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[EternalGamer]

Newt Gingrich, like herpes, is apparently forever.

Nah, all you have to do to get rid of Newt is just tell him you have a terminal illness.

 

[Cloudy]

True that. An extra four points goes a long way.

If you gave every Democratic candidate an extra four points in 2010, there'd be at least three less GOP governors (OH, FL, ME), two less GOP senators (IL, PA - and WI would be roughly a tie), and a bunch of House seats.

I think Obama would probably take about 56% of the vote against Gingrich, today. Going by the 08 results, that would swing MT and MO on its own, and possibly save McCaskill and Tester - eliminating 90% of Democrats' worries.

And this is why the GOP establishment will NOT allow a Gingrich win. He would be a huge drag downticket and cost them much more than the WH

 

[Al-ibn Kermit]

This shit is hilarious isn't it?

If Newt wins the nomination, champagne corks will be popping in the oval office because Obama can go ahead and pencil in 4 more years. Newt has zero appeal to people like me - moderates, centrists, and independents. I think it'll be a worse ass whipping than what McKain got in 08.

McCain becoming president honestly wasn't that horrible of an idea to most independents. It was the thought of Palin becoming vp that scared everyone.

I think Obama will most likely win whether he's running against Romney or Gingrich, but if Gingrich wins the nomination then independents will turn out in droves to vote against him and most likely they will vote for democrats in congress too, possibly giving the democrats majorities in Congress again.

 

[giga]

People in the Ron Paul thread thinks he still has a chance to win. I can't tell if it's trolling or not.

 

[Plinko]

So can we officially thank Jon King for handing Gingrich the victory?

I also blame Romney for not taking shots at Newt throughout the entire debate, starting with the first question. He should have lambasted Gingrich for it. That SC crowd was absolutely LOVING the attacks.

 

[EternalGamer]

People in the Ron Paul thread thinks he still has a chance to win. I can't tell if it's trolling or not.

In a way, it's touching.

They don't understand the relationship between money and politics.

 

[Talon]

Awesome exit poll from SC:

SC has a 30%ish Black population

So that leaves about 1% for other minorities...

 

[Plinko]

Seven 3 hour debates. With a 42 minute break between each ALL IN ONE DAY!!!!'

This 7 debate idea is quite brilliant on Newt's part, actually. Newt knows Americans don't do research. He'd have a ton more time to throw lie after lie out there (like Chile's "optional" social security system which isn't optional) for people to lap up and believe and also more time to directly attack Obama.

 

[EternalGamer]

I also blame Romney for not taking shots at Newt throughout the entire debate, starting with the first question. He should have lambasted Gingrich for it. That SC crowd was absolutely LOVING the attacks.

It was the tax question that killed him. Romney literally got booed.

I can't believe he froze up o that again. The tax question two debates in a row.

Either he has something to really fear in those taxes or his campaign advisors suck.

 

[Plinko]

It was the tax question that killed him. Romney literally got booed.

I can't believe he froze up. The tax question two debates in a row.

Yeah, and he knew it was coming, too. No excuse.

If I was Romney I'd fire all my advisers tomorrow. They've been awful.

 

[Gary Whitta]

It's pretty obvious at this point that there must be something devastatingly bad in Romney's taxes. He would rather fall on his sword than reveal them.

 

[Jadedx]

It's pretty obvious at this point that there must be something devastatingly bad in Romney's taxes. He would rather fall on his sword than reveal them.

He made 375k last year for speaking engagements, which was in his own words "very little" compared to what he made in investments. He also only pays "around 15%" taxes.

 

[speculawyer]

Yeah, and he knew it was coming, too. No excuse.

If I was Romney I'd fire all my advisers tomorrow. They've been awful.

That is something he enjoys doing.

 

[EternalGamer]

It's pretty obvious at this point that there must be something devastatingly bad in Romney's taxes. He would rather fall on his sword than reveal them.

I think it is maybe his huge donations to the Mormon church, actually.

And given the constituency, he may be right to worry.

 

[Byakuya769]

Except in 20 years liberals won't be going "God, I wish we had Obama again!" no matter how his second term goes.

I've seen too many wistful comments about Bill Clinton to agree with this at all.

 

[Ghost_Protocol]

I love that asking Newt Gingrich about his escapades on the same day his wife tells the media he wanted an open marriage is somehow more unacceptable than asking Obama if he is black enough, or asking Hillary how she plans on dealing with not being likeable.

 

[Gary Whitta]

I think it is maybe his huge donations to the Mormon church, actually.

And given the constituency, he may be right to worry.

I don't know how a Mormon can be taken seriously as a Presidential candidate, what those guys believe is fucking nuts.

 

[Plinko]

Gingrich's repeated blasts of the media may have played a more important role than previously thought:

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/gingrich-beats-media-south-carolina-54-14

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has defeated the national media in South Carolina by a margin of 54 percent to 14 percent, according to a survey conducted by a Democratic polling firm.

The poll, conducted by Raleigh, N.C.-based Public Policy Polling (PPP), interviewed 1,540 likely South Carolina Republican primary voters from Jan. 18 to Jan. 20. It showed that 54 percent of those voters said they had a favorable opinion of Gingrich while 37 percent said they had an unfavorable opinion of him.

At the same time, only 14 percent said they had a favorable opinion of the media, while 77 percent said they had an unfavorable opinion of the media.

 

[EternalGamer]

I love that asking Newt Gingrich about his escapades on the same day his wife tells the media he wanted an open marriage is somehow more unacceptable than asking Obama if he is black enough, or asking Hillary how she plans on dealing with not being likeable.

Because for a certain percentage of the population, there is only one group who has a right to play the minority victim card: white Christian males.

It's beautiful irony, actually.

 

[sharbhund]

Has anyone ever asked Mitt if he believes that foreign-born citizens should be eligible to be President? His dad was born in Mexico but ran for President in the 60s. Why is Obama's birth certificate a big issue when nobody cared about George Romney or McCain's?

 

[Plinko]

Because for a certain percentage of the population, there is only one group who has a right to play the minority victim card: white Christian males.

It's beautiful irony, actually.

As a white Christian male, this sickens me. I'll never understand this idea that we're a minority in this country right now. It's a HUGE lie.

 

[RustyNails]

Any latest poll numbers for FL?

Polling in SC a week before the elections showed Romney with double digit lead over Newt.

There's another CNN debate right before FL (CNN, this time moderated by The Blitz). Lulz incoming.

 

[elrechazado]

Has anyone ever asked Mitt if he believes that foreign-born citizens should be eligible to be President? His dad was born in Mexico but ran for President in the 60s. Why is Obama's birth certificate a big issue when nobody cared about George Romney or McCain's?

If mitt were a birther you might have a point. But...you don't.

 

[Plinko]

Has anyone ever asked Mitt if he believes that foreign-born citizens should be eligible to be President? His dad was born in Mexico but ran for President in the 60s. Why is Obama's birth certificate a big issue when nobody cared about George Romney or McCain's?

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

Sincerely,

South Carolina Republicans

 

[EternalGamer]

I don't know how a Mormon can be taken seriously as a Presidential candidate, what those guys believe is fucking nuts.

Well, but if we are going to be all logical, a talking snake, magical fruit, sleeping in whales, parting seas, etc isn't exactly "logical.". There is a reason it's called faith.

 

[EternalGamer]

As a white Christian male, this sickens me. I'll never understand this idea that we're a minority in this country right now. It's a HUGE lie.

But white Christian males only hold 95% of the public offices and all of the government recognized religious holidays. They are an endangered species!

 

[elrechazado]

I don't know how a Mormon can be taken seriously as a Presidential candidate, what those guys believe is fucking nuts.

As opposed to what? Picking and choosing of silliness with religion is pretty idiotic. If you're an atheist, how are the thousand different flavors of christianity, hinduism, islam, judaism, and anything else somehow more logical than each other?

Omg, how can anyone vote for obama - he is a christian who believes in invisible sky god lololol

 

[Atramental]

You see GAF, I have to interact with these people on a daily basis. Can you see why I want to get the fuck out of South Carolina as soon as possible?

 

[Joe Shlabotnik]

This 7 debate idea is quite brilliant on Newt's part, actually. Newt knows Americans don't do research. He'd have a ton more time to throw lie after lie out there (like Chile's "optional" social security system which isn't optional) for people to lap up and believe and also more time to directly attack Obama.

The weaker candidate usually suggests a ridiculous number of debates just to score some "why doesn't my opponent want to debate" points. It's not a new or particularly brilliant tactic.

 

[EternalGamer]

Watching the Ron Paul NC speech for the first time. Paul is getting his Mr. Rogers on with his sweater and tie action.

It's a good look for him, actually. He should stick to it. America <3 Mr. Rogers.

 

[Ghost_Protocol]

Been looking at some old debates from 2008 between Barack and Hillary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD9F1t9GQzA&feature=relmfu

People who think Obama isn't a strong debater should take a look

 

[Suikoguy]

I think it is maybe his huge donations to the Mormon church, actually.

And given the constituency, he may be right to worry.

This is the best explanation i've heard. What is the expected tithe?

edit: Quick google search shows 10%.

 

[Particle Physicist]

The fact that those types of argument can be effective in a South Carolina Republican primary got to scare conservative strategists.

Wasn't someone on here saying that attacking Romney over Bain wouldn't really work?

 

[JABEE]

You see GAF, I have to interact with these people on a daily basis. Can you see why I want to get the fuck out of South Carolina as soon as possible?

What do you mean by these people? haha

 

[elrechazado]

This is the best explanation i've heard. What is the expected tithe?

Serious mormons pay 10% of their income.

 

[Big Baybee]

I've seen too many wistful comments about Bill Clinton to agree with this at all.

Clinton was way more conservative than Obama is, and Dems pray at his altar.

 

[EternalGamer]

As opposed to what? Picking and choosing of silliness with religion is pretty idiotic. If you're an atheist, how are the thousand different flavors of christianity, hinduism, islam, judaism, and anything else somehow more logical than each other?

Omg, how can anyone vote for obama - he is a christian who believes in invisible sky god lololol

I agree. I would feel sorry for Romeny's persecution based on religious beliefs if he didn't lay on the "othering" of Obama and liberals so heavily.

As he is fond of saying, "What's good for the goose..."

 

[Al-ibn Kermit]

I don't know how a Mormon can be taken seriously as a Presidential candidate, what those guys believe is fucking nuts.

Evangelicals really, really don't like Mormons though. If it comes out that he's a very devout Mormon in the sense that he's been paying huge donations to his church, then that would make it really hard for him to convince that block of solid Republican voters to turn out for him. The Mormon church has actually been trying to stay hands-off in this campaign in order to not poison Romney's chances.

On the flip side, Gingrich is basically the exact opposite of Romney where all of his skeletons are out of the closet and he knows exactly how to say the right thing in the media/debates to appeal to the hardcore republicans.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

That's what shocked me the most about last night's debate: When asked about Romney's tax returns, none of the candidates made it an issue. He's taxed at 15% for the millions he makes. Did the other candidates attack his tax rate so low? NO. That goes against the principles of what Republicans believe in. It's frightening to be honest.

 

[Plinko]

The weaker candidate usually suggests a ridiculous number of debates just to score some "why doesn't my opponent want to debate" points. It's not a new or particularly brilliant tactic.

It's smart. If Obama declines, Newt slams him for it. If he accepts, Newt gets 4 more debates to feed his BS to the public.

 

[elrechazado]

I agree. I would feel sorry for Romeny's persecution based on religious beliefs if he didn't lay on the "othering" of Obama and liberals so heavily.

As he is fond of saying, "What's good for the goose..."

The othering has to do with political philosophy, and both sides do it every day. Attacking Romney for his beliefs is just as ignorant as going after kennedy for his catholicism, obama for his church, and it leads to bullshit like "obama is a muslim' and whatnot.

I don't think people not voting for romney because he's mormon qualifies as "persecution". Nobody is owed anyone's vote, and people vote for who and what they like.

Evangelicals really, really don't like Mormons though. If it comes out that he's a very devout Mormon in the sense that he's been paying huge donations to his church, then that would make it really hard for him to convince that block of solid Republican voters to turn out for him. The Mormon church has actually been trying to stay hands-off in this campaign in order to not poison Romney's chances.

On the flip side, Gingrich is basically the exact opposite of Romney where all of his skeletons are out of the closet and he knows exactly how to say the right thing in the media/debates to appeal to the hardcore republicans.

What do you mean "if it comes out". Have you never read anything about him?

 

[EternalGamer]

This is the best explanation i've heard. What is the expected tithe?

edit: Quick google search shows 10%.

I'll bet he gave alot more than that. but even at 10% it probably adds up to millions in total. Mormons tend to be pretty supportive of the church financially (which in turn is why the Mormon church has so much money). They support the church and it supports them.

I also don't think it is a coincidence that TWO Mormons ended up on the Republican candidacy list despite how small a percentage of the population they represent. Money and politics.

 

[elrechazado]

That's what shocked me the most about last night's debate: When asked about Romney's tax returns, none of the candidates made it an issue. He's taxed at 15% for the millions he makes. Did the other candidates attack his tax rate so low? NO. That goes against the principles of what Republicans believe in. It's frightening to be honest.

So you're upset because republicans didn't do what...demand that he pay higher taxes than he's legally required to? Will you be holding every politician to this standard? That they must pay more than the legally effective tax rate?

I'll bet he gave alot more than that. but even at 10% it probably adds up to millions in total. Mormons tend to be pretty supportive of the church financially (which in turn is why the Mormon church has so much money). They support the church and it supports them.

I also don't think it is a coincidence that TWO Mormons ended up on the Republican candidacy list despite how small a percentage of the population they represent. Money and politics.

And they have harry reid in on the conspiracy. They're like taking over man.

 

[Al-ibn Kermit]

What do you mean "if it comes out". Have you never read anything about him?

I mean the actual number for how much he donates, you would need a specific figure if you're going to be using it against him. Especially if he actually does give a whole 10% of his income to the church yet only pays a tax rate of ~15%.

 

[speculawyer]

I don't know how a Mormon can be taken seriously as a Presidential candidate, what those guys believe is fucking nuts.

It is a strange set of beliefs . . . but from my perspective not really any stranger than any other completely unprovable set of mythical stuff.

 

[Plumbob]

It is a strange set of beliefs . . . but from my perspective not really any stranger than any other completely unprovable set of mythical stuff.

The more specific and recent claims religions make, the weirder they seem

 

[EternalGamer]

The othering has to do with political philosophy, and both sides do it every day. Attacking Romney for his beliefs is just as ignorant as going after kennedy for his catholicism, obama for his church, and it leads to bullshit like "obama is a muslim' and whatnot.

I don't think people not voting for romney because he's mormon qualifies as "persecution". Nobody is owed anyone's vote, and people vote for who and what they like.


What do you mean "if it comes out". Have you never read anything about him?

Implying your opponents are unAmerican, socialists, etc, is not debating someone's genuine political philosophy, it is an attempt to paint them as suspicious outsiders.

I am agnostic, but I would have no problem voting for a Mormon. I just don't feel sorry for someone who puts so much effort into vilifying others.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

So you're upset because republicans didn't do what...demand that he pay higher taxes than he's legally required to? Will you be holding every politician to this standard? That they must pay more than the legally effective tax rate?

Actually, everyone making that kind of money should be paying more than the current rate. But my point is that Americans do not feel that it's fair for someone like Romney to make the money he does and be taxed at such a low rate. I can bet you the majority of the audience during the debate last night pays a higher tax rate than Romney, and make nowhere near as much as he does.

 

[elrechazado]

Implying your opponents are unAmerican, socialists, etc, is not debating someone's genuine political philosophy, it is an attempt to paint them as suspicious outsiders.

I am agnostic, but I would have no problem voting for a Mormon. I just don't feel sorry for someone who puts so much effort into vilifying others.

As if anyone on either side of the aisle is ever "debating someone's genuine political philosophy". Come now.

 

[EternalGamer]

And they have harry reid in on the conspiracy. They're like taking over man.

Huh. I never knew Reid was a Mormon. It doesn't really surprise me though. Like I said, if you have friends with lots of money, you can get far in politics. The Mormon church is a good friend to have.