyone! Here’s a Friday Funny:
Apparently Ryan doesn't want to take responsibility for cutting Medicare in his budget:
He did it first! LOL. LOL. LOL. Perhaps Mr. Ryan needs a “time out” to reflect on taking responsibility for his own budget. LOL.
Axe is not only a moron, he’s also a bald faced liar. Only a complete moron and liar would consider “Gaffe” Biden telling an audience filled with African American’s that “Romney wants to put y’all back in chains”, using a southern accent like a pre-Civil War plantation owner, “not making a racial comment”.
Of course, if his intent was to fool all the low information lefty liberal voters who are his fellow morons, he definitely achieved his goal.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Axelrod: 'Chains' not racial comment
As for the other vice-presidential nominee, Axelrod said he stands firmly behind Biden, who sparked controversy this week for saying that Republicans “are going to put y’all back in chains.”
“He wasn’t making a racial comment, he was making a comment about the impact about rolling back all of Wall Street reforms on consumers, essentially rolling back what we’ve done and putting the burden back on consumers,” Axelrod said.
Paul Ryan also has a hard time telling the truth it seems:
Mitt and Ryan's medicare alternative plans will make seniors to pay more. The government-run Medicare is less costly. Private insurers have to make a profit which translates into extra cost to consumers.
Mitt and Ryan are not running for president, they are running to be Vulture-In-Chief for the private sector which has caused the worst recession since the Great Depression.
Facts speak for themselves, government-run Medicare, with proper reform, is still a better choice. It is currently under stress because of extra number of babyboomers and lack of funds put into the system due to tax evasion committed by vultures like RomneyHood.
I just heard Team Obama has challenged Willard to release 5 more years of his tax returns...
Now we'll find out if Willard is half the man his father was...
Good morning All,
About his tax returns yesterday, GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney informed us"You're going to have to take my word for it" .
He said the same thing to the Press back in 2002, when running for MA governor.
Romney did not release any tax returns then - yet he expects us to "trust" him again today, on his tax returns. Wow. If this is not pleading "exceptional" special privileges for a very rich man, I don't know what is.
However, Mitt Romney WILL have to produce his tax returns if he wants to be President.
Pattern behavior.
Before taking office as governor, Mitt Romney finally admitted another big lie about filing tax returns in Massachusetts - it was an eligibility issue. He lived in Utah and was filing in Utah - not MA - yet continued to lie about it until the very last minute. (And got away with it.)
Mitt Romney has not yet admitted that he lied about physically living in CA with his wife, when he voted in Massachusetts for Scott Brown. Because that is voter fraud, and as a felon, Mitt Romney would no longer be elegible to run for President.
Ahem. Excuse me.
I don't know exactly what's going on here, but I do know that I didn't write post #1.7.
I mean, I know it has my name on it and everything, so it looks like I wrote it, but really, that wasn't me. Anyone who knows me knows better than that.
So, it must have been my staff, going behind my back. Maybe as a prank or something.
My staff is always such a hoot.
Anyway. It certainly could not have been me.
So, never mind. And forget the check.
.
Paul Ryan 2012 – Not ready to lead.
Not even close.
I have come to let you all know that I have finally seen the light.
_________________________________________
AM: Good for you!!
BTW, where can I get some of whatever you are smoking this morning so I can become even MORE enlightened??
Backhouse, well said. One wonders why the media keeps claiming Paul Ryan is a fiscal conservative when he voted for every single UNFUNDED Bush spending bill from 2001 through 2008. Apparently, the modern GOPTP version of fiscal responsibility, it has a new definition.
Feisty good point and in the words of Barney Frank, "democrats aren't perfect but they aren't crazy".
Ron, well said, too.
Anna Molly, it's probably the same person who likes to impersonate Feisty.
The funny thing to me about Romney's taxes is that it is the one area where he does not flip flop--he is not disclosing them. Case closed.
I especially like how he says he would have paid more in taxes had he not given so much to charity. Well, after getting over the fact that his religion seems to require him to give 10% to them, it begs the question that the U.S. government had less resources for us all so that the Mormon Church had more resources for itself. Did those resources pay for its campaigns against gay marriage? Did it pay for those radio/TV ads that said "I'm a Mormon and I'm just like you"? Does Mitt really want to go there with that statement?
Amen Feisty,
I will too, rather than these Tea Bag Republicans they have become. Since the Bush years you have to wonder how anyone with any self respect could support this new breed of GOP clowns.
Oh, no, Joe ... it was all a big mistake.
You see, that wasn't me, that must have been my staff.
I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding.
But don't worry. I still love ya, Joe. As much as I ever did.
Hi Feisty:
Willard is like the guy who applied for a job, but didn't complete the application. The part about releasing his taxes was something he did not want to talk about in an interview. No, he shouldn't get the job.
Dear Anna Molly,
Does someone at your office owes you an apology, and a free trip to the Bahamas?
Maybe you can 'leak' the culprits' phone numbers to all your buddies out here!
Thanks Jody!
I hadn't heard that quote from Barney! Another reason I ♥ the guy!
Hi Ron!
It fits right in with his whole entitlement persona! ☺
Is it just me, or does everyone now have to "check in" before they can Post a Comment? You know, e-mail address and password. Just asking.
Well the battle is starting to shape up. President Obama will keep hammering Romney and Ryan until November. They'll try and fend our President off, but it won't work. The slow grind. The Romney team just has to many weaknesses and faults.
OBAMA IN 2012.
Jody,
Yes, I did not list Paul Ryan's support for two Bush wars on a credit card, and the unfunded pharma deal.
Also the massive tax cuts skewed to the high end earners - all on the U.S. credit card during a time of war - for the first time in our history.
Joe Biden's public speaking schedule....<crickets chirping> No matter how it was spun by the campaign and the press, seems like "say it ain't so" Joe was given a talking to and his handlers finally stepped in.
Romney campaign cash this month funded by 68% new donors...sounds reminiscent of Obama in 2008.
Finally, can someone take the bumbling, stumbling idiot off of The Daily Rundown? I mean there is no excuse - he HAS a teleprompter.
Judging from the frequency of conservatives impersonating liberals by setting up a false registration using the names and avatars, First Read needs to add a flag to their system--illegal impersonation.
@ Backhouse --
LoL Would I do a thing like that to my trusted and loyal staff?
Don't you find it amusing to consider that Paul Ryan has now told those companies for whom he requested stimulus assistance -- including the one that received $20 million -- that he never really meant to help them and that those requests were evidently made against his will?
He must have missed that day in philosophy where they told you that, when you find yourself in a hole, you should stop digging.
.
Romney/Ryan -- 2012 -- BackwaRd
Backhouse,Feisty, Ron, Job1, Jody, and all my other liberals friends I so agree with Anna Molly:
"Paul Ryan 2012 – Not ready to lead.
Not even close."
I'm so glad many Americans are NOT swallowing the Ryan/Romney tomfollery and lies.
4 more 4 44
Obama/Biden
LoL First Read -- I guess I fooled even you. #1.7 WAS me. It was supposed to be a joke. Could you PLEASE restore #1.7?
It's essential to understanding the parody in #1.12.
Last night while reviewing some of the late posts to the First Thoughts thread, I came upon a comment that I found intriguing to the point that this morning I felt compelled to hunt it down and re-post it.
Bitterhawk said:
If you were responsible for your elderly mother's trust fund and you found yourself in court for stealing money from that fund, do you really think that the judge would buy the excuse that you took money from it because you planned to pay her health care providers less?
And if you then argued that stealing money from her trust fund was justified because by paying those providers less, you expected maybe to recoup an amount equal to that which you stole and that furthermore, your elderly mother should be grateful to you for having saved her money; do you think the judge would buy that as well?
I don't know what the rest of you would think of the person in the above example, but if I were the judge, I would think that they were a dispicable POS. Can anyone explain to me why I should think anything more of the people who are using this same arguement to rationalize robbing the Medicare trust fund of $716 billion to fund Obamacare?...
...I didn't think so.
Anna -- No kidding. Ryan was caught in a few "contradictions" this week.
I liked how the Dems tagged Romney/Ryan:
The GO-BACK Team!
lets save everyone one the time and effort being wasted on romney's tax returns.
he makes millions of dollars -- he is a very successful American investor, businessman and entreprenuer; he pays millions in taxes -- following the same tax code used by all tax paying Americans; he donates millions to charity -- as do many of our wealthiest Americans.
what else do you need? it is a simple question that so far no one on the left wants to answer.
i think romney is doing a brilliant thing; he keeps those on the left that are inflicted with the romney tax return obsessive compulsive syndrome chatting their way into a frenzy.
Axelrod: 'Chains' not racial comment
But "Angry" is? As in "Take your campaign of division, anger, and hate back to Chicago." - Mitt Romney
Google the following to see some racism (the First Read profanity checker won't even allow the language embedded in the http address to be printed, yeah, it's that bad):
"toure The Cycle ization"
The Liberals have this entire set of "language" rules the world has to follow. Words that sane people understand to mean one thing that apparently means something very different to the Libbies. And not only do the words mean something different to Liberals, the context apparently changes based on who says the words - in other words, to the Libs, they are never racists.
Between Biden and this Toure character though, it's clear what they are talking about, it is clear who are the dividers, and it is very clear who the racists really are, it's them.
Jody, Iowa
Judging from the frequency of conservatives impersonating liberals by setting up a false registration using the names and avatars,
Jody,
How many times have I said the right's logic is cheat to win?
billybob --What I really really wanna KNOW..........
Did Romney take the 2009 IRS Amnesty deal???
Perhaps you conservatives can jump on board and help me out here?
Like that was ever going to happen. We have had to listen to 4 years of absolute unadulterated mudslinging from the right. Now that we're punching back, they claim foul. Typical of bullies.
Shemp Mathews did a great comedy bit on last night’s Wiffleball about how “Gaffe” Biden’s staff is trying to “muzzle” him so he doesn’t make a laughingstock fool of himself so often. He ran some Hillaryous clips of Gaffe’s staff rushing in to cut him off and move him along as soon as it looked like he had another opportunity to say something stupid. Gaffe is the crazy uncle that should be kept locked in the White House attic. And to think this moron is a heartbeat away from the Presidency.
THAT’S a scary thought!!!
dcia -- would you contend that if he participated that he should be disqualified from the opportunity to be President?
what will we do with that information regardless of whether he participated?
Oh Annie, you are such the court jester today. Wait, that's every day.
Carry on dear.
Mitt Romney, the cult-like Mormon worshipper picks Paul Ryan, the Roman Pope worshipper to appeal to the far Rightwing Obama and black-hating Evangelicals and crazy-wacko Teabagging Fundamentalists, all who Worship the "Atlas Shrugged" Atheist, Ayn Rand who is quoted as saying the Poor are just "Lice and Parasites".
Is there "something wrong" with the above picture?
Hey guys (GOP, Republicans, Teabaggers, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan).
You're NOT just LOSING the Presidential Election.
You've ALREADY LOST.
Too bad. How sad. I'm glad.
Better luck next time.
yuck! yuck!
ps. Is this a Great post, or what?
Ryan was the perfect VP pick and showed some real resolve on Romney's part. There is now a clear choice before the American people. We can continue spending our way to oblivion under the guise of social justice (errr... socialism) or reverse course and start down the path of fiscal conservatism. I guarantee you when Romney/Ryan are elected companies will immediately start hiring and the economy will rebound.
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL
Elect me but I'm not going to show you
Of course "Myth" Romney won't Like Queen Ann said "there is ammunition in there". You betcha, maybe like the tax amnesty program
JoAnnaSmith1
Axelrod: 'Chains' not racial comment
But "Angry" is? As in "Take your campaign of division, anger, and hate back to Chicago." - Mitt Romney
Check out this to see some racism:
JoAnna Sniff1
In your investigative search would you happen to have come upon the dictionary definition of the word you find so offfensiven?
Given your fascination with this discovery of you, you should have noticed the crowd was diverse unlike Romney's lily white crowds. So what's your problem?
Obama/Biden 2012
religious bias and persecution is alive and well on the left as RFO shows.
how disgusting.
Maybe Some of Joey's staff can help out the good governor of the great state of Illinois:
Guy can't even keep the Democratic talking points straight.
The country is led by idiots.
Didn't we have eight years of GW Bush before this. What happened there? Oh, that's right, the deficit skyrocketed because of two wars and tax breaks that benefitted the wealthiest. Romney wants to reignite that program. So how is that fiscal conservatism? And btw, you might want to check your facts. Spending is down under this administration. I know, FOX doesn't tell you that. You're brainwashed, afraid and can't comprehend for yourself. Pitiful.
Anna Molly: When a post is deleted, it is gone with no chance of restoration. And that's the way it is on First Read.
billybob -- Those who took it were attempting to skirt our tax laws and without the amnesty would have faced CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. The IRS was generous to give amnesty. So to answer your question it would speak volumes about Romney's character.. Here’s an article explaining:
Romney's numbers are as flat and unimpressive as they were Friday, a week ago.
TGIF. What a week it's been-Obama furiously trying to walk back Biden's latest misfire, desperately trying to stem the tide in Iowa, Obama's former campaign co-chair now campaigning for Romney. . .
So I guess they've now figured out a way to save Biden from himself
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/08/16/msnbc_politico_wapo_reporters_complain_about_biden_campaign_control_of_press.html
Censorship. What a concept.
Maybe that Obama headline on this site late yesterday was not just an unfortunate, thoughtless, accident. Maybe there are some leaving the cult.
Still was a lousy headline. Even I would never go there.
The news from Iowa is downright funny
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2012/08/16/enthusiasm_--_and_signs_of_trouble_--_on_obamas_iowa_bus_route__115130.html
I would have paid cash money to see that caterer in his tee shirt.
First Artur Davis- former Obama co-chair, now big time Romney supporter- out campaigning for Romney, then, this
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-15/entertainment/sns-201208150151reedbusivarietynvr1118057857-20120815_1_wyclef-jean-rnc-event
Wyclef Jean at an RNC event. How much more mojo can Obama lose?
Yesterday Mr. Romney said he never paid less than 13%. Shortly after that he said - If you add in my contributions it is over 20%.
Who includes or even thinks about contributions as taxes?
This guy is way out of touch
JoAnnaSmith1
Oh Annie, you are such the court jester today. Wait, that's every day.
Carry on dear.
ROFL, You of all people? Everything you post is so laughable; not to mention a lie. My advice to you is "stop trying to pull the wool over everyone's face."
No matter how many contortions you do it still turns out to be the same thing; your exhausted attempt at trying to be a smart ass.
Obama/Biden 2012
First Read:
And don't forget that Reince Preibus, the head of the Republican National Committee, falsely accused President Obama of having "blood on his hands" for cuts to Medicare that Preibus falsely claimed impacted seniors. And don't forget Romney falsely accused President Obama of handing out welfare checks to people who won't work.
Oh, wait. First Read is part of the corporate media. Forgetting things like that is part of their job description.
Ryan is lying like a rug on many issues. Keep following the path.
Romney's crowds are smaller than Ryan's, so now they are going to campaign together.....that speaks volumes.
Romney asked Ryan for several years of taxes to vet him, but won't do the same for the American public.
The sands are shifting on Medicare, Romney will lose on this one, and right before the conventions too.
It's nice that Romney takes the time to talk to the national news media. Obama has evaded them since he said those now famous words: "The private sector is doing fine." Kid of odd, running for President and he doesn't talk to the national media. Even odder is that media is mostly silent about it.
Obama has been muzzled.
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/08/president-obama-takes-questions-from-people-mag-entertainment-tonight-disses-white-house-press-corps/
Paul Ryan has been caught lying through his teeth when he denied having his hand out for his cut of the Obama stimulus pie while he was hypocritically ranting against the stimulus in public, like many other Republican hypocrites did back in 2009. I guess First Read can't mention that because it would be too "negative." It would detract from the high-minded campaign that journalists have suddenly been demanding now that the Democrats are fighting back against the usual stream of venomous lies that the Republicans have spewed against John Kerry in 2004 and Barack Obama in 2008 and now this year.
character -- ok, thanks for sharing your opinion.
Romney has yet to hold a valid press conference, and "answer questions".
He won't disclose his taxes, he won't disclose what loopholes he would close in his tax plan, he doesn't disclose how he would save any money if he keeps the 716 billion in Medicare Advantage.
Romney more smoke.....more mirrors.
@tony -- The tax breaks had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the middle class and all of that was extended by Obama so Obama reignited that. If the tax breaks for the wealthy were pulled back there would still be a $3 trillion shortfall by keeping the middle class tax cuts in place. As to the wars, they are winding down so how will anyone reignite that unless Obama decides to go to war to save his election. You need to check your facts instead of listening the biased of the MSNBC anti-American crew and stinkprogress. It is estimated that extending the middle class tax cuts would increase the debt by 2.2 trillion in the next 10 years.
The word for the day is "offfensiven". (See post 1.41)
I have no idea what it means, ask Bev.
Feisty - Explain to me why it is important or significant for any candidate to release his or her tax returns? And tradition isn't a reason. Maybe you should release your returns since it could show impact on why you lean (and post) the way you do.
Houston -- First Read did report the stimulus contradiction today. In case you missed it above:
Stop trying to divert the discussion away from important matters by harping on Romney's tax returns. Let's talk about the economy and jobs, ok? The real question is "who is better for the American economy, Obama or Romney?" I think the answer to that is pretty obvious. An economic recovery should have been Obama's top priority when taking office almost four years ago but he has been unable to do so. I predict that when Romney becomes president we will see an immediate improvement in the economic conditions of this country. For no other reason than there will once again be reason to believe things will change for the better. Obama has lost credibility with American people and businesses. The sooner he returns to the private sector the better off everyone will be.
Uh, Houston? About those Medicare cuts. . .
Let's suppose your 85 year old grandfather needs a bypass operation. Medicare will pay for a two day hospital stay, so, after 48 hours, he's out the door. Grandpa opts to come home to recuperate, and the family pitches in to help him out.
Unfortunately, despite following doctor's orders to the letter, Grandpa develops pneumonia. Thanks to Obamacare, his odds of getting re-admitted to the hospital are pretty grim- because Obamacare cuts the compensation hospitals get when patients are re-admitted.
So, what happens?
You're wrong, as usual. That was a deal made by both parties. Obama agreed to keep the tax breaks to enable those on unemployment to keep their benefits, which the Repubs wanted to end immediately putting millions of people at risk. Give it up, you're not going to sell anyone on the fact that the Republicans are humane in anyway. That will cost you the election, pure and simple.
I just heard Team Romney has challenged Obama to release his college transcripts, college admission papers, foreign exchange student status, etc...
Now we'll find out if Obama is half of a man......
One must ask, why would Obama spend millions keeping these records under wraps? What's Obama hiding?
Harry Reid - How are you worth over 10 MILLION dollars? Where are your tax returns?
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz - Where are your tax records?
Love how Romney is more charitable than Obama and Biden combined..... no headlines on that.
I see the paid bloggers from the Hate Filled, Angry, Divisive Re-Election campaign in Chicago kick off and try to "bully" this blog thread yet again. Becoming comical.....
Maybe NBCNEWs and I use the word "news" loosely.... should just redirect to Obama's website..... I mean they get their marching orders from the White House Press Office as it is.....
Jim in Houston-
Paul Ryan "talks the talk" about fiscal conservatism but he has NEVER "walked the walk". In fact I doubt he could find "the path of fiscal conservatism" it with both hands on a compass, since he has never taken that path.
Excerpts from the "Republican Liberty Caucus of Wisconsin" website:
...even Republicans know Paul Ryan is a hypocrite
Paul Ryan: The Deficit? I Built That!
Romney/Ryan: Medicare? We Can
FixEnd That!no jo all blow,
Here's some friendly advise as Ron said silence is golden.
Try it.
☺
@tony -- No you are the one who is wrong. The man at the top signed the bill so he owns it period. I am not hear to try to convince any one on this board. Our minds are already made up. You are the type of person who if Obama was found to be a child molester and axe murderer you would still support him.
Your desperation is showing when you ask the other to give up. It means you know you are in real trouble. Have a great day changing your panties.
Oh my, Bill in FairFaux really had me laughing on my first cup of coffee this morning. You know the GOP/TP is running very scared when they pull out the Twinkie defense. It certainly isn't a new strategy. In fact, it is a strategy that has a proven background with an amount of success.
You see, another stalwart, family values, GOP member, Dan White, argued his occasional foray into dining on Twinkies was the sole cause of his apparent accidental mistake of going on a murderous rampage that resulted in the shooting of San Francisco mayor George Mascone, and gay rights activist and city council member, Harvey Milk. The only reason poor, pitiful, Mr. White's charges of of 1st degree murder were reduced to involuntary manslaughter was because he over indulged on a Twinkie or two.
Folks, watch out for murderous Twinkie devouring GOP/TP members. For as they whisper their undying devotion to personal, fiscal, and moral responsibility, in one ear, they are plotting an assassination attempt and aiming a bullet intended for the other ear.
Bill, thanks for confirming the GOP/TP are so easily swayed by Hostess products. We can only conclude the problem with the Romney/Ryan campaign right now is they are fully indulging in too many Twinkies. What other possible excuse can there be for the flip-flops that both men on the ticket perform on an hourly basis. For/against stimulus, for/against medicare, for/against pro-choice, for/against pro-life, for/against gay rights, for/against women's rights, for/against .. well, you all get the idea, and clearly see the fallacy of these two Ding Dongs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twinkie_defense
Dont_carry_it_all
I guess I missed that. First Read seems to spending more time having hysterics over Joe Biden's use of the word "chains." CHAINS CHAINS CHAINS CHAINS. Romney will unchain Wall Street and put us in CHAINS.
Gee, I hope this post doesn't get deleted for using that naughty "CHAINS" word.
just_d_facts Is Harry Reid the candidate for President? Is Debbie Wasserman-Schultz the candidate for President? Why even bring that up?
Talk about buyers remorse ..I have never seen the GOP so angry at one of their own .."Now we are stuck with him ".."He has no real chance" The seniors are much smarter then this ! Some very unhappy Koch heads !
Happy Friday folks! FYI to all those who are wondering: When you apply for a job you are vetted, completely and thoroughly before you are hired (sometimes even before your 1st interview), this and all elections are basically job interviews, so if Mitt and Paulie won't show us the same info that the employers would require then there is a problem with the applicant. I would never vote for a person I would not hire or work with, which pretty much ensures I won't be voting for mitt.
Jody, Iowa
What a magnificent wrap up. That queen Anne is worst than her lying husband. How 'bout that Macau investigation of Adeleson . At first Adselson was bankrupt, now he wants to bankrupt American. SAD!
That no joe, no bo, nj's wrap up is so blah and indicative of jealousy
Keep up the excellent work!
Obama/Biden 2012
4 more years for 44
Unlike Romney there are some real questions as to how they acquired their wealth. How did Reid become worth $10 million on his Senator's salary (~ $200,000/yr)? (Someone told me he made it through influence peddling in real estate. Now he needs to release his tax returns to prove I'm wrong.)
The fact remains that Romney has met all the disclosure requirements to run for President.
bev @ 1.66 -- did you attend the Chicago Public Schools?
The word you want is "advice" not "advise"
Houston -- Hey, @!$%# happens. Here's something interesting. Singer, a huge GOP donor is calling out Romney on his opposition to regulating banks:
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-top-gop-donor-calls-on-romney-to-get-tough-on-banks-20120816,0,7408285.story
Red -- Very funny. I was remiss this morning in not picking on Bill.
Bill in Fairfax -- TWINKIES?? REALLY? LOL.
@Union Baby -- Thank you, thank you, thank you. The employers may run a credit check but they don't require tax returns. But most all employers ask for . . . . . . . . . ready!!!!!!!!!!!!
HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS
SHOW US THOSE TRANSCRIPTS MR. PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!
Ah, more Ding Dong logic. This brainiac would have us believe Medicare is killing people. Rather than fix an issue with Medicare coverage that kills grandpa after his bypass surgery, the GOP/TP idiots would prefer we end Medicare and eliminate any chance at having bypass surgery.
Can someone explain to me how that makes more sense. Perhaps if I down a plate full of Donettes from Donna, and after licking the white powder from the corners of my mouth and the tip of my nose, I will see the see the "kill Medicare" light.
I have yet to encounter a single employer that asked for one, as your degree will show up in a background check.
That got my attention, happy to oblige.
That really got my attention. First, your feeble attempt at a humorous post falls flat. Then, you sink into the kind of provocative language that has no place in our political discourse. Maybe you're the one who should be locked up instead of Biden.
Romney's taxes are no diversion. Rather, they offer deep insight into Romney's policies on the economy and jobs. As president, the man will never enact a policy that has him paying more taxes, whether through increased tax rates or the elimination of fancy-prancy-horsie-dancing tax loopholes.
Gosh Bill, I could almost empathize with your outrage, except it is the GOP/TP crowd that repeatedly proclaims, "Guns don't kill people, Twinkies Do!"
red -- while i do not share your opinion on how romney will enact tax policy we do know that while the President cannot stop talking about the rich (of which he is one) should pay more taxes he then failed to lead by example by taking every available deduction to reduce the amount of tax that he paid.
that is his policy regardless of the drivel that he and his campaign continue to emit.
Being a Republican must be so fulfilling. I recall a political cartoon of George Bush carrying "Presidenting for Dummies." It rang so true. Now we come to the Romney and Ryan ticket with their advanced degree agendas... "Complex tax avoidance schemes for Dummies," "Idiots Guide to Urban Voter Suppression," and "Stealth Tactics in Reproductive Rights Manipulation." May be legal but so sleazy.
Maybe someone can tell us how Paul Ryan earned his millions off a $178K per year salary..?
Mr. Brocolli Bill - Biden should be locked up for what... again..?
Ben, acutally, you are incorrect, again. They want your diploma, like to know if you are on the honor society, clubs, sports, etc which you list on your CV, but I've never had one check my actual transcript, as my diploma states very clearly magna cum laude. However, we can play that game if you wish - show me georgie's and I'll agree with you.
So Obama's tax returns show us what? That he's a narcissistic, self-absorbed author, that writes fiction to boost his own self-esteem? At the same time he uses every deduction available to lower his tax rate to 20%, while bemoaning the fact that the 1%, which he is a part of, does not pay enough in taxes.
Please tell me why he does not pay 35% as an example to the country?
BTW the same goes for Warren Buffet who I love as a business man but is a hypocrite over taxes as he says one thing and does another.
It's a common trait with limousine liberals; "do as I say, not as I do".
How many years of taxes did Paul Ryan have to show to Romney?
Romney's taxes will show just how much of a legal crook he is... It will show how rich he got off of ruining other peoples lives... and I do believe that he has probably not paid any taxes in years...
How many people on this web site didn't have to pay any taxes, yet made $50,000.00 last year?
When did Buffet enter the presidential race? But if you want to go there, should we talk about the Chinese whore Adelson?
@Union -- Again you are wrong but I see by your designation of the resume as being the CV, you are either in academia or from another country possibly but I could be wrong there so that is not my main point just an observation.
Just as one example to prove you wrong and this is not all inclusive because I just don't have the time -- federal jobs -- USAjobs.gov -- want ALL transcripts whether graduated or not.
You guys still don't get it, do you?
Initial claims for unemployment were up-again-this week, and, if the trend holds, will be adjusted up next week.
Unemployment is up- the debt is skyrocketing- and GDP is limping. In fact, it is very likely that -surprise!- early next year we will be informed that we are in a double dip recession. Don't expect it to be announced before the election, though.
Doesn't matter- the electorate knows this economy better than any of the experts.
That is what matters to the electorate. All the tripe about tax returns, college transcripts, and other distractions do not. Based on the fundamental truth of this election,
Obama shelved in 2012.
Best line of the article. Mitt actually answered ONE question without someone in his squad yelling the reporter to Shut Up! Can we possibly get a few more of those????? (I know, wishful thinking!)
Obama/Biden 2012
@Union -- As a matter of fact, one could say that the president is applying for a federal job now couldn't we?????
Ryan given the Clown a boost in the polls, more like a boost out on his butt !!!
I was using him as another example of a hypocrite that decries the current tax system, but uses deduction possible to avoid paying taxes. I didn't realize that "the Chinese whore Adelson", was complaining about the tax rate being too low.
You do realize that these "advocates" for higher taxes could simply fill out a 1040 and pay taxes at a higher rate? There is no requirement for them to scour the tax code looking for deductions. In addition the Treasury has a website that accepts payments from individuals that accepts donations to pay towards the deficit. Why do they not practice what they preach?
Colorado-Man
Because Romney claims that the rich are being overtax so he should show us how "overtaxed" he is.
Because Romney claims that he had nothing to do with Bain between 1999-2002 so he should show us that he didn't.
Because Romney claims he has paid taxes every year but refuses to say income taxes - so he should show us his income taxes.
Because Romney has between $20-100 million in his IRA account which should have about $65,000 allawable by law.
Because Romney admitted to his multiple offshore accounts so he should show us that he idn't use them to stash his money with some company located on an obscure Caribbean island where the tax rate is next to nothing.
Because Romney has offshore accounts he can prove he didn't take advantage of the tax amnesty and if he did, it would end Romney's chances.
Who makes the budget again? Oh that's right, Congress. Double-dip recession? Oh that's right, Europe is dragging down the global economy. You have much to learn.
NJNB -- Did you start a little early today?
Cheers Snooki JO, have at it.
I am impatiently awaiting the first polling results that will tell us what effect the Ryan nomination has had on the numbers. I'm guessing they are out right now taking the pulse of America and I can't wait to see the results.
I still believe....
MITT ROMNEY HAS SAVED AMERICA!
Because with his pick of Ryan he has lost the AARP, Women, and most of any true undecideds out there.
Ryan's plan and his characterization of it are deceptive. He's pandering to his radical right base and lying to the rest of us.
Sadly, just as with the new round of Swift Boat ads that started this week, there is a large swath of the American electorate who will be fooled . The low information, Fox viewer who believes anything they see or hear and don't bother to do the research and learn the truth.
They are lemmings racing to their own destruction, voting against their own self-interest, and taking the rest of us with them.
In the information age they are information starved.
I'm predicting the Ryan pick will cause a very small, and I mean miniscule bump for Romney. Not enough to overcome the President's lead. But a bump up none the less. I likewise predict he will get a bump from the convention next week (?). But that will be the high water mark for the GOP.
The numbers for R&R will plummet after the Democratic convention and will never recover. Romney needs to remember, 'Money can't buy you love.'
The post game analysis will be very interesting and complicated but it will come down to this, Ryan's nomination as VP ended the Romney bid for the White House on August 12th, 2012. With that single act...
MITT ROMNEY SAVED AMERICA!
Obama/Biden 2012
Just_D_Facts - it's really a shame that you Republicans are so mentally deficient. We've explained this over and over. President Obama has paid NOTHING and had NO RECORDS sealed.
All college transcripts are sealed - mine, everyone's. See how simple that is?
Now, if Romney could "man up" as every Presidential candidate has done and show at least 5 years of taxes we could see that he isn't the cheat he appears to be - oh wait - that's the real problem isn't it?
His taxes might well proved he worked for Bain PAST the time he has lied to. They might show he actually DIDN'T live in MA when he said he did.
There are so many things they clearly show - that's why he's not releasing them!
Obama/Biden 2012
RedDev
You are on FIRE today! And you owe me a new monitor with the Twinkie 'reasoning'! Kudos
Feisty, you'll LOVE this one. Paul Ryan must really be suffering some major LMS (lil man syndrome) as he MARRIED up on that deal.
His wealth, get this, comes from DEMOCRATIC money! to the tune of the Boren Family (Democrats from Oklahoma - Senator Boren made my recommendation to the Naval Academy when I was in high school!)
That must stick sideways in his craw. Sure there was a family business that received a crap load of government contracts throughout the decades; but the REAL money? All BLUE!
Ben-636050
I didn't realize that running for the office of POTUS is just like applying for any job....
But let's pretend it is. If you claim something on your resume, you might be asked to verify it. For example:
I worked (or in Romney's case didn't work) for Company A between 1999-2002
Now normally, the potential employer would have the ways to verify this info but in Romney's case, we the potential employers, cannot because Romney is keeping that info in his Cayman Island lock box.
Now you want Obama's school transcripts so let's get through Romney's tax returns first, and then you can ask for the transcripts. Romney doesn't get a wild card - he's not that special.
BTW, how do you feel about Romney's previous position on demanding tax returns from someone else? How do you feel about the fact that Romney said publicly that the voter has the right to see Kennedy's tax returns? What's the excuse for this flip-flop?
Smitty....... , Simple.... Debbie (puppet) Wasserman-Schultz and Harry (liar) Reid are demanding Romney release more tax returns, which he is not legally obligated to do, yet they won't provide transparency into their own records.
WHY IS THAT? Total hypocrites!!! All in a pathetic attempt to push their devisive, class warfare, hate filled, desperate, gutter campaign.
I see the Fiesty Troll and her Moron followers are out today. This is the biggest bunch of clueless morons assembled on one message board. How can anyone, even the most die hard bleeding heart liberal support this administration. If the Moron in Charge, Obama, gets reelected, this country is doomed.
Romney/Ryan 2012 through 2020 then Ryan/Rubio 2020 through 2028!!!!!
Bayl-lie - Those are not arguments for any candidate showing his tax return. Come back when you have an actual mature reason and not a class-warfare whine. If he violated any laws, then the IRS is responsible to prosecute him. If he didn't, then you need to shut up.
From factcheck.org:
factcheck.org/2012/07/obamas-sealed-records/
Q: Are Obama’s early records “sealed”?
A: No. Many records that presidential candidates don’t ordinarily release do remain confidential, but they are not “sealed” by a court. The 16 claims in a widely distributed graphic are mostly false or distorted.
The idea that any Obama record is “sealed” is a falsehood, to start. The word “sealed” when applied to documents ordinarily refers to records that would normally be public, but that a judge has ruled cannot be released without the court’s permission. Common examples of truly “sealed” documents include records of crimes committed as a juvenile or records of adoptions. None of the claims in this message refers to records actually “sealed” in that usual sense.
In some cases, the records this screed claims are “sealed” are actually public, and open for anyone to see. Other supposedly “sealed” records are normally private documents that Obama hasn’t released — and that other presidential candidates haven’t released either.
So as with earlier versions, this is little more than an attempt to raise suspicions by asking for records that aren’t ordinarily made public, without any evidence that those records contain anything derogatory. We’ll take the claims and questions in the order they appear.
Claims #1, 2 and 4, college records. Obama’s college records are not “sealed” by a court order, as this graphic would have you believe. It would be illegal under federal law (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974) for Occidental, Columbia or Harvard Law School to give any former student’s records to reporters or members of the public without that person’s specific, written permission. Obama hasn’t released them, but neither have other presidential candidates released their college records. George W. Bush’s grades at Yale eventually became public, but only because somebody leaked them to the New Yorker magazine. Bush himself refused to release them, according to a 1999 profile in the Washington Post.
I love the irony of the DemLibs bashing the GOP's VP nominee, while their sitting VP has once again demonstrated that he is a certified buffoon. Can you imagine ole'Joe Biteme as prez?
How's that "hope and chains" working for you all?
Colorado-Man
Of course not, you people want to see Obama's school grades but not Romney's taxes.
Do you realize that Romney pays less in taxes (assuming he is paying income taxes) than the 4th quantile (the middle 20%), and little more than the Middle Class?
And it is Romney who claims that the rich pay too much so why won't he prove it? No balls or something to hide?
Not if he got the tax amnesty but the tax amnesty would mean end of Romney as a candidate for POTUS
he did, he din't - you know us much as I do. You speculate as much as I do but the difference is I don't believe him.
Again, why did Romney demand taxes from Kennedy stating that the America has the right to know?
What was his MATURE REASON then or was he just whining about class warfare? Or does Romney get a pass from you on this flip-flop?
Backhouse:
I don't believe that is correct. It's true that Paul Ryan voted for Bush stimulus measures in 2008, but from what I've read, I gather that he voted AGAINST the Obama stimulus even though he quietly asked for money and received it from Obama's Energy Secretary while denouncing the stimulus publicly -- and more recently lied about taking the money after Romney's selected him for VP.
First of all, since when is spending money on programs that help the poor, the disabled, and the elderly socialistic??? Most nations do that; why shouldn't we??? We are not a perfect nation; for God's sake we have one of the highest levels of poverty in the industrialized world!! And secondly, if Romney and Ryan are such fiscal conservatives, how come Ryan voted for trillions in new debt and his plan will add trillions to the deficit???? How come the budget isn't balanced until 2030 at the least??? And how come MOST of the budget savings made from gutting the social safety net is given in tax breaks to the wealthy???? You conservatives have no heart if you really think we should cut spending for those who need it and then give the money to those who don't. Good thing that you bastards will be kicked out of Washington in November....
First of all, economic recovery WAS Obama's top priority; that is why the stimulus was passed. Secondly, how the hell can you fix an economy when half of Congress planned to sabotage you on your inauguration day???? And thirdly, Romney has NO idea about how to create jobs; his plan is cut taxes and deregulation. Guess what: WE TRIED THAT. Remember Dubya??? He passed trillions in tax cuts and deregulated the economy, and what happened??? BOOM; we (and the rest of the world) tanked. Romney is just George Bush on steroids; prepare for another recession on his watch.
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
I would be interested in knowing, just how many of those 125,000 donors, made a donation of $100.00 or less. And just how many made a donation of $1,000,000.00 or more.
THE HITS JUST KEEP ON COMING!!!
How does it feel to be
One of God’s own chosen people?
Now that you know who you are,
Ask, “What’s in it for me?”
And have you traveled very far?
Wherever my money might be.
Rombot is a rich man,
Rombot is a rich man,
Rombot is and Ryan too.
You keep all your money in the Cayman Isles,
Bermuda too.
Taxes ain’t for you.
Rombot is a rich man,
Rombot is a rich man,
Ry guy wishes he had as much too.
How does it feel to be,
One of Grover’s chosen people?
Tuned to the greedy wealthy.
Happy to be that way.
The more we see your history,
Your White House hopes fade away.
Rombot is a rich man,
Rombat is a rich man,
Rombot is so rich, that’s true.
Keep all your money up in Switzerland,
And shell corps too.
Taxes are for fools.
Rombot you’re a rich man,
Rombot, you’re a rich man.
Got no core and that’s not cool.
Rombot, you’re a rich man,
Rombot, you’re a rich man.
Also, you’re a total tool.
(apologies to Lennon/McCarthy)
P.S. Rombot.Has.Nothing.
Hate America? vote Obama. He will insure that America tanks. Love the government controlling everything? Vote Obama. Love food stamps, welfare, unemployment? Vote Obama. His track record is such that if you hate America and want see it bankrupt, vote Obama.
Romney/Ryan...ABO
mygirl1
America tanked in 2008 - and Obama wasn't the president
I enjoyed Joe Biden's comment when asked about using the term "chains". Something to the effect of, "they (the Romney campaign) want me to apologize for saying what I meant".
I cannot wait for the debates between Ryan and Biden. It will be fun to watch Ryan squirm as Biden takes him to task on his Medicare Plan and the lies that Ryan has stated against President Obama. I'm betting Ryan wets his pants and I'm giving 4-1 odds.
@RODFATHER
You are an Idiot. Ryan will chew Biden up and spit him out. Biden is a bumbling FOOL and OMoron shouldn't even let him speak
Romney/Ryan 2012
This is only the tip of the iceberg. Just as Romney lives in gated communities and rigtwingers live in an Echo Chamber and Cone of Silence, Paul Ryan has lived in the shelter of his little House district. This is why Reps in the House do not run on presidential tickets. You need to be a governor or at least a senator representing an entire state, and preferably one with a larger population than Alaska.
As voters learn more about Ryan's record, especially that he is NOT a *deficit hawk* in any way, the Tea Party will lose enthusiasm for this Plutocrat Poser.
As for Romney, this was his first executive decision, and once again he proves himself to be a failure. Romney has never applied himself to learning public policy, foreign policy, constitutional law -- zilch. He just feels entitled and thinks he can win due to a weak Teapublican field and weak economy. NO Mitt, you actually have to earn the support of The People, and you can't buy it either!
The first matter of trust is transparency of your tax returns. You can't pass GO until you do this most basic thing. An offer of only five years compared to President Obama's eight years was a good deal -- But any more years would mean releasing 2008 and 2009, and we all know from the Romney's record of lying about taxes, and the bluffing and parsing of words that those returns are bad enough to end the campaign.
We don't want to find out what Romney is hiding after election -- He has to come clean NOW!
Jim in Houston 1509351
Jim - I'm sure you are a good guy, but I find two things terribly wrong with your assumption.
First, the Bush Tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 were yet another 'Trickle Down' promise to the American people that if we gave our tax dollars to the rich, then the "Job Creater's" would create jobs.
That didn't happen.
Second, The Republicans campaign in 2010 that if they took back the House of Representatives, they would create jobs.
That didn't happen.
And now, you are telling Americans yet again, to have faith in the Wealthy, that they will create jobs for Americans yet again.
This won't happen.
Why? Simply put, the Wealthy don't need to create jobs for us! They realize that if the American public is too stupid to support economic policies where we give our hard working tax dollars to them, they will simply KEEP IT! They can INVEST in other things world-wide to make more money instead of the nasty business of creating jobs, and worrying about Human Resources, or Health Care, etc. etc.
This utter BLIND FAITH people have in thinking the Wealthy are going to take care of us, is in fact, the exact antithiesis to the REPUBLICANS claim that Government is going to take care of us.
Let me be very clear. THE RICH DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT YOU, ME, OR ANYONE WHO IS MIDDLE CLASS OR POOR.
This is why they are salivating on the prospects of eliminating Social Security and Medicare. It's another HUGE Pot of Money they can take from the Poor and Middle Class (Just Like our Tax Dollars) and keep it for themselves.
Enough is Enough. I implore all of my Republican, Independent, and Democratic friends to Re-elect President Obama and MOST IMPORTANTLY, TAKE BACK THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Salud.
Did I hit a nerve BabyBrian?
jim and colorado, for the same reasons that you conservatives kept harping on Obama's birth certificate. He didn't have to show it to the public. So now be quiet and expect the same treatment of Romney with his tax returns. Maybe we should hire Trump to do the job, I think he would jump on board, Trump loves the attention.
Where did Trump get his mouth, from a dead carp?
Oh, really?
That sounds like someone who's a little more desperate.
Well, I see you've come to your senses and accepted the truth. Yes, you are in real trouble.
Bayl-lie - Again you don't make a salient point. It matters not in what percentile his total tax rate lies. Did he pay the taxes that he was supposed to pay or not? Only the IRS is privy to that knowledge and they are not saying that he didn't. You can bet that 13% of his income puts him in the 95th percentile or higher in actual federal income taxes paid.
.
Hi, Ron!
Silence is golden?
Hi Pigotry:
Sometimes silence is golden and sometimes the computers goes where it's not suppose to go. It' impossible to stay silent when it comes to Romney not releasing his tax returns.
.....It' impossible to stay silent when it comes to Romney not releasing his tax returns.
Absolutely, Ron, it's impossible to stay silent...so, then...just as what the Beetles crow...
Twist and shout
(Twist and shout)
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, baby,
now
(Come on baby)
Come on and work it on out
AARP is up and fired up in Florida.
Yes, phinephancy, u r right.
Hi, I am swinephancy - to introduce myself to you.
I thought one of the themes of Romney's campaign was he would work in a bipartisan fashion with Democrats (that's what they claim Rep. Ryan did), and Romney was just whining last week about the personal attacks, but here they are rejecting a perfectly reasonable compromise on the tax return issue. It's almost like they WANT the campaign to stay in the gutter! Romney certainly isn't proving he knows how to negotiate a truce. What an awful President he would be.
Correction Ron, it's impossible for you to refrain from your undocumented mudslinging and smears campaign.
Note to GOP: Never make a card carrying AARP senior angry. WE are your worst nightmare
The Ryan pick killed any chance of winning that state.
Pigotry,
Hope you like phalamingos and pink!
'I Never Paid Less Than 13 %' in Taxes"
What kind of taxes? Sales, personal property, payroll?
None of my conservative or independent friends are AARP members.
ANd yet, they benefit from the AARP lobbying efforts for seniors. Typical middleclass Republicans- benefitting from Democratic efforts on their behalf while voting right-wing - since 1933.
and I'm sure Myth will come out tomorrow and say "I meant I never paid MORE than 13% in taxes"...
And why is compromise such a dirty word to the GNOP? It's not even a 4 letter word?
GNOP Can't Handle Facts...THEY CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
Romney is a putz !
Ryan is a smarter putz !
You have friends? That's hard to believe. Most of you baggers claim to be self made folks that don't need no help from anyone.
Let's not feed the re-reg of JollyOldSoul1... K?
Trust me from the size of him he can afford to miss a couple of meals! ;o)
Right Harry?
Job1
Or maybe just plain fictional taxes. When he was running for governor in Massachusetts, Romney got caught lying about paying Massachusetts state taxes, which he had not paid while in Utah. Utah taxes were lower than Massachusetts taxes. Romney never pays any taxes that his high-priced lawyers tell him he can evade without going to jail. It's against the law to lie to the IRS, but it's not against the law to lie to the American people, which Romney does every day almost by reflex. There's no reason to believe he's telling the truth now.
Phinephancy-
The AARP should be up in arms. I really think Romney/Ryan have underestimated the popularity of Medicare.
People love the simplicity - you pay your taxes, then at some point you get health insurance accepted by almost every doctor with clearly defined benefits.
Romney/Ryan want to end all that and replace it with a complex voucher program that introduces new costs and creates a multi-tiered system of benefits.
Do they really think that is attractive to most people? Can you imagine the sheer volume of advertising people would get as they approach 65? Then they would have to read all of the fine print on every different plan and hope they made the right choice.....
Paul Ryan: The Deficit? I Built That!
Romney/Ryan: Medicare? We Can
FixEnd That!Remember the key word is Federal"
Willard didn’t say he paid 13 percent of his income in federal taxes every year for the past decade.
"I did go back and look at my taxes and over the past 10 years I never paid less than 13 percent," Romney told reporters after landing in South Carolina for a fundraising event Thursday. "I think the most recent year is 13.6 or something like that. So I paid taxes every single year."
Not Less than 13.9%???? ... you noticed he never said income tax, because he doesn't pay 13% income taxes...well, take the sales, property, & state income taxes out of it, then you are looking at 10% less taxes... so we are talking about 3% in federal income taxes?
Still pathetic Romney~!!!!
amy -- AARP lobbyists? I thought all lobbyists were bad. i find AARP to be not much more than a front for the insurance industry.
I love it! The President and the VP are sticking it directly to the GOTP and their "Golden" Boys. It's great to see the Democratic Party Leadership with a spine again.
Hey Mitt, Stop whinning. This is politics and smash mouth politics at that. Sorry, No kid gloves for you and Paulie!
Obama/Biden 2012
And the real reason mitt won't release them is because it shows state of residency, since my lovely vacation in Boston and the New England area, I am even more convinced by discussions with many working/middle class people up there that mitt never really lived there and voter fraud is his real fear and reason for not releasing federal income tax returns. He is not gonna carry MA, wouldn't it be grand if he did not carry WI either?
I heard on the news today that Ryan will be at Lake Sumter landing tomorrow. This is his first campaign stop in Florida.
That's only about 20 miles from my house. I may have to go there as I have a few QUESTIONS for Mr. Ryan! I'll probably get dragged away.
So much for free speech!
Ryan wants to do away with mortgage interest tax right offs, Put Social Security into a 401 K and turn Medicare into a private voucher, "What's Next" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're full of crap and you know it, do not INSULT the real American Patriots! What has your boy in the empty suit in the WH done besides campaigning, fund raising, lying, class warfare, twisting, flip flopping, bullying, and golfing? See the movie 2016 yet or are you frightened that all the Kool-Aid you've been drinking is tainted? Go ahead and collapse me -- truth hurts Anti-American U.S.A.
you'realoser - None of my conservative or independent friends are AARP members. That letter get tossed out faster than the vote democratic letters.
Well of course they do. wink wink You have NO idea what anyone does with their AARP letters except you!
Dottie's Girl - the stupid movie is just that - A MOVIE - NOT A WORD OF TRUTH TO IT - IT HAS ALREADY BEEN PANNED AS JUST A BUNCH OF LIES.
Oh, and from the idiocy of your posts you clearly know nothing about American patriotism. You're just a brain-washed, dumpster diving, mental midget from the right!
Obama/Biden 2012
Well, will you lookee here?
The compassionate Christian conservative chimes in! lmao
Liberal wackos....NO ONE CARES about tax returns except you!!!!
NON- PARTISAN AARP???? That is laughable! They donate to Obama and endorse everything he does!
Devdoc - not true. My brother - who is a true blue Republican - is bothered by the fact that Romney will not release his tax returns. His comment - "it sure makes him look a lot less than honest. I don't know that I want that kind of person running the country."
Lots of people care - as evidenced by the number of Republican leaders telling Romney to release them.
And, what hypocrisy. Every one of you would be screaming at the top of your voices if Obama didn't release his.
Obama/Biden 2012
Ryan was a Great pick.
When Romney becomes President he will pick a decent cabinet.
Not like the current President.
.
I would like to see Romney & Ryan's Birth Certificate !!!!!!!!!
Medicare and Social Security are going bankrupt, and our unemployment is way too high. We are headed toward a European like collapse if we stay in this mudslinging position. Tax returns, birth certificates, etc. are not the questions we need answered. A clear concise plan for the future is imperative, before we all sink. The system is utterly broken...so all posters quit bickering back and forth about incidentals, and focus on what really matters! Press YOUR party!!!! Jobs and balancing the budget through helping small business deal with appropriate regulations, plus adequate government cuts and smart tax increases is the most likely path we ALL need. Where the heck is reasonableness?
Ironically, Ryan is way out in "left field."
We learned on thing this morning and that was the letters that Ryan produced to ask for Stimulus money appeared and made this man into a liar!
The lack of the vetting process that plagued McCain is now a Romney problem..Ryan was not vetted ..his abortion stance is so far from Romney's being pro choice..or at least he was in Massachusetts ..The GOP has just realized Romney is not a conservative ...He wasn't vetted either !
Hey Never Stop Asking Questions, Can Ryan do dog tricks ????
Job1
it's excise tax on his Cadillacs
I don't know where you guys think the Seniors are going to listen to the AARP. The AARP joined Obama care, because they stand to get more premiums from Seniors because of the cuts. The AARP has lost hundreds of thousands of members each to two other senior citizen advocacy groups.
Those Groups offer the same or better benefits as the AARP and are against What Obama wants to do with both Medicare and Social Security.
Second, a number of polls in Florida show that Seniors are more afraid of what Obama's ACA holds for them than the Romney or Ryan plans.
Instead of complaining about Romney paying only 13 or 14% annually in taxes, Shouldn't you be trying to find out who does his financial planning and tax returns. Clearly they understand the IRS rules a lot better than you or I do.
The Romney's are cashing in on their Horse, $77,000.00 dollars a year for therapy for a draft dodger !!!!
It is a little weird that Ryan's most admired and influential mentor was atheist, objectivist, Ayn Rand.
Although, Ryan's economics do fly in the face of Christian ethics...
Ryan wouldn't balance the budget until 2030, at a minimum....he is no Fiscal Conservative.
The question about taxes for the Romney camp is. Which works better. Let these insincere tax return demanders get the returns now and allow them time to make up things about what they read in the returns or let them waste their time and efforts trying to get them.
Romney has you right where he wants you. Do you not realize that he is doing to you what Obama was doing to the so-called "birthers"?
Ryan will kill Medicare.
His plan, effective immediately, would cost seniors $6000 more per year, while the President's plan could not only keep Medicare the same, but increase benefits while streamlining bureaucracy.
It was interesting to see that Ryan said that his favorite band was "Rage Against the Machines" and the leader of the groups said, "Ryan is the machine we are raging against!"
Donald Duck can do better then 2030, this Ryan dude is drawing flies !!!
Don't forget that Ryan is a radical, radical misogynist.
Any woman voting for Romney/Ryan is essentially giving the Party of No ownership over her body.
Romoney picked Ryan because Crispy Cream was to fat to fit and Rubio was going back to Cuba !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#2,47:
the thought that socialism doesn't exist in America is laughable. In fact, it is the US Military that is one of the most socialistic organizations ON EARTH.
Let's see, examples of socialism in America, exactly the way the founders wanted:
1] The five branches of the US Military- ALL of the active members of the US miliatry are employed by one of the largest socialist employment systems EVER created in humanity.
2] The VA (Veterans Administration)- When they are dsicharged, all military personnell can apply to QUALIFY for Tri-Care, the military health care system. Not all qualify, which is another topic.
3] Social Security insurance- Most contributions to the system come from "payroll taxes" part of which get deposited directly into the SS fund, and then disbursements are made to qualified individuals. Yes, "we the people" contribute AND collect from an insurance program created in 1948. It is currently solvent until 2035 with 2.6 Trillion in it's account.
4] Medicare Insurance- Contributions come from "payroll taxes" as above, and all qualified Americans over age 65 (or 67) can collect.
5] Federal Government employees: ALL federal government employees have access to their healthcare program. This includes ALL of the Senate, Congress, and Executive branches, not just the officeholders, but their staffs as well.
I'm not going to do the deep research, but my best guess is that of the 320 million Americans alive today, about 75% of them are currently participating in one of the above "socialist programs". How very UNAMERICAN of them!
From an Independent... I am indeed interested in Gov. Romney's tax returns, not because I suspect him of doing anything illegal (I'm sure he hasn't), but rather to use him as an example of how big money interests have been able to distort our tax code since it's last major overhaul under Pres. Reagan, circa 1985. Say your a middle class guy/gal making $60,000 and pay about 14% in FED INCOME tax how do multi-millionares pay less and if that's true, is it fair? It's a conversation that we should be having and it's one that the Norquest Pledge signers don't seem to want.
Releasing them at least has the incentive that he has a shred of integrity (and respect for the precedent respected by previous candidates, including his own father). Plus he can say "All right, I released my returns, now let's get the hell off of them and talk serious."
Ever heard of "what comes around goes around???" If Obama had to release his damn birth certificate, Romney should at least release his tax returns.
Or even better: how Romney will benefit from his tax plan and the Ryan's plan.
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
What part of 15% capital gains tax doesn't the liberals understand????
NBC how did Obama paid for his college education to some of the most expensive universities in the country if his mothers was a single parent.
Remember, under Radical Ryan, if you are a victim of rape or incest, and abort your fetus, you would be held criminally liable.
Heck of a job, Radical Ryan.
Ryan despises women.
Keep in mind, he voted against women receiving equal pay as men (Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act).
This is not only anti-women but anti-family.
Romney is a draft dodger and a tax dodger.
I wonder how many wives he truly has?
I have a simple question: Is a mormon church tithe deductible (they pay 10% flat) and is his 13% number before or after that deduction. Frankly, I am surprised that his tax rate is as high as it is seeing all the things that he can deduct, houses, horses, education for all the kids, more houses, employees to keep those houses and on and on.
Here's an idea - Romney agrees to release another 3 years of tax returns and Obama agrees to release his SAT scores and academic record at college - including before Harvard.
Also, It's interesting that Romney went from 2% down vs Obama to 2% up on Obama after the Ryan announcement - and msnbc says there was no 'bounce'?
By the way - the Gallup poll showing Romney ahead by 2% among 'Registered Voters' translates to about a 6% lead among 'Likely Voters' because Republicans are historically much more likely to vote than Democrats.
Obama knows that he's in deep trouble, which is why he is going negative - to distract from the real issue - his failure on the economy and jobs.
The larger picture is interesting here. Ryan was a going-nowhere junior Congressman until he hooked up with the Tea Party and its institutional backers. He then went instantly from being a moderate Republican to being a radical neocon. That is when his career in the House took off. Now he is very likely to do to Romney what Palin did to McCain: overshadow him and pursue his own political agenda at the expense of the presidential candidate.
As Wisconsin grows ever more "blue" Ryan has seized an oportunity to put himself even more on the national stage, connect with the right wing money men (Koch brothers, Alderson, etc) and position himself to run against Clinton in 2016. If that plan does not work out, he is also positioned very well to run for Senator from Wisconsin (though not a likely winner.)
Already, you are seeing Romney avoiding campaigning together with Ryan, just as McCain started staying as far away as possible from Palin. And the Medicare issue will really sink the GOP. Huge proportions of people don't want Social Security or Medicare benefits reduced, even through sleight of hand. Especially concerning for seniors is the troubled Medicare Advantage option (aka Part C) that is about 15-20% more costly to deliver the same health care dollar than Medicare alone. And the promises of Medicare Advantage have never been realized because insurance companies have become adept at paying very little against the extensions and steering most costs right back to Medicare. The subsidies to Medicare Advantage insurance plans have been cut by AHCA, but since Obama was for the MA cuts, Ryan/Romney are suddenly for them.
Between their stance on Latinos and Medicare/Social Security, Ryan/Romney have pretty much given Florida to Obama. Without Florida, Romney must run the board on every tossup state to even stay in the race. And Ryan/Romney simply don't have the following to do that.
And BTW: Romney's statement that he paid at least 13% in federal income taxes is pretty bogus when you realize that a person can pay 13% and still pay little or no income taxes. Reid, Bloomberg, Forbes and others did not say that he paid less than 13%, but that he paid little or no taxes. It is quite possible for Romney to have paid 13% in taxes but have paid little or nothing in actual money.
RoyBoy,
Romney is in no position to broker a deal with regards to releasing his tax returns. Time to put up or shut up! It's like talking about how big your unit is, until you show it.
At this point Mittie is just like the Ken Barbie Doll, he has no genetalia.
Anything to avoid taking on the economic situation, unemployment, immigration and the deficit. Business as usual deflect, deny and change the subject, stereotypical comments from the same old tired liberals parroted regurgitation with no substance.
Tax returns, tax returns...did he meet the letter of the law?
Eric think of this way 13% of millions is one hell of a lot of income tax is it not?
Not in terms of economic utility. I think 13% of $50,000 is MUCH more in economic utility to that person that 13% of $20 million is to that millionaire. '
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
A re-post due to collapse above:
This is only the tip of the iceberg. Just as Romney lives in gated communities and rigtwingers live in an Echo Chamber and Cone of Silence, Paul Ryan has lived in the shelter of his little House district. This is why Reps in the House do not run on presidential tickets. You need to be a governor or at least a senator representing an entire state, and preferably one with a larger population than Alaska.
As voters learn more about Ryan's record, especially that he is NOT a *deficit hawk* in any way, the Tea Party will lose enthusiasm for this Plutocrat Poser.
As for Romney, this was his first executive decision, and once again he proves himself to be a failure. Romney has never applied himself to learning public policy, foreign policy, constitutional law -- zilch. He just feels entitled and thinks he can win due to a weak Teapublican field and weak economy. NO Mitt, you actually have to earn the support of The People, and you can't buy it either!
The first matter of trust is transparency of your tax returns. You can't pass GO until you do this most basic thing. An offer of only five years compared to President Obama's eight years was a good deal -- But any more years would mean releasing 2008 and 2009, and we all know from the Romney's record of lying about taxes, and the bluffing and parsing of words that those returns are bad enough to end the campaign.
We don't want to find out what Romney is hiding after election -- He has to come clean NOW!
justredd64 & Co. -- No, it's conservatives who don't *get it.* The unemployment and other economic problems only remind us that Plutocrat Posers who embrace the old failed supply-side BS, which is responsible for 30-40 years wage stagnation culminating in the 2008 economic meltdown IS precisely why Romney/Ryan would be disastrous and must be defeated!
Do rightwingers have no memory or understanding of recent history? Oh, that's right, you don't because FAUX Noise/Hate Radio rewrites all that and spoon feeds it to you.
AARP has a vested interest. Romney has already said that the first thing he would do is appeal Obamacare. It is a cash cow for AARP. I don't want someone the government having any involvement with my healthcare. I'm a senior, one year away from 65.
Don't talk about transparency until Obama shows his college transcripts and applications.
This election will boil down to the economy and Obama's record ...total failure. Dump Obama and Obamacare.
Ryan is just like that Crazy Nut from the TeaWackos - Santorum, ( "Santorum says rape victims should think of the babies conceived during assault as gifts from God" )
allenjames - Obama paid for his education with scholarships and loans. How do you think he paid for it?
Doug, it seems like tax returns and college transcripts are apples and oranges. How does Mitt releasing tax returns which has been standard procedure for Presidential candidates for 30 years equate to Obama releasing his college transcripts? Obama has released his tax returns. Mitt has not released either tax returns or college transcripts. How does that mean Obama should release something that no other candidate has released. You don't see a double standard there?
In April the Medicare Actuary stated of Obamacare:
Obamacare isn't feasible, no matter what AARP and your liberal media tells you.
We ARE going to have to start paying more or somehow FORCE a serious paycut for doctors and hospitals while stopping them from just quitting medicare (talk about an end of America), which will inevitably raise prices to everyone else for health services. They have already admitted charging the insured guaranteed payers more in order to cover the costs of those who can't pay, which is theft, so they aren't above it. I guess Grandma and Grandpa just want Mommy and Daddy to go broke paying four times as much for care now and destroying the whole system so none of their children or grandchildren can possibly benefit from it in the future, because maybe by the time they get old, everything will have a cure--is that the hope and change the seniors are looking for? Thanks AARP for thinking about the bigger picture. The self-serving viewpoints have to end, and we as a nation have to come up with viable solutions that aren't partisan. I don't care whether the person with the right answers is Republican or Democrat, Capitalist or Socialist, just drop the stupid egos already and solve the problem.
As for John Q. Public, we all need to be realistic about how much we've actually paid in over the years. A person earning $51K a year for 49 years of work, only pays in (with employer contributions) something like $70,000 total, yet over the course of their retired life, they will take from the system at least $120,000 (more as prices go up, because Medicare is not a closed loop, and prices going up for everyone else will cause inflation in every other industry, which will force more inflation in Medicare as well). And $51K a year for a lifetime of work isn't a realistic number for anyone other than a government employee, so most of us have likely paid in much less over our careers, yet we want more.
"And that's the way it is"....this week. A mini version because it was a busy week at Organizing for Obama and Jody, Iowa, had the great pleasure of attending the Wednesday rally in Davenport, VIP ticket no less. Nothing more exciting than seeing both President and Mrs. Obama speak, the electricity in the air, the crowd cheering. Meeting a President and First Lady, shaking their hands isn't something one gets to do everyday.
Mitt Romney announced at midnight Friday that Paul Ryan would be his VP choice. By 9:00 AM Central time Saturday, the big roll out rally with a Navy vessel for a backdrop--minus the Mission Accomplished sign--was over before most people on the West Coast got up! One wonders if Mitt hoped that during the last weekend of the Olympics, no one would notice that he picked a radical conservative, far-right anti-women's health rights guy, an Ayn Rand worshipper of self-centered greed, voted YEA on every UNFUNDED piece of Bush legislation and calls himself fiscally responsible. What could go wrong?
The GOP ticket this year is the Vulture/Voucher Guys---"tax cuts for the rich; welfare cuts for the poor".
On the House Floor for the TARP vote in 2008, Paul Ryan said "Madame Speaker, this bill offends my principles. But I'm going to vote for this bill in order to preserve my principles." Okie, dokie, Eddie Munster!
Tea Party Nation head Judson Phillips racked up a $748,000 hotel bill but still claims he's a fiscal conservative; he demands at least one conservative debate moderator! He must have been given the deluxe penthouse and lobster dinner special.
The DOJ is investigating Sheldon Adelson for illegal activities including money laundering. GOPer Mark Levin complained that the DOJ is seeking to destroy people who fund conservative politics. Levin, of course, has no problem with Darryl Issa seeking to destroy Attorney General Eric Holder and President Obama!
Saturday morning, Mitt loved Paul; by Sunday evening, Mitt was distancing himself from Paul. One thing we know, every day this week, Mitt Romney did a flip flop. He was for it before he was against it before he was for it before he was against it and then..... Thursday, Willard gave up and said the Ryan kill medicate plan was pretty much the same as his; there's little difference. Mitt will probably claim he was tricked because he didn't know premium support = coupon voucher, you're on your own seniors!
Mitt Romney called President Obama "angry and desperate". Dog whistle, Mitt? Now that is a sure sign of a desperate, angry Vulture named Willard; not to mention Ann showed a great deal of anger this week wagging her finger in the face of an interviewer. Guess the "it's our turn" isn't going as planned.
FOX News was quite proud to announce the commencement of a Swift-Boat Campaign against President Obama. They don't even try to hide their politics of character assassination, gutter politics any more.
In an international poll, twice as many business executives around the world say the global economy will progress better under President Obama, 42.7%, than under Mitt Romney, 20.5%.
Ann Romney declared "there's nothing we're hiding". According to Ann, why should the Romney's give more "ammunition" to anyone. Not a good choice of words since ammunition discharges from a "smoking gun".
Mitt Romney told the press that only "small-minded" people want him to release his tax returns. Yep, 63% of Americans are, in Mitt's own words, "small-minded."
Speaking of taxes, notice how when asked about releasing their income tax returns, both Ann and Mitt Romney refer to the fact they paid "taxes" but they never say "income taxes". Which begs the question: does the "at least 13%" Mitt says he paid in taxes every year include property taxes on several multi-million dollar homes, state income taxes, sales taxes, and dancing horse taxes?
Mitt tried to deflect the discussion off his income taxes by reminding the press that he and Ann give 10% yearly to charity. By charity, Mitt means tithes to the Mormon Church all of which is deductible from his income taxes. Wonder if that 10% is before or after the Romney's hide millions in Switzerland, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands?
Nobody deserved the honor more than you, Jody!
There was so much spinning this week out of Willard, I'm nauseous! ☺
Floyd, fire up the back-hoe... just in case!
Thanks for the terrific wrap-up Jody!
Congratulations on meeting the President and the First Lady.
Quite an honor indeed!
Jody--what an honor to meet the President and First Lady. And the neat thing to me is that, in the photos, they seem equally honored to meet their supporters.
Regarding Mitt's taxes, how sporting of him to call those of us interested in how he runs his personal economy (as a sign of how he might run our national economy) small minded. He sure has a way with words, doesn't he? And he seems to think the issue will go away.
Hey, Jody, congratulations on your close encounter of the Obama kind - I for one am totally jealous!
You know, watching that interview with Ann Romney last night, while it was hard NOT to notice the finger wagging (anyone else thinking Jan Brewer?), there was something else that struck me. Barack Obama has come under more numerous and more ugly and vicious attacks over the last four years than any President in my lifetime, and yet I don't recall Michelle Obama - who herself has been attacked maybe more than any First Lady - ever once saying "It's not fair!" Mitt Romney's come under far less scrutiny in just the last few months, and yet Ann Romney cried "It's not fair!" twice in just the first few minutes of that interview.
Memo to Ann Romney - in order to become First Lady, you need to be a Lady First. You don't have to be Michelle Obama - I'd be happy with Barbara or Laura Bush.
Jody:
Well written as always and what an honor to shake the hand of the President and First Lady.
OMG, Jody, good point!
When the Romney's said they paid no less than 13% in taxes a year, they didn't specify "income taxes." They could have been referring to property, excise and sales taxes. They did built that car elevator - may have been referring to taxes paid in conjunction with their fleet of cars and the building to house it.
Hi Jody,
What a Great week you had!!! And the wrap up is GREAT too!
Another thing Mitt stated was "they weren't running on Ryan's plan, but his." Okay, that sounds like petty jealously and where is your plan, Romney? Does that change like the weather too?
Thanks everyone. There was so much good material this week but this was all I had time to write. Wednesday was such a fun day; I'm still floating on air. Our President and First Lady are warm and gracious people who as Steeler said, are as happy to meet their supporters as we are to meet them.
Jody, the truth pops out of the page when you say it.
What is going on is intended to shock us. But we can let it shock us into reality, as well. We can open our eyes and take stock of the world - present and future - that GOP/Koch/A..L.E.C. is trying to create for us - right under our noses.
We need new words for GOP reverse-reverse-reverse facts, lies and logic. And the class divisions that Ann and Mitt reinforce and use openly, even as he is supposedly running for President.
Great weekly wrap-up, Jody!
Wow, how exciting to meet the President and First Lady.......
As always, thanks for a terrific wrap. Congrats on your up-close-and-personal moment with President Obama and the First Lady. Those chances don't come around very often.
Distill the points in your wraps and you aren't describing a Romney and a Ryan who simply stretch the truth. You have cast a blindingly bright light on two guys who are outright liars. It speaks volumes about a Republican Party that is bereft of any moral grounding and will do anything to win. Anything! These are people who cheer when America takes a misstep. Sick? Stupid? Crazy? Take your pick. Patriotic? Not on your life.
What is it with Republicans and voucher plans.
School vouchers, Medicare vouchers, with voter ID its "voting vouchers"........???
Great Job Jody! and what a well deserved honor! -
I'm sure Myth will find a way for those Cadillac elevators to be a Medical Deduction! (or maybe a business expense?)...so sorry they had to pay the "ghastly" amount of 13% of something in taxes....why they may not be able to buy bales of hay for the Horse or a new Dressage uniform.....perish the thought...
GNOP - They can't Handle Facts....THEY CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
More humble thanks, and I appreciate that you appreciate my effort at putting the truth in a nutshell.
JoAnne, good points. You never hear President or Mrs. Obama whine about the really ugly, viscious comments about them. President Obama uses humor to poke at the birthers, etc. Mitt and Ann Romney both whine often; poor us, they're picking on us yet neither one has a bit of trouble engaging in negative attacks and viscious lies about President Obama.
I hope President and Mrs Obama read your weekly wrap-up, Jody, and realize that sweet little lady they met in Iowa is "our own Jody," the wonderful and insightful writer who graces First Read every week.
That's a new and different question. They'll have to consult the FOX help desk on that one. Can't think of anything on their own, ya' know.
David---great points. I can't imagine either Romney or Ryan standing up to a voter who would accuse the President of being a Muslim or not an American, as Senator McCain had the integrity to do.
Jody- Excellent as always!
Some additional thoughts on some of your points:
Republicans have questioned President Obama's citizenship, religion, and patriotism. Democrats have questioned Romney's business practices, tax returns, and tax shelters.
...and Ann Romney complains about "personal attacks"?
Former Navy SEALS are protesting President Obama's so-called politicalization of Osama Bin Laden's death by......politicizing it.
The "gentlemen" in question are both staunch Republicans, one even ran for political office. Their ad selectively edits President Obama's words to distort their meaning, all for political gain. They also do not have to disclose their financial backers.
........Talk about "smears, dirt, and deception"
Paul Ryan: The Deficit? I Built That!
Romney/Ryan: Medicare? We Can
FixEnd That!That's awesome Jody! And yes I am a tad bit envious of you. Keep up the good work for our President.
Thank you, Jody! Your weekly wrap ups have been missed! "I love it! I love it! I love it!"
TNSEVOL, great points to add.
In my view, those former Navy Seals are discrediting the very group they served. Shame on them. They, just like those former military people who attacked John Kerry, deserve zero respect. Men and women who proudly served their country in turn tarnish that very service by engaging in political hatchet jobs. How much are they being paid by the likes of Koch and Adelson? These attacks only come from the right while claiming themselves patriots and proud Americans.
As always, Jody, simply fantastic.
This should be the counter campaign point of the season - simple, truthful, and to the point, or more apropos - concise.
Congrats on meeting President and Mrs. Obama - I will tell you I am not envious of the rich, but I sure am envious I wasn't standing next to you as he passed by. What a great experience.
It won't be long now before Ho-Ho Donna-Donette drops her epic fail Zingers on your porch. Get the pooper-scooper ready.
Wonderful wrap up, Jody and as usual, always such a pleasure to read. Keep them coming!
How gracious and kind Amy and I totally agree!
What is Romney hiding ??? What about his tax income overseas ???
Jody, how wonderful that you met the President and Mrs. Obama!
Thanks for representing all of us who support them and the campaign.
Thanks for another great wrap up as well.
Jody - as always a GREAT wrap-up! Congratulations for getting to meet the President and First Lady!
3, 2, 1 --- countdown until no joe posts her stupidity and lies!
Obama/Biden 2012
Joanne in PA
Obama needs 4 more years to claim this title. The submarine job done on Bush is has passed 12 years now.
Ayn Rand is the "VOICE" of Ryan !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ryan despises women...to the tune of bringing the Handmaiden's Tale into reality.
Here are 8 despicable voting positions against women.
Despicable, inhumane, and anti-Christian.
Individual income tax returns — including those of public figures — are private information, protected by law from unauthorized disclosure. Indeed, the Internal Revenue Service is barred from releasing any taxpayer information whatsoever, except to authorized agencies and individuals.
Like all other citizens, U.S. presidents enjoy this protection of their privacy. Since the early 1970s, however, most presidents have chosen to release their returns publicly
Maytbe if President Obama releases his college transcripts Romney will release his taxes.
The tax return issue is a distraction. FORCE President Obama to run on his record and stop throwing mud.
why should Obama release his college transcripts that's stupid. But you know what he showed his birth certificate so now its Romney turn, maybe Trump should be hired for the job of hounding Romney. You are such a hypocrite, oh really the tax return issue is a distraction, well don't you think the birth certificate issue was insane, no difference. Those running for the Presidency are required to show their tax returns.
obama should release his education records because he wants transparency, what is he hiding, how did an admitted slacker, from a single mom who spent his first few years getting high even get into college?
Romney paid his taxes and if there was anything wrong you can bet Obama would have the IRS on him in a heartbeat. All you lefties need to discuss the real issues and quit wasting everyones time about taxes
Romney would do a good job playing Rambo, Mitt was hiding in France (Mormon Missionaries) while brave soldiers died in Vietnam. The people of France said Sir Romney made a big splash with their Chicken population !!!!!!!!!
DanO, you say "from a single mom" as if that is a derogatory statement. Pretty crass on your part. Obama got into college because he is very intelligent. Stupid people don't get into Harvard (unless they are legacy kids), become president of the law review, and graduate magna cum laude.
Ryan has more in common with Romney than I thought. This claim he made about never requesting stimulus money when he wrote four letters for constituents requesting stimulus money indicates that he has that same fuzziness about the past that Romney does. I believe he could have forgotten one letter, but four letters over a relatively short time frame indicates more duplicity on the R+R ticket.
I say single mom because she was poor, Obama admitted he was a slacker all through school, so I highly doubt he got into harvard on his brains, My daughter graduated from High school having never gotten a grade lower than an A, GPA 4.29 and she couldnt get into Harvard. There are 2 main ways to get a scholorship, play sports or be a minority, and thats the sad truth
Mitt Romney’s `just trust me’ campaign
By Greg Sargent
In a remarkable bit of political theater, Mitt Romney carefully divulged a bit more information about his tax returns, confirming for the first time that for the past 10 years, he has paid at least 13 percent in taxes
But today Romney offered what was clearly a carefully scripted reply, claiming that “over the past 10 years, I never paid less than 13 percent.” But in the process, Romney denounced those who keep clamoring to see his returns, adding: “The fascination with the taxes I paid, I find to be very small minded compared to the broad issues we face.”
The problem with this response, of course, is that it only gives Dems another hook to call for the release of his returns, by challenging him to prove his claim.
What we’re looking at here is an extraordinary gamble by the Romney camp — call it the “just trust me” campaign. In essence, Romney is betting he can withhold huge amounts of detail about his finances and his major policy proposals without the public knowing or caring about it enough to matter.
On taxes, this lack of transparency goes beyond the amounts he paid; tax experts think the returns could shed light on Romney’s various offshore accounts and any techniques — fully legal, but perhaps difficult to explain politically — he used to keep his rates low. Romney has stuck to this stance even though multiple Republicans, including his longtime backer and fundraiser Jon Huntsman Sr., have called on him to come clean with the American people.
That’s only the begining. Romney won’t reveal the names of his major bundlers, even though he’s taken a drubbing from major editorial boards for failing to do so. Romney has claimed he wants to eliminate whole government programs and agencies, but has freely admitted he won’t specify which ones, because so doing could be political problematic. Romney did let a bit of detail slip about which programs and agencies he’d consolidate or eliminate, but only in a closed-door fundraiser that was overheard by reporters.
Romney has proposed a tax overhaul that he vows will be revenue neutral, but he won’t say which loopholes and deductions he’d close to ensure that his plan’s deep tax cuts on the rich will be paid for without hiking the middle class’s tax burden. And not only that, but Romney and his running mate have freely confirmed in interviews that they see no need to reveal these details until after the election — after which, they claim, it can all be worked out with Congress. And so on.
Dems are betting that all this lack of transparency will undermine the public’s willingness to trust him; today’s revelation will only give Dems another chance to pummel Romney to come clean. But Romney appears to be betting that he can muddle his way through to victory despite the merciless incoming he continues to take, because voters disillusioned by the bad economy will want an alternative so badly that they won’t be too picky about the details.
In one sense, Romney is throwing down the gauntlet before the news media. He is betting that the media will either fail to hold him accountable for his refusal to share basic info about his finances and policies with the American people before they choose their president — or that those efforts won’t matter, because the public simply won’t be informed enough either way to know the difference or just won’t care at all. In other words, Romney is betting on media incompetence — its inability to inform the public — or on voter apathy, or on a combination of both, to allow him to skate through.
Taken all together, it’s a remarkable display
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/mitt-romneys-just-trust-me-campaign/2012/08/16/a1a28542-e7bf-11e1-936a-b801f1abab19_blog.html
______________________________________________________
So less than a week after the supposed Paulie Bounce the question comes right back to where it was before.
So much for Shiny Objects.
It is probably dawning on Ol’ Paulie now that the bloom is off the rose so to speak to wonder just what He’s got himself tied up in. I mean he had to do a little last minute cleaning on his disclosure but as a somewhat Professional he cut them lose and that was that and everybody moved on.
Ever since the Primary’s where Ol’ Willard couldn’t get more than 47% of even the Yahoo vote and ended up having to spend a bunch of money to get the nomination even as weak as the field was I’ve been trying to explain that about half of you’ll Yahoo’s are a whole lot smarter than you’ll look. The rest of them should have listened to you.
You’ve got a bad Candidate. Ol’ Willard must be good for something but Politics’ ain’t it. Even Ol’ Governor Good Hair as dumb as he was is a better politician than Ol’ Willard. You’d think that as long as he’s been practicing at it he’d have gotten better at it wouldn’t you. I think it’s because like several of the other Captains of Industry I have known over the years he can’t admit that there are folks who while they may not be smarter than he thinks he is there are folks out there who are sure better at what they are trying to do than he is.
You know what they say don’t you?
Pride goeth before the fall. This one is going to leave a mark.
Good Morning Floyd, Spot on my friend. Willard and Ryan (AKA) Eddie Munster are trying to turn into quick change artist. I think most Americans see through their BS.
IR---it is the Citizen's United case in action. The Republicans fell in love with Romney before thoroughly vetting him and his own resources plus unlimited fundraising allowed him to drown his opponents in negative ads in order to get the nomination. They are stuck with him now.
Steeler Fan, I'm not so sure the Repubs love Romney all that much, but more likely have a rabid hatred for the President. I can't help but look back on their primary when every few weeks there was a new "great" candidate for them so they could support anybody but Romney. They just got stuck with him once the rest of the nut jobs imploded.
Good morning IR:
That's another great article and it shows us clearly that we know virtually nothing what Romney intends to do, if he is elected. He conjures up a picture of a man knocking at your door. You look through the window and see a guy wearing a ski mask. "What do you want?" you ask. "I'm your friend and I'm here to help you," he says.
Really. Do you let that guy into your house?
That's it in a nutshell. Romney's plan for America would hurt most of them, but their blind hate proceeds rational thought. The dumbing down process started under Reagan is starting to pay dividends for the right.
RFTS---good point. I should have said the Republican elites/money people/Wall Street fell in love with Romney (one of their own, don't you know). The base, however, has never loved him and now they are stuck with him.
Romney: Trust me...I am white, after all...
Mickey, NY
Ryan: Romney chose me because I am the
whiteright size.I rarely watch MSNBC or Fox News (I prefer to read about events and shape my own opinions) but I did flip over and catch a little bit of Lawrence O'Donnell.
He had a segment on Romney's tax returns, and although he went a little overboard one of his guests had a couple of good points.
Romney may be reluctant to reveal his tax returns not because of any illegal activities, but simply because they would reveal how the uber-wealthy have used their influence to create a complex web of deductions, exemptions and exceptions that allow them to pay much lower rates than the rest of us.
The other point was that even if he tried to invent one he couldn't have come up with a more glaring example of the difference in tax treatment than a "$78,000 deduction for a dancing horse".
These are the tax loopholes legally available to the uber-wealthy, the same people Romney's tax plan would lower taxes for. Hard to Defend.
Paul Ryan: The Deficit? I Built That!
Romney/Ryan: Medicare? We Can
FixEnd That!Independent Redneck I could never trust neither Romney, his Surrogates, nor his "rock star" Ryan but most of all his lying privileged wife.
News for Paul Ryan: Boston Globe Got Your Number:
In 2010, Paul Ryan denied making appeals for stimulus funds
After seeking millions of dollars from a federal stimulus program he opposed, Republican vice presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan repeatedly denied lobbying the Obama administration for home state aid -- first on a Boston radio station in 2010 and then again on Tuesday in an interview with a Ohio television station.
On October 28, 2010, after the Wisconsin Republican penned at least five letters to two federal departments seeking grants under the Obama administration’s economic recovery package, Ryan responded to a caller on WBZ’s Nightside with Dan Rea who asked if he sought any of the money.
Ryan said that he would not vote against something “then write to the government to ask them to send us money.”
“I did not request any stimulus money,” he continued.
http://www.boston.com/politicalintelligence/2012/08/16/ryan/WEMawbCVyVTq2qi0pyBheK/story.html
================================
Another Lie another day for the energizer bunny (Ryan) who despite all that money raised is still flat in the polls.
☺
4 more for 44
Obama/Biden 2012
"Annie's horse beats IRS" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just read the Romney Tax returns can be seen
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2012/08/10/tax-attorney-section-6103f-of-internal-revenue-code-allows-harry-reid-to-see-tax-returns/
Tax attorney: Section 6103(f) of Internal Revenue Code allows Harry Reid to see tax returns
Puhleezzzz.
Romney seems to believe that if he just keeps repeating what he's been saying it will ultimately be accepted. How dare he be challenged. He seems to think that calling people who want him to release those tax returns "small minded" will shift the tide among the 63 percent Americans who think he should do so. A 63 percent that includes at least 20 prominent Republicans.
As noted in political carnival: Reid can take the heat (in fact, he relishes it), but Mitt can't. His dodges and weaves, nervous laughter and lies speak volumes about his (lack of) character. Voters need to become aware of that and much more before November.
==========================================
Hummm, Romey doesn't want to list 5 years; why?
"MYTH" Romney in jail; what a delightful thought!
4 more years for 44
Obama/Biden 2012
Romney/Ryan '12
The opaque and the mistake
Independent Redneck.
What Romney is doing with his tax return is a lot like what he did to Gingrich. Boy, did he make Gingrich look like the horses' A$$ in the Florida debates over Freddie and Fannie investments.
Do You Mean that eddy munster aka paul cryin' ryan lied about stimulus money he received???
The Romney-Ryan Campaign Week One and the comparisson of Romney's "plan" vs Ryan's "plan" has been like going to get an eye exam...
"Here's One...and Two...better, worse, or about the same?"
The Obama/Soetoro/Davis-Biden Campaign NEEDS an eye exam as they are blind to reality
Noid -
I've always been morally certain that when they ask you that the third and fourth times, they're secretly switching it back to the same one you first looked at just to see if they can trick you into changing your answer.
I think you might be on to something here..... :)
Kurt's comments
Only to yours Kurt and I expect it is by choice. You or I do not have the right or the ability to define reality other than through our physical senses. Opinion is not reality and never will be. Remember when the world was flat?
JoAnne--my brother is an opthamologist and he MAKES me pick one or the other even when I don't see a difference---he says I have to see the difference!
I think Mark & Domenico have it right when they compare the plans to a defined benefit v. defined contribution plans. Romney/Ryan will cap the spending for seniors and force them to be out-of-pocket for health care. A truly fundamental change in a program that is literally life and death for America's seniors.
blackcatwhitecat, thanks for your response. Yes, the Obama/Soetoro/Davis Administration accepting over $4 billion A DAY Deficit spending is BLIND to Reality of economic sense.
...and Congressman Paul "I Voted For Bush Tax Cuts, Two Wars, Medicare Part D, Bush Tax Cuts Again And TARP But I Want You To Believe I'm A Fiscal Conservative" Ryan is the answer?
...as running mate for Mitt "The Die-Hard Conservatives Never Really Liked Me In The First Place" Romney?
Really, which one of us are you accusing of having the blinders?
Please explain, in vivid detail. What exactly are they spending it on that wasn't there before he took office? Here's your chance to dazzle us with your brilliance.
Kurt's comments
Kurt, you are welcome, but in order to avoid redundancy read the responses from tony or Da Noid above.
Thanks Tonybeerm for your question, this Admnistration has increased the Debt more than the 1st 41 President COMBINED (Democratic and Repbulican) and more than Double the increase in Debt in 3 year than ALL 8 years of G W Bush. Yes, this Administration is Blind to Economic Reality thinking $4 Billion A DAY in Deficit Spending is ok. This Spendaholic Adminstration as got to go & play their fantasy economy elsewhere.
Kurt-
So which is more of a fantasy:
1) Reduce the deficit by increasing revenues (taxes) and cutting spending (including military) - with specified cuts & cost savings
2) Reduce the deficit by cutting taxes (on the wealthy) and increasing military spending - offset by unspecified cuts in entitlements and almost all other government programs
Now which approach is grounded in reality, and which is just more "trickle-down" fairy tales? (if we keep feeding more and more gold to the Golden Goose, maybe someday he will actually pop out a Golden Egg!)
Paul Ryan: The Deficit? I Built That!
Romney/Ryan: Medicare? We Can
FixEnd That!I belong to the AARP and am happy they are as fired up against the ryan medicare cuts as I am. Don't cut services to seniors, cut fees to the insurance companies (all of them!) because I really am not impressed with the CEO of anthem BC receiveing another 5million dollar bonus next year.
TNSEVOL - #2 is the fantasy scheme.
Shared sacrifice from the taxpayers and sacrifice from the Military industrial complex and government social and entitlement spending is the ONLY way to address our fiscal issues.
The funny thing about the GOP is they don't believe in shared sacrifice. They actually believe that cutting PBS, Planned parenthood, foreign aid and other miniscule amounts of funding will suffice to bring down the deficit.
Then they will give tax cuts to the wealthy to make up for turning the safety net into a one time, punch voucher ticket.
Annie Romney said only you little people pay taxes, my man has the IRS in his back pocket !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually, Bush doubled the debt in 8 years; Obama only increased it by 45% in about 4. And in case you were doodling during Econ 101, DEFICITS happen during a recession thanks to high unemployment, which increases safety net spending and cuts revenues. Add that on the Bush fiscal policies, and you get a trillion dollar deficit.
And by the way, just to make sure you're good at math, how is $15.8 trillion double of $11.2 trillion???
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
Freesh, LOL, I know you have the blame Bush Mentality, but to your shock not all debt prior to Obama was from G W Bush. Look at the facts, Obama's Debt in 1st three years of office is more than G W Bush 8 years of office and I thought G W Bush was a hugh spender while in office. Turns out no where near as a spendaholic as Obama
And to your shock, not all of the debt run up under Obama was caused by his policies; most were because of the Bush tax cuts and the recession. Obama has only raised the debt by about $4.5 trillion; Bush raised it by $5.5 trillion; and technically we had a roughly $5 trillion surplus expected, so Bush actually increased the deficit by about $10.5 trillion.
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
Kurt if republicans really cared anything about the deficit they would have raised taxes yesterday.
Republicans inherited a surplus and Clinton's last year in office was the first year the debt ceiling didn't need to be raised. But bush with VP Ryan's vote managed to create the largest deficit in our history in just 8 years.
You know if the republicans had been able to elimnate the last couple tax cuts for the rich the deficit would not be growing so fast.
So if you think the deficit is growing fast now, wait until Romney/Ryan give even bigger and permanent tax cuts for the rich and start a war in Iran.
VOTE FOR SANITY....VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT 2012
So if I believe what Romney says, that he paid 13% taxes, that leads to the revelation that HE PAID 13% in taxes! I mean really how do I get to only pay 13%? Romney says it is OK I paid 13%, it is NOT OK.
you'realoser loser Rmoney's record he taxed Massachusetts with a "health care tax" forcing them to buy insurance. He bought and sold factories and other companies leaving people without jobs only to make a profit himself. As for little paulie he committed the biggest sin of all he voted for tarp. I thought you righties didn't like anyone who voted for tarp. Let me say this again paul ryan voted for TARP. We know just how much the tea baggers loved tarp.
Who paid more taxes in 2010?
Undocumented immigrants:
Paid almost $7 BILLION in Social Security and almost $72 BILLION to Medicare and unemployment insurance...
Mitt Romney:
Paid $3 MILLION...
-------------------------------------------------------
Ryan/Romney...Believe In America, Deposit In The Caymans
Mickey, NY: hmm...illegal immigrants "paid almost $7B in Social Security and almost $72B to Medicare etc"...and how much fraud did they perpetrate by stealing social security numbers from legal citizens? and how much hassle did that cause for those people from whom they stole their Social Security numbers?...apparently you've never had your social security number stolen...this is a crime and it is against the law.
Romney/Ryan...believe in America...telling the truth about our national debt.
Romney & Ryan would be a rubber stamp for the 1% Mega rich, wake up Middle Class ???????????
juanita dominguez I'm sorry if you didn't get Mickey's post. But thank You for your input.
Rich
Anyone can pay less that 15% in taxes.
The first thing to do is invest your money into stocks and sell them periodically. Capital ganes taxes is 15%. Second, invest enough money into tax exempt Bonds. You really should not complain about this because this is Romney investing in Federal, State, and local government, so they can operate at a lower cost than borrowing from a bank.
Have large Charitable deductions - Romney gives over 10%. 10% will reduce your taxes paid significantly.
Instead of complaining, you should fire your tax account and finanacial planner because they apparently don't understand the system well enough to keep you from paying so much yourself.
Smitty
In Massachusetts, the majority of people wanted a government run Health Care System.
The Majority of people in the Us DO NOT want government run Health Care! That is a big, Big, BIG, BIG Difference!
Romney left Bain in February 1999 on a leave of Absence. He is not the one who made the lay-off and plant closing decisions in 2000 & 2001. His successor (Levine, and Obama Bundler did). Why do you insist on blaming Romney for something he had no hand in?
You also don't understand the Tea Party ire over the TARP. They were more angry about TARP needing to be done than over TARP being done. Listen to them, they will tell you that the Federal manipulation of the Banks to make the loans was the cause, not the Banks.
The Crash in 1929 was also the result of Federal manipulating interest rates to indirectly force lenders to stop lending to stock market investors was the cause of the crash.
The entire Depression of the 30's was made worse by the manipultion of taxes, placing huge and new tariffs on foreign products, regulating banks to the point the Federal regulators were the ones making lending decisions, making the unions so powerful that the owners of industries closed their doors forever rather than be blackmailed into red ink.
What do we have today
1100 pages of banking reglulations telling banks you can give business a low interest loan, IF they pass all qualifications. Almost no businesses that want a loan, can get one. Let me say this one more time. Obama, Dodd, and Frank are your loan officers, not your bank.
Our industries moved overseas as they were regulated into an uncompetitive position in Healthcare, energy, worker safety, environmental requirements, and federal requirements on products.
You try keeping a business running, let alone start a new one without any help from a bank.
#6.8- I hope a historian can drop in and correct your partisan re-write of history. To begin, let's hear from Joseph Stiglitz-NOBEL PRIZE ECONOMIST:
Thomas Frank, in The Wrecking Crew, documented how the ultra-right Libertarian wing of the GOP has consistently pressed to either remove or incapacitate government regulations, privatize government functions (to enrich private industry), and limit taxation of the upper classes.
Naomi Klein, in Shock Doctrine, The Rise of Disaster Capitalism, documented the way the right wing has consistently taken advantage of war, natural disaster and now recession to force their ideological programs on the country - and around the world.
And Nobel prize economist Joseph E. Stiglitz, who has recently termed the Debt Commission's proposals a "suicide pact," explained that the right-wing economic model is and has been an utter failure that caused the current crisis, in Freefall: America, Free Markets, and the Sinking of the World Economy.(www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/books/review/Phillips-t.html)
It's increasingly clear that President Obama's economic program has been too moderate - that greater government intervention in the economy is called for, as Stiglitz outlines (and a great many other economists agree). It's also clear that the tax cuts and tax subsidies for the very wealthy and corporations in fact helped contribute directly to the economic disaster that began in December, 2007, and has followed on since. Stiglitz notes that those various policies actually created incentives for banks to offer bad loans, risky derivatives, and make poor judgements that both created the housing bubble and then blew it up in a collapse of the debt-built American consumer marketplace.
The debate about "raising taxes," or as others put it, about eliminating tax subsidies and favoritism for a tiny percentage of the population, as well as requiring business to actually pay some of the taxes they now legally evade, features Democrats and Republicans talking past, rather than with, each other. The Democrats are attempting to discuss a system of governance that includes some aspect of fairness; the Republicans are talking about an entirely different system of governance in an alleged "free market" environment that in fact is really open season on both private and public funds by a cartel economy.
As Stiglitz wrote, adjusting the taxes paid by the upper income earners and corporations, even during a weak economic recovery, has no effect whatsoever on job creation, or continued economic activity. The money that tax favoritism gave to the most wealthy and big business is actually diverted from the economy, and reduces the rate of growth. It is better for economic health to capture some of that wealth and put it into the national and global economies, through debt reduction, to further support expansion of economic activity. The Libertarian position instead would contract economic activity.
The radical right now must face the truth: America is unwilling to continue pursuing the failed policies of the Libertarians and Milton Friedman. They have caused nothing but distress and economic collapse. The future of continuing with such a program, as being pushed without relent by the Tea Party contingent in Congress, is only bleak and desperate. Recent and more distant history is uncompromising in its warnings.
Actually, I assume that only a small plurality of Americans don't want a government-run healthcare system, and technically Obamacare is not government-run (if it was, it would have had a public option). And the reason many Americans are suspicious of government-run healthcare is probably because of the lies of the right.
Well, he did take credit for jobs created after his leaving; he might as well take the blame for jobs outsourced.
Actually, the reason the banks collapsed was because of the deregulated financial and housing market. The allowance of banks to grow astronomically made them vulnerable to financial mistakes, and with risky bets being prevalent, it made the eventual collapse inevitable. Plus, numerous credit agencies rated subprime mortgages as AAA rated bonds, which the banks (and the shadow banking system) chopped up those bonds and spread them throughout the system.
I think it was more of the unregulated financial market that collapsed from the 1920s boom, which I think was a bubble.
Actually, the unions and the regulation had nothing to do with the crash; if anything, they strengthened the economy over the long-term. Everything else is true, as governments panicked and screwed up trade and economic policies.
While I think Dodd-Frank is a little weak, I'd rather have it than nothing, which is what Romney and the GOP are proposing. And if the regulation provides a modicum of protection against big banks, then I'll let the govt. be my loan officers any day of the week.
You might have it right on energy, although I don't think drilling more oil is going to solve our problems. As for everything else, you fail to realize that high labor costs also have something to do with outsourcing. And while some of our regulations are not necessary, the things you stated have allowed America to become the richest nation on Earth; without them, our workers would be slaving away at minimum wage for 10 hours a day, making products with harmful chemicals and choking due to polluted air while going home.
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
Without unions and our government we could be China. We too could have no rights and the corporations could put up wire fencing over the windows to keep workers from committing suicide.
That is quite the dream the republicans have for America, don't you think?
Then add to that the voter suppression the republicans are doing and America is becoming more like China everyday. American is hardly a democracy without our right to vote.
The chinese government is even in charge of women's bodies just like the republicans want to be here.
If you want to lose the America you love for tax cuts for the rich, the vote for a republican.
Traditional Medicare is to R/R Advantage plan as defined pension is to a 401K pan.
Isn't Romney the guy who bankrupt the defined pensions of the companies he sold while at Bain?
Ryan has his defined pension plan as a Congressman for life and Romney who makes $57,000. a day doesn't need either type of pensions.
Both are out of touch with the life of people in the middle class.
Morning Northstar, much if not all of the issue appears to be an argument of where does risk become positioned within the socio-economic landscape. Is it completely individualised or is it spread through society as a whole. I really hate that this has popped into mind last night ... means a busy weekend putting it into some sensible rant for Monday.
BCWC,
Looking foward to your "rant" on Monday.
How do you hold the common good and individualism in a heathly tension?
It is not in the replacing of Medicare with a coupon....
Northstar, that is indeed the crux of the matter.
Abraham Lincoln had a solution over 100 years ago:
How sad that current-day Republicans ignore the wisdom of that great man...
"Honest Abe" also said a couple of things Romney should take to heart about honesty and compassion:
Sorry, had to go there.......
Paul Ryan: The Deficit? I Built That!
Romney/Ryan: Medicare? We Can
FixEnd That!Whew! I don't know about anybody else, but I sure slept better last night knowing that this whole pesky little tax return thing has finally been put to rest. Thank you, Mitt Romney, for taking time out of your busy schedule to PERSONALLy examine your own tax returns and assure us with absolute certainty that everything is just peachy keen.
Let this be a teaching moment, America - next time you get pulled over by a state trooper and he asks to see your license, you just tell him "But, officer - I can assure you, I looked at the speedometer myself, so now you know that I was only doing 35. Bye now!"
And let's see just how far YOU get.....
I always love a good dose of sarcasm with my morning coffee, JoAnne! Thanks! ;-)
*
* * * * *
(pretty puh-lease?)
Too bad we can't dry erase the entire Rmoney campaign.
spud: so, what are you afraid of?
spud: so, what are you afraid of?
[Too bad we can't dry erase the entire Rmoney campaign]
...yeabut...yeabut...yeabut...he had a dry erase board! It MUST be true! ;)
Romney and Ryan's stupidity.
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
Romney-Ryan 2012: The Herman & Eddie Munster Ticket
Please Click Below: (Scary)
ENLARGE
I would take Joe over any of these tea bag republicans any day of the week, who want to do nothing other than screw American.
Think how much material Willard Romney the talking lying buffoon and his little side kick Eddie have ad would give them.
Making fun of the way Romney and Ryan look with Dumbo as president??? Pretty funny. Also, the Munsters were a loving family loved and watched by millions for years.
Ben, but Herman wasn't too bright, the big lug.
BTW, Ben, your comment regarding President Obama is exactly WHY you will read references to Herman and Eddie Munster--what goes around comes around. Or as Paul Ryan prefers to phrase his reason for $700 billion cuts to medicare, you did it first! Except, Romney/Ryan lie--President Obama did not actually cut $716 billion from Medicare, he simply moved it from private insurers hands and put it back in seniors hands.
And they were funny, just like the two clowns Romney and Ryan. However, the Nations future depends on keeping these guys out.
How desperate are conservatives, they keep trying to convince democrats that Hillary Clinton should change places with Joe Biden. LOL. Really? The only ones saying it are conservatives including Sarah Palin, you betcha. Hillary Clinton doesn't need to be VP to run for President in 2016 if she wants to.
Jody - true, Herman wasn't too bright, which is why Ben likes him so much. He can relate to him much better than our intelligent President!
Obama/Biden 2012
Thurston Howell III/Eddie Munster 2012!
Here's my take. I don't know if it's correct. I wish someone in the media would support or refute it. The Romney campaign knew they weren't going to win. They started on the economy. Didn't work. They tried "business background v government." Tax return issue and Bain bit 'em in the behind. They went on a foreign tour. Ouch. So now the strategy is the deficit and that's caused by entitlements and the biggest one is Medicare. However, their real plan (Ryan's) has been shown in the polls to tank with voters. So what to do? Hide their real intention behind "well, Romney's plan isn't really the same as Ryan's" mumbo jumbo, ask the voter to look at Ryan's abs and position the Dems as looting Medicare. This all sounds ridiculous. But there it is. Really??
They just want to control the debate for once. Every week now they will be changing the subject to something else. They will start with the tough ones and eventually get to the greatest hits. At least that's what their campaign wants.
henry, you summed it up nicely!
I'll add that Romney is a poor politician. They probably figured, that like his taxes, they could Etch-a-Sketch and pull a Paul Ryan out of their magic hat and no one would remember the negative baggage Ryan brings to the campaign. Bain Capital hurt Romney when he ran against Ted Kennedy; his taxes were an issue when he ran for Governor; he has run away from his role as Governor and again tried Bain Capital and he still refuses to be transparent on his finances. In all these years that Mitt has plotted and planned a run for President, he and his trusted campaign advisor, Eric Fehrnstrom never fixed his tax problem and never came up with a viable response to the Bain Vulture capitalism which sucked millions out of profitable companies and put it in the pockets of Mitt and the Bain investors. He's had over 15 years to get his presidential act together but he's still answering the same questions that plagued him when he first ran for office.
Ryan is the future! And Biden is dumb... On CNBC, Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani responded to Biden's bad week by calling Biden "dumb," and discounting the "chains" gaffe as par for the course.
“Well, I think if it came from somebody serious maybe we’d get all excited about it. But I think the Vice President of the United States has become a laugh line on late night television. I’ve never seen a vice president that has made as many mistakes, said as many stupid things. I mean there’s a real fear if, God forbid, if he ever had to be entrusted with the presidency, whether he really has the mental capacity to handle it.”
The difficulty facing Obama now is that replacing Biden at this late hour, and under pressure from the likes of Sarah Palin, would be seen as caving, and a sign of desperation and weakness, wrote Jim Geraghty at National Review, offering four reasons the switch won't happen:
"First, it would require President Obama to admit another mistake. Secondly, it would de facto concede that the critics who deride Biden as an ill-informed, tactless, often obnoxious, loudmouthed, bloviating rhetorical time-bomb have been right all along. Thirdly, no one would believe the 'sudden health crisis' or other story put forth to explain the switch. Fourth, there’s no automatic slam-dunk replacement. Think Hillary Clinton wants to jump in two months before Election Day to help save Obama from his own bad decisions?"
Farfisia
I guess you didn't watch the 2008 Democratic primary debates. Joe Biden is hardly dumb. His views on foreign policy are exceptionally nuanced. Reports are, he has given President Obama valuable advice on military matters, as well.
Speaking in front of an audience, Biden does go a little over the top sometimes, but, compared to the red meat the Republicans throw out every day, I'm surprised Republicans feel they have grounds to object to his rhetoric.
Much of the Right detests Biden because he speaks to the Common Man, a group the GOP has rejected in favour of the Superman who will always be the 1% in a laissez-faire society. Much if not most of the Right seems to find it comforting to live vicariously through their idols in those shining mansions on the hill.
@blackcat No most people realize Uncle Joe is like their crazy uncle who says inappropriate things at inappropriate times. You know the one you hope doesn't open his mouth and embarass you.
Common people wouldn't put on a fake southern accent and race bait.
Really? You need to get out more. I stopped being surprised at inappropriate words or actions a long time ago. Human frailty is spread pretty evenly throughout the populace.
That may be true but most people aren't one step away from the Presidency whose words count. Uncle Joe isn't in tune with the common man he just trips all over his own tongue in trying to make people think he relates.
Biden: "...And the irony is, Rudy Giuliani, probably the most under qualified person since George Bush to seek the presidency, is here - talking about any of the people here. Rudy Giuliani. I mean think about it, Rudy Giuliani, there's only three things he mentions in a sentence — a noun and a verb and 9/11 and I mean, there's nothing else. There's nothing else."
George Bush was govenor of TX..the 13th largest economy in the world..which by the way is doing great compared to the rest of the country. Bozo was a community organizer and a one term senator that voted present more than he did yes or no, i would say bozo is the most underqualified leader we have ever had and his policies of failure prove it.
Repeat, the only people talking about putting Hillary Clinton on the ticket are republicans. Now, why is that? Because they know VP Joe Biden speaks to and is respected by regular, blue-collar, working class Americans. They get Joe, and they respect his honesty, his straight talk while others label it gaffes. VP Biden does not suffer fools, and there sure are a lot of them on the right these days--especially the ones calling for Hillary.
I laugh everytime I hear or read a conservative's comments suggesting the Biden/Clinton swap. If they think it will divide democrats, think again. The Hillary supporters are looking at 2016, they don't need her as VP in 2012.
Candidate Joe Biden summed up Rudy Guilliani perfectly, "a noun, a verb and 9/11."
By the way, this is all just sour grapes from Rudy. He's still bitter after being on the receiving end of the best line in political debate history uttered by none other than Joe Biden himself:
In 2008, when asked by a moderator on national TV about Giuliani's comments on some issue Giuliani had no business talking about, Biden simply dismissed hizzoner by saying, quote: "All Rudy Giuliani knows is a verb, a noun and 9-1-1!" Bad-a-bing! Ouch! Priceless! The die was cast. Giuliani was done after that. Next!
It's all bs. Joe Biden will tear Paul Ryan a new a$$hole during the debates. He will convince America that Ryan is nothing more than a Washington insider and the reason the country failed in the first place. Move along, nothing to see here.
No matter what you think of Ryan as VP politically, if you are honest, you know he is not the gaffe machine of the current VP Biden. Biden is an embarrasment as of VP no matter what Biden political persausion happens to be.
Agreed. It's as if they picked Biden to take the spot light off Obama.
Kurt,
No, what's really embarrassing is the apparent failure of the education system that creates so many people that can't read or hear a sentence and understand the meaning. Regardless the racial makeup of a crowd listening to VP Bidens speech, the subject was the deregulation of Wall Street and had nothing to do with slavery. When the right uses the terms "Shackle" and "Unshackle" no one associated it with slavery, they looked at the context and gave it meaning within that context. It's what adults do.
I'll take Biden's gaffes over Ryan's deliberate lies any day.
FR: "Also yesterday, he told a Cincinnati TV station that he didn’t ask for money from the $787 billion stimulus when the record shows he did, and he later acknowledged sending the letters to the Energy Department requesting funds for two companies."
That's funny.....the Boston Globe says he told a Boston radio show audience the exact same thing:
"The congressman's denial comes as new audio surfaced of Ryan telling Boston's WBZ Radio two years ago that he "did not ask for stimulus money," in response to a caller's question about the recovery program. "I'm not one who votes for something and then writes to the government to ask them to send us money," Ryan said. The exchange was first reported Thursday by The Boston Globe.
But a year earlier, Ryan asked Chu to set aside funds for the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp. Ryan said the stimulus cash would help his state create thousands of new jobs, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/08/16/ryan_denied_stimulus_while_quietly_seeking_it/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Massachusetts+news
“I’m not concerned about the very poor"
he said he “liked to be able to fire people.”
This past summer, he said “corporations are people” and joked to voters that “I’m also unemployed.”
“I’m running for office, for Pete’s sake — I can’t have illegals.”
"looking out of the backside of 10 Downing Street"
“Rick, I’ll tell you what — ten thousand bucks? Ten thousand dollar bet?”
"I'll take a lot of credit for the fact that this industry's come back."
I believe in an America where millions of Americans believe in an America that's the America millions of Americans believe in. That's the America I love." (That's one of my personal favorites)
"I'm not sure about these cookies. They don't look like you made them. No, no. They came from the local 7/11 bakery, or whatever."
"I get speaker's fees from time to time, but not very much." ($374,000.00 in 1 year)
vwterry -
Believe me, I like a good Romney word salad as much as the next person, and that one about "I believe in an America" certainly sounds like a classic.....but in all fairness, other than some guy in the National Review who references it as being part of Romney's standard stump speech, I can't find any indication online that he ever actually said that one. There are a lot of bloggers repeating it, but I also found a couple of sources who credit it to a Romney parody in Doonesbury. If you've got a better source, I hope you'll share it.
Kurt, so Paul Ryan on the House floor TARP debate in 2008, saying "Madame Speaker, this bill offends my principles. But I'm going to vote for this bill in order to preserve my principles" is eloquent speaking? I'd call it an ignorant, incoherent gaffe.
In addition, Paul Ryan voted "YEA" for every single UNFUNDED Bush initiative from massive rounds of tax cuts, two wars, Medicare Part D to name just a few prior to the economic collapse. Fiscal conservative? Seriously, Ryan voted to double the national debt, eviscerate the budget and dares claim he is fiscally responsible. Paul Ryan is self-righteous, self-centered, phony, two-bit shyster of a legislator--doesn't matter if he's a nice, family man.
This is great! This link will take you to a video of an ABC Exclusive interview that John Tapper did with President Obama in November of 2009.
You will hear straight from Obama's mouth that he touts the fact that he will pay for 1/3 of Obamacare with Medicare CUTS! He went on to say he would veto anything that would attempt to undo the Medicare CUTS!
They aren't actual cuts but don't let that stop your narrative or your glee. The $716 billion is dollars cut from (transferred back from) Private Insurance carriers for Medicare Advantage cadillac plans back into the government medicare system and into actual medical benefits for seniors in the form of annual physicals, cancer pre-screenings at Zero cost to seniors. I know, I have benefited from those "so called cuts".
Jody you are misinformed. The cuts are made by reducing the amount paid to doctors. hospitals and nursing homes and these cuts, MADE BY OBAMA, will hurt today's seniors. If a doctor needs to charge $75 per office visit to break even , how many medicare patients do you think they will treat if they are getting hald that. What good is medicare insurance if no doctor or hospital will accept it?
Today's seniors will also loose medicare Advantage due to those cuts.
Perhaps you might look into the truth of just what your golden boy has done. It is OBAMA who is screwing today's seniors.
MSNBC take all the slanted polls you want. I believe Americans have already made up their minds for this election. Obama's record sucks. If you haven't made up your mind just stay away from the voting booth on this one.
Romney and Ryan did get a bounce after the Ryan selection.
The newest research from Nate has it as the NOV 6 factors:
“Obama chance of winning 68.7% Romney 31.3%”
“Projected Winner Obama 298.6”
“Projected Loser Romney 239.4”
However, if the election was being voted in “Now Cast” Today:
Totals
“Obama chance of winning 68.8% Romney 31.2%”
“Projected Winner Obama 291.3”
“Projected Loser Romney 246.7”
As far as, my projected Electoral Vote outcome totals are:
Electoral Vote:
“Projected Winner Obama 297”
“Projected Loser Romney 241”
Interesting Job1 -- I believe the percentages changed. Isn't that the first time in a long while that the president was under 70+ percent? What is your analysis as if I couldn't guess but I'll ask anyway?
Also, has does Nate look at the Senate and House based on these new statistics?
Hi Ben,
There is a write up by Nate this morning under the following:
August 16, 2012, 10:46 PM
"Aug. 16: Why I'm Not Buying the Romney Rally"
By NATE SILVER
Ryan's hypocrisy on the China vote and his dishonesty about requesting stimulus money show that he's just another CYA politician. He's not some new, young, fresh policy wonk untainted by Washington. While that doesn't make him any worse than any other politician, it makes it a lot harder for the the GOP to sell him as their new wonder boy.
,'-D
It has been funny to watch a mob of slobbering libtards with torches and pitchforks trying to storm the gates of castle Romney.
Wake up idiots, with turds like Harry Reid (D-NV), Chris Dodd (D-former CT), Barney Frank (D-MA), et al firmly entrenched in the establishment of current tax law and banking policies, you are willfully ignoring the fact that your douche bag heros are fully complicit in any injustice, perceived or real, that you are blathering about.
Do you really want someone who has never held a private sector job, owned or run a business, had to make payroll, or created jobs as POTUS?
Oh wait....you've got one (until January haha).
On a side note, where are the calls for John Corzine (D-NJ) to go to jail? All I hear are crickets chirping in regard to that missing billion $. Pathetic hypocrites.
High school was tough for you, wasn't it?
Angry White Conservative's state called. They want their GED back.
Oh, now you've hurt my feelings.
Castle Romney? I'll bet that's an expensive castle.
Actually making fun of the GED program and the poor who have found themselves in that situation of needing to drop out of high school is beneath contempt. Shame on you and not very liberal leaning.
The GED is a great program that serves many high school aged young ladies who have found themselves with being a single parent. Are you sure you want to go there?
Feel free to define a situation when destroying your entire future by dropping out of high school is "necessary". Because limiting welfare assistance to those who dropped out of high school is actually a GOP point I agree with.
Teaching abstinence strikes again.
@Xabre -- What an obtuse and poltroonly way of responding. The GED is not welfare and has helped families for many many years. It is a highly regarded high school diploma and the teachers are dedicated professionals helping those in need. I was no where even implicating teaching abstinence. You are a jacka$$.
My salient points have been ignored by everyone in this thread.
BTW I suffered through four years at an expensive, private liberal arts college and came out with a Bachelor's and a steely conservative viewpoint in spite of the tenured libtard professors' best efforts.
,'-D
I'm still waiting on a valid reason for anyone to drop out of high school. Because barring like...a serious illness...there is none.
Some people are just old fashion racist.
ben Your outrage is not that good its seems fake. Try harder. From some of your posts you could careless about the poor. The ged program also cover men not just high school girls with kids.
Yes Jobless1 and it seems most of these comments seem to come from your cohorts
@Xabre -- still obtuse. Do you think your definition of valid makes a difference??? Absolutely not. Teenagers lose their ways whether they are caught up in drugs or lost in the system where the needed attention is not given. They can even get expelled for various reasons. You want to punish a child forever for making mistakes at an early age??? You are an a$$. The GED gives them an opportunity to change their lives. See below. You need to think before you speak. You are wrong.
http://adulted.about.com/b/2010/01/17/successful-people-who-hold-a-ged-credential.htm
@Job1 -- The racist comment was uncalled for and way off base. That is beneath you.
And the GOP complains that liberals want to exempt people from personal responsibility?
Smitty -- two words -- Grow up. I guess according to you every post ought to clearly define all involved rather than just one example. That's just plain stupid. You are in no position to judge who I am and who I care for but in the end I really don't give a damn what you think. Look at the list above. It's a small list and despite what you think of me as a person, I don;t believe you disagree with my position on this one.
@Xabre -- They are children -- teenagers. The GED program is there to help them take personal responsibility. Same two words to you as well -- Grow up.
I find it funny that you criticize my maturity while your other posts on this thread spew phrases like 'Dumbo' when referring to the POTUS.
Hey oil bag 1, what's up?
ben Your head is exploding. All i said was your outrage was fake. Don't have a cow! Where did you get I was judging you? You righties sure can dish it out but when someone gives it back to you your crying on your keyboard. I don't think bad of you as a person, I may not agree with the most of your statements but I don't think bad of any of you righties. We may disagree but the key point I want to make here is that we are all Americans and we would be here for one another if the s#it hit the fan. When the tornado hit Joplin Mo. everyone helped out no one was a Democrat or a Republican that day we were all Americans. Would you say thats true or false?
Angry White..... - it's your misfortune you didn't understand and learn more. But, at least you tried!
Obama/Biden 2012
OH,OH, the left has some splaining to do!!!
Good Morning to all; My first post of the day.
It seems that Ryan has given a bump to the Romney campaigns with the numbers now favoring the Reps. Please see polls and you will get my drift.
I want nobody making fun of Uncle Joe, or as we calling in my house Tio Loco Jose. He really does not mean what he says, however he is hurting our President.
More seniors are seeing the truth and more are at ease with Mitt and Bryan. I heard yesterday that Florida is even.
Last but not least, now I know why the FR left fringe is so upset, and that is because they are seeing the writing on the wall.
One more thing before I forget. Mr President if no became so successful by themselves as you claim. Then why you are always saying I did this, and I did that, and I love I? You did not get there by yourself, did you? I voted for you.
Where'd you get your numbers, from the fall-down drunk on the next bar stool? Rasmussen has Obama ahead today.
Auntie Fascist, who writes.
Glad you asked, I posted this yesterday and guess what, it is from a left news source widely used by you folks . Yes ist was updated only 12 hours ago. Don't you think is close? Are you related to Uncle Joe?
http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/2012-general-election-romney-vs-obama#!mindate=2011-08-16
Concern--they are just trying to keep that "yes we can" bs alive!! I see it sinking fast. Can't sink fast enough in my book.
I just love it when you righties talk like that. Both of you have no idea how this election is going to end. I have know idea what's going to happen in this election. Its going to be to close to call. So don't be counting crow to soon you may have to eat it, feathers & all.
I think its great when your VP pick overshadows your candidate for President Rmoney
"More seniors are seeing the truth and more are at ease with Mitt and Bryan"
Which one? Bryan Adams? Bryan Cranston?? William Jennings Bryan???
JoAnne- Concern just makes up more and more nonsense every day. She's a hoot! Not too bright but really funny!
Obama/Biden 2012
"It seems that Ryan has given a bump to the Romney campaigns with the numbers now favoring the Reps. Please see polls and you will get my drift."
Tell us Concerned Citizen, what planet do you live on?? Ryan pick by Mr. Flip-Flop is truing out to be a monumental bust. Last week, just before the Ryan announcement, Rasmussen -- one of most rightward leaning national pooling organizations -- the same Rasmussen who has McCain beating Obama in Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Indiana, Virginia, Colorado and North Carolina in 2008 (McCain lost them all) had Mr. flip-Flip beating the President by 4%. Today -- the President is up by 2%. Great job Mr. Flip-Flop -- a 6 % swing for the other side from an organization who stacks the deck in your favor!!
Ryan and Romney (yeah, we'll give the kid top billing) are appearing together to keep Romney from being completely overshadowed.
Ryan's gonna try to keep from looking like any other politician? Good freakin' luck with THAT!! "Bacon" is what I get for MY district! "Pork" is what you get for YOUR district!
Uh, NO!!!!!!!!
tarpon.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/flashback-in-2009-obama-touted-cutting-medicare-to-pay-for-obamacare
Imagine Joe Biden as President...
The gaff-o-matic is funny on a VP. It's dangerous on a President.
I would take Joe over any of these tea bag republicans any day of the week, who want to do nothing other than screw American.
paul B, I tell you what, I'd pick Joe Biden any day over Sarah Palin that's for sure. I don't know what would have become of America if that woman would have gotten her filthy hands on this country. And if you want to talk about a vice president who was out of it that would be Dan Qualye, George Bush Sr. vice president, now he was really a joke.
Romney is a capitialist. Yep. Maybe it is time we had a person who knows how to make money in charge instead of a person who knows how to spend it.
Yeah, spot on his undershorts!!
Yeah, he knows how to make money and put it in his own pocket. He is a reverse Robin Hood.Takes from the poor and doles it out to the rich.
Toad The Navy varmint
You may have a short memory, or are a true amnesiac...
...but the rest of us remember the last MBA we saw installed as president...
...maybe it's coming back to you since your dumb a$$ voted for him TWICE!
...The criminal Cheney-Bush-Halliburton junta...
...remember them?
...you should, since they are the reason DUHmerica was practically bankrupted...
...after their policies allowed the bankster and corporate thieves on Wall Street...
...to rip us off with impunity!
...Now your racist, Confederate, Obama-hating carcass comes on this board and posts this dipsh*t nonsense about electing another rotten right wing thief...
...No wonder the world thinks right wing Republican-T-Party Confederate white supremacists are the stupidest species on Earth!
Now that we have it straight from Obama's mouth, maybe, just maybe the left will quit trying to scare seniors!