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[Byakuya769]

I think a lot of the conservative press wants his returns to be released so they can get Bush 2016 prepped. There is a reason they're not being released, and if it's continually low effective tax rates, that's nothing to sneeze at.

 

[Aaron Strife]

But if liberals could pass their policies without filibuster shit people might like their policies!!!

And then they might keep winning elections!

The horror!

I predict that if the Democrats make the Senate majority rule in 2013, the Republicans will retaliate by voting no on everything by party-line for 2 years after which no one will give a shit anymore.

 

[Dram]

I guess I should have rephrased my statement and said Republicans instead. ez and Gaborn consider themselves libertarians I think (well, Gaborn for sure)? Not sure if AB identifies as Republican or not, but you're right, AB is good people.

Republican GAF usually only comes out when something goes in their favor. The Walker recall election or when they thought the Supreme Court struck down the Health Care law.

 

[Incognito]

completely overlooked this fact, but the Romney camp can't really hit back on the Bain attacks even if they wanted to right now due to election law. until Romney is officially nominated on aug 27th, he can't spend any general election money. and he's getting vastly outspent in crucial states like oh, va and florida. and his superpacs aren't providing much cover, if any.

http://www.gq.com/news-politics/blo...-this-the-desperation-race.html#ixzz20v8oIkQt

I think we're seeing the same guy we saw in the primary—the problem is that the Super PAC isn't outspending opponents 12 to one," says one conservative political strategist who requested background to candidly assess the Romney's performance. The strategist made the rather hopeful suggestion that Romney's team is holding fire until they get closer to the convention, calling it, "the only thing I can come up with that explains what they are up to."

But the race this week is being broadly defined by Bain Capital and Romney's tax returns, and when you're defending your right to nondisclosure, you're losing. "Let's resurrect another question from the primary," the strategist told me. "Homeboy is worth 250-500 mill. How bad does he want this?"

 

[Tamanon]

completely overlooked this fact, but the Romney camp can't really hit back on the Bain attacks even if they wanted to right now due to election law. until Romney is officially nominated on aug 27th, he can't spend any general election money. and he's getting vastly outspent in crucial states like oh, va and florida. and his superpacs aren't providing much cover, if any.

Eh, he's still blowing through primary money. I mean he's still collecting it after all at the big fundraisers.

 

[Incognito]

Eh, he's still blowing through primary money. I mean he's still collecting it after all at the big fundraisers.

pretty sure he's collecting general election money. (i'll look for sure, though. and feel free to correct me if i'm wrong!)

but anyway, he's being outspent in swing states by 5 to 1. sometimes 10 to 1. he spent a good portion of his primary money arraying the death star against newt and santorum.

 

[Clevinger]

completely overlooked this fact, but the Romney camp can't really hit back on the Bain attacks even if they wanted to right now due to election law. until Romney is officially nominated on aug 27th, he can't spend any general election money. and he's getting vastly outspent in crucial states like oh, va and florida. and his superpacs aren't providing much cover, if any.

http://www.gq.com/news-politics/blo...-this-the-desperation-race.html#ixzz20v8oIkQt

All the right wing SuperPACS can hit back at it though.

 

[Piecake]

If he releases more returns, Romney will be in a better position to resist the inevitable demands for even more disclosures. More important, he will be in a better position to pivot his campaign to what should be its focus — telling a story, through a series of detailed, substantive speeches, about where he wants to take the country. It is to President Obama’s advantage to fight the election out over tactics and minutiae. By drawing out the argument over the returns, Romney is playing into the president’s hands. He should release them, respond to any attacks they bring, and move on.

Have we gotten anything substantive and detailed from the Romney campaign? Im honestly curious, because nothing comes to mind

 

[RoninChaos]

I guess I should have rephrased my statement and said Republicans instead. ez and Gaborn consider themselves libertarians I think (well, Gaborn for sure)? Not sure if AB identifies as Republican or not, but you're right, AB is good people.

Isn't a libertarian just a more selfish republican?

*shots fired*

 

[Clevinger]

ABC is hyping up this Bain ad, but I'm not sure why (other than it being effective) since it's about a month old. Liberal media, I guess.

 

[reilo]

Isn't a libertarian just a more selfish republican?

*shots fired*

Nah, just someone that is afraid to call themselves Republican.

 

[Dram]

Isn't that what you call Independents?

 

[NathanMcMahon]

ABC is hyping up this Bain ad, but I'm not sure why (other than it being effective) since it's about a month old. Liberal media, I guess.

Those comments. so many uninformed twits. i weep for those dopes and their ilk.

 

[Clevinger]

Well, at least there's some overlap with libertarians and liberals with wars and the drug war and (some) civil liberties. It's a shame that almost everything else they believe is even further right than Republicans.

 

[XMonkey]

Isn't that what you call Independents?

Bingo.

 

[reggieandTFE]

Well, there goes that assumed vote:

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs...k-pantywaist-lightweight-blowhard_648688.html

I'm pretty sure abnyone else posting an In These Times article as a source would be immediately dismissed by you. Hilarious.

 

[TacticalFox88]

Those comments. so many uninformed twits. i weep for those dopes and their ilk.

I fucking lost it when I read "Liberal GOP"


Dear god the ignorance is astounding!

 

[dramatis]

Have we gotten anything substantive and detailed from the Romney campaign? Im honestly curious, because nothing comes to mind

Back during the primary he released a supposedly impressive 95-page (?) thing that apparently had a lot of details, which made Jon Huntsman look shabby.

I can't remember the name of it or what it was exactly though.

Okay, I found it: Believe in America: Plan for Jobs and Economic Growth.

But it probably says all you need to know on the first two pages of something that isn't general talk:

Five Bills for Day One
The American Competitiveness Act
- Reduces the corporate income tax rate to 25 percent (ohohoho)

The Down Payment on Fiscal Sanity Act
- Immediately cuts non-security discretionary spending by 5 percent, reducing the annual federal budget by $20 billion

Five Executive Orders for Day One
An Order to Cut Red Tape
- Directs all agencies to immediately initiate the elimination of Obama-era regulations that unduly burden the economy or job creation, and then caps annual increases in regulatory costs at zero dollars (rubbish pandering)

An Order to Boost Domestic Energy Production
- Directs the Department of the Interior to implement a process for rapid issuance of drilling permits to developers with established safety records seeking to use pre-approved techniques in pre-approved areas (this isn't already being done now?)

An Order to Sanction China for Unfair Trade Practices
- Directs the Department of the Treasury to list China as a currency manipulator in its biannual report and directs the Department of Commerce to assess countervailing duties on Chinese imports if China does not quickly move to float its currency (like hell you're actually going to threaten China)

An Order to Empower American Businesses and Workers
- Reverses the executive orders issued by President Obama that tilt the playing field in favor of organized labor, including the one encouraging the use of union labor on major government construction projects (hating on unions)

Further reading doesn't yield much. While there's a point speaking about "repealing and replacing Obamacare", the actual section addressing this point only has specifics about repeal and no viable replacement.

There's a lot of words, but you have to dig for the substance.

 

[RDreamer]

“Celebrating success instead of attacking it and denigrating making America strong. That’s the right course for the country. His course is extraordinarily foreign."

Romney jumping on the Obama is a foreigner bandwagon...

Those comments. so many uninformed twits. i weep for those dopes and their ilk.

Some of them straight up don't believe it. Like there's one saying "Yeah right, he MADE 100 million by closing down a plant?" I have to wonder how many people won't believe it, because that whole concept will fly right over their head. The whole way Bain works is rather wonky and kind of unbelievable even with a slight grasp of what they were doing.

 

[Amir0x]

GOP is going to try to avert government shutdown by passing a three-month temporary funding measure that sticks to last year’s debt-limit agreement

Top congressional Republicans are plotting ways to avoid a government shutdown fight when the fiscal year ends Sept. 30, believing the partisan brinkmanship that defined last year’s budget battles would be devastating to their party heading into the November elections.

In early September, House Republican leaders want to pass a three-month temporary funding measure that sticks to last year’s debt-limit agreement, according to aides involved with the planning. But that could spark a fight with some House and Senate conservatives who yearn for the lower funding numbers in Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget.

“I think somebody does need to stand up and bring it all to a screeching halt,” said Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). “I’m not talking about shutting down the government but having a real debate over spending cuts.”

But while higher spending levels might irk conservatives who are itching for a funding fight, it’s aimed at comforting Republicans in both chambers who see political peril in drawing attention away from the economy with a battle that could shut down the government. They’d like for the fight to end quietly this year in the hopes a Republican sweep in November would allow them to freely rewrite spending bills in early 2013.

And in a sign that the politics of the upcoming round of spending are shifting, GOP leaders now have a key ally on their side: Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), the tea party leader who has been a frequent critic of his party’s budget dealings. DeMint, along with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), are urging House Speaker John Boehner to pass a short-term continuing resolution before the August recess to avoid a lame-duck session of Congress, believing Democrats could use the threat of a shutdown to force the GOP to cave on a host of policy issues.

Read the full article here

And if they lose the November election? Immediate brinkmanship.

 

[Oblivion]

Man, where do Republicans get these people. That Romney flak, John Sununu is an absolute shitstain. Calling Obama a socialist pothead? Wtf?

 

[Aaron Strife]

Man, where do Republicans get these people. That Romney flak, John Sununu is an absolute shitstain. Calling Obama a socialist pothead? Wtf?

Clearly not concerned about winning the socialist pothead vote, or any vote for that matter.

 

[RDreamer]

Man, where do Republicans get these people. That Romney flak, John Sununu is an absolute shitstain. Calling Obama a socialist pothead? Wtf?

I really don't know much about Sununu, but I don't think I've ever seen or heard anything other that completely loony ranting from him. He comes off as a crazed, unprofessional hot-head.

 

[Dram]

Man, where do Republicans get these people. That Romney flak, John Sununu is an absolute shitstain. Calling Obama a socialist pothead? Wtf?

Stirring the base up I guess, especially that part about Obama should learn how to be a real American.

 

[PhoenixDark]

Romney seems to tackle a lot of things from a business perspective, naturally. I think he has determined the cost/benefit of not releasing the tax returns is less than actually releasing them. The negative press we're seeing now is just that: negative. It hasn't reached outrage level, which may be what would happen if he did release ten years and reveal he didn't pay taxes, payed less than 15%, etc.

 

[RDreamer]

Romney seems to tackle a lot of things from a business perspective, naturally. I think he has determined the cost/benefit of not releasing the tax returns is less than actually releasing them. The negative press we're seeing now is just that: negative. It hasn't reached outrage level, which may be what would happen if he did release ten years and reveal he didn't pay taxes, payed less than 15%, etc.

Yeah. I still don't get why he didn't clean things up after 2008. Hell, why didn't he clean things up before that? I mean it's not like the guy's absolutely hurting for money. Cleaning things up and paying extra taxes isn't going to kill him. That way he could have released more taxes. Even if it was like 5 years he'd have more of a leg to stand on. The fact that he won't release any more than 2 makes it even more concerning. That means not only did he (likely) do some stupid shit (not illegal mind you, but stupid if you're running for president), he also didn't feel like cleaning the crap up! He likely wanted whatever break or money he could get, regardless of the headache it would create later.

I realize that's a lot of speculation, but really what the hell else are you supposed to think? The guy has been in the public spotlight and knew he was running for president for how long now? wtf

 

[PhoenixDark]

“Celebrating success instead of attacking it and denigrating making America strong. That’s the right course for the country. His course is extraordinarily foreign."

Romney jumping on the Obama is a foreigner bandwagon...

Romney has been beating the "Obama as foreigner" drum for three years alongside most of the republican leadership. It's not new, and is never challenged by the media. It's pretty clear the point here is that a large group of republicans feel Obama is illegitimate in one way or another, hence the constant outrage when he does anything that other presidents have done (you know, like address school children at the start of the semester); the message is always that there is something different about Obama. Republicans play it up with their base and have whipped up quite a frenzy. They did a lot of this with Clinton to, as he also represented a shift from previous presidents (Vietnam protests, no military service, Civil Rights era, etc).

 

[GaimeGuy]

Michele Bachmann calls Anthony Weiner's Muslim wife Huma Abedin a Muslim Brotherhood Infiltrator

This makes me sick to the stomach. Minnesota, please kick this loony out.

Minnesota can't do it. Only her district's residents can

 

[cartoon_soldier]

Romney has been beating the "Obama as foreigner" drum for three years alongside most of the republican leadership. It's not new, and is never challenged by the media. It's pretty clear the point here is that a large group of republicans feel Obama is illegitimate in one way or another, hence the constant outrage when he does anything that other presidents have done (you know, like address school children at the start of the semester); the message is always that there is something different about Obama. Republicans play it up with their base and have whipped up quite a frenzy. They did a lot of this with Clinton to, as he also represented a shift from previous presidents (Vietnam protests, no military service, Civil Rights era, etc).

They wouldn't be using this argument is Obama was White. There I said it.

 

[TacticalFox88]

They wouldn't be using this argument is Obama was White. There I said it.

If Obama was white, the curbstomp that McCain got in 08 would've been even larger.

 

[PhoenixDark]

They wouldn't be using this argument is Obama was White. There I said it.

I agree, although I'd argue they'd be doing a lot of the same stuff if he had a white father from South Africa, an Indonesian step-father, lived abroad, had the same questionable ties to people like Ayers etc. It just wouldn't be as effective.

Republicans have been painting Obama as a black nationalist for 4 years. Anyone who reads between the lines can tell many traditional black leaders don't like Obama, and he doesn't like them.

 

[trs1080]

I was born at St. Cloud hospital in her district; so much shame.

Neat, I grew up in nearby Avon, in the middle of nowhere. My parents are embarassed about her as well but they live in a sea of red. Friend from HS (long ago) talks about how great some speech she gave was. Ugh.

 

[kehs]

An Order to Cut Red Tape.

Amazing.

 

[Jackson50]

If Obama was white, the curbstomp that McCain got in 08 would've been even larger.

The estimates vary in their magnitude. But it's likely Obama's race cost him a few percentage points. Surprising, I know.

I really don't know much about Sununu, but I don't think I've ever seen or heard anything other that completely loony ranting from him. He comes off as a crazed, unprofessional hot-head.

Hey, at least he recommended David Souter to replace Brennan. He's been on fire lately.

The call was organized by the Romney aides to attack Obama's handling of the economy, which they argue has stifled job creation and hurt small business. But Sununu seemed to take it a step further, telling reporters at one point, "I wish this president would learn how to be an American."

 

[Bishman]

 

[Mike M]

They just stuck "Rises" on a poster for TDK? Really?

 

[PhoenixDark]

They just stuck "Rises" on a poster for TDK? Really?

Sort of how the movie is just TDK with Bane and Catwoman

 

[cartoon_soldier]

yay go Drudge

 

[Stinkles]

TA is cool, but I find it harder and harder these days to consider him in the same vein as most conservatives

TA strikes me as someone rightfully offended by the direction the republican party took. In fact Kosmo is about the only person in here defending the objectively stupid shit. I hope that AB, Gaborn and TA are the future of the party and I mean that sincerely. We need a better half of a two party system.

 

[NullPointer]

TA strikes me as someone rightfully offended by the direction the republican party took. In fact Kosmo is about the only person in here defending the objectively stupid shit. I hope that AB, Gaborn and TA are the future of the party and I mean that sincerely. We need a better half of a two party system.

Amen to this.

 

[TacticalFox88]

TA strikes me as someone rightfully offended by the direction the republican party took. In fact Kosmo is about the only person in here defending the objectively stupid shit. I hope that AB, Gaborn and TA are the future of the party and I mean that sincerely. We need a better half of a two party system.

This is a hell no on so many levels.

 

[Four_Chamber]

Minnesota can't do it. Only her district's residents can

I don't like generalizing whole districts based on their representatives but there is something wrong with that district. As a born and bred New Yorker, I can't pretend to understand the sensibilities of the people around St. Cloud. Suffice to say, I have no plans to ever visit that area ever in my life.

 

[Kosmo]

yay go Drudge

Joe Arpaio - modern day Galileo . . . or something like that, must be what he is going for.

 

[Stinkles]

This is a hell no on so many levels.

Gaborn has two notes that I vehemently disagree with, and one in particular is beyond hypocritical, but he's otherwise a reasonable and intelligent poster.

 

[PantherLotus]

I still think curb stomp is a terrible choice of words, considering. If Kosmo said that about Obama, I think we'd be rightfully offended.

 

[Oblivion]

TA strikes me as someone rightfully offended by the direction the republican party took. In fact Kosmo is about the only person in here defending the objectively stupid shit. I hope that AB, Gaborn and TA are the future of the party and I mean that sincerely. We need a better half of a two party system.

Has TA ever said that he'll vote for Obama?

The idea that a "moderate Republican" exists in our current climate is an absurd concept, btw.

 

[Oblivion]

I still think curb stomp is a terrible choice of words, considering. If Kosmo said that about Obama, I think we'd be rightfully offended.

Are you suggesting we curb stomp Kosmo?

 

[Kosmo]

I still think curb stomp is a terrible choice of words, considering. If Kosmo said that about Obama, I think we'd be rightfully offended.

But you weren't, so I'll save it or an appropriate day.

 

[FyreWulff]

I used to be a Republican (well, it's easy to, practically the default party of the state) but they were basically hijacked by the fundies and then the tea party. Although I left ages ago, but even my mom has left the party and she used to be super conservative.

I'm registered non-partisan now because the Democratic Party will basically abandon you in Nebraska even if they have someone by the throat because they're more interested in holding onto Iowa next door than "taking" Nebraska. If it doesn't look like your win is guaranteed they will literally pull all of your volunteers and send them across the bridge.

But at this point, the party is so far gone. Tea Party owns in now and they can't even stay consistent with their own beliefs. Their main frontrunners/namechecks are a guy that has no idea what having to budget feels like, previously a 10 year old boy who wrote a book, and a Hollywood actor that got elected President and was senile for most of his last term. And a fucking radio show host. They're just dragging their feet in hopes that they can make Obama one-term, playing with people's lives and wellbeing in the process.

When your two options are "march in lockstep" or "herding cats", we need a better system.

 

[Kosmo]

Philosophical Question: Would you be for or against a ban on formal political parties in the US?