View Full Version : Romney picks Ryan as VP
CaptainHaplo
08-11-12, 01:29 AM
As it says - AP has reported 3 sources all confirming Paul Ryan as the VP pick by Mitt Romney.
A lot of democratic strategists have been saying that a Ryan pick will open up avenues of attack regarding the Ryan Budget.
Don't count on it....
Team Obama making an issue of the Ryan Budget plan runs one huge risk that Ryan himself won't be shy about pointing out....
In 3 and a half years - Team D hasn't passed a single budget. So the comparison goes like this...
Team Obama: What will the Evil Republican Ryan plan due to entitlements like Medicare and Medicaid, Welfare and other "critical" services?
Response: Put the country back on a fiscally sane path. What will the Democrat plan do for the country? Oh wait - they havent - and still don't - have one!
kraznyi_oktjabr
08-11-12, 02:57 AM
Okay... who controls the House again?
Tribesman
08-11-12, 03:05 AM
How long till the tea party faithful are carrying signs saying hands off my medicare again?
It is only "entitlements" when someone else gets them, everything else is a critical service.
Aramike
08-11-12, 03:12 AM
If I tried to describe how proud I am of Congressman Ryan, I'd fall short of adjectives. I've voted for this man, talked with this man, have had several photographs taken with this man, and have followed this man's wonderful career from the get-go; and while our 1st district will be sad to lose such a wonderful representative in the House of Representatives, we couldn't be more proud to share him with the rest of our great nation.
I have never been more excited for a presidential ticket. I'll admit that I've even shed tears of joy over this news. Paul Ryan represents a new mode of thinking that we've always been afraid of - change for the sustainability of a nation of independence. Hard change.
We in Wisconsin went through this so-called nightmare. The left screamed that the sky would fall; that if the old ways weren't preserved, we'd spiral into our destruction. It didn't happen, and when they tried to recall our governor, Scott Walker, they were repudiated by the voters.
Why?
Because we are finally ready to embrace smart, bold politicians. While Mitt Romney is certainly smart, he's not very bold. Paul Ryan is the perfect medicine for that.
Now I know that critics will bring up Sarah Palin and how she was the bold choice for McCain, and the ticket failed. While I understand that argument, I see two major flaws: One, Palin isn't nearly as numbers-smart and seasoned as Ryan, and her committment to anything other than publicity is to be questioned as she resigned from her frickin' governorship. Two, the political dynamic was completely different in '08, and I doubt that any Republican could have won.
In any case, I cannot overstate my joy at Paul Ryan being a heartbeat away from the Presidency. On Wisconsin!
Aramike
08-11-12, 03:13 AM
Okay... who controls the House again?Republicans. The same Republicans who have passed budgets - that don't even make their way to a vote on the Democrat-controlled Senate floor.
kraznyi_oktjabr
08-11-12, 03:27 AM
Republicans. The same Republicans who have passed budgets - that don't even make their way to a vote on the Democrat-controlled Senate floor.True. However budget must be such that it can pass both House and Senate. Currently you have Senate which refuses to cut discretionary spending and House which refuses to increase revenue. In such situation you can not put blame to one side only.
Btw both actions are needed if you want to dig yourself out from your fiscal hole.
Part of me hoped his first name would be Jack...although that would mean that Congress was about to get explosively redecorated. :doh:
CaptainHaplo
08-11-12, 07:53 AM
True. However budget must be such that it can pass both House and Senate. Currently you have Senate which refuses to cut discretionary spending and House which refuses to increase revenue. In such situation you can not put blame to one side only.
Btw both actions are needed if you want to dig yourself out from your fiscal hole.
Two point....
First - it is the job of the Senate BY LAW that they be the ones to put forth a budget. They did not do so. They did not even put one forth that they could pass. Did you see a proposed one from the Senate side? No - and there is a reason for that. The Democrats refused to take up the House budget because they did not want to be on the record refusing to be fiscally responsible.
Secondly - the idea of "raising revenue" - is purely political and would have absolutely no real impact on the fiscal issue we have. If the government took every dime from the "rich" which would permanently remove them as a long term tax revenue source - the entire total taken would not even make up the budget deficit of one year. "Taxing the rich" is a play to the underclass - it has the end effect of a huge negative to economic growth while having a miniscule impact on the fiscal hole. To protect our economy from those who would harm it for political purposes IS part of the process of digging ourselves out of the hole.
Onkel Neal
08-11-12, 07:57 AM
How long till the tea party faithful are carrying signs saying hands off my medicare again?
It is only "entitlements" when someone else gets them, everything else is a critical service.
Haha, true. I don't mind losing entitlements that affect me, as long as the entitlements go away for everyone.
Ryan is my kind of guy. But, if they do away with Medicare, it will have to be replaced with something. Long ago someone in this country decided that no matter your ability to pay and be responsible for your own life and health, hospitals cannot turn away anyone. So someone has to pay for these costs. Obamacare may or may not be the way to go, but at least Obama has some kind of plan to manage these costs. What is Romney/Ryan's plan?
He's making the announcement in front of the Battleship USS Wisconsin. :salute:
Tribesman
08-11-12, 08:25 AM
But, if they do away with Medicare, it will have to be replaced with something.
Not on planet dreamland:03:
Long ago someone in this country decided that no matter your ability to pay and be responsible for your own life and health, hospitals cannot turn away anyone.
Most countries decided that, it goes with the proven example of other models failing spectacularly throughout history.
Some countries didn't decide that though, those countries are on the list of third world basket cases.
Obamacare may or may not be the way to go, but at least Obama has some kind of plan to manage these costs. What is Romney/Ryan's plan?
Obamacare in its passed form is a joke, it is typical corporate pandering. Romneys local plan was better but he has been trying to run a mile from it ever since as the "my benefits are sacred and everyone elses entitlements are socialist bribes to lazy worthless scum" crowd are trying to hang him for it.
mookiemookie
08-11-12, 08:28 AM
"ROMNEY/RYAN 2012 - Throwin' gramma under the bus and strappin' the dog to the top of it!"
Onkel Neal
08-11-12, 08:29 AM
He's making the announcement in front of the Battleship USS Wisconsin. :salute:
Haha, did Romney just introduce Ryan as "the next president of the US" or was that a Freudian slip on my part? :haha:
Haha, did Romney just introduce Ryan as "the next president of the US" or was that a Freudian slip on my part? :haha:
Yeah he did. :) You know that's gonna be some grist for the debate mill.
mookiemookie
08-11-12, 08:42 AM
Starting off on a constructive note, eh? ;)
That's why I thought better of it and withdrew my comment.
Onkel Neal
08-11-12, 08:46 AM
Got any math for that or is it pure ideological drivel?
Yeah he did. :) You know that's gonna be some grist for the debate mill.
Haha, Romney.
Ryan gave a good speech. "Reapply our founding principles, not replace them."
That's why I thought better of it and withdrew my comment.
Yeah because accusing Romney of throwing grandma under the bus is way more constructive.... :)
mookiemookie
08-11-12, 08:54 AM
Yeah because accusing Romney of throwing grandma under the bus is way more constructive.... :)
No, you're mistaken. It's Ryan that's throwing gramma under the bus, and Romney that's strapping the dog to the top of it. Sheeshk!
Tribesman
08-11-12, 09:00 AM
No, you're mistaken. It's Ryan that's throwing gramma under the bus, and Romney that's strapping the dog to the top of it. Sheeshk!
how do they find the time between dogs and gramma to screw the workers rights and ship jobs to china?
Very hard working those two ain't they:har:
mookiemookie
08-11-12, 09:03 AM
how do they find the time between dogs and gramma to screw the workers rights and ship jobs to china?
Very hard working those two ain't they:har:
I want to know how Paul Ryan finds time to be an eccentric actor and do his political stuff too. Oh wait, that's Crispin Glover. Ah heck, they look too much the same.
kraznyi_oktjabr
08-11-12, 09:13 AM
Two point....
First - it is the job of the Senate BY LAW that they be the ones to put forth a budget. They did not do so. They did not even put one forth that they could pass. Did you see a proposed one from the Senate side? No - and there is a reason for that. The Democrats refused to take up the House budget because they did not want to be on the record refusing to be fiscally responsible.:hmmm: I have to dig a bit. I hadn't heard about that little detail (despite reading some pro-Team R blogs) care to provide a link?
Secondly - the idea of "raising revenue" - is purely political and would have absolutely no real impact on the fiscal issue we have. If the government took every dime from the "rich" which would permanently remove them as a long term tax revenue source - the entire total taken would not even make up the budget deficit of one year. "Taxing the rich" is a play to the underclass - it has the end effect of a huge negative to economic growth while having a miniscule impact on the fiscal hole. To protect our economy from those who would harm it for political purposes IS part of the process of digging ourselves out of the hole.First I'm not talking about "taxing the rich" crap. I'm talking about general tax increases to all taxpayers or to be more accurate returning them back to what they were before tax cuts. Bulk of actions have to be spending cuts and in this no area of government should be exempt but you can not cut endlessly and taxation changes has to be on table.
Btw its true that in scale off your economy about $300bn (or about 2% of GDP) is very small amount of money but it still matters.
Takeda Shingen
08-11-12, 09:28 AM
If we stopped meddling in everyone's affairs and put and end to acting as the world's police, we probably could save Medicare. But nobody wants to talk about the elephant in the room, especially not Team R.
The Republican faithful will probably be very excited about this choice, as we have seen in this thread. However, those people are firmly entrenched in team politics and were voting R anyway, regardless of who was running. It'll come down to where it always does; moderates and independents. We've been told repeatedly that they are breaking away fom Obama in droves, but this has not really been the case. Will this Ryan choice push Romney over the finish line? It will give him a bump in the polls, but we will have to see if it will last. My instinct says no and that Obama still pretty much has this in the bag, but we will see.
It was a well-constructed speech. Would have been nice if Ryan would have shaved this morning, as that was some serious 5 o'clock shadow. Like the supposed gaffe, none of that really matters. He hit all the buzzwords, including the one I can't stand -- "freedom". "Freedom" and "Liberty" in Republicanspeak refer to taxes, not individual civic rights. It's one of the things that caused this once faithful Team R supporter to stray from the flock.
In the end, as I said, I don't think any of it will matter. I do not see Ryan has having much draw outside of the faithful, and certainly not as a figure that the moderates and independents will flock to. We, however, will see.
mookiemookie
08-11-12, 09:46 AM
In the end, as I said, I don't think any of it will matter. I do not see Ryan has having much draw outside of the faithful, and certainly not as a figure that the moderates and independents will flock to. We, however, will see.
I agree. This isn't an inclusive pick, it's a pick that fires up the base to get them out and vote. I can see the Romney campaign worried that they'd lose the election before they ever had a chance due to pure apathy from the far rightists. This shores them up, and I would bet that the next couple of months are spent trying to juggle both sides - pandering to the independents and moderates with Romney while at the same time pandering to the hard rightists with Ryan.
The VP debate will be fun to watch. I imagine Biden is licking his chops.
Takeda Shingen
08-11-12, 09:54 AM
I agree. This isn't an inclusive pick, it's a pick that fires up the base to get them out and vote. I can see the Romney campaign worried that they'd lose the election before they ever had a chance due to pure apathy from the far rightists. This shores them up, and I would bet that the next couple of months are spent trying to juggle both sides - pandering to the independents and moderates with Romney while at the same time pandering to the hard rightists with Ryan.
The VP debate will be fun to watch. I imagine Biden is licking his chops.
Well, I can see why Ryan was chosen. He isn't supposed to be the inclusion guy; that's Romney. Ryan is supposed to pump up the R's, who were already pretty pumped up with the anti-Obama thing. For Romney, it was a case of damned if you do, damned if you don't. People will, as we have done, point and say that it's all about Team R neoconservatism. If he went with a guy like Chris Christie, then the true believers would be leading the call of 'Massachusetts Moderate'.
In terms of the VP debate, it is always just a sideshow. However, to that end, I don't think that Biden will do so well. Things were easy for him in 2008, but Ryan can actually make his views known in a coherent manner. He is not Palin.
mookiemookie
08-11-12, 10:03 AM
In terms of the VP debate, it is always just a sideshow. However, to that end, I don't think that Biden will do so well. Things were easy for him in 2008, but Ryan can actually make his views known in a coherent manner. He is not Palin.
What I meant was that they're perfect foils for each other. Biden's going to attack Ryan as the cold, brutal, heartless rich man who doesn't care about the middle class and is willing to dismantle our social safety net so that the 1% and corporations can get a tax break. Ryan's going to go after Biden as the big spending idealistic Democrat who can't say no to anything and is wasting and spending America into oblivion. You couldn't draw up two better caricatures of an R and a D.
Takeda Shingen
08-11-12, 10:16 AM
What I meant was that they're perfect foils for each other. Biden's going to attack Ryan as the cold, brutal, heartless rich man who doesn't care about the middle class and is willing to dismantle our social safety net so that the 1% and corporations can get a tax break. Ryan's going to go after Biden as the big spending idealistic Democrat who can't say no to anything and is wasting and spending America into oblivion. You couldn't draw up two better caricatures of an R and a D.
That is certainly true. It should make for excellent theatre.
If Ryan wants to cut Medicare, will he go along with the 5% reduction in the Defense Dept budget? I mean there is absolutely no wasteful spending over there!
Buddahaid
08-11-12, 10:59 AM
Haha, did Romney just introduce Ryan as "the next president of the US" or was that a Freudian slip on my part? :haha:
Starting off on a constructive note, eh? ;)
Maybe he plans on abdicating if elected. :hmmm: This whole us vs. them stuff is stupidity at it's highest form and shows the world the US is nothing but a bunch of children in a kindergarden sandbox fight. I want the parties of we to prevail. Until this works it will be waste from both the big players with the general populace footing the bill. :down:
or to be more accurate returning them back to what they were before tax cuts.
Y'know when congress first instituted the federal income tax the rate for the middle class was less than 10% and there were lots of promises made at the time that it'd never go higher than that, so it's really more accurate to say that Bush tax "cuts" are really just a small step in the right direction.
kraznyi_oktjabr
08-11-12, 11:59 AM
Y'know when congress first instituted the federal income tax the rate for the middle class was less than 10% and there were lots of promises made at the time that it'd never go higher than that, so it's really more accurate to say that Bush tax "cuts" are really just a small step in the right direction.Valid point. I was talking about last 20-30 years. Btw for what purpose Congress instituted that federal income tax and when it happened?
Tribesman
08-11-12, 12:44 PM
If Ryan wants to cut Medicare, will he go along with the 5% reduction in the Defense Dept budget?
If Ryan wants to cut Medicare why did he vote for its expansion?
Bailout, bailout, more welfare, stimulus, bailout, stimulus.
Strange record for someone who is supposedly fiscally conservative:hmmm:
Could it be that he is shockingly...just another politician like all the other muppets .
Ryan voted against the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles recommendations.
Stepping back from the details, it probably was a very smart choice on the part of the campaign. If they play up Ryan's role in all this, it will no doubt get the Republican core voters voting. Like him or not, he's the right guy for them.
If there's a problem to be addressed here though, it's the fact that the republican ticket is now distinctly neoconservative, with tinges of social conservative appeal (that at the same time steers clear of the gung-ho Tea Party mentality). Another election, another confirmation that neocons run the show. Not a good thing in the end.
Also, I couldn't help but notice the picture on BBC, where Ryan is very clearly trying to be a meme:
http://i.imgur.com/CClrx.jpg
:D
CaptainHaplo
08-11-12, 04:54 PM
:hmmm: I have to dig a bit. I hadn't heard about that little detail (despite reading some pro-Team R blogs) care to provide a link?
You know what - I was wrong - they did take it up and voted it down. I was incorrect and appreciate the opportunity to correct my error.
With that said - the Congress is REQUIRED to pass a budget under Article 1 of the Constitution. The Democrats in 2008 and 2009 - when they had both the House and the Senate - failed to pass a budget. In 2010, the House changed to Republican control - and the House then passed a budget. The Senate - controlled by Team D - still refused. In fact, in 2011 Harry Reid stated that it woud be "foolish" for team D to even PROPOSE a budget in the senate.
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/20/news/la-pn-harry-reid-budget-20110520
He also stated that it was "a waste of time" to debate or vote on a bipartisan debt bill.
http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/after-802-days-of-no-budget-from-the-senate-harry-reid-says-it-is-a-waste-of-the-senates-time-to-d/question-2001211/
Obviously - you can't address the debt without it being a budget bill.....
The ONLY budget put forth by anyone on Team D have been from the President - and his administration even told Team D to vote against it! Are you seriously going to call that a reasonable attempt at a budget?
The Senate has defeated their own president's budget 2 years in a row - this last one 99-0 against it - after it failed 414-0 in the house.
When he can't get his own team to give him a single vote on his proposals..... are they serious budgets? I think not....
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/227857-senate-rejects-obama-budget-in-99-0-vote/
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/05/house-and-senate-unanimously-reject-obama-budgets-or-do-they/
So why won't Team D actually come up with a serious budget bill?
Tribesman
08-11-12, 05:37 PM
If they play up Ryan's role in all this, it will no doubt get the Republican core voters voting. Like him or not, he's the right guy for them.
The core voters would probably vote for a corpse if it had the appropriate team letter for them.
The trick is to get the independants the swingers and the "usually can't be arsed to vote" to back them.
Platapus
08-11-12, 06:17 PM
Now that he has picked his VP, I hope we will start to hear about some actual plan details on what a Romney administration will do. I get it that he is not Obama, but I need a little more than "not Obama" if he wants my vote.
I am not totally thrilled with Obama, but I am far from the point where I will vote for "anyone but Obama".
I doubt I am the only one who feels this way.
mookiemookie
08-11-12, 07:16 PM
If there's a problem to be addressed here though, it's the fact that the republican ticket is now distinctly neoconservative, with tinges of social conservative appeal (that at the same time steers clear of the gung-ho Tea Party mentality). Another election, another confirmation that neocons run the show. Not a good thing in the end.
The "far right" in this country is farther right than it's been in a long time, if not ever. The real Ronald Reagan (as opposed to the mythical creation that the Republicans bandy about nowadays) would be run out of today's party as a socialist liberal.
Now that he has picked his VP, I hope we will start to hear about some actual plan details on what a Romney administration will do. I get it that he is not Obama, but I need a little more than "not Obama" if he wants my vote. Running on the fact that you're not the other guy is not the road to victory. Ask John Kerry about that one.
Armistead
08-11-12, 08:11 PM
Romney was falling way behind in too many polls, so he pulled another Palin out, cept this one has a brain. I think the hope is to stir the base and hope moderates don't show in force for Obama like last time. I hate them both, but will never vote for an elitist like Romney, too out of touch.
Takeda Shingen
08-11-12, 09:19 PM
Romney was falling way behind in too many polls, so he pulled another Palin out, cept this one has a brain.
Paul Ryan is no Sarah Palin. As you pointed out, Ryan has a brain. I disagree with his stance on several issues, but he is intelligent. Romney, whether you like him or not, has run a smart campaign. Think of the McCain campaign in 2008; the wheels were starting to wobble by this point last time. He had a poor choice in running mate, a weak September and a disasterous October. Only the truly faithful believed that he could win. Romney/Ryan is different in the fact that they have a shot. I don't think that it is a very good one, but there is a shot, whereas McCain/Palin never really had a chance, despite what you may have read on GT four years ago.
Onkel Neal
08-11-12, 09:44 PM
What I meant was that they're perfect foils for each other. Biden's going to attack Ryan as the cold, brutal, heartless rich man who doesn't care about the middle class and is willing to dismantle our social safety net so that the 1% and corporations can get a tax break. Ryan's going to go after Biden as the big spending idealistic Democrat who can't say no to anything and is wasting and spending America into oblivion. You couldn't draw up two better caricatures of an R and a D.
:up: Well put.
http://slatest.slate.com/posts/2012/08/11/romney_calls_ryan_the_next_president_of_the_united _states_in_gaffe_blooper.html
Haha, (falsetto): called it!
Obama did the same, but he caught his mistake. Hmm... advantage Obama. :)
CaptainMattJ.
08-12-12, 02:42 AM
Is it just me or are more and more people voting R just because its "not Obama"? Romney has proven himself time, and time again to be incompetent, out of touch, and a corporatist, and just because he selected a less incompetent and much better candidate than romney as his VP shouldnt outweigh the fact that romney will be in charge. unless he gets assassinated early in office its going to be 4 years going down a spiral rather than the turtle growth with obama. Obama is not the president we need, but he has in his office helped the recovery at least. Romney could potentially destroy anything accomplished in the last 4 years.
Yet people overlook romney's vast stupidity and ignorance because hes "not obama". as said by Platapus, im seeing multitudes of people who seem to be voting for romney because hes not obama, not for any ideals or goals romney may have. It baffles me how Romney could be so close to obama in the polls, considering how much of a joker and an ignorant fool Romney has portrayed himself to be. Obama is not a very strong president, indecisive, like many Democrats. But he has his mind in the right place and has done quite a bit. He certainly didnt do enough, however. It wasnt like he was going to fix the rut we were in in 4 years. But there was more he couldve done.
Obama isnt perfect. We deserve better. But the only other option is an option not even worth thinking about. and the only sensible option, someone ELSE with better leadership skills, competence, down-to-earth attitudes and intelligence, is not really an option at all, at least not this election.
Armistead
08-12-12, 06:43 AM
Paul Ryan is no Sarah Palin. As you pointed out, Ryan has a brain. I disagree with his stance on several issues, but he is intelligent. Romney, whether you like him or not, has run a smart campaign. Think of the McCain campaign in 2008; the wheels were starting to wobble by this point last time. He had a poor choice in running mate, a weak September and a disasterous October. Only the truly faithful believed that he could win. Romney/Ryan is different in the fact that they have a shot. I don't think that it is a very good one, but there is a shot, whereas McCain/Palin never really had a chance, despite what you may have read on GT four years ago.
I don't think they stand a chance, they're corporate elitist, jobs will fly overseas if they're elected.
Romney is in trouble and he knows it, think that's why he's pulled Ryan out, it's basically the same with McCain and Palin, try to find someone that can stir the base, it's the hail Mary pass. The electoral map by state shows Romney in severe trouble, Ryan will do nothing to secure the moderate states.
I think the Bush effect is still in place, people will see Romney as Bush. Just blows my mind the GOP can't put someone up decent because he religious right runs the party.
Platapus
08-12-12, 07:30 AM
Is it just me or are more and more people voting R just because its "not Obama"?
As I have posted before, I am asking a lot of the people I work with about this. My company is a very conservative company. I have yet to find anyone who is excited about Romney. It all comes down to either one of two choices
1. They don't want Obama
2. They just want a Republican... any Republican
But no one I have talked to so far has said that they truly feel that Romney is the best choice. Most of them say the opposite.
But that still won't mean any of them will vote for Obama.
Response: Put the country back on a fiscally sane path.
IMO Neither Reps or Dems have been on a 'fiscally sane path' for about 30 years now. Its a non partisian issue, isnt it?, both overspend.
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/moneymatters/tp/5-Presidents-Who-Raised-The-Debt-Limit.htm
Id be cheering on the Republicans if they where actually going to make proper cuts and reduce the debt the pile, but they are not going to do that, they will just add more to it as they have always done - and the Dems do the same.
Borrow borrow borrow.
What is going to happen when Americas lenders realise they are probably not going to get their money back?
mookiemookie
08-12-12, 08:25 AM
As I have posted before, I am asking a lot of the people I work with about this. My company is a very conservative company. I have yet to find anyone who is excited about Romney. It all comes down to either one of two choices
1. They don't want Obama
2. They just want a Republican... any Republican
But no one I have talked to so far has said that they truly feel that Romney is the best choice. Most of them say the opposite.
But that still won't mean any of them will vote for Obama.
They may not vote for Obama, they just may not vote at all. That's what I think the Ryan pick is trying to prevent - Republican apathy.
It sounds a lot like America has hit the same wall we have hit in the UK, when both candidates for election are rubbish.
I suspect voter turnout in November will be primarily the die-hards. Apathy may rule supreme, as it has over here for two decades.
Onkel Neal
08-12-12, 09:01 AM
Is it just me or are more and more people voting R just because its "not Obama"? Romney has proven himself time, and time again to be incompetent, out of touch, and a corporatist, and just because he selected a less incompetent and much better candidate than romney as his VP shouldnt outweigh the fact that romney will be in charge. unless he gets assassinated early in office its going to be 4 years going down a spiral rather than the turtle growth with obama. Obama is not the president we need, but he has in his office helped the recovery at least. Romney could potentially destroy anything accomplished in the last 4 years.
Yet people overlook romney's vast stupidity and ignorance .
Wait, just how did you determine Romney is incompetent? You say he's less experienced in business and government than Obama was 4 years ago? He's "vastly stupid"? Wow, back some of that up, please, it sounds like ... well, just back it up.
I don't think they stand a chance, they're corporate elitist, jobs will fly overseas if they're elected.
Oh, like Obama has brought them back from China??
In the meantime the small business guy is caught in the middle of this power play between the two economic extremes. The people who employ the overwhelming majority of Americans. The way I see it the side to vote for is the side that hurts them the least.
nikimcbee
08-12-12, 10:04 AM
@August
I don't remember if I asked you this, or not? What did you think of Romney as governor of MA?
Takeda Shingen
08-12-12, 10:52 AM
Romney is in trouble and he knows it, think that's why he's pulled Ryan out, it's basically the same with McCain and Palin, try to find someone that can stir the base, it's the hail Mary pass. The electoral map by state shows Romney in severe trouble, Ryan will do nothing to secure the moderate states.
It's not a hail Mary. Ryan, unlike Palin, is a known and tested quantity. He has real Washington credentials and speaks with authority on matters. Calling something a hail Mary would mean that it is erratic, which the McCain campaign was. Romney, on the other hand, has been Obama-esque in his calm and discipline. Look at how he came though the primaries. The hardcore R's don't like him, but he defeated his opponents one by one by not doing anything stupid while allowing them to run their mouths to their own demise. He's doing the same thing in the general election, as is Obama, which is why we haven't seen any real fireworks thus far. They're both waiting for the other guy to do something foolish.
I don't think that Ryan will appeal to moderates either, but to call it a last gasp and compare it to the schizophenic McCain strategy would be innacurate.
CaptainHaplo
08-12-12, 11:02 AM
They may not vote for Obama, they just may not vote at all. That's what I think the Ryan pick is trying to prevent - Republican apathy.
It is Obama that is losing when you look at the "enthusiasm" gap. For the Team R base - getting rid of Obama is enough to get the voters out. Keeping Obama in is not enough to do the same for Team D.
When polling "registered" voters, Obama win's polls. When polling likely voters - his lead entirely evaporates. WHY? Because most of the Democratic base isn't happy with Obama either.
Obama being re-elected depends heavily on motivating supporters - Team D is struggling there - BECAUSE of Obama.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2012/04/04/obamas_enthusiasm_gap_113729.html
Platapus
08-12-12, 04:48 PM
Sometimes it seems like the Democrats want to increase spending and increase taxes to pay for it
Republicans want to increase spending and borrow money to pay for it.
But I agree, neither party is at all interested in small government or in reducing spending. Both parties want to reduce spending in one area and increase it in another.
@August
I don't remember if I asked you this, or not? What did you think of Romney as governor of MA?
I was a citizen of Rhode Island during the years he was governor so I have no direct experience but you have to remember that Massachusetts is more than a blue state, it's a one party state. Republicans are only elected here when the electorate thinks "The Party" needs to be taken down a notch.
Gridlock being the best form of government for the common man.
nikimcbee
08-12-12, 06:58 PM
I was a citizen of Rhode Island during the years he was governor so I have no direct experience but you have to remember that Massachusetts is more than a blue state, it's a one party state. Republicans are only elected here when the electorate thinks "The Party" needs to be taken down a notch.
Gridlock being the best form of government for the common man.
So you openly admit to being from RI?:haha:
Now that I think about it, I remember the conversation. So I remember your answer now.:D
Gridlock being the best form of government for the common man.
Haha, funny how that is indeed true in a lot of cases. We had our own case of that in Canada for a few years, where there was a minority government - that, as the first wave of the economic crisis was hitting in 2008-2010, really wasn't able to take any action on it due to being gridlocked, while to the south the Obama administration was throwing massive bailouts and passing new legislation left and right. In the end the Canadian economy weathered this period far and above better than the US counterpart. Go figure!
em2nought
08-12-12, 09:52 PM
It's not gridlock if both parties are hell bent on spending more and more of "our" money. Since the GOP passed up the best choice they've had for a candidate in years, then they shouldn't be surprised when the incumbent wins. :/\\!!
It sounds a lot like America has hit the same wall we have hit in the UK, when both candidates for election are rubbish.
I suspect voter turnout in November will be primarily the die-hards. Apathy may rule supreme, as it has over here for two decades.
Got that right Oberon, neither candidate appeals to me, hard for me to get excited about another election.Once this presidential election is over, they'll start getting ready for the Senate races. I can hardly wait.
The only thought I get excited about when it comes to politicians, is the idea to take Reid,Pelosi, Boehner, McConnell and the Tea Parties poster girl for mental retardation, Michelle Bachmann, and drop them in the water near the Great Barrier Reef, and hope a Great White takes them all out, quickly. Congress might get something done, no matter who is in the White House,lol
magic452
08-13-12, 12:54 AM
Why such a short list? I'm sure there are a great many Great Whites and I sure wouldn't want to see them go hungry.
Seems we have a over abundance of shark food running this country, why not use it. :D:D:D
Magic
CaptainMattJ.
08-13-12, 02:25 AM
Wait, just how did you determine Romney is incompetent? You say he's less experienced in business and government than Obama was 4 years ago? He's "vastly stupid"? Wow, back some of that up, please, it sounds like ... well, just back it up.
Oh, like Obama has brought them back from China??
Have you not been following what mitt romney has been saying? I had assumed that most people who were to vote or suggested voting for Romney wouldve picked up the many, MANY instances where hes shown just what kind of mentality he is set upon.
"Ill take alot of credit for this industry's coming back", speaking of course about the auto industry, who came back because of the automotive bailouts given by OBAMA. Mitt romney was also the one who strongly opposed the bailouts, saying that if the bailouts were given "you can kiss the American Automotive industry goodbye"
"I dont worry about the poor, theres a safety net there". self explanatory, one would hope, of why this is an incredibly ignorant and elitist statement.
"The answer is self-deportation, which is people decide they can do better by going home"Right, so illegal immigrants will just happily deport themselves, no need for intervention there. THis is where both candidates seem to come together, and its disgusting.
"I should tell my story. I’m also unemployed."
This one made me crack up. it kind of ties together with
"I know what its like to worry whether youre going to get fired. There were a couple of times i was worried whether or not i was going to get the pink slip"
And thats just some of his direct quotes. Hes said many times that he thought the retirement age for social security should be increased, that welfare should be cut whilst military budget unchanged.
Take a look at his ridiculous campaign website.
Tribesman
08-13-12, 02:28 AM
The only thought I get excited about when it comes to politicians, is the idea to take Reid,Pelosi, Boehner, McConnell and the Tea Parties poster girl for mental retardation, Michelle Bachmann, and drop them in the water near the Great Barrier Reef, and hope a Great White takes them all out, quickly.
Quickly?
Whats the rush?
Also I must object to your negative portrayal there, it is a real insult to the mentally retarded to compare them to Bachmann.
Armistead
08-13-12, 09:31 AM
It's not gridlock if both parties are hell bent on spending more and more of "our" money. Since the GOP passed up the best choice they've had for a candidate in years, then they shouldn't be surprised when the incumbent wins. :/\\!!
Give me Ron Paul any day. However the GOP will never back anyone that isn't a warmonger, wants to legalize pot and believes in a true free market.
Quickly?
Whats the rush?
Also I must object to your negative portrayal there, it is a real insult to the mentally retarded to compare them to Bachmann.
My apologies in the comparison.
Platapus
08-13-12, 06:01 PM
The only thought I get excited about when it comes to politicians, is the idea to take Reid,Pelosi, Boehner, McConnell and the Tea Parties poster girl for mental retardation, Michelle Bachmann, and drop them in the water near the Great Barrier Reef, and hope a Great White takes them all out, quickly.
I totally disagree and think you are being completely unreasonable. Think of the poor innocent shark, will ya?
Shark never did anything to you but you want to inflict these on the shark?
Ain't ya got no heart?
Don't be a shark hater. :D
My apologies to the sharks,lol I suppose I should say something concerning the Tea Party now. I might not agree with everything they believe in, but they have a right to their opinion just like everyone else. I just don't understand why you would want someone like Bachmann as a spokesperson. She has the IQ of a brick! Find someone else, they have to have someone besides her, don't they?
I suppose I should apologize to the bricks now, before I hear from the Brick Society.
Platapus
08-13-12, 06:40 PM
Brick hater!
Um, have they picked a running mate for Ryan yet?...
I was all set to vote for McCain in 2008 until the far Right wingnuts foisted Palin off on him; if Ryan was around in 2008, why did't he get serious consideration? We'd have a President McCain running for his second term now...
....
nikimcbee
08-14-12, 02:33 PM
By dumb as a brick, you're talking about Joe Biden, right?
Ducimus
08-14-12, 02:50 PM
:shifty:
:rolleyes:
I'll just leave this here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HU6t-eMqhU)
:O:
By dumb as a brick, you're talking about Joe Biden, right?
It fits any politician in Washington DC!:D
Brick hater!
Maybe I should pick on the Tories over in the UK! I read what they say about them in that thread, and it seems you can call them anything you want,lol Don't follow politics in the UK enough to even understand what they are talking about!!:haha:
Armistead
08-14-12, 07:46 PM
Um, have they picked a running mate for Ryan yet?...
I was all set to vote for McCain in 2008 until the far Right wingnuts foisted Palin off on him; if Ryan was around in 2008, why did't he get serious consideration? We'd have a President McCain running for his second term now...
....
Hardly, Ronald Reagan himself would've lost if he had to run after Bush..
My apologies to the sharks,lol I suppose I should say something concerning the Tea Party now. I might not agree with everything they believe in, but they have a right to their opinion just like everyone else. I just don't understand why you would want someone like Bachmann as a spokesperson. She has the IQ of a brick! Find someone else, they have to have someone besides her, don't they?
I suppose I should apologize to the bricks now, before I hear from the Brick Society.
That's the problem with grassroots groups. No organization means any fool can claim spokesperson status.
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.