Imagine this, the CNN post-debate 'spin room' interview with Ron Paul lasted longer than all of his answers in the debate combined! This is actually a very good interview (though the reporter was a little confused about his tax policy). You may be somewhat surprised if you watch this interview. Ron Paul can come across in the debates as cranky, contrarian, maybe some folks think a little kooky because his views are so different from the 'front-runners.' Here you see the Ron Paul most of his supporters know. A rather gentle man. An economist. And a man who seems to seize the opportunity to educate any time he is in the presence of a young person, like this young reporter. He really is more of an educator than politician. Check it out:
Thursday, January 31, 2008
But Who's Counting
CNN California GOP Debate on Jan 30, 2008
Total Talk Time:
Romney: 27:09
Mccain: 22:39
Huckabee: 15:16
Paul: 6:57
Total Questions for each candidate:
Romney: 15
Mccain: 13
Huckabee: 11
Paul: 7
Total Talk Time:
Romney: 27:09
Mccain: 22:39
Huckabee: 15:16
Paul: 6:57
Total Questions for each candidate:
Romney: 15
Mccain: 13
Huckabee: 11
Paul: 7
A Person Instead
According to Andrew Romano who blogs for Newsweek, “Ron Paul was the only one who sounded like a person instead of a politician–no small feat for a presidential candidate.”
He went on to write:
My favorite moment of the night? When Paul tsk-tsked Romney and McCain for sniping over Iraq strategy–an area where their positions are largely indistinguishable. “I find it rather silly, because they’re arguing technicalities of a policy they both agree with,” he said. “They agreed with going in; they agreed for staying, agreed for staying how many years? And these are technicalities. We should be debating foreign policy.” The other candidates–not to mention reporters–often dismiss the Good Doctor, but as the field narrows, I have to say: it’s fun to watch him give them a hard time. He was certainly talking sense tonight.
He went on to write:
My favorite moment of the night? When Paul tsk-tsked Romney and McCain for sniping over Iraq strategy–an area where their positions are largely indistinguishable. “I find it rather silly, because they’re arguing technicalities of a policy they both agree with,” he said. “They agreed with going in; they agreed for staying, agreed for staying how many years? And these are technicalities. We should be debating foreign policy.” The other candidates–not to mention reporters–often dismiss the Good Doctor, but as the field narrows, I have to say: it’s fun to watch him give them a hard time. He was certainly talking sense tonight.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Mora-esque
Do you remember that Coach Mora rant now made famous on a beer commercial? The one where he keeps saying, "playoffs?! playoffs??!! are you kidding me!?? playoffs??!!"
When Ron Paul speaks it's as though the other candidates and the Republicans in the audience are saying, "constitution??!! constitution?!!! are you kidding me??!! constitution??!!"
Poor Ron. He thinks the Commander in Chief is supposed to read and obey the Constitution. He hasn't the faintest clue that this election thing is about the GOP retaining control of the White House. That's all.
If he had just known better, he would never have said, "The Commander in Chief's job is not to move the troops around but to have the wisdom not to get us into these wars where we get trapped and have to stay for who knows how long...."
With half a wit about him, he wouldn't have thought of saying, "Yes, the President is the Commander in Chief, but he doesn't run the economy. The people run the economy. The government needs to give them low taxes and sound money and get out of their way. It isn't the president's job to run the economy."
Oh my.
Just send me my $800.00 check - include the illegal aliens in this handout too - and I'm sure that the economy will perk right up.
Constitution??!! Are you kidding me??!!
When Ron Paul speaks it's as though the other candidates and the Republicans in the audience are saying, "constitution??!! constitution?!!! are you kidding me??!! constitution??!!"
Poor Ron. He thinks the Commander in Chief is supposed to read and obey the Constitution. He hasn't the faintest clue that this election thing is about the GOP retaining control of the White House. That's all.
If he had just known better, he would never have said, "The Commander in Chief's job is not to move the troops around but to have the wisdom not to get us into these wars where we get trapped and have to stay for who knows how long...."
With half a wit about him, he wouldn't have thought of saying, "Yes, the President is the Commander in Chief, but he doesn't run the economy. The people run the economy. The government needs to give them low taxes and sound money and get out of their way. It isn't the president's job to run the economy."
Oh my.
Just send me my $800.00 check - include the illegal aliens in this handout too - and I'm sure that the economy will perk right up.
Constitution??!! Are you kidding me??!!
California GOP Debate
Here are my impressions of the CNN California GOP debate held tonight at the Reagan Library.
Mike Huckabee got a great photo-op with Nancy Reagan on his arm.
The Set - it looked cramped to me – the candidates were seated just a little too close together. Plus, seated is just the wrong format in general.
The cut-away - Ron Paul’s first answer was very strong – but the camera cut away from him on his last and strongest sentence. He was only asked two other questions the rest of the first hour as I recall.
The big lie – Ron Paul asked to be included in the discussion of who among them was liberal and who is conservative. All others had answered that question. He was cut off by Anderson Cooper who said he would be able to answer that if he would wait just two minutes – no just two questions – “I promise,” Cooper said three times. They never came back to Ron Paul for the answer to that question and he wasn’t included for many questions after that.
The Paulification of the front runners - in every debate, Ron Paul has stressed that our monetary policy is broken and our debts are being funded by borrowing money from China. They snickered at him. But tonight, for the first time, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney and John McCain each said, “we have to stop borrowing money from China!” In fact, McCain said outright, “one thing I agree with Ron Paul about is that we have to quit borrowing money from China.”
Two conservatives – in a typically tacky CNN question, the candidates were asked, in front of Nancy Reagan and in the Reagan Library, if they would have appointed Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court. Huckster and McCain both said she was a wonderful lady and so forth. Ron Paul said, “no, I would have appointed someone who was a stricter constitutionalist.” Mitt Romney said, “I would have appointed people in the mold of Scalia, Roberts and Alito.” When you think about the next President appointing perhaps as many as three Supreme Court justices, I can’t think of a more telling moment in any of the debates so far.
Lifeless – Mitt, McCain and Huck each got to answer a question about abortion. Huck really touted himself as all but the singular champion of the pro-life cause. Ron Paul was cut off from answering the question. The OB-GYN doctor. The only GOP candidate that was in the Washington March for Life. The only candidate endorsed by the nation’s leading pro-life activist, Norma McCorvey. The only candidate who has introduced legislation that would negate Roe v Wade. He is unable to give a full answer to the question that others elaborated on. Ridiculous.
Food-fight – Hillary and Obama made themselves look juvenile during their last debate as they picked and sniped at each other. CNN was eager to get the GOP front-runners into a similar food-fight. McCain and Romney obliged. I think sneering and genuinely mean McCain came out the worst for it in flower-child California. He was booed. But Ron Paul nailed it when they finally asked him a question. He said all of this back and forth between McCain and Romney was just arguing over nuances of the same policy. What we should be debating is foreign policy itself – the big topic – not who said what first. It was crazy.
Huck shuffled – Huckabee was put at the far end of the table and he felt it. He complained several times about not getting his equal share of the questions. Ol’ Huck is being shuffled off the stage by the mainstream media. Ron can feel his pain.
Winners and losers. I think that Romney did well. McCain had one of his weaker showings and was in fact booed more than once. Huckabee was as folksy as ever but didn’t score in his brief appearances. Ron Paul was nearly non-existent though he did answer well when he was given a chance to answer (twice I think).
Mike Huckabee got a great photo-op with Nancy Reagan on his arm.
The Set - it looked cramped to me – the candidates were seated just a little too close together. Plus, seated is just the wrong format in general.
The cut-away - Ron Paul’s first answer was very strong – but the camera cut away from him on his last and strongest sentence. He was only asked two other questions the rest of the first hour as I recall.
The big lie – Ron Paul asked to be included in the discussion of who among them was liberal and who is conservative. All others had answered that question. He was cut off by Anderson Cooper who said he would be able to answer that if he would wait just two minutes – no just two questions – “I promise,” Cooper said three times. They never came back to Ron Paul for the answer to that question and he wasn’t included for many questions after that.
The Paulification of the front runners - in every debate, Ron Paul has stressed that our monetary policy is broken and our debts are being funded by borrowing money from China. They snickered at him. But tonight, for the first time, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney and John McCain each said, “we have to stop borrowing money from China!” In fact, McCain said outright, “one thing I agree with Ron Paul about is that we have to quit borrowing money from China.”
Two conservatives – in a typically tacky CNN question, the candidates were asked, in front of Nancy Reagan and in the Reagan Library, if they would have appointed Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court. Huckster and McCain both said she was a wonderful lady and so forth. Ron Paul said, “no, I would have appointed someone who was a stricter constitutionalist.” Mitt Romney said, “I would have appointed people in the mold of Scalia, Roberts and Alito.” When you think about the next President appointing perhaps as many as three Supreme Court justices, I can’t think of a more telling moment in any of the debates so far.
Lifeless – Mitt, McCain and Huck each got to answer a question about abortion. Huck really touted himself as all but the singular champion of the pro-life cause. Ron Paul was cut off from answering the question. The OB-GYN doctor. The only GOP candidate that was in the Washington March for Life. The only candidate endorsed by the nation’s leading pro-life activist, Norma McCorvey. The only candidate who has introduced legislation that would negate Roe v Wade. He is unable to give a full answer to the question that others elaborated on. Ridiculous.
Food-fight – Hillary and Obama made themselves look juvenile during their last debate as they picked and sniped at each other. CNN was eager to get the GOP front-runners into a similar food-fight. McCain and Romney obliged. I think sneering and genuinely mean McCain came out the worst for it in flower-child California. He was booed. But Ron Paul nailed it when they finally asked him a question. He said all of this back and forth between McCain and Romney was just arguing over nuances of the same policy. What we should be debating is foreign policy itself – the big topic – not who said what first. It was crazy.
Huck shuffled – Huckabee was put at the far end of the table and he felt it. He complained several times about not getting his equal share of the questions. Ol’ Huck is being shuffled off the stage by the mainstream media. Ron can feel his pain.
Winners and losers. I think that Romney did well. McCain had one of his weaker showings and was in fact booed more than once. Huckabee was as folksy as ever but didn’t score in his brief appearances. Ron Paul was nearly non-existent though he did answer well when he was given a chance to answer (twice I think).
National Taxpayers Union
According to a report released Tuesday by the National Taxpayers Union, Texas Congressman Ron Paul is the only remaining presidential candidate who proposes net spending cuts.
According to the report, Congressman Paul’s proposals would cut government spending by over $150 billion, a conservative estimate of the spending reductions Dr. Paul has proposed. The report concludes that the other remaining Republican candidates, Mitt Romney, John McCain and Mike Huckabee, have proposed spending increases of $19.5 billion, $6.9 billion and $54 billion respectively.
See their report at www.ntu.org
According to the report, Congressman Paul’s proposals would cut government spending by over $150 billion, a conservative estimate of the spending reductions Dr. Paul has proposed. The report concludes that the other remaining Republican candidates, Mitt Romney, John McCain and Mike Huckabee, have proposed spending increases of $19.5 billion, $6.9 billion and $54 billion respectively.
See their report at www.ntu.org
Breck Girl
John Edwards is quitting his quest for the Democrat nomination. He announces his departure today in New Orleans, the city where his campaign was launched. The Obillary onslaught was just too much to overcome.
Here's one last tribute to The Breck Girl!
Here's one last tribute to The Breck Girl!
The Final Four
Who would have guessed that Ron Paul would be in the final four?
Remember when there was that whole stage full of candidates running for the GOP nomination? There were eleven of them. Now, with the exit of Giuliani, there are only four.
Dr. Paul has raised almost a million dollars more this quarter than Huckabee. He did not campaign significantly nor did he spend much money in Florida - a winner -take - all state.
The focus is on Super Tuesday and beyond. Ron Paul must now follow up his second place finishes in Nevada and Louisiana with some delegate winning performances on Feb. 5. If he can, he is good for the duration. All the way to a brokered convention!
Freedom, Prosperity and Peace!
Remember when there was that whole stage full of candidates running for the GOP nomination? There were eleven of them. Now, with the exit of Giuliani, there are only four.
Dr. Paul has raised almost a million dollars more this quarter than Huckabee. He did not campaign significantly nor did he spend much money in Florida - a winner -take - all state.
The focus is on Super Tuesday and beyond. Ron Paul must now follow up his second place finishes in Nevada and Louisiana with some delegate winning performances on Feb. 5. If he can, he is good for the duration. All the way to a brokered convention!
Freedom, Prosperity and Peace!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
On a Platter
Mike Huckabee is handing the nomination to John McCain.
I have written here several times that Huckabee is the spoiler. The numbers make the case.
McCain “won” FL with 36% of the vote.
McCain “won” SC with 33% of the vote.
McCain “won” NH with 37% of the vote.
Romney plus Huck was 44% of the FL vote.
Romney plus Huck was 45% of the SC vote.
Romney plus Huck was 43% of the NH vote.
If Huck wasn’t in the race, his conservative voters would not largely go to McCain. They would have to choose between Romney and Paul. Assuming that Romney got the lion’s share of those, Mitt would have now won six states and be on his way to the GOP nomination. As it is, McCain now leads in delegates, endorsements and momentum going into Super Tuesday.
I have written here several times that Huckabee is the spoiler. The numbers make the case.
McCain “won” FL with 36% of the vote.
McCain “won” SC with 33% of the vote.
McCain “won” NH with 37% of the vote.
Romney plus Huck was 44% of the FL vote.
Romney plus Huck was 45% of the SC vote.
Romney plus Huck was 43% of the NH vote.
If Huck wasn’t in the race, his conservative voters would not largely go to McCain. They would have to choose between Romney and Paul. Assuming that Romney got the lion’s share of those, Mitt would have now won six states and be on his way to the GOP nomination. As it is, McCain now leads in delegates, endorsements and momentum going into Super Tuesday.
GOP Machine Delivers
As a Floridian and former Republican Committeeman in Broward County, Florida, I can tell you that the Republican party is very well organized in the State of Florida. Just look at how they won every battle in the "count-the-chads" contest and thus literally won the White House for George W Bush. The GOP machine is well-oiled and very effective in delivering the vote.
So, did you notice how many of the most well-known Florida Republicans were on the stage at McCain's victory speech? Starting with the Governor and right on down the line, it was a visible testimony that McCain was the 'establishment' candidate in Florida. Don't buy all of the 'maverick' stuff - the mainline GOP apparatus delivered the vote to John McCain.
So, did you notice how many of the most well-known Florida Republicans were on the stage at McCain's victory speech? Starting with the Governor and right on down the line, it was a visible testimony that McCain was the 'establishment' candidate in Florida. Don't buy all of the 'maverick' stuff - the mainline GOP apparatus delivered the vote to John McCain.
The Apple Falls
It's official, Giuliani is gone. But not too far.
Giuliani is dropping out of the Republican race for the nomination. Now we hear that he will endorse McCain as early as tomorrow. There is an old saying, "the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree."
Giuliani is dropping out of the Republican race for the nomination. Now we hear that he will endorse McCain as early as tomorrow. There is an old saying, "the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree."
The Geezers Have It
In the Florida Primary today, 75% of the GOP voters were 45 years old and older. And 44% of the total votes were cast by seniors 65 and older. The oldest group was the largest voting block.
Of those 65 and older, McCain won 38% of the vote.
He also dominated the Catholic vote and the Hispanic vote.
And he carried the most liberal GOP voters overwhelmingly.
So, apparently there were enough 67 year old latino Catholic Republicans with liberal political leanings to carry Florida for McCain.
And why not? He is for amnesty, NAFTA, and for 'saving social security.' What's not to like if you are a retired resident of little Havana?
Of those 65 and older, McCain won 38% of the vote.
He also dominated the Catholic vote and the Hispanic vote.
And he carried the most liberal GOP voters overwhelmingly.
So, apparently there were enough 67 year old latino Catholic Republicans with liberal political leanings to carry Florida for McCain.
And why not? He is for amnesty, NAFTA, and for 'saving social security.' What's not to like if you are a retired resident of little Havana?
The Clincher
OK, for anyone still in doubt, this should be the clincher:
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – Republican presidential candidate and Texas Congressman Ron Paul’s campaign has been endorsed by legendary folk singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie.
Guthrie, known for a series of hits including “Alice’s Restaurant,” issued the following endorsement of Dr. Paul: “I love this guy. Dr. Paul is the only candidate I know of who would have signed the Constitution of The United States had he been there. I’m with him, because he seems to be the only candidate who actually believes it has as much relevance today as it did a couple of hundred years ago. I look forward to the day when we can work out the differences we have with the same revolutionary vision and enthusiasm that is our American legacy.”
Ted who?
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – Republican presidential candidate and Texas Congressman Ron Paul’s campaign has been endorsed by legendary folk singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie.
Guthrie, known for a series of hits including “Alice’s Restaurant,” issued the following endorsement of Dr. Paul: “I love this guy. Dr. Paul is the only candidate I know of who would have signed the Constitution of The United States had he been there. I’m with him, because he seems to be the only candidate who actually believes it has as much relevance today as it did a couple of hundred years ago. I look forward to the day when we can work out the differences we have with the same revolutionary vision and enthusiasm that is our American legacy.”
Ted who?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Florida Eve
On the night before the GOP Florida Primary, this is the "State of the Race."
John McCain - his campaign was broke and closing last summer and inexplicably he enters the Florida primary as the "front-runner." I say inexplicably because he is the least likely of all candidates to be seriously considered by the conservative GOP base. Yet, somehow he has defied gravity, erased memory, and nosed to the front of the Repubican field. This, to no small extent because some of the primaries so far have allowed independents and even Democrats vote in the GOP primary. He has done well among those groups. But Florida is different. In Florida, only registered GOP voters can vote. McCain will lose Florida. I say lose because Florida is a winner-take-all state. Second place gains zero delegates.
Mitt Romney - Mitt 2.0 is the more conservative of the front-runners. He currently leads in the total delegate count, having won Michigan, Nevada and Wyoming. With his win in Florida tomorrow, Romney will have both the momentum and a large lead in the delegate count headed into Super Tuesday.
Mike Huckabee - the Huck's power-base is among evangelicals. He wins the highest percentage of those who identify themselves as conservative Christians. He wins almost no votes among those who seldom attend church. He must finish third in Florida to maintain momentum and refresh his shallow campaign fund. He then must hope for a very strong finish in the Southern states on Super Tuesday. Despite adopting more and more Ron Paul economic language (I hand it to him, he is a quick learner), he is a conservative only on social issues. As such, as I have written before, Huck is a spoiler not a winner. Mike Huckabee is John McCain's best chance at winning the nomination. All of that said, I predict Huckabee will essentially be out of money and out of the race after Super Tuesday.
Ron Paul - Dr. Paul is the only champion of the Constitution in the race, the only one who really understands economics and thus the best hope for curing what ails the economy, and the only proven-by-action pro-life candidate. His freedom, prosperity and peace platform has drawn great support among students, young adults and libertarian minded people. In fact, it may be that a movement has started around the Ron Paul message that will out-last this election year. Even the current GOP candidates are adopting his language and portions of his platform. Dr. Paul will not do well in Florida. A winner-take-all primary, it was not prudent to spend large amounts of money and time there. But following on his second place finishes in Nevada and Louisiana, the Ron Paul campaign is poised to do well in several states - especially caucus states - in the coming days. He has the money, the committed support base, and the message to stay in the race right up until the convention. He will be one of three standing at the end of the GOP primary journey.
Rudy Giuliani - last summer's front-runner has come to the eve of his last primary. Florida ends the presidential campaign of the Mayor. A poorly conceived campaign ends in failure with a fourth place finish in Florida.
John McCain - his campaign was broke and closing last summer and inexplicably he enters the Florida primary as the "front-runner." I say inexplicably because he is the least likely of all candidates to be seriously considered by the conservative GOP base. Yet, somehow he has defied gravity, erased memory, and nosed to the front of the Repubican field. This, to no small extent because some of the primaries so far have allowed independents and even Democrats vote in the GOP primary. He has done well among those groups. But Florida is different. In Florida, only registered GOP voters can vote. McCain will lose Florida. I say lose because Florida is a winner-take-all state. Second place gains zero delegates.
Mitt Romney - Mitt 2.0 is the more conservative of the front-runners. He currently leads in the total delegate count, having won Michigan, Nevada and Wyoming. With his win in Florida tomorrow, Romney will have both the momentum and a large lead in the delegate count headed into Super Tuesday.
Mike Huckabee - the Huck's power-base is among evangelicals. He wins the highest percentage of those who identify themselves as conservative Christians. He wins almost no votes among those who seldom attend church. He must finish third in Florida to maintain momentum and refresh his shallow campaign fund. He then must hope for a very strong finish in the Southern states on Super Tuesday. Despite adopting more and more Ron Paul economic language (I hand it to him, he is a quick learner), he is a conservative only on social issues. As such, as I have written before, Huck is a spoiler not a winner. Mike Huckabee is John McCain's best chance at winning the nomination. All of that said, I predict Huckabee will essentially be out of money and out of the race after Super Tuesday.
Ron Paul - Dr. Paul is the only champion of the Constitution in the race, the only one who really understands economics and thus the best hope for curing what ails the economy, and the only proven-by-action pro-life candidate. His freedom, prosperity and peace platform has drawn great support among students, young adults and libertarian minded people. In fact, it may be that a movement has started around the Ron Paul message that will out-last this election year. Even the current GOP candidates are adopting his language and portions of his platform. Dr. Paul will not do well in Florida. A winner-take-all primary, it was not prudent to spend large amounts of money and time there. But following on his second place finishes in Nevada and Louisiana, the Ron Paul campaign is poised to do well in several states - especially caucus states - in the coming days. He has the money, the committed support base, and the message to stay in the race right up until the convention. He will be one of three standing at the end of the GOP primary journey.
Rudy Giuliani - last summer's front-runner has come to the eve of his last primary. Florida ends the presidential campaign of the Mayor. A poorly conceived campaign ends in failure with a fourth place finish in Florida.
Justices for All
The successful nominations of Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justice Samuel Alito appear to be the two greatest successes of the Bush presidency. For those nominations and the successful shepherding of them through their confirmation hearings, President Bush must be given both credit and thanks.
His Last at Last
In two minutes, President G W Bush will be entering the House Chamber to deliver his last "State of the Union" address. There will be ceremony, glad handing and applause. Still, it is the last address of a tremendously unpopular President. My guess is that many on both sides of the aisle are thinking, "His last at last."
Ad Deprivation
With the Indiana primary scheduled for a date when the state can have as little influence as possible, we are suffering a political ad deprivation. Just imagine how often the good folks in Florida get to see or hear a political advertisement! Because you must be starving for political advertising, here are two new thirty second Ron Paul ads to view:
Sunday, January 27, 2008
That Dang YouTube
Today Mike Huckabee was on Fox News Sunday.
Huck said, “When Mitt Romney and the other Republicans a few months ago in Dearborn, Michigan, at the debate were talking about how great the economy was, I was jeered and sneered, but I was the one saying it may not be that great. I was understanding that, seeing it, predicting it. People were laughing at me then; now they have to admit that I was right.”
You were the one?
Actually, you were right beside the one who was understanding it, seeing it and predicting it.
Here you are Mike - being schooled on economics at the Dearborn, MI debate:
Huck said, “When Mitt Romney and the other Republicans a few months ago in Dearborn, Michigan, at the debate were talking about how great the economy was, I was jeered and sneered, but I was the one saying it may not be that great. I was understanding that, seeing it, predicting it. People were laughing at me then; now they have to admit that I was right.”
You were the one?
Actually, you were right beside the one who was understanding it, seeing it and predicting it.
Here you are Mike - being schooled on economics at the Dearborn, MI debate:
Vote Your Age
The most recent Zogby poll of GOP voters in Florida reveals this:
"McCain leads Romney among men, 33% to 27%, with Giuliani at 18%. Among women, Romney holds a tiny 29% to 28% edge, with Giuliani and Huckabee tied at 12%. Ron Paul dominates among Florida Republicans under age 30, but McCain leads among those age 30-49. McCain and Romney are tied among those age 50-64, but Romney holds the edge among those age 65 and older."
So there you have it. You can vote like a woman, vote like a man, vote like a retiree or vote with the energy and hope of youth. It's your vote.
"McCain leads Romney among men, 33% to 27%, with Giuliani at 18%. Among women, Romney holds a tiny 29% to 28% edge, with Giuliani and Huckabee tied at 12%. Ron Paul dominates among Florida Republicans under age 30, but McCain leads among those age 30-49. McCain and Romney are tied among those age 50-64, but Romney holds the edge among those age 65 and older."
So there you have it. You can vote like a woman, vote like a man, vote like a retiree or vote with the energy and hope of youth. It's your vote.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Let Youth Be Served
Tonight in South Carolina, Obama won 50% of the white vote among those age 19-29. He only won 15% of the white vote of those over 50 years of age. He won almost the entire black vote so he got all age groups there.
Obama is 46 years old. He is the youngest candidate of ether party.
Obama’s one word slogan is “change.”
The young adults of America are done with Washington. They know it is corrupt, dishonest, self-serving, war-mongering, and unable or unwilling to deliver on the promises that put its officials in office. Social Security saps wages and will never pay-off to the current young adults and they know it. The draft is inevitable if we continue on the path of pre-emptive war, nation-building and unending policing of the world: and the young people know it. The dollar is falling and the economy is on the brink because of crazy monetary policy and run-away debt due in large part to a trillion dollars a year funding of a world-wide military empire. The students know it.
The students are done with the usual suspects. This election is about change. It’s a generational change. It’s a directional change. It’s about tearing down the old barriers and bringing people together. It’s about real change not just change as a slogan. They are more multi-ethnic by experience than any generation in U S history. Students reject the politics of division. They want peace, prosperity and freedom.
No wonder then that students are migrating to the youthful Obama who would be the first ever black man to be President of the U S A.
No wonder then the YouTube generation is flocking to Ron Paul who credibly promises to end the monetary madness, bring home the troops, and champion the Constitution.
Will the students get outvoted by their more dutiful estabishment elders?
The answer to that will determine the nominees of the parties and who is the next President of the United States.
Obama is 46 years old. He is the youngest candidate of ether party.
Obama’s one word slogan is “change.”
The young adults of America are done with Washington. They know it is corrupt, dishonest, self-serving, war-mongering, and unable or unwilling to deliver on the promises that put its officials in office. Social Security saps wages and will never pay-off to the current young adults and they know it. The draft is inevitable if we continue on the path of pre-emptive war, nation-building and unending policing of the world: and the young people know it. The dollar is falling and the economy is on the brink because of crazy monetary policy and run-away debt due in large part to a trillion dollars a year funding of a world-wide military empire. The students know it.
The students are done with the usual suspects. This election is about change. It’s a generational change. It’s a directional change. It’s about tearing down the old barriers and bringing people together. It’s about real change not just change as a slogan. They are more multi-ethnic by experience than any generation in U S history. Students reject the politics of division. They want peace, prosperity and freedom.
No wonder then that students are migrating to the youthful Obama who would be the first ever black man to be President of the U S A.
No wonder then the YouTube generation is flocking to Ron Paul who credibly promises to end the monetary madness, bring home the troops, and champion the Constitution.
Will the students get outvoted by their more dutiful estabishment elders?
The answer to that will determine the nominees of the parties and who is the next President of the United States.
Except For
Many times, political campaigns are decided by the “except for” factor. That is, a candidate may have been a winner or at least very competitive if it were not for an unexpected candidate’s influence on the campaign.
Here is how the “except for” has worked so far:
Fred Thompson would have carried the South except for Huckabee.
Ron Paul would have carried a good portion of the pro-life vote except for Huckabee.
Hillary would have won the Democrat nomination hands-down except for Obama.
Ron Paul would have won the majority of the young vote except for Obama.
McCain would have carried most all of the big-spender Republicans except for Huckabee.
Giuliani would have been needed except for Hillary not wining the nomination.
As you can see, Huckabee and Obama have changed the race entirely. In Huck’s case, I believe he is a spoiler more than a winner. Thompson based his whole strategy on starting in the south but thought that his competition would be from NY, Mass and the far West. He didn’t figure on the Huckster. Obama is not a just a spoiler. He is the likely winner of the Democrat nomination.
Here is how the “except for” has worked so far:
Fred Thompson would have carried the South except for Huckabee.
Ron Paul would have carried a good portion of the pro-life vote except for Huckabee.
Hillary would have won the Democrat nomination hands-down except for Obama.
Ron Paul would have won the majority of the young vote except for Obama.
McCain would have carried most all of the big-spender Republicans except for Huckabee.
Giuliani would have been needed except for Hillary not wining the nomination.
As you can see, Huckabee and Obama have changed the race entirely. In Huck’s case, I believe he is a spoiler more than a winner. Thompson based his whole strategy on starting in the south but thought that his competition would be from NY, Mass and the far West. He didn’t figure on the Huckster. Obama is not a just a spoiler. He is the likely winner of the Democrat nomination.
Team Hillary
Despite Hillary Clinton’s surprising win in the New Hampshire primary, discontent remains the order of the day in “Hillaryland,” according to an article in the liberal New Republic.
“For all of Team Hillary’s gifts, it is not known as a happy group,” Michelle Cottle writes in the magazine.
“‘I’ve never seen a campaign where everyone feels so bad about themselves,’ says one campaign staffer, echoing others.”
from Hillaryland is Hell, Staffers Say, Newsmax.com, January 25, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Let's go racing, boys!
Hey y'all, while other candidates are runnin outta gas, the amazing grassroots supporters of Ron Paul have secured a full-car sponsorship on a Robert Yates ride for the Daytona 500!
Check out their site: http://www.ronpaulracing.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Cramming for the Big Test
John McCain on economics:
'The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should, I've got Greenspan's book.'
(Sasha Issenberg, "McCain: It's About The Economy," The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/, Posted 12/18/07)
'The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should, I've got Greenspan's book.'
(Sasha Issenberg, "McCain: It's About The Economy," The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/, Posted 12/18/07)
About Time
According to MSNBC.com First Read, here are the total speaking times for each candidate in the GOP debate tonight.
Romney: 21:11, during 13 questions
McCain: 16:00, during 13 questions
Giuliani: 13:50, during 11 questions
Huckabee: 12:11, during 9 questions
Paul: 6:31, during 6 questions
Romney: 21:11, during 13 questions
McCain: 16:00, during 13 questions
Giuliani: 13:50, during 11 questions
Huckabee: 12:11, during 9 questions
Paul: 6:31, during 6 questions
Day and Night
I watched most of the GOP debate tonight from Boca Raton, FL. I had a couple of thoughts: (1) its 4 degrees in Indianapolis – I wish I was in Boca, (2) there was no pettiness and infighting as there was in Democrat debate, (3) each GOP candidate represented himself well – poised, informed, forward-looking, and solution oriented.
The contrast between what was seen tonight and what was seen of the Democrats the other night was like day and night.
The contrast between what was seen tonight and what was seen of the Democrats the other night was like day and night.
March for Life
Ron Paul Joins March for Life
Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:27 AM By: Penny Starr Newsmax.com
Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) was the only GOP presidential candidate to make an appearance at the 35th annual March for Life on Tuesday, the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision giving women the right to abortion on demand.
Paul got an enthusiastic reception from the crowd, with many marchers waving Ron Paul signs and banners.
Dr. Paul, an OB/GYN, said he has delivered more than 4,000 babies and that in medical school he "quickly learned" that "when I dealt with a pregnant woman I always had two patients."
"The debate about when life begins should not be a debate," Paul said. "Let me assure you that all life begins at conception."
"You cannot defend liberty without defending life," he said.
See and hear Dr. Paul's address to the March of Life here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4Zn-oVV4U8
Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:27 AM By: Penny Starr Newsmax.com
Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) was the only GOP presidential candidate to make an appearance at the 35th annual March for Life on Tuesday, the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision giving women the right to abortion on demand.
Paul got an enthusiastic reception from the crowd, with many marchers waving Ron Paul signs and banners.
Dr. Paul, an OB/GYN, said he has delivered more than 4,000 babies and that in medical school he "quickly learned" that "when I dealt with a pregnant woman I always had two patients."
"The debate about when life begins should not be a debate," Paul said. "Let me assure you that all life begins at conception."
"You cannot defend liberty without defending life," he said.
See and hear Dr. Paul's address to the March of Life here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4Zn-oVV4U8
No Rush to Choose
I am not a Rush Limbaugh listener (but I have friends who don’t believe it until Rush says it). Still, this Newsmax.com article caught my interest. Check this out:
“Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh stunned his listeners by announcing that he might not support the Republican presidential nominee in this year’s election. Limbaugh said on Monday’s show: "I can see possibly not supporting the Republican nominee this election, and I never thought that I would say that in my life."
The reason: “You don’t have a genuine down-the-list conservative” among the GOP candidates.
…
But Limbaugh’s remarks are not quite so surprising in light of statements he made about GOP candidates Mike Huckabee and John McCain last week:
“I'm here to tell you, if either of these two guys get the nomination, it's going to destroy the Republican Party. It's going to change it forever, be the end of it. A lot of people aren't going to vote. You watch.”
See the entire Newsmax article here: http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/Rush_Limbaugh:_May_Not_Su/2008/01/22/66498.html
Rush’s sentiment is of interest to me because (1) just yesterday I said to a friend, “if McCain is the nominee this could be the first election in my life that I don’t vote,” (2) a Rush-a-holic friend of mine disqualified Ron Paul because Paul would not give a blanket pledge to support the GOP nominee – now Rush himself says the same, and (3) I agree with his assessment of a Huckster or McCain nomination.
“Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh stunned his listeners by announcing that he might not support the Republican presidential nominee in this year’s election. Limbaugh said on Monday’s show: "I can see possibly not supporting the Republican nominee this election, and I never thought that I would say that in my life."
The reason: “You don’t have a genuine down-the-list conservative” among the GOP candidates.
…
But Limbaugh’s remarks are not quite so surprising in light of statements he made about GOP candidates Mike Huckabee and John McCain last week:
“I'm here to tell you, if either of these two guys get the nomination, it's going to destroy the Republican Party. It's going to change it forever, be the end of it. A lot of people aren't going to vote. You watch.”
See the entire Newsmax article here: http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/Rush_Limbaugh:_May_Not_Su/2008/01/22/66498.html
Rush’s sentiment is of interest to me because (1) just yesterday I said to a friend, “if McCain is the nominee this could be the first election in my life that I don’t vote,” (2) a Rush-a-holic friend of mine disqualified Ron Paul because Paul would not give a blanket pledge to support the GOP nominee – now Rush himself says the same, and (3) I agree with his assessment of a Huckster or McCain nomination.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Who Dat
ABC News - Senator John McCain has won the Republican party's caucuses in Louisiana while long-shot candidate Ron Paul took second place Tuesday night, the state party said, citing preliminary results.
Ron Paul follows up his second place finish in Nevada with a second place finish in Louisiana. His campaign drew praise from the State GOP Chairman (not a Paul supporter):
"I applaud the supporters of Congressman Paul for their enthusiasm and superior organizational ability," Villere said. "Our Party needs the infusion of new activists who have both political skill and a passion for protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution," he said. "I left the caucus with a renewed commitment to promote our core Republican principles of limited government and individual freedom, thanks to the zeal displayed by Congressman Paul's Louisiana supporters," Villere said.
This influence on the conversation is exactly why many support Ron Paul. He is reminding those who should not have forgotten - and educating a new generation of political activists - about the Constitutional role of government.
The unelectable one just keeps hanging around.
Ron Paul follows up his second place finish in Nevada with a second place finish in Louisiana. His campaign drew praise from the State GOP Chairman (not a Paul supporter):
"I applaud the supporters of Congressman Paul for their enthusiasm and superior organizational ability," Villere said. "Our Party needs the infusion of new activists who have both political skill and a passion for protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution," he said. "I left the caucus with a renewed commitment to promote our core Republican principles of limited government and individual freedom, thanks to the zeal displayed by Congressman Paul's Louisiana supporters," Villere said.
This influence on the conversation is exactly why many support Ron Paul. He is reminding those who should not have forgotten - and educating a new generation of political activists - about the Constitutional role of government.
The unelectable one just keeps hanging around.
Don Luskin endorses Ron Paul
WASHINGTON, DC – Today Donald L. Luskin, Chief Investment Officer for Trend Macrolytics LLC and contributing editor of the National Review Online, endorses Texas Congressman Ron Paul for president.
In his endorsement statement, Luskin wrote: “Ron Paul is the only candidate of any party with the courage and the insight to address the most fundamental issues of economic liberty – which is fundamental to human liberty.”
Luskin is also a contributing editor for SmartMoney.com, a frequent guest CNBC, and the author of two books, Index Options and Futures: The Complete Guide and Portfolio Insurance: A Guide to Dynamic Hedging.
In his endorsement statement, Luskin wrote: “Ron Paul is the only candidate of any party with the courage and the insight to address the most fundamental issues of economic liberty – which is fundamental to human liberty.”
Luskin is also a contributing editor for SmartMoney.com, a frequent guest CNBC, and the author of two books, Index Options and Futures: The Complete Guide and Portfolio Insurance: A Guide to Dynamic Hedging.
Leaders Squandered Wealth
NEW YORK (CNN) -- President Bush's assurances that we'll all be "just fine" if he and Congress can work out an economic stimulus package seem a little hollow this morning.
Much like Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke's assurances last May that the subprime mortgage meltdown would be contained and not affect the broader economy. And it seems Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has spent most of the past year trying to influence Chinese economic policy rather than setting the direction of U.S. economic policy.
...
Bush, Pelosi, Reid and the presidential candidates of both parties have an opportunity now, and I believe an obligation, to adjust the public policy mistakes of the past quarter-century that have led to this crisis. And only through courageous policy decisions will we be able to steer this nation's economy away from the brink of outright disaster.
...
All Americans will soon have to face a bitter and now obvious truth: Our national, political and economic leaders have squandered this nation's wealth, and the price of this profligacy has just come due for us all.
-Lou Dobbs, Our Leaders Have Squandered Our Wealth, CNN.com
see the article here: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/22/Dobbs.January23/index.html
Much like Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke's assurances last May that the subprime mortgage meltdown would be contained and not affect the broader economy. And it seems Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has spent most of the past year trying to influence Chinese economic policy rather than setting the direction of U.S. economic policy.
...
Bush, Pelosi, Reid and the presidential candidates of both parties have an opportunity now, and I believe an obligation, to adjust the public policy mistakes of the past quarter-century that have led to this crisis. And only through courageous policy decisions will we be able to steer this nation's economy away from the brink of outright disaster.
...
All Americans will soon have to face a bitter and now obvious truth: Our national, political and economic leaders have squandered this nation's wealth, and the price of this profligacy has just come due for us all.
-Lou Dobbs, Our Leaders Have Squandered Our Wealth, CNN.com
see the article here: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/22/Dobbs.January23/index.html
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Roe of Roe v Wade
Norma McCorvey, who was Jane Roe in the Roe v Wade decision, has since become a leading Christian pro-life activist. Her ministry is called Crossing Over Ministry. See the link here: http://www.crossingoverministry.org/.
She endorsed Ron Paul for president today, on the 35th anniversary of Roe v Wade.
“I support Ron Paul for president because we share the same goal, that of overturning Roe v Wade. Ron Paul doesn’t just talk about being pro-life, he acts on it. His voting record truly is impeccable and he undoubtedly understands our constitutional republic and the inalienable right to life for all. Ron Paul is the prime author of H.R. 300, which would negate the effect of Roe v. Wade. As the signor of the affidavit that legalized abortion 35 years ago I appreciate Ron Paul’s action to restore protection for the unborn. Ron Paul has also authored H.R. 1094 in Congress, which seeks to define life as beginning at conception. He has never wavered on the issue of being pro-life and has a voting record to prove it. He understands the importance of civil liberties for all, including the unborn.
“After taking all of the presidential candidates into consideration, it is obvious that Ron Paul is the only one that doesn’t just talk the talk. For this reason and those stated above, I am publicly endorsing Ron Paul for president.”
She endorsed Ron Paul for president today, on the 35th anniversary of Roe v Wade.
“I support Ron Paul for president because we share the same goal, that of overturning Roe v Wade. Ron Paul doesn’t just talk about being pro-life, he acts on it. His voting record truly is impeccable and he undoubtedly understands our constitutional republic and the inalienable right to life for all. Ron Paul is the prime author of H.R. 300, which would negate the effect of Roe v. Wade. As the signor of the affidavit that legalized abortion 35 years ago I appreciate Ron Paul’s action to restore protection for the unborn. Ron Paul has also authored H.R. 1094 in Congress, which seeks to define life as beginning at conception. He has never wavered on the issue of being pro-life and has a voting record to prove it. He understands the importance of civil liberties for all, including the unborn.
“After taking all of the presidential candidates into consideration, it is obvious that Ron Paul is the only one that doesn’t just talk the talk. For this reason and those stated above, I am publicly endorsing Ron Paul for president.”
Down to Four and a Half
(CNN) -- Former Sen. Fred Thompson on Tuesday ended his run for the presidency, coming off the heels of a disappointing third-place finish in South Carolina's GOP primary and heading into the showdown state of Florida next week. "Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for president of the United States," Thompson said in a statement.
As I posted on the 19th, "Southern-Fried Finale," South Carolina was Fred Thompson's last stand. He made it official today. It's really too bad, in a way, because there is now only one conservative left in the race. It appears more and more that the days of the GOP basse even recognizing a conservative much less nominating one are long gone.
Now there are only four and a half GOP candidates remaining. McCain, Romney, Huckabee and Paul are all-in. Giuliani is half-in (a half may be generous...)
As I posted on the 19th, "Southern-Fried Finale," South Carolina was Fred Thompson's last stand. He made it official today. It's really too bad, in a way, because there is now only one conservative left in the race. It appears more and more that the days of the GOP basse even recognizing a conservative much less nominating one are long gone.
Now there are only four and a half GOP candidates remaining. McCain, Romney, Huckabee and Paul are all-in. Giuliani is half-in (a half may be generous...)
One Point Eight
$1.8 Million dollars was raised yesterday through online donations to the Ron Paul for President campaign. The third ‘money bomb’ of the campaign resulted in the third largest single day tally for the Texas congressman. 3.28 million dollars has been raised since the beginning of the year.
Meanwhile, Huckabee is reported to be “cash-strapped” and no longer will give reporters a free ride on his campaign plane. Dr. Paul has no such worries: his campaign is flush with new money and no reporters care to cover his campaign!
Meanwhile, Huckabee is reported to be “cash-strapped” and no longer will give reporters a free ride on his campaign plane. Dr. Paul has no such worries: his campaign is flush with new money and no reporters care to cover his campaign!
Taking the Plunge
Tuesday in Europe - stocks in free-fall:
Tuesday in Japan - second day of largest decline in 17 years:
Tuesday in the U S A?
Brace yourself, the New York Stock Exchange will drop like a rock. A lot of people will lose a lot of money today. Asian markets have already lost five million dollars this year. Wall Street, already in decline, will see its largest one day loss in six years today. Financial news will dominate by tonight.
As the Asian market closed, one manager there put it this way.
``We're in panic territory,'' said Patrick Chang, who helps manage $4.5 billion at CIMB-Principal Asset Management Bhd. in Kuala Lumpur. ``The markets are pricing in a recession. We won't see a bottom for the next one to two weeks.''
What does it mean for the 2008 Presidential election?
1. Barring a major security scare on U S soil, 'the war' and 'security' will be eclipsed by the economy as the major election issue.
2. John McCain's main issue - as well as that of 9-11 Rudy and "lose with honor" Huckabee - is now off the table.
3. The Democrats have done well when people are worried about the economy - and they are about to be very worried.
4. Large numbers of people will wake up and realize that any solution that can be stated as a sound-bite is not a solution.
5. Only one candidate has predicted all of this and only one candidate knows how to address it in any meaningful way. That candidate is the author of seven books on economics - his name is Ron Paul. Look for Ron Paul's message to gain traction.
Tuesday in Japan - second day of largest decline in 17 years:
Tuesday in the U S A?
Brace yourself, the New York Stock Exchange will drop like a rock. A lot of people will lose a lot of money today. Asian markets have already lost five million dollars this year. Wall Street, already in decline, will see its largest one day loss in six years today. Financial news will dominate by tonight.
As the Asian market closed, one manager there put it this way.
``We're in panic territory,'' said Patrick Chang, who helps manage $4.5 billion at CIMB-Principal Asset Management Bhd. in Kuala Lumpur. ``The markets are pricing in a recession. We won't see a bottom for the next one to two weeks.''
What does it mean for the 2008 Presidential election?
1. Barring a major security scare on U S soil, 'the war' and 'security' will be eclipsed by the economy as the major election issue.
2. John McCain's main issue - as well as that of 9-11 Rudy and "lose with honor" Huckabee - is now off the table.
3. The Democrats have done well when people are worried about the economy - and they are about to be very worried.
4. Large numbers of people will wake up and realize that any solution that can be stated as a sound-bite is not a solution.
5. Only one candidate has predicted all of this and only one candidate knows how to address it in any meaningful way. That candidate is the author of seven books on economics - his name is Ron Paul. Look for Ron Paul's message to gain traction.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Markets Tumble
9:10 AM, January 21, 2008
LONDON (AP) -- European and Asian stock markets plunged Monday following declines on Wall Street last week amid investor pessimism over the U.S. government's stimulus plan to prevent a recession.
The U.K. benchmark FTSE-100 dropped 3.9 percent to 5,673.1; France's CAC-40 Index plunged 4.5 percent to 4,861.2, while Germany's slumped 5.35 percent to 6,922.7. In Asia, India's benchmark stock index tumbled 7.4 percent, while Hong Kong's blue-chip Hang Seng index plummeted 5.5 percent to 23,818.86, its biggest percentage drop since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Investors dumped shares because they were skeptical that an economic stimulus plan President George W. Bush announced Friday would shore up the economy that has been battered by problems in its housing and credit markets. The plan, which requires approval by Congress, calls for about $145 billion worth of tax relief to encourage consumer spending.
"It's another horrible day," said Francis Lun, a general manager at Fulbright Securities in Hong Kong. "Today it's because of disappointment that the U.S. stimulus (package) is too little, too late and investors feel it won't help the economy recover."
February 26, 2007, Dartmouth University
Likely presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, warned of an impending collapse of the U.S. economy during a fireside chat at Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity Saturday…Paul used the chat as an opportunity to warn the audience about what he called the “grave state” of the American economy. According to Paul, Congress simply does not have enough revenue to finance the government’s programs, and is forced to borrow and use the Federal Reserve to print enough money to keep the government afloat. “If we collected all the taxes we needed today, our system would collapse.” Paul said. “We delay payment to delay the crash. We borrow almost three billion a day to pay for what we have created… There are two parties in Congress right now,” Paul said. “Big government conservatives and big government liberals. The only difference is what they want to spend money on.”
LONDON (AP) -- European and Asian stock markets plunged Monday following declines on Wall Street last week amid investor pessimism over the U.S. government's stimulus plan to prevent a recession.
The U.K. benchmark FTSE-100 dropped 3.9 percent to 5,673.1; France's CAC-40 Index plunged 4.5 percent to 4,861.2, while Germany's slumped 5.35 percent to 6,922.7. In Asia, India's benchmark stock index tumbled 7.4 percent, while Hong Kong's blue-chip Hang Seng index plummeted 5.5 percent to 23,818.86, its biggest percentage drop since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Investors dumped shares because they were skeptical that an economic stimulus plan President George W. Bush announced Friday would shore up the economy that has been battered by problems in its housing and credit markets. The plan, which requires approval by Congress, calls for about $145 billion worth of tax relief to encourage consumer spending.
"It's another horrible day," said Francis Lun, a general manager at Fulbright Securities in Hong Kong. "Today it's because of disappointment that the U.S. stimulus (package) is too little, too late and investors feel it won't help the economy recover."
February 26, 2007, Dartmouth University
Likely presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, warned of an impending collapse of the U.S. economy during a fireside chat at Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity Saturday…Paul used the chat as an opportunity to warn the audience about what he called the “grave state” of the American economy. According to Paul, Congress simply does not have enough revenue to finance the government’s programs, and is forced to borrow and use the Federal Reserve to print enough money to keep the government afloat. “If we collected all the taxes we needed today, our system would collapse.” Paul said. “We delay payment to delay the crash. We borrow almost three billion a day to pay for what we have created… There are two parties in Congress right now,” Paul said. “Big government conservatives and big government liberals. The only difference is what they want to spend money on.”
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Money Bomb III
Committed and enthusiastic supporters of Ron Paul have raised over 10 million dollars for his presidential campaign in two online 'Money Bombs,' as they have been dubbed. The third money bomb comes on the heels of Dr. Paul's second place finish in the Nevada caucus.
Support liberty, prosperity and peace!
Donate on Martin Luther King Day to the Ron Paul presidential campaign. For more information check www.freeatlast2008.com. Donate at www.ronpaul2008.com
Here's the promo video:
Support liberty, prosperity and peace!
Donate on Martin Luther King Day to the Ron Paul presidential campaign. For more information check www.freeatlast2008.com. Donate at www.ronpaul2008.com
Here's the promo video:
Know Before You Vote
Want to check out the candidates before you vote? Here's a good side by side comparison:
http://www.knowbeforeyouvote.com/
http://www.knowbeforeyouvote.com/
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Silver in the Silver
Ron Paul finished second in Nevada today!
The unelectable one beat McCain, Huckabee, Thompson and Giuliani. Giuliani has finished behind Ron Paul in four of five primaries so far. In fact, Mitt Romney, the winner in Nevada, is the only candidate that Ron Paul has not beaten in a primary. With a 'money bomb' (freeatlast2008) coming on Monday, look for big money to flow toward the Paul campaign - restocking his campaign coffers once again. Paul raised more money than any GOP candidate in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Paul now has 6 delegates. Giuliani has 1.
Now, isn't Rudy the one that's always snickering at whatever Ron Paul says?
The revolution lives!
The unelectable one beat McCain, Huckabee, Thompson and Giuliani. Giuliani has finished behind Ron Paul in four of five primaries so far. In fact, Mitt Romney, the winner in Nevada, is the only candidate that Ron Paul has not beaten in a primary. With a 'money bomb' (freeatlast2008) coming on Monday, look for big money to flow toward the Paul campaign - restocking his campaign coffers once again. Paul raised more money than any GOP candidate in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Paul now has 6 delegates. Giuliani has 1.
Now, isn't Rudy the one that's always snickering at whatever Ron Paul says?
The revolution lives!
Southern-fried Finale
Today ends the presidential bid of late-arriving Fred Thompson, I predict.
He is out of money having raised less money than either Huck or Ron Paul this month. He is out of wait as this is the state that he was waiting on to win.
His calculation may have worked except for Mike Huckabee. Without the Huckster, Thompson would have been the only southern candidate in a NASCAR state. But you can’t out-southern a Southern Baptist in South Carolina. No, today the big-government preacher will show the more conservative Thompson to the exit. We can only pray that the Huck does so well as to actually win. If the southerners split the southern vote, which is likely, McCain-Feingold marches on.
He is out of money having raised less money than either Huck or Ron Paul this month. He is out of wait as this is the state that he was waiting on to win.
His calculation may have worked except for Mike Huckabee. Without the Huckster, Thompson would have been the only southern candidate in a NASCAR state. But you can’t out-southern a Southern Baptist in South Carolina. No, today the big-government preacher will show the more conservative Thompson to the exit. We can only pray that the Huck does so well as to actually win. If the southerners split the southern vote, which is likely, McCain-Feingold marches on.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Seeing Green
As of 11:30 PM on Friday, here are the fund raising totals so far this year:
Huckabee 1,954,567.00
Ron Paul 1,321,130.00
Thompson 1,192,748.00
These totals are posted on their official campaign websites.
McCain and Romney do not post their fund raising totals.
CNN claims McCain is three days from broke.
Romney, of course, is self-funded if necessary.
Huckabee 1,954,567.00
Ron Paul 1,321,130.00
Thompson 1,192,748.00
These totals are posted on their official campaign websites.
McCain and Romney do not post their fund raising totals.
CNN claims McCain is three days from broke.
Romney, of course, is self-funded if necessary.
Cal Thomas
Yesterday, Christian conservative political columnist wrote the following:
“Where are we after the Michigan Primary and just before South Carolina this weekend? …Mike Huckabee also sounds like a big government Republican. The only one behaving like a real Republican is Ron Paul, who actually wants to cut spending and get government out of our lives. He won’t win the nomination because too many Republicans are into handouts and redistribution, just like the Democrats. It’s a sad political season if you are a conservative."
See all of Cal Thomas’ comments here: http://www.calthomas.com/index.php?news=2158
“Where are we after the Michigan Primary and just before South Carolina this weekend? …Mike Huckabee also sounds like a big government Republican. The only one behaving like a real Republican is Ron Paul, who actually wants to cut spending and get government out of our lives. He won’t win the nomination because too many Republicans are into handouts and redistribution, just like the Democrats. It’s a sad political season if you are a conservative."
See all of Cal Thomas’ comments here: http://www.calthomas.com/index.php?news=2158
The Pacers of politics
Republican voters are in a funk.
Far fewer individuals have given money to GOP hopefuls than have given to Democrat candidates. Not surprisingly the total money given to GOP candidates is far short of that given to the Democrat candidates, thus far. And GOP voters are not coming out to vote in nearly the numbers that Democrats are. In fact, so far almost 400,000 fewer GOP votes have been cast than were cast in the previous presidential primary season.
Why? I think that it’s the same reason that there are so many empty seats at an Indiana Pacers game. Folks would rather stay home than pay money to support a losing effort by folks that they don’t admire.
Honestly, the last eight years has been a losing effort at almost everything but the appointment of Supreme Court justices. The war was wrongly conceived and even more poorly executed. The economy was wrecked by expanding government, run away spending, poor monetary policy and massive war-related debt. The dollar has plummeted to an all time low, the housing market is in a 26 year low, inflation is the worst in two decades. Our standing in the world is in shambles.
And there's still no fence!
Who’s going to come out to support more of that?
Far fewer individuals have given money to GOP hopefuls than have given to Democrat candidates. Not surprisingly the total money given to GOP candidates is far short of that given to the Democrat candidates, thus far. And GOP voters are not coming out to vote in nearly the numbers that Democrats are. In fact, so far almost 400,000 fewer GOP votes have been cast than were cast in the previous presidential primary season.
Why? I think that it’s the same reason that there are so many empty seats at an Indiana Pacers game. Folks would rather stay home than pay money to support a losing effort by folks that they don’t admire.
Honestly, the last eight years has been a losing effort at almost everything but the appointment of Supreme Court justices. The war was wrongly conceived and even more poorly executed. The economy was wrecked by expanding government, run away spending, poor monetary policy and massive war-related debt. The dollar has plummeted to an all time low, the housing market is in a 26 year low, inflation is the worst in two decades. Our standing in the world is in shambles.
And there's still no fence!
Who’s going to come out to support more of that?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Free at Last
Ever heard of a,“money bomb?”
Me either.
Until I watched this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsDlO2Lr_cg
It was my first introduction to Ron Paul. I was intrigued that his supporters would give 4.2 million dollars in a 24 hour period to support his campaign. They had called it a ‘money bomb.’ I looked further into the giving day promoted by the video, Dec. 16. His supporters had given an amazing 6 million dollars in 24 hours, breaking all previous 24 hour campaign contribution records in presidential campaign history.
Now Ron Paul’s supporters are up to it again. Completely aside from the official campaign organization, grassroots supporters have set Martin Luther King, Jr., Day as their next online fund raising day. The effort is called “Free at Last 2008.”
Here is the incredible promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAWClI8zsH4
Me either.
Until I watched this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsDlO2Lr_cg
It was my first introduction to Ron Paul. I was intrigued that his supporters would give 4.2 million dollars in a 24 hour period to support his campaign. They had called it a ‘money bomb.’ I looked further into the giving day promoted by the video, Dec. 16. His supporters had given an amazing 6 million dollars in 24 hours, breaking all previous 24 hour campaign contribution records in presidential campaign history.
Now Ron Paul’s supporters are up to it again. Completely aside from the official campaign organization, grassroots supporters have set Martin Luther King, Jr., Day as their next online fund raising day. The effort is called “Free at Last 2008.”
Here is the incredible promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAWClI8zsH4
You Pick Up the Tab
Uncle Sam: Subprime Lender
An ill-conceived plan to place taxpayers atop the housing bubble.
This week the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a plan to erase billions of dollars of subprime loan defaults in the private mortgage industry. How? By making taxpayers responsible for future losses… The Wall Street Journal, Sept. 22,2007
The Baltimore Sun
What will we do if big two go bust?
By Rolfe Winkler
January 4, 2008
They don't know it, but taxpayers stand to lose billions as the housing bubble bursts.
And in a bipartisan effort to "do something" to save the housing market, President Bush and the Democratic Congress appear set to put taxpayers on the hook for billions more.
Until now, losses in the housing world have been confined to homeowners, mortgage lenders, banks and investors in toxic mortgage securities. But by virtue of the implicit federal guarantee backing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, U.S. taxpayers may be one of the largest mortgage lenders in the world - set to lose billions, like all the others.
Between them, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac back more than $4 trillion in mortgages. If they fail, it could force an unprecedented taxpayer-funded bailout. And they are much closer to failure than most people realize.
Some saw this coming, including presidential candidate Ron Paul. As far back as 2002, Mr. Paul - whose candidacy I'm not actively supporting - predicted the Federal Reserve would blow up the housing bubble.
Besides the Fed's low-interest-rate policy, which encouraged excessive borrowing to buy homes, its refusal to regulate mortgages gave lenders license to sell whatever mortgage products they could dream up, no matter how risky. Mr. Paul was dead-on with his prediction that the Fed was blowing a new bubble and that it would burst violently.
Another Paul prediction, that Fannie and Freddie will go bust, forcing a taxpayer bailout, remains controversial because few think the housing crash could be that bad…
In 2005, Mr. Paul introduced an amendment in Congress to end the implicit taxpayer guarantee backing Fannie's and Freddie's debt. He said at the time: "I hope my colleagues join me in protecting taxpayers from having to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac when the housing bubble bursts."
It's a shame others in Congress weren't listening to Ron Paul in 2005.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.fannie04jan04,0,1654729.story
An ill-conceived plan to place taxpayers atop the housing bubble.
This week the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a plan to erase billions of dollars of subprime loan defaults in the private mortgage industry. How? By making taxpayers responsible for future losses… The Wall Street Journal, Sept. 22,2007
The Baltimore Sun
What will we do if big two go bust?
By Rolfe Winkler
January 4, 2008
They don't know it, but taxpayers stand to lose billions as the housing bubble bursts.
And in a bipartisan effort to "do something" to save the housing market, President Bush and the Democratic Congress appear set to put taxpayers on the hook for billions more.
Until now, losses in the housing world have been confined to homeowners, mortgage lenders, banks and investors in toxic mortgage securities. But by virtue of the implicit federal guarantee backing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, U.S. taxpayers may be one of the largest mortgage lenders in the world - set to lose billions, like all the others.
Between them, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac back more than $4 trillion in mortgages. If they fail, it could force an unprecedented taxpayer-funded bailout. And they are much closer to failure than most people realize.
Some saw this coming, including presidential candidate Ron Paul. As far back as 2002, Mr. Paul - whose candidacy I'm not actively supporting - predicted the Federal Reserve would blow up the housing bubble.
Besides the Fed's low-interest-rate policy, which encouraged excessive borrowing to buy homes, its refusal to regulate mortgages gave lenders license to sell whatever mortgage products they could dream up, no matter how risky. Mr. Paul was dead-on with his prediction that the Fed was blowing a new bubble and that it would burst violently.
Another Paul prediction, that Fannie and Freddie will go bust, forcing a taxpayer bailout, remains controversial because few think the housing crash could be that bad…
In 2005, Mr. Paul introduced an amendment in Congress to end the implicit taxpayer guarantee backing Fannie's and Freddie's debt. He said at the time: "I hope my colleagues join me in protecting taxpayers from having to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac when the housing bubble bursts."
It's a shame others in Congress weren't listening to Ron Paul in 2005.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.fannie04jan04,0,1654729.story
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Know Comparison
It's the eleventh hour, do you know where your candidate is?
On the issues, that is.
This comparison chart may be helpful. Note that you can click the names at the top of the chart for even more information on each candidate. Click the link below.
http://www.rp-supporters.com/compare.html
On the issues, that is.
This comparison chart may be helpful. Note that you can click the names at the top of the chart for even more information on each candidate. Click the link below.
http://www.rp-supporters.com/compare.html
Major Candidate
A friend saw my Ron Paul 2008 sticker on my shirt. He instantly laughed out loud – way out loud – and exclaimed, “Ron Paul, now there is a major candidate!”
I just smiled.
But I also thought.
My first thought: would he have had the same reaction if I had been wearing a Rudy Giuliani button?
Yesterday in Michigan, a state that Ron Paul had not visited since September, Paul drew double the votes of Rudy for a solid fourth place finish. Ron Paul also doubled Rudy’s votes in Iowa and trailed him by less than a percentage point in New Hampshire.
Paul has finished ahead of Fred Thompson in every contest so far.
So, who is the ‘major’ and who is the ‘minor’ candidate?
I just smiled.
But I also thought.
My first thought: would he have had the same reaction if I had been wearing a Rudy Giuliani button?
Yesterday in Michigan, a state that Ron Paul had not visited since September, Paul drew double the votes of Rudy for a solid fourth place finish. Ron Paul also doubled Rudy’s votes in Iowa and trailed him by less than a percentage point in New Hampshire.
Paul has finished ahead of Fred Thompson in every contest so far.
So, who is the ‘major’ and who is the ‘minor’ candidate?
Firewall
Mitt Romney did what we needed him to do in the Michigan Primary, he stopped the momentum of John McCain. Thank you, Mitt! He went home and got a much needed victory for his campaign and an even bigger win for the GOP in general.
Three hyped GOP primaries, three winners: Iowa – Huckabee, New Hampshire – McCain, Michigan – Romney. None are true conservatives. McCain least of all. Which is why putting the brakes on his victory party was so important.
McCain pledged to win South Carolina. But one would figure that the Southern Baptist South would be Huck country. His campaign is hoping the regain the front-runner status with a second primary win in South Carolina. Chipping away at Huckabee in S. C. will be Fred Thompson, also a native of NASCAR nation. Hopefully one or both will beat McCain there.
Why is it so important to beat McCain? More on that later – for now, let him explain it in his own words. Click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI
Three hyped GOP primaries, three winners: Iowa – Huckabee, New Hampshire – McCain, Michigan – Romney. None are true conservatives. McCain least of all. Which is why putting the brakes on his victory party was so important.
McCain pledged to win South Carolina. But one would figure that the Southern Baptist South would be Huck country. His campaign is hoping the regain the front-runner status with a second primary win in South Carolina. Chipping away at Huckabee in S. C. will be Fred Thompson, also a native of NASCAR nation. Hopefully one or both will beat McCain there.
Why is it so important to beat McCain? More on that later – for now, let him explain it in his own words. Click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Today's Financial News
Wholesale Prices Rise 6.3 Percent in ‘07
By Martin Crutsinger
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Wholesale inflation last year shot up by the largest amount in 26 years while retailers suffered their worst December shopping season in five years as mounting economic woes caused consumers to put away their wallets. The Labor Department reported that wholesale inflation was up 6.3 percent for all of 2007, reflecting a huge increase for the year in various types of energy costs ranging from gasoline to home heating oil.
Dollar Falls to Within a Cent of Euro Record on Bets Fed to Cut
By Bo Nielsen and Ye Xie
Jan. 14 (Bloomberg) -- The dollar fell to within a cent of its all-time low versus the euro on speculation U.S. interest rates will drop below those of the 15 nations that share the single European currency for the first time in three years.
“The disastrous fiscal policies of our own government, marked by shameless deficit spending and Federal Reserve currency devaluation, are some of the greatest threats facing our nation today. It is this one-two punch — Congress spending more than it can tax or borrow, and the Treasury printing money to make up the difference — that threatens to impoverish us by further destroying the value of our dollars.”
--Ron Paul, author of seven books on economics
By Martin Crutsinger
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Wholesale inflation last year shot up by the largest amount in 26 years while retailers suffered their worst December shopping season in five years as mounting economic woes caused consumers to put away their wallets. The Labor Department reported that wholesale inflation was up 6.3 percent for all of 2007, reflecting a huge increase for the year in various types of energy costs ranging from gasoline to home heating oil.
Dollar Falls to Within a Cent of Euro Record on Bets Fed to Cut
By Bo Nielsen and Ye Xie
Jan. 14 (Bloomberg) -- The dollar fell to within a cent of its all-time low versus the euro on speculation U.S. interest rates will drop below those of the 15 nations that share the single European currency for the first time in three years.
“The disastrous fiscal policies of our own government, marked by shameless deficit spending and Federal Reserve currency devaluation, are some of the greatest threats facing our nation today. It is this one-two punch — Congress spending more than it can tax or borrow, and the Treasury printing money to make up the difference — that threatens to impoverish us by further destroying the value of our dollars.”
--Ron Paul, author of seven books on economics
This and That
Active Military Gives Most to Ron Paul
The U S Election Commission has released political contribution information for the fourth quarter of 2007. Here is who active military support with their dollars:
Ron Paul 26.23%
Barack Obama 24.02%
John McCain 18.31%
Hillary Clinton 11.08%
All others have less than 10%
Phoenix Business Journal
Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul won a straw poll this week held by an Arizona group representing young GOP entrepreneurs and business professionals. The Republican Professionals Association conducted the poll this week. Paul won the poll, with 80 percent of the vote, followed by Sen. John McCain of Arizona, with 12 percent. There were 515 votes cast, according to RPA.
House Says Paul to Return Thousands to Treasury
January 11, 2008
For immediate release
Washington, DC - The U.S. House of Representatives reports that Congressman Ron Paul has once again run his Congressional office in a frugal manner, and he will likely return tens of thousands of dollars to the Treasury once again this year. Preliminary estimates forwarded to Paul’s office indicate he has about $75,000 left in his account.
The U S Election Commission has released political contribution information for the fourth quarter of 2007. Here is who active military support with their dollars:
Ron Paul 26.23%
Barack Obama 24.02%
John McCain 18.31%
Hillary Clinton 11.08%
All others have less than 10%
Phoenix Business Journal
Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul won a straw poll this week held by an Arizona group representing young GOP entrepreneurs and business professionals. The Republican Professionals Association conducted the poll this week. Paul won the poll, with 80 percent of the vote, followed by Sen. John McCain of Arizona, with 12 percent. There were 515 votes cast, according to RPA.
House Says Paul to Return Thousands to Treasury
January 11, 2008
For immediate release
Washington, DC - The U.S. House of Representatives reports that Congressman Ron Paul has once again run his Congressional office in a frugal manner, and he will likely return tens of thousands of dollars to the Treasury once again this year. Preliminary estimates forwarded to Paul’s office indicate he has about $75,000 left in his account.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Arming the Enemy
The GOP candidates got into a ‘who’s the greater defender of Israel’ contest at the recent debate. Ron Paul said that he was for cutting off aid to Israel – and everyone else. It got pretty testy. Paul tried in vain to get someone to listen to his simple logic: cutting off foreign aid to everyone would mean that Israel’s enemies wouldn’t be the beneficiaries of even greater U. S. arms aid.
“If you care about Israel,” he asked, “why would you give their enemies all of those weapons?”
Of course, that really was way too much foreign policy information for the good people of South Carolina to follow. Or the Fox News panel for that matter.
The Associated Press broke this story two hours ago:
AP - The Bush administration announced its intention on Monday to sell $123 million worth of sophisticated, precision-guided bomb technology to Saudi Arabia as part of a larger arms package to the country and its Gulf neighbors, estimated to total $20 billion.
“If you care about Israel,” he asked, “why would you give their enemies all of those weapons?”
Of course, that really was way too much foreign policy information for the good people of South Carolina to follow. Or the Fox News panel for that matter.
The Associated Press broke this story two hours ago:
AP - The Bush administration announced its intention on Monday to sell $123 million worth of sophisticated, precision-guided bomb technology to Saudi Arabia as part of a larger arms package to the country and its Gulf neighbors, estimated to total $20 billion.
45 Second Summary
OK, this is funny - and true - everything you need to know about the second Republican debate in just 45 seconds.
Fox Free
I’ve been Fox News-free for ten days!
Already, I can feel the difference. I go to sleep without the fear of war by morning. That incessant Fox Alert ‘gong’ no long rings in my head. I’m feeling more fair and balanced every day.
They say it takes 21 days to break a habit. I’m half-way there!
Already, I can feel the difference. I go to sleep without the fear of war by morning. That incessant Fox Alert ‘gong’ no long rings in my head. I’m feeling more fair and balanced every day.
They say it takes 21 days to break a habit. I’m half-way there!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Romney's Last Stand
Mitt Romney is all-in on Michigan.
He’s returned to his childhood home, the state where his father was Governor. He knows the culture and the plight of the people. He knows his own plight as well. It’s win or walk away. Romney’s campaign has not said that they will quit if he doesn’t win but make no doubt about it – Michigan is a must-win for Romney.
A Romney win is a must for conservatives as well. No, Romney is not so conservative but the likely winner if it is not Romney is the most liberal of all GOP candidates: John McCain. Should McCain win, his campaign momentum may be too much for Southerners to overcome – even in the southern states. We need a firewall. So, for the next 24 hours, I’m hoping that Romney is a winner. (Offer expires at midnight on Tuesday).
He’s returned to his childhood home, the state where his father was Governor. He knows the culture and the plight of the people. He knows his own plight as well. It’s win or walk away. Romney’s campaign has not said that they will quit if he doesn’t win but make no doubt about it – Michigan is a must-win for Romney.
A Romney win is a must for conservatives as well. No, Romney is not so conservative but the likely winner if it is not Romney is the most liberal of all GOP candidates: John McCain. Should McCain win, his campaign momentum may be too much for Southerners to overcome – even in the southern states. We need a firewall. So, for the next 24 hours, I’m hoping that Romney is a winner. (Offer expires at midnight on Tuesday).
Red Phone
"From the 18th century to the present day, threats to American ships and maritime commerce have been the way most U.S. wars start," wrote historian Walter Russell Mead in Thursday’s The Wall Street Journal.
Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of U. S. naval operations, told the Boston Globe that he worried about misinterpretation resulting in military confrontation. "I do not have a direct link with my counterpart in the Iranian Navy," Roughead said. "I don't have a way to communicate directly with the Iranian Navy or Guard."
Didn’t we have ‘the red phone’ during the days of the Cold War?
Which GOP Presidential candidates support talking with Iran?
Only him? Oh, my.
Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of U. S. naval operations, told the Boston Globe that he worried about misinterpretation resulting in military confrontation. "I do not have a direct link with my counterpart in the Iranian Navy," Roughead said. "I don't have a way to communicate directly with the Iranian Navy or Guard."
Didn’t we have ‘the red phone’ during the days of the Cold War?
Which GOP Presidential candidates support talking with Iran?
Only him? Oh, my.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
National ID Card
Homeland Security chief Chertoff announced today the rules for the new Real ID, a universal driver’s license for all U S citizens.
The real ID contains a micro-chip on which data can be collected and stored.
The card will be required to board an airplane, open a bank account, collect social security, and many other things, as I understand the law. You can read more about The Real ID Act here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REAL_ID_Act
Two videos of Chertoff's announcement are currently on the right side video column of http://www.newsmax.com/
One is called, “New Rules for U S driver’s licenses.”
The other is, “Q & A: Chertoff on Secure Driver’s Licenses”
The Unelectable One recently spoke with Tucker Carlson about the Real ID. See the two minute segment here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zLqCfLQlIk&feature=related
The Unelectable One is the only candidate in either party who opposes the Real ID.
The real ID contains a micro-chip on which data can be collected and stored.
The card will be required to board an airplane, open a bank account, collect social security, and many other things, as I understand the law. You can read more about The Real ID Act here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REAL_ID_Act
Two videos of Chertoff's announcement are currently on the right side video column of http://www.newsmax.com/
One is called, “New Rules for U S driver’s licenses.”
The other is, “Q & A: Chertoff on Secure Driver’s Licenses”
The Unelectable One recently spoke with Tucker Carlson about the Real ID. See the two minute segment here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zLqCfLQlIk&feature=related
The Unelectable One is the only candidate in either party who opposes the Real ID.
The Whole World is Listening
The Iranians “should be prepared to see the gates of Hell,” Mike Huckabee said.
“I think one more step, you know, and they would have been introduced to those virgins that they’re looking forward to seeing,” said Fred Thompson.
Chest-beating on national security issues is a pastime of the GOP right.
But do they have to sound like NASCAR-nation hicks in the process?
“I think one more step, you know, and they would have been introduced to those virgins that they’re looking forward to seeing,” said Fred Thompson.
Chest-beating on national security issues is a pastime of the GOP right.
But do they have to sound like NASCAR-nation hicks in the process?
Friday, January 11, 2008
Got Electability?
Condescending Carl Cameron asked Dr. Ron Paul if he had any electability.
Everyone laughed.
Then Ron Paul answered.
Everyone laughed.
Then Ron Paul answered.
Sad but True
It was a sad night for the Ron Paul campaign.
The quirky candidate had his worst outing of the debate season in last night’s South Carolina GOP debate. His campaign made a strategic error in accepting the invitation to the FOX news sponsored event. He had roundly criticized FOX on The Tonight Show and elsewhere after being excluded by the channel from its New Hampshire debate just a week earlier. I had said to someone earlier I the day that it was a dangerous night for Paul because the media has a way of having the last laugh. FOX was out to do him no favors and they achieved their goal.
That said, Ron Paul is not entirely a victim.
He just didn’t do well. His campaign staff has failed to prepare him for the sound-bite nature of televised debates. He seems unprepared to turn a question or an attack into an opportunity to point out his strengths. He can’t rattle off a succinct list of his main platform points. In short, one of his strengths – that he is not a slick politician – is his greatest weakness in a TV debate. He is quip-less, glib-less, pithy-less.
He also seemed tired.
Still, Ron Paul told the truth.
Despite the snickers and silence and jibes, the man told the truth.
When asked about the economy, he said that the dollar is losing its value and that “cutting the interest rate is the wrong solution.” They looked at him like he was nuts.
Today the financial page reports this:
NEW YORK – “Gold eased from a new record Thursday to end higher after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke pledged to cut interest rates, further undermining the dollar…Lower interest rates can weaken a currency and prompt investors to shift funds to hard assets.”
He said that we are in a recession and that given our current monetary policy we will be headed for much worse days ahead. Giuliani et al looked on with smirks.
But here is Jim Rogers on Bloomberg today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkuV9gwEqcQ
He was asked about the Iranian speedboats and the verbal threats made toward a U S Naval ship. He said that we should use caution and that our own Admiral now says that the threat may not have come from one of the speedboats. Romney said, “You’ve been reading too many Ahmadinejad press releases.” Everyone laughed.
Now ABC News reports this:
“Today, the spokesperson for the U.S. admiral in charge of the Fifth Fleet clarified to ABC News that the threat may have come from the Iranian boats, or it may have come from somewhere else. ‘We're saying that we cannot make a direct connection to the boats there,’ said the spokesperson.”
Sad but True.
The quirky candidate had his worst outing of the debate season in last night’s South Carolina GOP debate. His campaign made a strategic error in accepting the invitation to the FOX news sponsored event. He had roundly criticized FOX on The Tonight Show and elsewhere after being excluded by the channel from its New Hampshire debate just a week earlier. I had said to someone earlier I the day that it was a dangerous night for Paul because the media has a way of having the last laugh. FOX was out to do him no favors and they achieved their goal.
That said, Ron Paul is not entirely a victim.
He just didn’t do well. His campaign staff has failed to prepare him for the sound-bite nature of televised debates. He seems unprepared to turn a question or an attack into an opportunity to point out his strengths. He can’t rattle off a succinct list of his main platform points. In short, one of his strengths – that he is not a slick politician – is his greatest weakness in a TV debate. He is quip-less, glib-less, pithy-less.
He also seemed tired.
Still, Ron Paul told the truth.
Despite the snickers and silence and jibes, the man told the truth.
When asked about the economy, he said that the dollar is losing its value and that “cutting the interest rate is the wrong solution.” They looked at him like he was nuts.
Today the financial page reports this:
NEW YORK – “Gold eased from a new record Thursday to end higher after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke pledged to cut interest rates, further undermining the dollar…Lower interest rates can weaken a currency and prompt investors to shift funds to hard assets.”
He said that we are in a recession and that given our current monetary policy we will be headed for much worse days ahead. Giuliani et al looked on with smirks.
But here is Jim Rogers on Bloomberg today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkuV9gwEqcQ
He was asked about the Iranian speedboats and the verbal threats made toward a U S Naval ship. He said that we should use caution and that our own Admiral now says that the threat may not have come from one of the speedboats. Romney said, “You’ve been reading too many Ahmadinejad press releases.” Everyone laughed.
Now ABC News reports this:
“Today, the spokesperson for the U.S. admiral in charge of the Fifth Fleet clarified to ABC News that the threat may have come from the Iranian boats, or it may have come from somewhere else. ‘We're saying that we cannot make a direct connection to the boats there,’ said the spokesperson.”
Sad but True.
Defending Israel
Gov. Huckabee said tonight in the South Carolina GOP debate that as President he would stand ready to defend Israel (presumably militarily) if it was attacked. This is a very popular position in a Christian-right state like South Carolina and is no doubt his honest position as a conservative evangelical. But here is my question to Huckabee,
“When has Israel needed U S intervention to defend itself?”
Israel didn’t need U S intervention in the “Six Day War” of 1967. (But just today in Jerusalem, Republican President Bush said Israel should end its “occupation” of the lands seized in that war.)
Israel didn’t need U S intervention when it was invaded on two fronts, by both Egypt and Syria, on Yom Kippur of 1973. Out numbered in soldiers and tanks, fighting on two fronts, the Israeli’s repelled the invaders in 20 days.
Israel didn’t need U S intervention when Iraq built a nuclear reactor in 1981. In June of that year, the Israeli air force destroyed it.
Israel didn’t need U S intervention when its air force destroyed Syria’s nuclear cache in September of 2007.
In fact, Israel has the best Air Force in the world, the most advanced military equipment manned by battle-tested soldiers, a tested and effective missile defense system and the only nuclear weapons in the Middle East.
The truth is that Iraq would be smoldering waste-land today had it not been for the United States restraining Israel when Iraq fired scud missiles into Israel during the “Gulf War.”
No, Gov. Huckabee, Israel does not need the United States to defend it. Israel needs us to get out of its way so that it can continue to defend itself, preserve its rightful territory, and flourish as the strongest economy in the Middle East.
“When has Israel needed U S intervention to defend itself?”
Israel didn’t need U S intervention in the “Six Day War” of 1967. (But just today in Jerusalem, Republican President Bush said Israel should end its “occupation” of the lands seized in that war.)
Israel didn’t need U S intervention when it was invaded on two fronts, by both Egypt and Syria, on Yom Kippur of 1973. Out numbered in soldiers and tanks, fighting on two fronts, the Israeli’s repelled the invaders in 20 days.
Israel didn’t need U S intervention when Iraq built a nuclear reactor in 1981. In June of that year, the Israeli air force destroyed it.
Israel didn’t need U S intervention when its air force destroyed Syria’s nuclear cache in September of 2007.
In fact, Israel has the best Air Force in the world, the most advanced military equipment manned by battle-tested soldiers, a tested and effective missile defense system and the only nuclear weapons in the Middle East.
The truth is that Iraq would be smoldering waste-land today had it not been for the United States restraining Israel when Iraq fired scud missiles into Israel during the “Gulf War.”
No, Gov. Huckabee, Israel does not need the United States to defend it. Israel needs us to get out of its way so that it can continue to defend itself, preserve its rightful territory, and flourish as the strongest economy in the Middle East.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Jefferson's Advice
"Last week I appeared on a national television news show to discuss recent events in the Middle East. During the show I merely suggested that there are two sides to the dispute, and that the focus of American foreign policy should be the best interests of America – not Palestine or Israel. I argued that American interests are best served by not taking either side in this ancient and deadly conflict, as Washington and Jefferson counseled when they warned against entangling alliances. I argued against our crazy policy of giving hundred of billions of dollars in unconstitutional foreign aid and military weapons to both sides, which only intensifies the conflict and never buys peace. My point was simple: we should follow the Constitution and stay out of foreign wars.
I was immediately attacked for offering such heresy. We've reached the point where virtually everyone in Congress, the administration, and the media blindly accepts that America must become involved (financially and militarily) in every conflict around the globe. To even suggest otherwise in today's political climate is to be accused of "aiding terrorists." It's particularly ironic that so many conservatives in America, who normally adopt an "America first" position, cannot see the obvious harm that results from our being dragged time and time again into an intractable and endless Middle East war. The empty justification is always that America is the global superpower, and thus has no choice but to police the world.
The Founding Fathers saw it otherwise. Jefferson summed up the noninterventionist foreign policy position perfectly in his 1801 inaugural address: "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations – entangling alliances with none." How many times have we all heard these wise words without taking them to heart? How many champion Jefferson and the Constitution, but conveniently ignore both when it comes to American foreign policy? Washington similarly urged that the US must "Act for ourselves and not for others," by forming an "American character wholly free of foreign attachments." Since so many on Capitol Hill apparently now believe Washington was wrong, they should at least have the intellectual honesty to admit it next time his name is being celebrated.
In fact, when I mentioned Washington the other guest on the show quickly repeated the tired cliche that "We don't live in George Washington's times." Yet if we accept this argument, what other principles from that era should we discard? Should we give up the First amendment because times have changed? How about the rest of the Bill of Rights? It's hypocritical and childish to dismiss certain founding principles simply because a convenient rationale is needed to justify foolish policies today. The principles enshrined in the Constitution do not change. If anything, today's more complex world cries out for the moral clarity provided by a noninterventionist foreign policy.
It's easy to dismiss the noninterventionist view as the quaint aspiration of men who lived in a less complicated world, but it's not so easy to demonstrate how our current policies serve any national interest at all. Perhaps an honest examination of the history of American interventionism in the 20th century, from Korea to Vietnam to Kosovo to the Middle East, would reveal that the Founding Fathers foresaw more than we think."
Ron Paul - April 17, 2002
I was immediately attacked for offering such heresy. We've reached the point where virtually everyone in Congress, the administration, and the media blindly accepts that America must become involved (financially and militarily) in every conflict around the globe. To even suggest otherwise in today's political climate is to be accused of "aiding terrorists." It's particularly ironic that so many conservatives in America, who normally adopt an "America first" position, cannot see the obvious harm that results from our being dragged time and time again into an intractable and endless Middle East war. The empty justification is always that America is the global superpower, and thus has no choice but to police the world.
The Founding Fathers saw it otherwise. Jefferson summed up the noninterventionist foreign policy position perfectly in his 1801 inaugural address: "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations – entangling alliances with none." How many times have we all heard these wise words without taking them to heart? How many champion Jefferson and the Constitution, but conveniently ignore both when it comes to American foreign policy? Washington similarly urged that the US must "Act for ourselves and not for others," by forming an "American character wholly free of foreign attachments." Since so many on Capitol Hill apparently now believe Washington was wrong, they should at least have the intellectual honesty to admit it next time his name is being celebrated.
In fact, when I mentioned Washington the other guest on the show quickly repeated the tired cliche that "We don't live in George Washington's times." Yet if we accept this argument, what other principles from that era should we discard? Should we give up the First amendment because times have changed? How about the rest of the Bill of Rights? It's hypocritical and childish to dismiss certain founding principles simply because a convenient rationale is needed to justify foolish policies today. The principles enshrined in the Constitution do not change. If anything, today's more complex world cries out for the moral clarity provided by a noninterventionist foreign policy.
It's easy to dismiss the noninterventionist view as the quaint aspiration of men who lived in a less complicated world, but it's not so easy to demonstrate how our current policies serve any national interest at all. Perhaps an honest examination of the history of American interventionism in the 20th century, from Korea to Vietnam to Kosovo to the Middle East, would reveal that the Founding Fathers foresaw more than we think."
Ron Paul - April 17, 2002
Pushing Humpty
President George W. Bush said today in Jerusalem that Israel must end its “occupation” of Arab lands, meaning land currently in the already reduced borders of Israel.
1 Now the LORD had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
2 I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you
Gen 12:1-3
1 Now the LORD had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
2 I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you
Gen 12:1-3
Funk and Wagnalls
Back pedal [bak-ped-l] verb (used without object)
To retreat from or reverse one’s previous stand on any matter; shift ground: to back-pedal after severe criticism.
FOX News includes Ron Paul in it's South Carolina debate tonight at 9 PM Eastern.
To retreat from or reverse one’s previous stand on any matter; shift ground: to back-pedal after severe criticism.
FOX News includes Ron Paul in it's South Carolina debate tonight at 9 PM Eastern.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Points Shaving
Ron Paul finished .95% behind Rudy Giuliani in the New Hampshire primary.
Oh, the difference a point can make.
McCain, Romney, Huckabee and Giuliani – their finish and faces broadcast to the nation this morning. The GOP ‘top tier,’ shuffled but intact.
It is interesting that on the weekend before the primary FOX news stiff-armed Ron Paul and excluded him from the debate most GOP voters were likely to watch.
It is interesting that on the day of the primary, the lead story of the online edition of The New Republic magazine was a smear piece on Ron Paul. Think of it. On the day of the primary in which pollsters said the Clinton dynasty was to end and McCain had to dislodge Romney, their front page lead story with huge photo was a hit piece on a marginal candidate.
It’s points shaving.
And it worked.
Oh, the difference a point can make.
McCain, Romney, Huckabee and Giuliani – their finish and faces broadcast to the nation this morning. The GOP ‘top tier,’ shuffled but intact.
It is interesting that on the weekend before the primary FOX news stiff-armed Ron Paul and excluded him from the debate most GOP voters were likely to watch.
It is interesting that on the day of the primary, the lead story of the online edition of The New Republic magazine was a smear piece on Ron Paul. Think of it. On the day of the primary in which pollsters said the Clinton dynasty was to end and McCain had to dislodge Romney, their front page lead story with huge photo was a hit piece on a marginal candidate.
It’s points shaving.
And it worked.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Pure Magic
At 10:17 PM, Hillary leads Obama 39% to 36% in the New Hampshire primary.
I just read the following real time blog by Michael Crowley of The New Republic:
"I'm in the press room at the Clinton site near Manchester, and her aides think there's a real possibility she'll outperform expectations. Apparently their final exit polls were quite promising. As compared to a very sour mood Thursday night, campaign staffers are upbeat--in fact I'm pretty sure I just saw two of them give one another a sort of high-five hand clasp that sure looked celebratory to me."
Early this morning on MSNBC, somber women with drawn faces lamented the end of the Hillary campaign. One said that is as though Hillary is hold up in a basement, crouching and bewildered as a tornado (Obama campaign) blows away the house. Joe Scarborough entertained more than one discussion of whether or not she would lose to Obama by double digits.
Now MSNBC is saying, "Hilliary has pulled off a stunner" by winning New Hampshire.
The magic is in doing better than expected - she did it - and it's a magic night for her campaign.
I just read the following real time blog by Michael Crowley of The New Republic:
"I'm in the press room at the Clinton site near Manchester, and her aides think there's a real possibility she'll outperform expectations. Apparently their final exit polls were quite promising. As compared to a very sour mood Thursday night, campaign staffers are upbeat--in fact I'm pretty sure I just saw two of them give one another a sort of high-five hand clasp that sure looked celebratory to me."
Early this morning on MSNBC, somber women with drawn faces lamented the end of the Hillary campaign. One said that is as though Hillary is hold up in a basement, crouching and bewildered as a tornado (Obama campaign) blows away the house. Joe Scarborough entertained more than one discussion of whether or not she would lose to Obama by double digits.
Now MSNBC is saying, "Hilliary has pulled off a stunner" by winning New Hampshire.
The magic is in doing better than expected - she did it - and it's a magic night for her campaign.
The Magic of Better than Expected
Have you ever tried a new restaurant and been more pleased than you had anticipated? It's the magic of better than expected. Obama is the better than expected candidate. Most gave him little chance in white, rural, Christian-right Iowa - but he did so much better than expected that it shocked the pundits and rocked the inevitability out of Hillary.
When New Hampshire votes today in the nation's first primary, the magic might again be with those who do better than expected.
When New Hampshire votes today in the nation's first primary, the magic might again be with those who do better than expected.
Tonight Show
I just watched Ron Paul on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. It's hilarious that as a direct result of "fair and balanced" FOX excluding Ron Paul from their New Hampshire debate, he has been interviewed on CNN, invited on to the Tonight Show, and given a free full hour broadcast by a public access channel in Manchester, NH.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Ron Paul - Hope for America
I support RON PAUL for President.
Ron Paul confesses Jesus Christ as his Savior and is active in his church, yet he doesn't wear religion as a campaign button.
Ron Paul has been married to the same woman for over 50 years.
Ron Paul is an OB-GYN and has helped deliver over 4000 babies.
Ron Paul served as a flight surgeon in the U S Air Force.
Ron Paul is a 10 term congressman from Texas with a proven conservative record.
He is a strict constitutionalist (what we want in Supreme Court justices).
He is pro-life, pro-liberty, pro-family and pro-religious freedom.
Ron Paul is for limited federal government, for abolishing the IRS, and for a monetary policy based upon a sound currency as required by the Constitution.
He supports ending the war in Iraq and bringing our troops home as soon as possible. He is also for ending our current interventionist foreign policy.
In short, Ron Paul is on the only captial C conservative in the race.
My friends, the stakes are high. Our dollar ever weakens, our debt continually rises, the family is in danger, the unborn are unprotected, our military is stretched paper thin, medicare and social security will soon go bankrupt, our schools get failing grades, our borders gape open, our civil and religious freedoms are threatened and even our national sovereignty is in peril.
The stakes are too high to simply vote for whomever Rush or Oprah endorse.
I encourage you to join me in supporting a return to sanity and liberty.
I encourage you to vote for Ron Paul.
The Lord bless you and God bless America!
Who is Ron Paul?
Ron Paul confesses Jesus Christ as his Savior and is active in his church, yet he doesn't wear religion as a campaign button.
Ron Paul has been married to the same woman for over 50 years.
Ron Paul is an OB-GYN and has helped deliver over 4000 babies.
Ron Paul served as a flight surgeon in the U S Air Force.
Ron Paul is a 10 term congressman from Texas with a proven conservative record.
He is a strict constitutionalist (what we want in Supreme Court justices).
He is pro-life, pro-liberty, pro-family and pro-religious freedom.
Ron Paul is for limited federal government, for abolishing the IRS, and for a monetary policy based upon a sound currency as required by the Constitution.
He supports ending the war in Iraq and bringing our troops home as soon as possible. He is also for ending our current interventionist foreign policy.
In short, Ron Paul is on the only captial C conservative in the race.
My friends, the stakes are high. Our dollar ever weakens, our debt continually rises, the family is in danger, the unborn are unprotected, our military is stretched paper thin, medicare and social security will soon go bankrupt, our schools get failing grades, our borders gape open, our civil and religious freedoms are threatened and even our national sovereignty is in peril.
The stakes are too high to simply vote for whomever Rush or Oprah endorse.
I encourage you to join me in supporting a return to sanity and liberty.
I encourage you to vote for Ron Paul.
The Lord bless you and God bless America!
Who is Ron Paul?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Boycotted Fox GOP debate
Fox excluded Ron Paul over the objections of the NH GOP - in fact, the state GOP removed their endorsement and partnership in the debate because of it.
I have not watched a minute of FOX since the announcement a few days ago. Used to be the only news channel that I watched. I watched CNN's coverage of the IOWA caucus. Very good.
I did not watch the GOP debate on FOX tonight - though I had an interest in how the candidates would do coming off of a debate just the night before. Still, I refused to watch it.
I have not watched a minute of FOX since the announcement a few days ago. Used to be the only news channel that I watched. I watched CNN's coverage of the IOWA caucus. Very good.
I did not watch the GOP debate on FOX tonight - though I had an interest in how the candidates would do coming off of a debate just the night before. Still, I refused to watch it.
NH ABC Democratic Debate Impressions
Hillary is done.
The race is now between Obama and Edwards.
Edwards has to hope to do well in the South - but the South will have a lot of voters who like Obama.
The Republican candidates who have staff working on how to beat Hillary might as well put aside their work and start consentrating on how to beat Obama.
The race is now between Obama and Edwards.
Edwards has to hope to do well in the South - but the South will have a lot of voters who like Obama.
The Republican candidates who have staff working on how to beat Hillary might as well put aside their work and start consentrating on how to beat Obama.
NH ABC Facebook Debate
I liked the format that gave more time for developing a thought -- and some give and take.
Impressions:
McCain is a .... well wait..... I'm not a McCain fan.
Romney was roundly attacked -- but I thought that he had his best debate overall.
Rudy is shrinking to seeming like a mid-pack candidate -- he and Thompson about the same level.
Huckabee was strangely absent for a long time in the second half of the debate -- though he finally had one of the strongest soundbites of the night when he said that the GOP needs to give people something to be for and not just things to be against. You can see how Huckabee is the most populist, surely the best small room campaigner.
Thompson was typically quippy and sarcastic -- he is definately a conservative.I was glad that the social issues were largely off the agenda.
As for Ron Paul -- this is what the official ABC Political blogger who was offering real-time blogging during the debate:"7:50 pm: So far, Ron Paul is having a very good night. He's center-stage, and centered around the action. (And ponder this: He could beat Fred Thompson and maybe even Rudy Giulianin in New Hampshire.)"
Impressions:
McCain is a .... well wait..... I'm not a McCain fan.
Romney was roundly attacked -- but I thought that he had his best debate overall.
Rudy is shrinking to seeming like a mid-pack candidate -- he and Thompson about the same level.
Huckabee was strangely absent for a long time in the second half of the debate -- though he finally had one of the strongest soundbites of the night when he said that the GOP needs to give people something to be for and not just things to be against. You can see how Huckabee is the most populist, surely the best small room campaigner.
Thompson was typically quippy and sarcastic -- he is definately a conservative.I was glad that the social issues were largely off the agenda.
As for Ron Paul -- this is what the official ABC Political blogger who was offering real-time blogging during the debate:"7:50 pm: So far, Ron Paul is having a very good night. He's center-stage, and centered around the action. (And ponder this: He could beat Fred Thompson and maybe even Rudy Giulianin in New Hampshire.)"
Old Flame
This blog is about one thing: my musings on the 2008 presidential election. Politics is an old flame. I was very active in and aware of politics from an early age. I grew up in Tallahassee, FL, so politics was always part of the scene. I got involved in some local campaigns even before I could vote. I always loved the urgency and excitement of the campaign. I majored in Government at Florida State. There's more to my involvement in the past - but the point is that I have always been interested in the political scene. So, this blog is just a way to post my thoughts on the current election. Enjoy.
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