It’s not college football yet this Saturday. Sad face. But MR is announcing his pick for VEEP. Who will it be? Update: It’s REP. PAUL RYAN. My initial political take: Good Call, Romney. We shall see how it plays but as of this moment the race is:
The colossal disappointment/gregarious drunk ticket versus the Adult/Adult ticket.
I said in a lengthy comment here the other day that – like it or not – Ryan is the type of politician who represents our medium term future. In so much as Obama 08 was a mass, last-ditch, desperate, delusion – Ryan is an acknowledgement of reality. He’s a coming to. His coolness under fire may evoke real hope. Hope based on solutions, not emotionalism and denial. Nope, you don’t have to like the solutions, and many who don’t will support this ticket. (See 2010.) The hope will be akin to the moment when a financial mess gets through a meeting with a financial advisor and realizes there is a way out, or the moment an alcoholic walks into a gregarious AA meeting and realizes its neither a cult or a church.
He’s also the first real Generation Xer on a major party ticket. Obama does not count as in many ways he’s not one of us. Whereever he was born, he’s not from here. If you’ve questioned him for 4 years you know this. If you’ve never questioned him know this: The man you like exists mostly in your head. (Go ahead, call me racist, then go f**k yourself.) In Ryan’s case the expression of generational let down after the boomers did not morph into cynicism, it became about problem solving. If he holds up for the next few months this will act as a balm.
The attacks on Ryan will be of the ‘make Grandma eat cat food’ variety. We’ll see if they work. This is largely dependent on how Ryan handles the scorching klieg lights of a national campaign.
Paul Ryan
Stevie Nicks
Better than a washed-up drunk.
I regret to inform everyone that though about 60 members of the Romney clan wined and dined me earlier today at El Pollo Loco… I declined the invite to join him on the ticket.
Wait. The announcement is on the USS Wisconsin… That is the answer: Paul Ryan.
Likely, but it could be a head-fake.
To what end?
Lola, if it’s a head fake he’s making a mistake. Conservatives are already excited as hell about Ryan. They will be annoyed if it’s not Ryan.
I think part of the purpose behind the recent poll-forgery was to goad MR into a desperate VP pick.
* Christie would be a mistake — he’s a nasty man
* Portman, Palwenty are bland, safe, pointless — you win or lose their states with or without them
* Jindal’s been busting his butt, but seems not taken seriously
* Ryan is young, fresh, has a plan (yeah it sucks, but at least it’s a plan). Plus he’s a mick Gotta like that.
The dems’ “We dream of trashing Ryan!” is just a reverse psychology haka dance
I concur with this opinion, TL. Ryan might well be a very solid choice. Dems have Hummel hard ons over attacking Ryan the same way they had Hummel hard ons over attacking the Tea party until the Tea party clocked them.
Pop over to TP or DU and see what the brainiacs are saying about Ryan, then assume the opposite.
And Ryan can take on all comers. Whether or not one likes or agrees with his ideas, he will debate you civilly and endlessly, with charts and reasoned rhetoric. Smart as hell and comes across as a gent. He is also pretty fired up in a non fire and brimstone kinda way. Not going to be easy to throw him off his game.
I also concur. I was skeptical at first that Romney would allow the press to get their hands on it first, but after some reflection, I’m convinced it’s a good choice. And a surprising one, and a risky one.
I really want to believe in your assessment, Tamer, JWS, and Ani.
But, are you being objective here (or letting your ODS get the better of you)? Tell me more.
Also agree with Anita, totally! What intrigues me about it is that he’s the first Gen-xer in the offering at this level. I also think this will allow Christie to fight like the pit bull he is, while allowing Romney to keep a a “safe” distance.
Stevie Nicks makes sense. She did sing landslide .
LOL
Ryan.
Paul Ryan suits Romney; he’s a pretty obvious choice.
To me the bigger reveal is the VP announcement is happening on a battleship.
We’re back to Bush era war bona fides.
Yes, wth is that all about? Very tacky. Very Bush-ish. I think Ryan is a horrible choice, anyway, but a non-military prez candidate announcing his non-military vp pick on a battleship? Its as phony and condescending as Obama’s Barakopolis at the Dem conv in Denver at that football stadium. At least Bush actually did serve.
It’s about Romney’s plans for the Navy in his 21st Century America plan. That’s ultimately what convinced me this was a sound prediction. It’s very Romney to overlap branding ideas like this. It has nothing to do with Bush. The link to Romney’s plan, with the Navy as bullet point #1, can be found on a link in the article on my page. Link to that article is below.
Socal — According to his national defense plan, Romney wants a major amping up of the US war machine. For instance he wants to nearly double the number of Navy ships being built, and “replace the aging inventories of the Air Force, Army, and Marines,” his plan says, and adds, “Mitt will begin by reversing Obama-era defense cuts.”
He hasn’t said how he’d pay for this, except that “reforms” would “redirect savings into the defense of our nation,” but only a knucklehead would believe nonsense like that now. Taxes would likely rise for the middle class (his “unearned income” and private equity executive’s “carried interest” class pay half the percentage of regular income tax rates and he hasn’t proposed changing that) though he’s proposed dropping the regular top rate from 35% to 28%. He does deny he’ll raise middle class taxes but how will he pay for this increased defense spending? Cut major elements of social programs?
However we’d pay for it, Romney definitely has war on his mind and he clearly wants to make sure voters know his VP pick is on board the warship.
http://www.mittromney.com/issues/national-defense
Thanks for that info Zal. It reminds me of how Bush & Cheney and their military contractor buddies made billions off Iraq.
Romney just lost the election.
Out of curiousity — who do you think would have helped rather than hurt?
Portman and Pawlenty may not have helped, but they’d have done no harm….
Rubio might’ve helped get FL, altho’ Romney’ll probably get it anyway.
Pretty sure Ryan’ll get him WI. (Agree with Greta on this point.) Hope that’s not all Ryan gets him.
We’re going to be hearing this a lot in the coming days, and I think it’s absolute hogwash.
Wow, it’s gonna be Ryan. That is a very very high-risk choice…I didn’t expect it of Mitt. Wow.
I’m inclined to think it’s a mistake. Hope I’m wrong.
That said, Romney-Ryan is a babe-tix. Makes Obama-Biden look dull and worn, by comparison.
True about making O/B look dull and worn, altho I don’t think of either Mitt or Ryan as a babe. This makes me wonder if Biden might get replaced though.
Romney-Ryan will bring in all those people who voted for Bush in 00 and 04 but who stayed home in 08.
Ha social! How’re you?
Listen, what do I know about babe men. I’ll tell you this tho’, Romney and Ryan are, objectively speaking, very handsome men. Looks do matter in politics.
agreed on all points. I don’t know that much about Republican philosophy given my 60+ years as a Dem. And I’m still learning. I know Ryan has a solid record in Wisc. and that will give the “blue” midwesterners something to consider.
They are both good looking men and I know they will make a pretty pair on a campaign sticker. Whatever that means. It will bring a freshness to the election – and maybe some women voters, too.
My “agreed on all points” was in reference to your statement @11:21 p.m., NES.
There are no “high-risk” VP choices.
socalannie, that was my thought to: hmmm, who’s gonna take Biden’s place?
Tamer, if you will, pls expound on your remark immediately above. Doesn’t the Ryan pick mean that Romney has embraced the proverbial “third rail” one touches at one’s own (near fatal) peril? Ryan is the Ryan Plan/Budget…no getting away from that, and isn’t that “high-risk”?
http://peacocksandlilies.com/2012/08/11/its-ryan/
Mitt has guts. I didn’t know that till tonight.
The Biden/Ryan debates should be interesting, to say the least.
This choice might not be as disastrous as some are claiming it is. There’s no way to attack Ryan without talking about the economy. I don’t believe ObamaKamp is going to want to do that. They’ve avoided the issue so far, and I can’t see them wanting to discuss it any time soon.
The Ryan budget had the balls to finally say what everyone has been avoiding for years: Social Security needs to be re-worked into a more viable program. Neither he nor anyone else is trying to get rid of it.
The Ryan-Wyden plan doesn’t touch Social Security (as some are suggesting) for current retirees, so the meme that he’s going to throw Granny off the cliff while her Little Rascal scooter is still running is a load of bullshit. If anything, it is a plan that could easily preserve SS for the future.
Ryan’s plan to “rework” Social Security is to “allow” workers under 55 to shift nearly half their SS payroll tax (how’s he propose to make up that shortfall to SS? he says the interest the government will get from investing in Wall Street will ) to “personal retirement accounts,” which would be “government approved” and “managed by the US government” investing in the market, i.e. Wall Street.
It would draw low-income workers into, and the middle class even deeper into, providing funds for the investor class — those who, like Mitt Romney, live on unearned income and pay half the income tax rate of regular workers.
We’ve seen what happens with those retirement accounts the past few years; a high risk scheme fails, the working class loses their retirement funds and super rich investors like Mitt Romney get richer; it’s high risk that only wealthy people who can afford to take the hit should be involved in. Not people who need retirement income for food and shelter. This scam runs contrary to everything the New Deal sought to address. Ryan says the money people put into these accounts will be guaranteed by the government, but pointedly doesn’t mention guaranteeing the interest earned, which is an essential component of the plan (for both individual retirement and government coffers) and that means he (and the CBO) are simply assuming Wall Street will always rise and wealth will always increase. We’ve seen in recent years how that goes.
It’s a Big Boys Club scam of the highest order, nothing more than final marriage vows between Washington and Wall Street with workers as suckers throwing retirement funds into the maintenance of their mansions, which is exactly the opposite of what the working/middle class should be insisting our government do right now.
Uncle Zal, read the damned budget before you continue with your incessant nay-saying. Its only 73 pages long.
The voucher system Ryan proposes would ensure that those with less resources would receive more benefits. The more money you have, the less benefits you would be eligible for; and vice versa.
I hardly think Bill Clinton would have praised Ryan and offered to help him if it was as you’re trying to characterize it.
The backstage snippet of a conversation doesn’t provide much context. This is one of the related videos that provides some:
There are no interesting VP debates.
That’s not “preserving SS for the future”, that’s a stealthy way of killing it.
How old are you Anthony? What state do you live in? Married? Kids? What do you do for a living?
Tamerlane, I liked the VP debate with Admiral Stockdale.
Thank you Zal and Tamerlane. Especially for this: “That’s not “preserving SS for the future”, that’s a stealthy way of killing it.” (T/L) Totally agree. I shuddered at the news Ryan was the pick and for a very small instance wondered if I could actually vote for the jackass resident in the WH. Realized he was going to destroy SS and Medicare and decided I couldn’t and will stick with Stein. But Ryan, that’s scary to me – and I would guess there are many, many more who will think the same way.
Tamerlane – Wow! Those are an awful lot of personal questions to ask me the first time you’ve ever addressed me. What I will tell you is that I come in at the tail end of the Baby Boomers, and I live in Manhattan. I don’t know you well enough to answer your other questions, and even if I did, I certainly wouldn’t do it on line. What’s your point?
Getting back to the vouchers , I really wouldn’t have a problem giving up a portion of my SS entitlement to someone who legitimately needs it more than I do. Do you really think people like Mitt Romney depend on SS benefits? I don’t understand how your perceive this to be a stealthy way of killing it. Could you explain that please?
What Tamerlane said.
On a different note, it sure is interesting that there are people who think this is a beneficial pick for Romney…(or even relavant). No one votes in a VP.
Kara, I think VP picks matter a bit. Not nearly as much as people assume but they can swing things here and there. Palin ended up working in the negative. I’d say Gore solidified Clinton’s appeal to the middle. Lincoln dumped Hamlin for a border stater because he was sure he’d lose in 1864 without one. Johnson made a catholic okay in Texas – or helped JFK steal it. Take your pick. If Ryan gets MR Wisconsin he’ll have been worth it to MR.
I do agree that VEEP choices are generally overrated, though.
Romney’s trouble is that Ryan has the potential to out shine him entirely. The sea change in the crowds in NC and Wisconsin today tells us something. Not many are passionate about Romney. Ryan seems to evoke passion on both sides.
I think one of the considerations was finding a candidate the GOP could afford to lose in their current position. They want to take control of the Senate and hold onto as many governorships as possible. If Romney wins they will need to fill Ryan’s slot in WI.
Mindless Democratic meme of the day: Paul Ryan is a zombie-eyed granny-starver.
Hot off the press: Ryan gives the blueprint of a government” that “will be silent when the elderly cannot keep up with the costs of M.R.I.’s or prescription medicines, or when the poor and uninsured become increasingly sick through lack of preventive care.” Etc. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/11/opinion/paul-ryans-cramped-vision.html
Which he is. And everybody goddamn well knows it.
It must be said of Paul Ryan that he either has the heart of a lion, or has led a blameless life, to put himself in front of the O campaign meatgrinder.. Of course the third possibility is that he’s hopelessly naive..Time will tell.
As a long-time Dem. (yes, I’ve been around the block several times) we have voted for Paul Ryan since 2004 when we relocated to Wisconsin. He is a good guy and will be able to speak without a tele-prompter on many subjects unlike our current pResident. They’ll have to start a detox program with Uncle Joe so he can debate Paul without making a laughing stock of himself.
It will backfire big time If and when the dems and the ‘won’ try to pillorize Paul and his family – the contrast between them and the ‘wons’ is too great which will turn off more and more people. The liberals supposedly only account for 20 maybe 25% of the population. People will tell pollsters one thing and secretly cast their ballots for the other side.
Piper, good to hear from a WI’ite. Please keep commenting here.
Romney now announcing Ryan, only 20 min behind schedule. And no Greek columns…. Go figure
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/08/10/sources-former-gop-candidate-huntsman-to-speak-at-DNC-convention
I always knew he was a Democrat trying to ‘pass’ as a Republican., Nice to see he has given up the charade.
he’s papier mache trying to pass as human.
Some people don’t fit neatly into one box or the other. Often, the party of one’s leaning does things that invoke disgust so one takes a look at what the other party has to offer only to find different but equally disgusting things. The best anyone can hope for is a package that works well enough for them. Folks around these parts generally understand that.
I don’t understand why Romney picked someone who alienates the senior vote (and seniors vote!) so immediately and completely.
More and more, it seems that the PTB have ordered Mitt to take a dive.
I’m not going to vote for either major party candidate, but I hoped it would be a real race.
Rumor had it that David Petraeous was in the running for the VP slot, now that would have been a real game changer.
Rubio must have some serious skeletons in the closet.
Petraeous’s amazing comb over has doomed his poltical aspirations I think. Just one breeze at a whistle stop and it’s over. He’ll have to think in terms of military coup…only half a joke
“Petraeous’s amazing comb over has doomed his poltical aspirations” hahahahahaha. There be truth in that. Also: it still probably ain’t gonna happen but I agree with the above remark that Ryan ups the chances that Biden is replaced. He HAS been on vacation for a while now and I’ve wondered why he’s MIA in the midst of the negative assault party on Romney.
“Rubio must have some serious skeletons in the closet.”
Or maybe he just gets on everyone’s nerves.
If Obama replaces Bidden now it will look like the flop sweat it would be . too late. Get the guy in rehab, sober him up. He’s a gaffe machine yes , but he has debated pretty well ( four years ago admittedly)
The biggest problem for Obama is he wants to do ( that is , will sign off on ) everything Mittens and Ryan would do…so how do you debate that?
What is up for a vote only is the speed with which we are going to be sold down the river. Mittens just yelled : Ramming Speed!
I’m playing catch-up but according to a Gallup poll a while ago, seniors were actually the group that was most supportive of Ryan’s plan:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/147287/Americans-Divided-Ryan-Obama-Deficit-Plans.aspx?version=print
He has an amazing way of explaining the hard economic topics in easy to understand language that will really benefit the RR2012 ticket.
I’m pleased a punch – just didn’t believe Romney had the intestinal fortitude to go for the bold choice. Glad I was wrong.
Anyone who wants to put any part of Social Security into Wall St ,wants to give Wall St a bail out at our expense yet ANAIN. What else would that be about?
I’m tired of constantly being told to tighten my irresponsible belt on my wasteful self as Wall St is given endless, truly endless bonuses and bailouts.
As soon as these scam accounts were in place…oops! A Wall St Melt down!
WHO COULD HAVE KNOWN ??!! Wall St has turn downs? Really? Stocking!!
Now go and make do on 50% less than you expected, you sloth…until we need
another melt down out of what’s left of your hide
Stock tip : Invest in Fancy Feast.
Dow Jones call Letters : PLA
Paperdoll, I am keenly interested to see if older voters really do turn on Ryan/the GOP ticket. This is a meme that makes sense on the surface but in reality I’ve seen little evidence of. Didn’t the tea party voters in ’10 tilt older? I’d look it up but it’s too damn early.
I wish I thought it matters how people voted. It hasn’t since 1996. Both teams running are actually campaigning to win the vote of financial oligarchy…the only vote that matters. Mittens has made a good move in that regard. The oligarchy want the social security honey pot… real bad
Love the update, John. Btw, Obama is certifiably Boomer. The boom ended officially in 1964; he was born in 1961.
I’m also enjoy the predictable meltdowns from the typical players in this thread.
I reject that he’s a boomer or a gen xer. He’s a nothing. Those generational landmarks are dependent on people having an American experience in childhood. Obama was raised in Indonesia and Frank Marshall’s choom gang.
If by “melt-down” you mean ‘still won’t swallow GOP lies about Social Security’, then you’d better include me.
I’m also enjoy the predictable meltdowns from the typical players in this thread.
lol the” typical ” and” predictable ” part cuts both ways lol
Spot on.
Indeed,paperdoll. Neither an Obot nor a RR-obot be!
Actually, Obama (like me) is Generation Jones (1954-1965). Sarah Palin is Gen Jones too. We’re the often overlooked generation wedged between the behemoths of the Boomers and Gen-X.
Interesting, gxm. I’ve never heard of Generation Jones and that’s my generation. My friends and I have been calling ourselves Tweeners, resenting that we get bundled as boomers in all the “official” demographics. I like the boomer generation, but their experience is different from mine. Short but decent explanation here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Jones
Never heard of Generation Jones either. I fit that age span too.
Well that actually fits with my original premise, which is that there are two decidedly distinct groups of boomer: the early wave and the late wave. From September 2008: http://peacocksandlilies.com/2008/09/21/millinials-boomers-vs-genxers-and-the-greatest-generation/
Please, people. I’m, on record as saying I’m unlikely to be happy with some of the policy and solutions that will come with a Romney presidency. But the horserace aspect of it is exciting, I get it, and we really DO need to have that honest fiscal conversation that Washington has been avoiding for so long. What we’re doing is not working. I’m just not a of the mind that it has to all be my way or that I’m unquestionably right. Unlike some obvious others.
What do you want to bet Ryan has already said to someone, “Well, he IS a little Mormoney.”
“The voucher system Ryan proposes would ensure that those with less resources would receive more benefits. The more money you have, the less benefits you would be eligible for; and vice versa.”
That’s already a feature of SS to a certain extent. But ff your goal is to adjust the pay-in & pay-outs based on “resources”, then adjust the pay-in & pay-outs. This is just a smoke screen to rob people via the stock market.
This is just a smoke screen to rob people via the stock market.
Exactly…, and what else would it be? They are only animated by stealing .
Which they’ve been doing for years and that was bad enough but after October 2008 there still are people being fooled by this scam?
Maybe it turns out you can fool some of the people all of the time.
Agree Tamerlane and Paper Doll.
What makes you think that Obama and the dems aren’t going to gut Social Security – remember this little holiday that companies and people are ‘enjoying’ – by not currently paying into SS.
The dems will be caught between a rock and a hard place if they replace Joe B. Will Hillary want to play second fiddle to this prez. or be part of the dem. destruction. I do see Hillary running again in 2016.
What makes you think that Obama and the dems aren’t going to gut Social Security
lol of course they will gutted it . Whoever is installed , gutting SS will be on the job list and high up too. I just don’t think Obama and the dems would be as good at gutting SS as Mittens and Ryan …and if Wall St agrees, Barry is in deep doo-doo.
It’s about the speed with which Wall St gets its Social Security jackpot …not whether they get it or not.
barry’s “payroll tax cut” already under-funds SS by half, and his jobs (sic) bill would have dealt the coup-de-grace. obama with a GOP majority in both houses surely will end SS.
Just cuz the frying pan is bad, don’t mean I have to get all dreamy-eyed about the fire.
You’re on a roll, paper doll. Agree 100 percent. Both sides will go after social security.
My mayor is not waiting for the election but is already starting up again the closing firehouses and libraries drum beat. So guys go off and do something FUN today…these are the good old days
It’d suck if the library caught fire.
shit, don’t give them ideas…oops I’m sure they have that one already . If one looks at Iraq..that is the plan for our own urban areas . Broken up into Red and Green zones…however looking at the Olympic village, thier idea of a Green zone doesn’t look too great either. I think MacDonald’s was the only food allowed in the O. village. Hilarious! Forcing athletes to eat MacDonald’s food ! That’s suit thinking at it’s finest lol
<i<That said, Romney-Ryan is a babe-tix
With respect, Romney and Ryan are a babe-tix?
The Tin Man and Eddie Munster, seriously?
I’m so old I remember when Dan Quayle was considered “catnip” for the laydiees, wink, wink, nod, nod.
I guess Romney is handsome in a Mt. Rushmore sort of way-big and stony-but Paul Ryan??
Theresa Guidice of The Real Housewives has more real estate above her eyebrows. That’s some serious Cro-Magnon look Ryan’s sporting.
I don’t believe that women (like me) vote with our genitals, but, even, if the GOP slate was Clooney/Depp it wouldn’t be worth my incipient Medicare/ Social Security.
George Clooney is reportedly considering entering politics. I think he’d do a really good job pretending to be president, because in his films he does such a good job pretending to be a smart person.
Sweet Sue, I didn’t mean to imply that you — or any other woman (or gay man!) here would vote based on the babe-factor, but there’re plenty who do (and that’s what matters to me, interested as I am in a BO defeat come what may). Don’t fool yourself — youth and good looks do matter in politics.
My support of Chrissie O’Donnell was based entirely on my very, very impure thoughts about her.
Oh, and everything paper doll said, squared.
Agree Sweet Sue. Ditto for what tamerlane and zal said.
August 11, 2012 at 9:14 am
It’d suck if the library caught fire
Lol. Thanks, tamerlane, I needed a laugh, though I blush to disclose it took me a minute.
Even the Tin Man and Eddie Munster are cuter than the two Dem clowns. John is right, O is a cipher and Biden is everyone’s embarrassing uncle. Imo O stands for Other. Not because of skin color but at least partly due to his upbringing and the fact that he seems to have been given his life on a silver platter.
It’s as if he’s had his own personal genie in his own lamp all his life. It’s not bad enough that he doesn’t get us, he doesn’t get reality either. Sweet Sue, why do you think O will Not disturb your SS., he has already gutted Medicare in favor of Obamacare.. He will not rest until we are all on Medicaid, trust me, you will hate it.
O seems not to want to elevate the poor, but to decapitate everyone else..That’ll show ‘em who’s boss.
Anon, what makes you think I trust Obama with SS, Medicare or anything else?
I don’t.
I don’t trust Romney, either, and I think Ryan is a disasterous choice. Only Santorum would have been worse.
I’m, currently flirting with the idea of voting for BO, now, and that’s new. Maybe, if I lie down, that’ll go away.
Yes, pls lie down, Sweet Sue.
the word press monster strikes again…Sophie above.
The colossal disappointment/gregarious drunk ticket versus the Adult/Adult ticket.
Consider that stolen!
Think of the Veep debate graphics.
One the one side, you have young, Cro-Magnon man bouncing around the stage, babbling about cutting Medicare and Social Security. On the other side, there’s ole Grandpa himself, glaring at the little pisher, embodying the fear and indignation of millions of seniors.
It’s going to be a slaughter, don’t kid yourself.
Those who think that Biden is some poor, old, falling down drunk, who can barely find his way to the podium, are delusional. He has the instincts of a shark and he ‘ll step up to the plate and be the voice of sweet reason as Ryan spouts Randian poppycock.
Wait and see.
The Republicans are taking a dive, the question is why?
I’d better start working to get Rocky Anderson on the Buckeye ballot.
I’ll post this link again – Senior were most favorable polled by Gallup to Ryan’s plans:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/147287/Americans-Divided-Ryan-Obama-Deficit-Plans.aspx?version=print
Unfortunately, there are two major third party candidates, which will split the votes of those who cannot stomach either of the two major party tickets.
Was that intended? I like both of the independents, but neither has name recognition and neither will get into the debates. I think that is the plan. Someone does not want a repeat of 1992, when Perot might have squeaked by, had he not dropped out of the race and dropped back in.
djmm
DJMM,
How well did the Republicans do in the 1856 race? Poorly, but it set them up for 1860.
I am torn between Anderson and Stein. The former’s platform better matches my philosophy, while the latter has kicked ass making the Green ticket viable.
IMO, it doesn’t matter which of the 3P candidates the votes are cast for — the total 3P vote, if large enough, will send a message and break the ice.
Like the Whigs, the Democratic Party must die, be replaced. The Dems are moribund, corrupt, just squatting in the spot on the political spectrum where a real, vibrant party of the people needs to muscle in.
Just read that Paul Ryan was a salesman for Oscar Mayer and used to drive the Wienermobile.
The chances of him not having a sex scandal somewhere now seem very slim.
Hahahhahaha. Good one, Jay.
I read some funny stuff abt that last nite. Apparently he doesn’t have much experience in life that would make him qualified to lead the world. He worked at McDonalds, Oscar Mayer, his families business, and for the US gov. No experience “creating jobs”, no foreign policy experience of any kind. He’s famous (or infamous) for his budget. Wasn’t Palin ripped to shreds for this?
Has Ryan even organized a community, for chrissakes?
I don’t get why anyone thinks — ever thought — Obama would replace Biden. It’s a silly pipe-dream. Switching out one’s VP is a desperate move. Obama and his people don’t see his situation as desperate…far from it.
We would see it that way. But the general populace might easily think he has severe health issues if that is what they’re told, and that he has to step down. Dang, gotta run laker to airport. most interesting conversation.
Where’s my dear Laker going?
He’s popping up to NW Washington to have a last week of fun and partying with his cousins before he starts back to school on the 20th.
100?
Which Laker, SoCal? Pau? Is so we need to become friends in real life cuz I love that guy.
Haha! No my kid, lakerwade, the sports and guitar god. He posts here occasionally, mostly to talk about SC. On Uppity’s they all call him laker.
We love Pau also, and are glad he’s staying. I used to know a lot of the lakers when I worked at a trendy golf course. Met all of the show time biggies and Mitch K used to comp us tickets all the time, which was cool.
“And for god sake tell the campaign shrink to notify Biden” That is some good stuff.
Have you folks you post all these DOWNFALL clips actually watched the film? As someone who lived in Berlin, and personally knew survivors of the NS regime, I find it a bit distasteful that scenes from that powerful, disturbing film are use in such a flippant manner.
Ah! Lakerwade! He must be excited about the trade. Kobe wants one last ring and unless those pesky Mayans have it right he will probably get it.
Reporter: “Kobe Bryant, now that you’ve won the NBA championship, what are you gonna do?”
Bryant: “I’m goin’ to sodomize me some PAWG receptionist at the Disneyland Hotel!”
This ad works. Notice that it is all about Ryan.
http://tammybruce.com/2012/08/new-romneyryan-ad-americas-comeback-team.html?utm_content=%23tbrs&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Yup. It’s a good ad. Even though there is nothing in his budget that will accomplish anything they’re promising in that ad, it will resonate.
I notice they’re no longer afraid of the word intellectual. Isn’t that supposed to be a pejorative?
“…Isn’t that supposed to be a pejorative?”
Haha! Good one.
you got that right, SophieCT.
I once heard the national president of the p.t.a. give a radio interview in which she stated that whenever they needed to raise money for local chapters, they called on the senior communities first. The condos along Miami Beach were a particular favorite.
So all this b.s. about ‘scaring’ seniors away is a bit silly. Most of us are made of sterner stuff., and want our country back. It’s high time we became vegetarians anyway,
err..sophie above.
Re: Seniors and Ryan’s budget plan.
1. Of course seniors are the most supportive of it: 55 and older are not included in Ryan’s Social Security plan – he’s been politically savvy in exempting 55 and older, they’d stay with the current system and receive SS benefits as expected.
2. Anthony, you’re confusing Social Security and Medicare. There are no vouchers for SS in Ryan’s plan, there are “government approved” retirement funds like 401Ks that would dump the money we put aside for retirement into Wall Street. The vouchers are part of Ryan’s Medicare plan, which would provide vouchers for seniors to use in conjunction with private health insurance. The reason people are concerned about the voucher idea is that Ryan’s plan shortchanges the cost of them and that would mean a whole lot of health care for seniors wouldn’t be covered. But if Ryan doesn’t shortchange the vouchers, his plan doesn’t improve the solvency of Medicare. The only solution to Medicare’s solvency is to overhaul our whole health care system to single payer or at least changes that head in that direction, that reduce costs across the board, which is what health care reform was supposed to do but didn’t.
Both, Ryan’s SS and Medicare, plans are terrible because they’d move us in exactly the wrong direction. Low-income and middle class Americans should be putting less retirement savings into high risk Wall Street, not more; and our health care should be more like Medicare, Medicare shouldn’t be more like Romney/Obamacare.
Zal, thanks for pointing that out. I was referring specifically to the Ryan-Wyden proposal, which is a bi-partisan proposal constructed by Paul Ryan(R) and Ron Wyden (D)
Under the Ryan–Wyden proposal, all Medicare beneficiaries would be guaranteed the level of benefits offered in traditional Medicare. But the financing of the system would be improved by replacing the rigid system of administrative pricing and price controls on medical services.
Also, I’m not against overhauling the healthcare system to single payer, but I remain vehemently opposed to Obamacare. The French model is a good working model. I lived there for a number of years, and their system is constructed to make it impossible to abuse the socialized plan by implementing any number of available supplemental plans, all which are affordable and pay back the beneficiary in record time. I had no problem getting a same day appointment when necessary, and the level of care was outstanding. It costs French citizens approximately 21% of their income, and when you add up what our premiums and co-pays amount to, its about the same as we pay or less. Its not the only working model, I’m sure, but it is the one I’m most familiar with. Obamacare is more like “No insurance company left behind”
I’m on the fence about privatizing SS. To my mind, here’s the choice: I either allow the government to invest my money in Wall Street, or keep in in their locked box which is systematically raided and now filled with IOU’s from both parties. I’d rather gamble in the market than know I’m going to get screwed for sure by my legislators.
As I’ve said in the past, I don’t have a problem admitting I made a mistake. Thanks again for pointing it out.
If you’re going to direct cut and paste from the Heritage Foundation you ought to attribute it and post a link.
http://blog.heritage.org/2011/12/16/ryan-wyden-the-basic-ingredients-of-structural-medicare-reform/
And you don’t even understand what it says. It’s bullshit.
“I’d rather gamble in the market than know I’m going to get screwed for sure by my legislators.”
There is a mechanism for getting replacing your legislators. Pray tell, how does one get rid of the vermin on Wall St.?
Zal, it was the most succinct explanation of the proposal that I could find in the time I had to comment. If you don’t like it, thats your business. I’ve told you that I’m fine with your vigorous disagreement with my commentary. I also told you that if come after my character, I’m coming back at you. In spite of thanking you for pointing out my earlier mistake (which I still thank you for), I’m amazed that you remain to be a trollish, boorish, embittered, impotent and sanctimonious asshole. It must totally suck to be you.
Do you really think that could ever possibly happen? Its one of those horrible facts that at some point, we all have to live with whether we like it or not. Just as horrible as the fact that our corrupt two party system will never allow a third party candidate to accomplish anything, even if they are lucky enough to win in November. Both parties would block their every move simply to save their own asses.
Of course it could happen. It’s happened before.
It’s up to us to insist it happen. There are a whole lot more of us than there are of them and we’re the ones who hand them their power. You and Lola, et al, are in the process of handing them more power by shilling for Romney.
This posture of superior victim mixed with ignorance and bullying and deception that so much of the citizenry has embraced is every bit as much the problem as the crooks on Wall Street and the hoodlums in Washington.
The vermin on Wall Street will come down sooner or later. The only question is will we take them down or let them bring us down with them.
Well, considering our times and who Romney needs to woo, Ryan’s a good choice.
Like Obama, Paul Ryan has Movement appeal. And when push comes to shove that’s what this election is about. Americans are obese and starving, they want a Movement to crawl into and define themselves by, they want to be seduced and lied to so they can squeeze out another day of fantasy.
But for those who want Wall Street regulated and health care reformed, energy renovated and diplomacy prioritized over war, Ryan is another nail in the coffin.
Until O discovered the magic in Exec. Orders, DC pols didn’t usually operate in a vacuum . They used to mediate, discuss and compromise, or failing that, duel at sunrise.
Even if Ryan and Romney wanted to throw Granny off a cliff, their chances of being able to do so, are slim. Yet in an economy where at least 20% of the population is in dire straits, there really is no logical way to fund entitlements, without causing some pain. Entitlements only work when most of the population is employed.
http://peggynoonan.com/
John — Do you still think Ryan’s a good pick for Romney? I’m dejected because I think Romney blew his chance of winning with this move. Help peel me off the floor if you disagree — I trust your political instincts.
NES, Yes, I do. But it is risky. Yesterday it was simply a “first blush” response. Real evidence is not in on any front yet. Inferences can be made however. Dems are too gleeful. They think the oldsters will run away in droves. There is no evidence of this. The TP did fine with older voters. The older one gets the tighter one gets with money. All market research people know this. 18-40s drop cash. After that they don’t. Ryan will do fine with those voters. The other group that matters here – as always – is middle age suburban types. If Ryan can explain himself clearly they will gravitate to him. And dont tag me with any “ism” here but Ryan ain’t no Palin. The “gotcha” moment – which is coming – will be MUCH harder to tag on Ryan. Other evidence: The RandR rally in NC had rock star turnout. And the money flowed in yesterday. Romney went for the base here, the next few weeks will tell us if Ryan is up to getting the middle. It appears so far he is.
Romney has to get on top of the negative broadsides. He still needs to somehow deal with the media being against him. His messaging is overruled by the media all the time. And most important of all he needs to make sure we know he’s the top of the ticket not Ryan.
If you’re for Romney this was a good weekend relative to the last few weeks.
Ryan being a personal trainer once EXPLAINS HIM. And his appeal. He has the ability to make you want to do the next sit-up even though you want a McFlurry. But ya feel better if you choose the sit up. Even his speaking pattern has a “next push up, just one more, you can do it” cadence. I think there is a hunger for that….it’s all about how Romney’s team handles the negative messaging. So yeah, my second blush is still a net plus for Romney. My third blush is TBA.
Thank you, my political guide. What you say makes tremendous sense. (Feeling a bit betta now.)
Very interesting insight on Ryan’s personal trainer background — I had no idea, although I have noted that he has a winning way of not taking no for an answer.
Ryan is my rep. who can speak intelligently about finances without a teleprompter or an ear bud. Lots of people attend his town hall meetings. Big difference between him and the prez. – one is talking about solutions and the other is constantly blaming, shaming people and hiding the facts about bills, decisions. Remember, it was O and his merry band of Pelousy and Hairy who took a half trillion dollars out of medicare to fund the new health insurance bill. Yes, the bill has some good things which is the sweet carrot to draw you in but most of the bill is a sham – wait until you have to access the system and learn of the new changes in health care. One of these days I’ll write about our painful experience.
This is being a very interesting discussion. Thank you so much John.
I am hoping more people will consider voting for Dr. Jill Stein. Stein has made it onto the ballot in many states, thus people who vote for her will have their votes counted in those states. She is in the middle of petitioning more states to be put on the ballot and only has a handful of states that are write-ins. I would hope that none of them are the kind that give write-ins to the major party candidate, but to the write in candidate.
Lola-At-Large, you claim you would vote for any woman over a man. Here is a chance to put your idealogy in practice instead of working for Romney who will do nothing for women. This is a year where a third party can capture lots of votes if those of us who are disillusioned with both Wall Street parties were to band together.
Am I “benignly naive?” Maybe. But this is the year to vote FOR someone rather than against someone.
Here’s a link to Jill Stein’s site. Check it out for yourself – the ballot map and all.
http://www.jillstein.org/
Thank you.
That policy applies to major parties, Senneth. Until some third party shows me they have the stamina and ideas to get over 25% of the vote, they aren’t worth my time.
And I can’t stand Jill Stein, sorry. She showed what a nutcase she was over Trayvon Martin.
Until some third party shows me they have the stamina and ideas to get over 25% of the vote, they aren’t worth my time. ” – Lola
Nice Catch-22 cop-out.
“My view is that we don’t know what’s causing climate change on this planet…. I want us to … aggressively develop our oil, our gas, our coal, our nuclear power.” — Mitt Romney.
Now who’s the “Nutcase”?
Thanks Tamerlane. Good catch.
Lola-at-large, unless we, the people, truly decide to get rid of the vermin in D.C. and start working together to unseat these jackasses, nothing will change. We have to start somewhere. This is the election to make that stand. There are a lot of people not happy with the status quo. You’re working very hard for Romney, why? What has he ever done for women? What is he going to do for us? What will he do for the country to make it better?
I love your passion, and you are very articulate, it would be nice if you would actually stand by your beliefs and support the woman. You may think Stein was a nutcase in the Trayvon Martin Case, but she’s no Phyllis Schlafly, whom you say you would support and vote for.
Romney is simply the same as what’s in office now. If we want to actually change the system, we need to do so – starting now. Use your passion and voice to help Stein get elected.
And everyone who is truly tired of this horrific situation we’re in, make a stand. And no, I’m not a paid Stein supporter. I just hate both choices the same party with different names is offering us.
“Its one of those horrible facts that at some point, we all have to live with whether we like it or not. Just as horrible as the fact that our corrupt two party system will never allow a third party candidate to accomplish anything.” — Anthony
Then both old parties need to be put out of business. Both are heartily disliked by most americans; they only continue to exist because of the fallacious concept that they’re all we have to chose from. A fallacy perpetuated by people like you.
And I’m getting a little tired of alleged liberals & moderates telling me how mild and palatable MR & PR are. You either were never actually liberal, or are fools, or are on MR’s payroll.
Jill Stein will be on enough ballots to prevail in the Electoral College. The only thing preventing her from becoming president is people who still accept the Hobson’s Choice of the Uni-Party.
Agree with you statement that both parties need to be put out of business, but disagree with voting for either Stein or Hobson is the answer. Also getting a little tired of the personal slams i.e. “You were never actually liberal, or are fools, or are on MR’s payroll”
That might be your thought if you cannot understand someone’s reasons for supporting their candidate of choice, but that kind of language mitigates any impact your comments might have on more broadminded readers to actually examine their choices and commitments. If that’s the only reason you can come up with to understand a choice that isn’t in lock step with your own, its not necessarily factual; its just your opinion.