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Guys, is there a way we could measure/know the Romney effect on House and Senate races? You know........a trickle down effect.
Clearly, the Obama Administration misled the American public in the attack on the embassy in libya. With the main stream press all to willing to oblige. Can First Read show some non-bias reporting and call out the Obama administration, and ask how in the hell he considers an American Ambassador death a bump in the road? And why he has NOT met with the leader of Egypt or Israel but has time to go on Letterman and The View?
Good question, just24. It would be interesting to hear FR's take on the down ballot.
Give it a rest geo#'s. The Obama administration didn't mislead anyone; they didn't have the all the facts until days later. Now, if you want to talk about misleading the public, let's talk the Bush Administration with their WMDs and "mushroom" clouds using the fear after 9/11 to drum up support for invading Iraq.
Hi Mark and Domenico and thank you for your work.
We saw last night on Maddow that folks in Florida, eg Tampa:-
Will have 6 long pages (sides) to fill out when they go to cast their ballot. And they look like foolscap-size sheets of paper...SIX of them!
At the same time, early voting has been cut in half, if I have it right.
How can the harm to our electoral process be overcome?
Backhouse, Mark and Domenico, In Palm Beach Co (where Boca is) our ballot is 10 pages long including 12 amendments written in arcane legalese that would make your eyes glaze over.
Working the elections, a lot of voters will ask do i have to do this, we cant tell them what to do no more than we can explain the amendments, so a lot of voters don't vote on them, that's how dumb laws get passed but the lawmakers are counting on that.
GBM,
We shouldn't need a diploma, BA, MA, MSc, PhD or a JP to cast our ballot.
Being a citizen is enough.
Mark and Domenico -- With Romney trailing in the polls it seems the stakes are higher for him in the upcoming debate. Is this the case? Can he pivot to the center this late in the game? Does he even have room to move to the center? Or will he stick to the far right message?
Is President Obama's strong showing in the polls have any collateral effect on House and Senate races? Conversely, has Romney's poor standings in the polls had the effect of dragging down those races?
Jody - Obama would be proud of you, Divert the question as soon as possible, good job. For you to believe they did not have the facts when the leader of libya states repeatedly that this WAS a terrorist attack, just shows how truly ignorant you are. for you to believe that this was because of a movie that had been out for months is the height of ignorance. People like you are what the Obama Administration prey on. Remove your head from your rectal region and take a deep breath you need some fresh air!
Those of you in Florida should Google "Colorado voter blue book" we added this in our state constitution to help voters understand what it is they are voting on. You could use it down there.
Do you think our President will bring up the issue of MYTH's missing tax documents? Also, what will become of the ransom for Romney's tax documents an anonymous hacker group claims to have?
Mitt Romney’s tax returns are reportedly in the hands of a team of hackers who plan on releasing them publicly at the end of the month unless a ransom of $1 million in Bitcoins — an online currency that is difficult both to trace and to identify. is paid.
http://mashable.com/2012/09/05/hacker-ransom-romney-tax-returns/
Has anyone explained to Mr. Romney that insulting the voters is NOT a good way to win votes?
You mean like this wonderfully condescending brain dropping?
"I really like those fancy raincoats you bought. Really sprung for the big bucks." —Mitt Romney, making fun of fans wearing plastic ponchos during a visit to the site of the Daytona 500 Nascar race in Florida, Feb. 26, 2012
Sail:
LOL! Missed THAT little gem!
Mitt's mouth will be his undoing in this election. He just can't help himself.
Why isn't more national attention paid to the individual house races? The makeup of congress, particularly the house is going to greatly affect the direction this nation heads in January, and it would be interesting to see the overall trends in the electorate at this level.
i'd particularly be interested in the races that SuperPACs are pumping money into in an attempt to smear one candidate or the other...
try http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/author/nate-silver/
he also breaks it down into Senate seats, down the page
Why do we have so drastic differences among the NBC polls and the Rasmussen polls? Both for the National and Electoral Polls. Is either side trying to manipulate the Elections? What formula are you using?
Hi Mark & Domenico
Thanks for taking our questions. I'm curious about the attacks on the polling by the Republicans. Do you think there is anything to the criticisms of the methodology and polling results?
Rachel Maddow did a segment on this last night (TU 9-25-2012). She points out that some criticism is because more Democrats than Republicans are sampled in some polls. She made the point that if more Democrats respond to the pollsters, maybe there are mre Democrats in that State/region.
Links to the Maddow commentary:
maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2012/09/25/14094036-epistemic-closure-and-poll-denialism?lite
video.msnbc.msn.com/the-daily-rundown/47961677#47961677
freakoutnation.com/2012/09/26/rachel-maddow-obliterates-the-new-republican-fantasy-electorate-of-skewed-polls/
Hi guys, thanks for taking our questions.
If Romney/Ryan do not carry MA or WI will it be the first time a ticket has not carried the home state of at least one of it's candidates?
thanks, keep up the good work!
Union Baby,
Just covering Presidential Candidates:
The only Presidential candidate to win without either his birth or home statewas James Polk in 1844.
There are 6 others that didn't carry one or the other and still won.
There is a much longer list of those that didn't carry one or the other or both that lost.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_major-party_United_States_presidential_candidates_who_lost_their_home_state
As for President and VP that is a good question but remember at one time they were elected separately, not on the same ticket.
Where is Romney's "Home" state anyway? Is it MA? or is it CA? or perhaps NH? what about MI? maybe it's UT? doesn't he have a (cough) cabin in CO? or it could be...
... Switzerland? or Bermuda? might be the Cayman Islands? or quite possibly Mexico... Inquiring minds what to know.
Probably a lot like John McCain....can't remember which of the 7 homes is "home"
GNOP - we don't need no fact checkers...GNOP CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
C'mon Mythe - show us the 1040's..What ARE you hiding@?!!
Will the Republican Party be chastened when President Obama is re-elected, or will House Republicans continue to block his bills and refuse to cooperate in efforts to decrease the debt?
I'm seconding Amy's question!!!!
Owebama with an effort to decrease the debt!!! That'a good one.
Right Rocco, I was going to respond much the same as you but you beat me to it because I couldn't stop laughing long enough to type. (still chuckling a bit).
Amy, I am working hard for the re-election of President Obama. I hope for the down ballot to also reflect a filibuster proof Senate. Recent polls are trending towards that possibility.
I would like to see the House with Democratic leadership again. What are the chances of a Democratic House majority?
You are absolutely correct Rocco. It's amazing how the liberals will interject anything to raise my eyebrows. When has Obama done anything to reduce the debt? He's only added $6 trillion to it.
you're working hard for a one party system? You view that as a solution to the Country's woes? Lets see; China, USSR, Cuba, Vietnam, N. Korea all tried that failed approach. Most of them no longer true commies.
Why not just come out and say you support One party rule through a Communistic Government?
Great question Amy. Will Republicans keep holding the American people hostage when President Obama is re-elected? If it makes them feel good, they probably will.
Feisty is back! Hooray!!
Interesting. Comparing the president to a communist. How bout we compare the republican party to Fascists. After all that's what we have when the government is in bed with Corporations. AKA "National Socialism." Oh and BTW the last time I checked the Chinese and Russians will do business with any one who has hard currency or natural resources to spend which would explain their amoral approach to foreign policy. The U.S.A. on the other hand has trade agreements with China, Vietnam, and Russia. Cuba is another story and is evolving economically. The U.S. is very foolish not to lift trade sanctions since we have ceded that to the EU. North Korea. Forget about it!!!!
nope, just the advocating of one party rule. What do you think it really is when one party controls or dominates all branches or at least in our case 66% of the government?
Do I think president Obama has leanings towards in that theory of government. You betcha. Redistribution of wealth is part of that foundation. He won't come out and openly say I want communism. Castro didnt even do that at first. sheesh
Amy, good question!
Well, CA, we had one party rule from 2001 through 2006. Considering the GOPers don't want to participate in Governing beyond obstructing while earning their tax-payer funded salaries, I have no problem with the democrats taking control of the House, along with keeping the Senate and the White House. It's likely to move the country FORWARD instead of backward where the GOP prefers.
CA..Would you say giving special tax breaks to "investors," farmers, oil companies, cell phone companies, the special tax breaks for married couples and homeowners, et al is in your words " redistribution of wealth?"
[you're working hard for a one party system?]
Huh...funny but Cyn's post mentioned nothing about a "one party system"...you must be confused...again...or is it those "killa reading comprehension skillz"...?
Little Seizure, you are obviously out of your element...again.
PIZZA! PIZZA!
Hey Torp what are you asking exactly? the benefits of tax breaks as wealth redistribuition? sure one can say that is the case. are you asking if i support, not necessarily. But do you really think Obama is talking about tax breaks?
im assuming you think I'm ok with that because Im 'GOP'? No see being an independent doesnt see party lines like that. Unfortunately most of you on the left claim anyone that opposes Obama a 'righty'.
funny you guys say move the country FORWARD, unfortunately you have no idea the destination. So FORWARD without a destination (no budget for starters) is such a brilliant stategy. Jody, next time you're in your garage in the car, go FORWARD let me know how that works out.
Mickey..working hard for Democrats to regain the House, maintain the Senate and the Executive branch, in my opinion is damn near one party. Read comp eh Mickey. stick to sorting laundry my little 'gay' buddy HAHAHA. I knew you'd like that
For the Record Mickey I am not a fan our two party system. maybe you are thats fine.
[No see being an independent...]
BAHAHAHAHAHWHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Now THAT was priceless.
Who are you trying to kid, taxman...You have "teabagger" written all over your forehead ...
if you say so dude. You think that telling me the opposite somehow validates you and changes reality.
Vale Champ
Poor "caesar"...fighting oh so hard to remain relevant...
[You think that telling me the opposite somehow validates you and changes reality]
Trouble is, you are a teabagger...your posts say so...maybe try looking in the mirror and you will see that you do, indeed, have TP written on your forehead.
Shame...Little taxman can't admit that he won't vote for Ryan/Romney, AND that he is a teabagger...
"ABO" Pizza Boy..."ABO"...
PIZZA! PIZZA!
Many of us in the middle class - those of us in our 50's and 60's are planning on social security for retirement. We have 401Ks, IRAs, some other savings and equity in our home but we may not have enough without social security to live comfortably in retirement. There are many worse off than us - we have at least one of us with an actual retirement plan.
How will Romney's and Obama's approach ease our mind on retirement? Do we need to keep working until we are past our age of real contribution to the workplace?
There are many of us who are not rich but not poor. We need social security.
Agree, we need social security and medicare. It doesn't take much to figure out the GOP's version of both--privatize them and you're on your own.
This is VERY presumptuous, but what actions ("body language"?) will/would signal that the Obama campaign feels as though they have the election in the bag? Obviously, we are talking subtle movements or behind the lines chatter here...
Thanks for taking questions Mark & Domenico. How bout this one....
Will the Feisty Redhead from IL be named Secretary of Whack a Troll in a second Obama administration?
4 more for 44
we missed you red! even the rwnj's don't know what to do without you ;)
Along this line ....
What took so long to suspend her?????
Regardless ....THANK YOU!
It has really been nice and refreshing the past week without the pointless ad hominem and redolent puerility.
The blog is much more civil without Feisty, don't miss her a bit! Plus, no comments getting collapsed... hmmm
sirie,
Newsvine turned off the collapse function over 2 weeks ago
....Can you hear me now? ☺
Mark & Domenico already answered my question...
I was wondering just this morning, when they were going to do another Inside the Boiler Room "Q&A"?
Thanks guys!
Feisty - WELCOME BACK!!!!! Gone WAYYYYYY too long!
Obama/Biden 2012
Missed you !!!!!
Best thing they ever did Dennis.
WB Feisty! It just hasn't been the same without you around!!!
I kept the light on for you Feisty!
Feisty!...Free at last!
Woo hoo---good to see you back, Feisty! We missed you but were glad to know you were OK in the FR slammer!
Hi Gang!
You have NO idea how good it is to be home!
Thanks to all of you for your support, and for flying the "Feisty" flags! ;o)
Come on now, we have an election to win!
Spent my time in the Newsvine "clink" doing everything I can to make sure we give President Obama 4 MORE!
I actually talked to my very first authentic "undecided" voter yesterday who didn't know who/what the SCOTUS is... *WOW*
That was a toughie, but, she will be voting a straight Democratic ticket on 11.6.2012!
Feisty--welcome back--the popcorn has not been the same without you girlfriend!
how sad. Oh well people still love Che Guevara too. What a fine individual he was
... and in the corner wearing blue trunks and back by popular demand ... Feisty the Redhead ... let the sucker punches roll. Good to have you back babe.
Feisty, thank you for all you do to Get Out The Vote! Yours is the most important task of the campaign - influencing the undecideds and getting folks to vote! I've volunteered for phone banks and going door to door for Dems before - you really are doing the work of democracy.
How old are we?
good question Thetotas. Now that one should be answered by Mark and Domenico
Thank God!
Ames,
I absolutely ♥ getting out there and talking to people about how this is going to be the most important election of our lifetimes!
People truly appreciate someone who takes the time to explain the complexities of what is at stake!
Let me tell you, things are not looking very good for Willard in IA...
Yep, now they just skip that step>
Feisty - That was a toughie, but, she will be voting a straight Democratic ticket on 11.6.2012!
I'd tell you the same thing if it would get you off of my porch.
Feisty: Great to have you back, missed you! When is Bev due back? If you have nothing better to do smack a couple trolls around. ☺
4 more 4 44
Yep, now they just skip that step>
was there a reason why it was deleted?
i tell them to go away and if they want to loiter, then stick around. Cut your nose off to spite your face is their problem. Fortunately I should see none of the FR lefty posters that are in here in my neck of the woods. In fact I doubt i'll see a liberal at all HAHAHA
I tend to steer clear of the dilapidated double wide propped up on cinder blocks & tires, flying the confederate flag and a front yard full of empty Schlitz bottles!
So, you have nothing to worry about, I won't be knocking on your broken screen door anytime soon!
Welcome home Red! So glad you're back and the world is back to normal :-)
the rwnj's just don't know how to handle the edge of a red razor
So, you have nothing to worry about, I won't be knocking on your broken screen door anytime soon! AND, she's BACK!!!!!
You forgot the push mower with foot tall grass around it, the two junk cars on blocks
parkedabandoned on the front lawn and the broken washing machine on the porch...Glad to have you back Feisty! We all missed you. Yes, even the RWNJs but maybe not for the same reason us libbies did.
Feisty - so you stayed out of Roselle completely? };~p
Hi Feisty, Mark and Domenico is there any chance that Simpson-Bowles could be revived after the election?
Hey, Feisty, good to have you back - as you can tell, your "friends" across the aisle are happy to have you back, too. Since they can't seem to ever come up with anything good to say about Mitt Romney, at least they can ease their pain at how things are going by getting back to attacking you. Consider it your "community service"!
Glad to know you put your time to good use in Iowa - I can't even begin to tell you how much I miss all those conversations with people on the front steps and porches back in 2008 and how much I wish I could be out on the front lines again this time. (Note to WCA: You'll never know what you're missing!) Keep up the good work!
P.S. - "I tend to steer clear of the dilapidated double wide propped up on cinder blocks"
You also forgot the mangy mutt chained to a stake in the yard and the "This house protected by Smith & Wesson" sign in the window!
... right along side the NRA member sticker and the I'm voting for Romney Sign, falling over of coarse...
I was going to ask if dumbfux would come back as an even dumberfux but clearly the answer to that is yes.
A giant heartfelt THANKS to all of you for your welcome back wishes & positive vibes!
JoAnne,
They really are in a snit these days, aren't they? lol
Must be tough getting handed exactly what they deserve...
Karma & all!
Few more examples just today. Your "turned it off" comment isn't quite holding water there
barackDennis.Yes this is good news that everyone can agree on!
Breaking News....
Newsvine turned off the collapse function over 2 weeks ago.
Well Hello Feisty..and welcome back to where you belong! The rwnjs have been lost with out you....
Keep up the good work!
GNOP - We don't need no fact checkers..GNOP CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
C'mon Mythe - show us the 1040's..What ARE you hiding @?!
Talk to the Hand -
The comments you referenced were from a "U.S. News" thread on NBC, not from First Read - different rules apply elsewhere.
Welcome back Feisty! Good to see you posting once again!
Welcome Back Feisty, was not the same without you.
Obama/Biden 2012
Welcome back, Fesity.
Will you apologize for your uncivil behavior, and promise to be more civil?
Or will you childish nasty name calling continue?
What about you, Bob? Civility is not a one way street.
Feisty, welcome back. As you can see the trolls are already quivering in fear and impotent rage.
Mark, Domenico: when will Newsvine or FR either announce what they are moderating so the rules are known, be even handed about those who offend, and either really ban people or admit they can't do it? It would also be nice if the gremlins that affect this page got de gremlinized.
Thanks.
Now that's funny, coming from someone who constantly refers to liberals as moon-bats & Soro's monkeys! lmao!
He who inhabits a glass house should be the LAST one to be flinging stones! ;o)
Worry about your OWN behavior before calling out someone else...
I noticed that NDD! lol
I swear to GAWD, if it were not for double standards, these clowns wouldn't have any!
JoAnne in PA
But Dennis said:
Not First Read, Newsvine. All those comments/commentators are members of Newsvine and therefore Newsvine DIDN'T turn it off. Just First Read.
But then I realize, you on the left side of the computer screen do think this is the only "source" on the web.
FR guys - If you were given a Presidential debate moderation job. What would be your three questions for each candidate.
My questions if only I could....
Obama questions -
1. Mr. President, how do you expect a nominal tax increase on the upper 2% of earners to pay down the deficit? You've stated that a balanced approach of tax increases and spending cuts will help us avoid a fiscal crisis. Why no mention of middle class tax increases and an adjustment to entitlement spending per the Simpson Bowles commission?
2. If re-elected what would be your driving goal, and how would you approach the legislative branch? Would you take a more aggressive role with Congressional committees or have the administration draft legislation to give to Democrats? To follow up - Regarding you recent statement that "the outside" can help change Washington, could you explain how citizens could become involved?
3. In regards to foreign policy what do you see as our next step in diplomacy regarding the "New democracies" in the Middle east as they enter these birthing pangs of instability?
Before Obama responds - Muffled mic from Romney muttering , "I would bomb them... Oh is this mic still on. Oops."
Romney questions -
1. How do you expect a plan where you only propose more tax cuts to generate a recovery and gain jobs when a decade of tax cuts have proved ineffective.
2. Mr. Romney why has your campaign and you yourself been so prone to walking back or outright changing positions? Case in point you switches on HCR, and social issues during the primary. Are you just saying things for votes or do you have conviction?
3. Can you specifically state one area of foreign policy that you disagree with the President, and why and what you would be doing differently.
Those are good questions, Yellowdog.
I would ask both candidates: Why isn't global warming a campaign issue this year, when most of the lower 48 states experienced drought and record high temperatures this summer?
What policies would you suggest to address these environmental issues?
Hmmm, Mark, I was with you until the "Dropping Bombs" Comment.
I would like an answer to the third Romney question as well.
As for the first Romney question, It has been proven, time and time again Mark, that decreasing taxes will increase revenue.
It works just about every time it is tried.
Your second question is just snarky. Would you ask the same of Obama? Specifically Gay marriage?
Hey WCA - Long time no see. Bomb comment - Well, my partisanship is showing. In my defense I am officially in campaign mode, it is September you know.
Honestly though I would like a similar set of questions asked of the two. The only recent group to moderate them was Univision and those anchors although they aggressively asked Obama questions, they let Romney slide. Hopefully the debate moderators will ask and follow up. I've already heard all of their stump speeches and talking points. Although I like Obama's 100 times and believe his more I still want to hear something new.
Amy - Climate change and energy is a huge issue that in reality outweighs almost everything in the grand long term scheme of things. That said, it is hard for people to sell the tough measures and proactive measures that need to be taken now!
Hussein questions:
3a. and just what is it you're trying to hide with the embassy killings in Benghazi? What REALLY happened?
Well Mark, the debates ought to be good. I wonder though, if anybody other than folks like us will watch them?
Hopefully they won't schedule them against an NFL game.
BTW I hear the NFL and the Referees have come to an agreement. Not much of a surprise , I suppose, after Monday Night.
I wonder who really thinks that a good performance in the first debate will save Romney?
His lies were allowed to stand during the primary.
Romney is not a good debater.....just think back to the GOP primary debates. He was on stage with the likes of Pizza Man, Slick Rick, Crazy Bachmann, Serial Adulterer, Sanitarium.......
Not much competition, and anyone of them landing real blows, was instructed to STOP IT!
Mark,
In an interview with Obama about 4 years ago, Charlie Gibson pointed out that history has proven in many/most cases that raising capital-gains taxes led to less revenue being collected (rich simply moved their money to shelters) – and conversely, lowering rates had increased revenue collected by the government (rich invested ,made money and paid taxes) .
Obama admitted it. But as Obama told Gibson - it was really a matter of “fairness.”
Fair minded people need to ask themselves ..... how does the deceit of championing for the poor and middle class by promoting government raising tax rates that it knows are legally avoided by government provided shelters – that produce no revenue and in fact generally lower revenue …. Promote “fairness”?
What good does this phony, class envy issue do the poor or the middle class, or any American other than Obama and his re-election bid.
Is this type of fundamental deceit and duplicity what you want in a president?
Regarding the question concerning "ineffective" tax rates ....
Tax revenues increased 31% by 2007 after the Bush 2003 cuts.
Fact. The economic collapse was a completely un-related credit issue in the financial sector that had nothing to do with tax rates.
The stagnation the last 3 1/2 years with the same tax rates under Obama?
Simply put ... the economy is like a football team ... tax rates are like a good quarterback. It is very, very difficult to win / have a growing economy without a good quarterback / or good tax rates, but having a good quarterback is meaningless with a pathetic line, poor receivers, no running game and a clueless coach calling the plays.
#9.2- nice Republican talking point which has NO basis in fact:
voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2010/07/mcconnell_no_evidence_whatsoev.html
More links: www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=692
@Yellowdog
Here is what happened on Univision
From Buzzfeed:
While introducing Romney at the top of the broadcast, [Maria Elena] Salinas’s
co-anchor, Jorge Ramos, noted that the Republican candidate had agreed to give the network 35 minutes, and that Obama had agreed to a full hour the next
night. Ramos then invited the audience to welcome Romney to the stage — but the candidate didn’t materialize.
“It was a very awkward moment, believe me,” Salinas
said.
Apparently, Romney took issue with the anchors beginning the broadcast that
way, said Salinas, and he refused to go on stage until they re-taped the introduction. (One Republican present at the taping said Romney “threw a tantrum.”)
Let’s repeat that: Mitt Romney THREW A TANTRUM because he didn’t like the
anchor noting that he’d agreed to appear for 35 minutes as opposed to Barack
Obama’s hour. And then he REFUSED TO GO ONSTAGE until they retaped the intro.
We are starting to think Miffed Romney, in addition to having what we suspect
is Asperger’s-induced Insult People To Their Faces Constantly Syndrome, also
might have a problem of temperament.
But oh, there is ever so much more. How many haughty demands did the Romney camp make on Univision?
Here are a couple!
Salinas told BuzzFeed that tickets for each forum were divided between the network, the respective campaigns, and the University of Miami (which hosted the events) — and she said both campaigns initially agreed to keep the audience comprised mostly of students, in keeping with the events’ education theme.
But after exhausting the few conservative groups on campus, the Romney camp
realized there weren’t enough sympathetic students to fill the stands on their
night — so they told the network and university that if they weren’t given an
exemption to the students-only rule, they might have to “reschedule.”
They were given an exemption, and “bus[ed] in rowdy activists from around southern Florida in order to fill the extra seats at their town hall.”
Obama’s campaign, meanwhile, stuck to the original parameters and allowed a large chunk of the tickets to be distributed to interested students on campus. The result was a quiet, well-behaved crowd.
Salinas said both candidates ultimately had partisan crowds at their forums, but that Romney’s non-student activists ignored instructions to hold their applause.
“We were a little bit thrown because it was supposed to be a TV show, it
wasn’t a rally,” Salinas said of the outspoken Romney supporters. “It was a little bit of disrespect for us.”
The result?
When the Republican took his place Wednesday night in the first of two
back-to-back candidate forums televised on the mega-network, he was greeted by an adoring, raucous crowd that cheered his every word, and booed many of the moderators’ questions. The next night, President Obama was aggressively grilled on his immigration record.
The only thing anyone will remember from the Univision forum, of course, is
Miffed’s disastrous brownface. According to Salinas,
the makeup lady swore it was just Miffed being sunburned. We’d imagine it’s
more along the lines of The Help @!$%#ting in the chocolate pie. But we’re sure
that Great American Hero makeup lady is right, because that way she gets to
keep her job.
Are the "lean to" states still leaning and will they continue to be ignored by both candidates?
Thanks for taking questions:
1. What impact will the presidential debates have if:
A: Mitt does a great job.
B: President Obama stumbles.
2. What impact does the VP debate have on the presidential election?
3. What impact will the voter id laws in several states have on the presidential election.
How does Romney plan to increase jobs?
Does Romney really feel that military personnel on duty in war zones are on the government dole?
What steps will President Obama take to work with Congress to get a budget passed and avoid sequestration?
Trickle down has not worked when tried previously. Why does Romney think it will work now?
What does Romney expect of an elderly, frail widower, say aged 85, to do to get off the government dole?
How can Romney say with a straight face that the teacher's unions shouldn't donate money to campaigns when he has taken millions from the Koch brothers and other wealthy donors?
Why can't Romney see the value of renewable energy or recognize that natural gas is killing coal, not regulations?
What will Romney do to protect our drinking water and the air that we breathe?
Does Romney really want to ignore science in his thinking on climate change?
Yesterday the Romney Campaign said they are no longer paying attention to public polling. Is there any serious polling candidates do on their own?
What will it take for MSNBC to turn dark blue? with the new polling, what is stopping you? Is it the voter ID law?
Hi Mark and Domenico - Why do Republicans feel it is appropriate to sign oaths to Grover Norquist who has been voted into no office and has no real authority on anything. How is this not at least a little treasonous when his interests are not necessarily those of the United States?
Which one of you (or both of you) is coming to the South Florida debate? Where should we have Happy Hour when you are down here? ;-)
Okay...serious questions now:
1. How do you see the "debate expectations" game playing out? Is there a general perception out there as to which candidate is likely to be the better debater?
2. See Yellowdog - Mark D's question above about what questions you would ask at a debate...GREAT question!
3. There is one more "jobs report" to be released before the election. That will occur approximately one month before the election. How much of an impact will that jobs report have on the election? Will it set the tone for the last month if it is above or below a certain level?
Thanks as always guys!
Hey Frank Grimes, Florida is going to be a close one. In response to one of your other posts. While I don't really think that the Obama 10 point lead is solid, I think he is clearly up. I think that you have to take 3 points off for sampling, margin of error etc. However right now I think Obama is up by about 5 to 6. That said things can change. If things continue on this course, I'm hoping for a 2 to 3 point win in Florida for the President.
On a lighter note, did you happen to see that another Springfield resident is already voting? Saw a clip of Homer Simpson deciding who he was going to vote for. Unfortunatley Homer soon saw what the consequences were for his R vote.
Hey Mark...
Yeah...my sense is that he is currently up 3 or 4 points and this is going to come down to a point or 2 in my state.
As for the Simpsons voting...yeah...they've had some good ones. 4 years ago they showed Homer trying to vote for Obama and it kept counting for McCain. The one for this year was pretty classic too where he got to see Romney's tax return as long as he voted for him. I find the Simpsons to be the best political satire around. And they are usually pretty bipartisan about it. :-)
Have a good one!
You always have good questions Grimey. I went and checked the jobs report point, because I was pretty sure - there are actually two more. Oct 5 and Nov. 2. http://bls.gov/schedule/news_release/empsit.htm
Short answer on that - they likely won't change the electoral trajectory UNLESS they show either (a) tremendous growth (unlikely) or (b) an incredible worsening (possible, but also unlikely).
Economists are predicting the unemployment situation will be about where it is today and the unemployment rate not likely below 8%.
What percentage should a president be allowed to golf/vacation/fundraise? Seems like Obama has been really lackluster in his duties...
sirie - yet he's taken less than half the vacations Bush took. Hmmmmm
SeekingSanity: There ain't nobody crazy enough to complain about 'da Dub' on vacation.
Obama/Biden 2012
Exito - so true - didn't think that one through did I?
Obama/Biden 2012
SeekingSanity
Exito - so true - didn't think that one through did I?
Oh, you left yourself wide open with that comment!! I must refrain tho, try to remember my fine catholic upbringing!
sirie - your upbringing can clearly not be classified as "fine" - don't know about catholic!
What will it take for MSNBC to turn PA dark blue? With the latest polls, is it the voter ID law that is stopping you?
Who's the Packers Fan???? ;-) (All the good political ones are above!)
I would ask the Packer's fan if he (or she) thinks the decision in Monday night's game should be vacated.
That's opening a big door, Steeler Fan! The Raven's call should be looked at as well! ;-)
Being a Bears fan... I will reserve comment! lol
Layton---anything that would take a win away from the Raven's would be OK with me.
Being a Loins fan (yes, I openly admit it) I will reserve my comment also.
Lingerie League rejects? Come on NFL!!! Get it settled already.
Steeler fan, for once we agree..both the Patriots and the Packers were robbed by the refs.
The wife and i watched as much LFL as we could. Those ladies were hitters in addition to being underwear models! The stream we watched from was crap most of the time, but they were playing some good football to this fan's mind, and i'm hoping that a WNFL is in the works to give us some football in the springtime. (my sister played for a club team for a year or two before she moved)
that said, even this die hard football fan (watched every NFL europe game when it was going on, and i watch High school rerun games during the offseason just cause it is football...) would have problems correctly officiating a LFL game... is ripping down a g string a penalty? i dunno, but it sure distracted me from the holding on the other side of the line...
Bucs then Chiefs fan here (yeah, i'm a glutton for punishment).
1. Considering the obstructionism that has been running rampant in Congress during President Obama's administration (and for which Gov. Romney is blaming President Obama), how is that Gov. Romney, if elected, intends to forestall the current methods of party impasses from continuing? How can he mandate cooperation?
2. Have there been any legit studies that provide estimates on how the voter ID laws will impact actual votes and if so, what are they? Combining this effect with currently polled "lack of enthusiasm" compared to 2008, will this have a significant impact on the states that currently "lean" towards re-electing President Obama?
Why is it that ONLY democrats are affected by voter ID laws???
And when answering Matthew's question #1, keep in mind that Congress includes the obstructionist Senate led by Harry Reid. Thanks.
Oscar, the Democrats are not the only ones affected by Voter ID laws. However, some studies have shown that the folks most likely to be affected by Voter ID laws are poor, elderly, and minority. Categories that have a history of voting Democratic.
Since the studies show this potential voter impact, I tried to phrase question #2 to reflect that trending. I focused the question on swing states because they are most likely to be impacted by any minor vote casting changes.
With respect to question #1, please note I stated "Congress' and "party impasses." I did not specify which party.
I have a question that will most likely be ignored.
Why does MSNBC never report on the actions of Obama that are controversial? MSNBC seems to only print articles that reflect a negative light on the Republican candidate.
I have my theories on why MSN does this, but it would lend to your credibility as a news source to provide the reasons for the slant in reporting.
i second that...
Oh that's cute. The answer is: your candidate says many, many stupid things, and President Obama says considerably fewer.
How about NOT coming out with the truth on the Benghazi murders? He still has his head in the sand on that one and NO ONE is reporting what a moron he is on that subject. Even the Libyan president says it was a plot.
His "considerably fewer" just happen to be a bit more important than the gaffes of a candidate. He IS the one in office you know.
dont mind the person that would walk over hot coals for a canidate. Brian and Sirie, valiant effort but yes ignored it will be. as to credibility. NBC could careless, its about the ratings, drama and just plain Obama Cheering.
The President has to consider many things when information is being released, not just politics and that people want to know. There may be other lives at stake, such as other embassies.
Middle class mom - the righties don't understand the big picture. They can't absorb the ramifications of diplomacy in foreign affairs.
Obama/Biden 2012
What is non-diplomatic about admitting that there was indeed a plot prior the the event (over a week later)? Was the Libyan president being non-diplomatic?
I think Obama's "diplomacy" concerns are covering his a$$ long enough that the story goes away to divert from the fact the system failed.
Exactly, only hardcore liberal progressive lefties have a total and complete grasp on everything.
did you fall in love with your reflection?
Middle Class, you totally miss the point. Obama lied. He lied to the American public, but it goes completely ignored. Obama can lie because he has a media that is nothing but a giant PAC in his favor. They refuse to report the truth because it may hurt Obama's chances at re-election. They are in the bag for him and most unwitting people don't even recognize it because they trust news sources... if people knew the truth about the reporting, there would be zero trust.
They didn't waste anytime coming out and stating it was spontaneous, not premeditated attack.
So much for the big picture.
smitty1118 - actually, I don't believe Romney HAS supplied two years of tax returns. He had only supplied a partial return for 2010. Plus, as his father said, "one or two years could be a fluke" as he released 12 years of his returns. When someone releases a "summary" of their tax returns, it clearly indicates they CAN'T show the actual returns - for fear of reprisals.
What is Mitt hiding????
Obama/Biden 2012
Ceasar -- did you fall in love with your reflection?
--priceless! me thinks that SS is developing a crush on you!! };~D
It's NBC News.com now. Come on BB, get with the program already!
sirie - it appears that the person enamored with Caesar is YOU. And, you two are the PERFECT totally oblivious couple!
Obama/Biden 2012
SeekingSanity--If Mitt Romney partook of the Amnesty program, would that mean he admitted to committing a felony and if so, (if heaven forbid) he became president, could he be impeached for that at some time during his term?
Sueb1 - if he took part in the Amnesty program I don't think he would be admitting to doing anything wrong - he would just be admitting to the American public that he avoided paying taxes during a time most of us paid them. Not the best stance for a Presidential candidate. It would show complete sleaze on his part! But, we've already seen that!
Obama/Biden 2012
On a more serious note, Mark and Domenico? Any prediction on surprise wins for House or Senate races? For example: will Bachmann get defeated? Will Heitkamp pull out a win?
Which race(s) do you find most interesting.
GREAT RETORT. Hanging with Mickey too much.
newdayDAWNING...RETURNED
On a more serious note, Mark and Domenico? Any prediction on surprise wins for House or Senate races? For example: will Bachmann get defeated? Will Heitkamp pull out a win?
Great question newday,
I wonder if Mark and Domenico have any idea what will be the October Surprise; particularly, with the neo-cons beating the war drums.
BEVERLY! So glad you are back! We missed you like crazy!
Yes, Bev! Glad to see you!
This would be a question for Obama - Who would you point fingers at (blame) if you were to win this election, Bush?
Gary Johnson! How many states is he on the ballot? He has a law suit to be included in the debates, could this work?
Come on people. 35,000,000 Baptist keep saying Mormonism is a cult. If they now vote for Romney they will be voting for an atheist.
Party over scripture. We will know Nov. 6, 2012.
Don't forget, you can also tweet
I cannot bring myself to tweet, thank you very much.
Amy: I will not treet at 20 cents a pop! Yes I am cheep.
Exito - according to Anne Romney - Mitt is cheap. Turns off the water heater when they leave home for a trip. Now that's just creepy!
Obama/Biden 2012
I know a lot of people that do the same when leaving for and extended (week or two at least) leave from home. Beat the hell out of the possibility of coming home and having it go haywire and 'blowing by" the safety while you were gone and causing a heck of a lot of water damage. Yeah I guess he is cheap if he can's afford to replace flooring, ceilings, walls and all when returning.
You are creepy if you don't think about the possibility of a minor disaster happening to your home when gone.
There was a time when anyone leaving a home for an extended period of time turned off their water and gas to ensure no floods or explosions related to gas water heater failures. People these days know nothing about maintaining a home or anything else for that matter since they were not taught anything by their parents and it is cheaper to buy another. This is the sad product of a "Dumbed Down" America! Creepy? Really? How about prudent?