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The Debate of Diminishing Returns
Author: BobR    Date: 01/27/2012 13:43:14

I wasted an hour or so of my life last night and watched the umpteenth Republican debate, this time with just the four remaining candidates. There was nothing that stood out among the pandering and bald-face lying. It seemed like more of the same jaw-dropping head-shaking spew that we've seen in previous debates.

For the most part, it was Romney and Gingrich mano-a-mano, leaving Paul and - to a lesser extent - Santorum on the sidelines (both literally and figuratively - Gingrich and Romney were in the center). The two front-runners battled it out while Paul and Santorum tried to get some face time. Paul repeated his mantra about not getting involved in foreign affairs, while the others looked at him incredulously. Santorum did his best to out-conservative the others on social issues. Meanwhile, Wolf Blitzer focused on the campaign battle between Mittens and Newt.

There were puff questions like "explain why your wife would make a great First Lady", and the candidates all sung the praises of their families while only marginally answering the question. CNN managed to find a Cuban, a Jew, and a Hispanic for asking questions related to their race/heritage. Ron Paul was the only one that didn't think Muslin terrorists were hiding in Cuba waiting to strike. Newt repeated his falsehood that Palestine was a made-up country in the 1970s, and ALL of the candidates picked Marco Rubio as a potential Hispanic for their Cabinet (although Gingrich went the extra mile down the Pandering Highway, and hinted at a VP slot for the Florida senator). You can see some of the other claims made during the night fact-checked here.

How did they do? Here is a graph showing the candidates' polling numbers:
http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/thesignal/Likelihoodsof-Winning-Florida-Primary_Jan26.png


With the FL primary vote closing in quickly, the candidates are picking up endorsements and pressing the flesh... well - all except Santorum, who is nearly broke and going home to do his taxes. His handlers have already conceeded Florida, but Rick still thinks he has a chance. Actually, he has two chances: slim and fat.

With all the pandering going on, and with the Florida hispanic vote being so important, it's a wonder why Romney doesn't play up his Mexican roots more. Perhaps he thinks it will hurt him in the primary, and he's saving it for the General election, should he win the primary? Perhaps he thinks there are no hispanic Republican voters. That's an easy assumption, based on how Republicans have historically treated them (Gingrich called Spanish a "ghetto language"), but I'm sure there a plenty that value their tax breaks over their ethnic roots.

Gingrich pandered to the space coast voters a couple days ago with his claim that he would have a manned colony on the moon by 2020. It's absurd of course (and one would hope rocket scientists would see through the obvious bullshit), but that's Newt at his political... um... best. The absurdity of the claim inspired The Daily Show to skewer him mercilessly. This is a must-see, so click the link now!

After every one of these farces comes the inevitable question: Who won the debate? It seems over the long haul, the winner has been President Obama. The acrimony in the debates and campaigns, coupled with the economy improving gradually, has boosted his poll numbers. Obama has a 48/46 approval/disapproval rating, for the first time since May of last year. This is NOT good news for the Republicans. On top of that, the Dems in the House (who are all over the map, politically) are becoming unified behind Obama. While this may increase the partisanship in the House, it will help expedite legislation, should a miracle occur and the Dems retake the House in November.

On the one hand, I would like the Republican primary campaign to come to an end (I think the debates have worn out their usefulness), it does seem to be helping the Democrats the more the Republicans battle each other. Regardless - here's hoping I don't have to do many more post-debate analyses. I don't know how much more my stomach and soul can take.
 

50 comments (Latest Comment: 01/27/2012 22:22:21 by Raine)
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Comment by TriSec on 01/27/2012 13:57:44
Morning, folks!

If the GOP debate cycle was replaced by candidates hitting each other with baseball bats, who would win?

A) Mitt Romney
B) Newt Gingrich
C) The American Public



Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 14:06:48
Morning

Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 14:42:04
okay so I'm curious to know why our 4F page on FB is attracting people who like Mitt Romney, Newty, and push their Neo-Con stuf?

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 14:48:47
Quote by wickedpam:
okay so I'm curious to know why our 4F page on FB is attracting people who like Mitt Romney, Newty, and push their Neo-Con stuf?

You noticed that as well???

Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 14:50:34
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
okay so I'm curious to know why our 4F page on FB is attracting people who like Mitt Romney, Newty, and push their Neo-Con stuf?

You noticed that as well???



yea, anytime someone asks to join the group I always look at their info first, just kinda get an idea about where they are coming from

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 14:52:01
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
okay so I'm curious to know why our 4F page on FB is attracting people who like Mitt Romney, Newty, and push their Neo-Con stuf?

You noticed that as well???



yea, anytime someone asks to join the group I always look at their info first, just kinda get an idea about where they are coming from
As long as they follow the Rules of Conduct, they are welcome.

I fixed the FB page a few months ago to reflect the mission statement as well.


Comment by TriSec on 01/27/2012 14:52:04
Hmm...I wonder if it's me?

I've been a participant on the East Coast Conservative Podcast for quite some time now. I've gone from "Token Liberal" to "Friend of the Show" and I'll actually soon be guest co-hosting when one of the principals goes on vacation in the spring.

I've not lost any chance to promote our little corner of the internets...maybe it's finally gaining some traction? (and of course, you all should check out the Sunday night podcast. I promise you; they're not talking-point spouting parrots. I like to think of them as our conservative counterparts; they're very open and down-to-earth.)

Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 14:55:44
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
okay so I'm curious to know why our 4F page on FB is attracting people who like Mitt Romney, Newty, and push their Neo-Con stuf?

You noticed that as well???



yea, anytime someone asks to join the group I always look at their info first, just kinda get an idea about where they are coming from
As long as they follow the Rules of Conduct, they are welcome.

I fixed the FB page a few months ago to reflect the mission statement as well.



Awesome

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 14:56:31
I will say this -- I would prefer people who request to join our FB page at least have a picture of themselves instead of that blue silouetter thing.

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 14:57:51
So what is this I am hearing... is there going to be a Ferris Buehlers day off 2?

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 14:58:12


Comment by TriSec on 01/27/2012 15:02:47
That said, I'll skim our FB page later tonight and see if I recognize anyone.


Comment by Scoopster on 01/27/2012 15:03:10
Mornin' all.. ...aand happy Zombie Friday! BRAAAAAAINSSSSS

Comment by Scoopster on 01/27/2012 15:06:43
Quote by Raine:
So what is this I am hearing... is there going to be a Ferris Buehlers day off 2?

Alas, it is but a teaser for a Ferris-themed Super Bowl commercial for Honda.

Hopefully it will not disappoint. A CR-V is certainly not a Ferrari 250 GT California.

Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 15:10:46
so Mitt is an anchor baby

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 15:28:03
Quote by wickedpam:
so Mitt is an anchor baby
HE is -- and I still don't understand how George Romney was able to run for president.


Comment by BobR on 01/27/2012 15:28:23
the blog is finally posted - thank-you for your patience...

Comment by TriSec on 01/27/2012 15:29:07
Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 15:32:36
Quote by BobR:
the blog is finally posted - thank-you for your patience...
and it was well worth the wait.

I still want a picture of the lady wearing the Alpaca coat. that was priceless.


Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 15:35:01
I won;t even make a bet on the bowl, to be honest.

Too bad the Octopus is dead -- if you take the word of the Camel -- it's as dead as the pat hopes this year.

I just want a good game.

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 15:35:57
I really thought Rick would do better in Florida.

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 15:39:00
That chart is stunning.

Comment by BobR on 01/27/2012 15:41:38
Quote by Raine:
That chart is stunning.

FWIW - upon further review, I believe that chart is nationwide, not just Florida.

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 15:43:35
You know -- I wasn't aware the Santorum now resides in Virginia.


and thank you to Monceille for explaining that -- so basically -- even if Obama was born in Kenya, he is still eligible to be president....

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 15:44:41
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Raine:
That chart is stunning.

FWIW - upon further review, I believe that chart is nationwide, not just Florida.

Wait, it says Florida -- was it a national poll?

Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 15:46:31
Quote by Raine:
You know -- I wasn't aware the Santorum now resides in Virginia.


and thank you to Monceille for explaining that -- so basically -- even if Obama was born in Kenya, he is still eligible to be president....



I thought he claimed PA as his home and stuck the state with a bill for home schooling his kids in VA

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/27/2012 16:05:33
Quote by Raine:
I won;t even make a bet on the bowl, to be honest.

Too bad the Octopus is dead -- if you take the word of the Camel -- it's as dead as the pat hopes this year.

I just want a good game.


Wait, Just how old is this camel? How long to camels live? Why did Doris Duke have two pet bactrian camels?

Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 16:17:58
oohhh throwing out the Elizabeth Warren for Pres! hmmmm

Comment by TriSec on 01/27/2012 16:21:25
Quote by wickedpam:
oohhh throwing out the Elizabeth Warren for Pres! hmmmm


Don't go there. Let's win the Senate first.

This is what did in Martha Coakley, IMHO. She was the "chosen one" and expected to win. Look what we got instead.



Comment by Mondobubba on 01/27/2012 16:21:31
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
You know -- I wasn't aware the Santorum now resides in Virginia.


and thank you to Monceille for explaining that -- so basically -- even if Obama was born in Kenya, he is still eligible to be president....



I thought he claimed PA as his home and stuck the state with a bill for home schooling his kids in VA

15 points for Gryffendor! It came out in his last election for the Senate, that one, Frothy's homestead there in Penn Hills hadn't seen a lawn mower in a while and two, he was sending his kids to some sort of cyber school in Pennsylvania even though the Frothy's were living in Fairfax County, VA.

Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 16:23:41
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by wickedpam:
oohhh throwing out the Elizabeth Warren for Pres! hmmmm


Don't go there. Let's win the Senate first.

This is what did in Martha Coakley, IMHO. She was the "chosen one" and expected to win. Look what we got instead.




that's true, its very cart before horse and all

Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 16:27:45
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
You know -- I wasn't aware the Santorum now resides in Virginia.


and thank you to Monceille for explaining that -- so basically -- even if Obama was born in Kenya, he is still eligible to be president....



I thought he claimed PA as his home and stuck the state with a bill for home schooling his kids in VA

15 points for Gryffendor! It came out in his last election for the Senate, that one, Frothy's homestead there in Penn Hills hadn't seen a lawn mower in a while and two, he was sending his kids to some sort of cyber school in Pennsylvania even though the Frothy's were living in Fairfax County, VA.


That would be Ravenclaw thank you


Comment by Mondobubba on 01/27/2012 16:34:06
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
You know -- I wasn't aware the Santorum now resides in Virginia.


and thank you to Monceille for explaining that -- so basically -- even if Obama was born in Kenya, he is still eligible to be president....



I thought he claimed PA as his home and stuck the state with a bill for home schooling his kids in VA

15 points for Gryffendor! It came out in his last election for the Senate, that one, Frothy's homestead there in Penn Hills hadn't seen a lawn mower in a while and two, he was sending his kids to some sort of cyber school in Pennsylvania even though the Frothy's were living in Fairfax County, VA.


That would be Ravenclaw thank you



Whatever

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/27/2012 16:41:35
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
so Mitt is an anchor baby
HE is -- and I still don't understand how George Romney was able to run for president.



Because Mexico doesn't have birthright citizenship? If you've got a passport that says USA on it, and your kid is birthed in a Mormon colony in Mexico he is an American because you are.

Comment by BobR on 01/27/2012 16:49:38
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
so Mitt is an anchor baby
HE is -- and I still don't understand how George Romney was able to run for president.


Because Mexico doesn't have birthright citizenship? If you've got a passport that says USA on it, and your kid is birthed in a Mormon colony in Mexico he is an American because you are.

Right - which means that even if Obama was birthed anywhere other than Hawaii, he would still be a US citizen.

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/27/2012 16:53:48
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/27/2012 16:55:01
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
so Mitt is an anchor baby
HE is -- and I still don't understand how George Romney was able to run for president.


Because Mexico doesn't have birthright citizenship? If you've got a passport that says USA on it, and your kid is birthed in a Mormon colony in Mexico he is an American because you are.

Right - which means that even if Obama was birthed anywhere other than Hawaii, he would still be a US citizen.




Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 17:19:03
its been quiet all week and now suddenly on friday everyone wants to work? wtf people

Comment by livingonli on 01/27/2012 17:20:17
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
so Mitt is an anchor baby
HE is -- and I still don't understand how George Romney was able to run for president.


Because Mexico doesn't have birthright citizenship? If you've got a passport that says USA on it, and your kid is birthed in a Mormon colony in Mexico he is an American because you are.

Right - which means that even if Obama was birthed anywhere other than Hawaii, he would still be a US citizen.

Someone should explain that to Orly Taitz who is still filing those changes because even if her and the birthers charges were true (which we know they are not), Obama would still be a US citizen because his mother is. Which probably explains why they are now trying to challenge his academic credentials because we know how smart those people are just like college drop-out (although his mother has said flunked-out) Rush Limpballs. They certainly didn't ask for W's transcripts.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/27/2012 17:27:55
Hello, bloggers! Excellent blog, BobR!!

I think that we are going to see a lot of fighting in the next few days between the Republicans. It may be the last chance for Newt Gingrich.


Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 17:43:50
Quote by livingonli:
Someone should explain that to Orly Taitz who is still filing those changes because even if her and the birthers charges were true (which we know they are not), Obama would still be a US citizen because his mother is. Which probably explains why they are now trying to challenge his academic credentials because we know how smart those people are just like college drop-out (although his mother has said flunked-out) Rush Limpballs. They certainly didn't ask for W's transcripts.
Rush has a Mother?




Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 17:48:01
Now seriously. Ron Paul's rabid supporters really got nothing. Not after this article. ESPECIALLY after these paragraphs:
Yet a review of his enterprises reveals a sharp-eyed businessman who for nearly two decades oversaw the company and a nonprofit foundation, intertwining them with his political career. The newsletters, which were launched in the mid-1980s and bore such names as the Ron Paul Survival Report, were produced by a company Paul dissolved in 2001.

The company shared offices with his campaigns and foundation at various points, according to those familiar with the operation. Public records show Paul’s wife and daughter were officers of the newsletter company and foundation; his daughter also served as his campaign treasurer.
Bold face mine.

This I was not aware of. If the dude -- and his family can't care enough to pay attention to what is written under his name -- why the fluck should people think he would be any more responsible as president?



Comment by Mondobubba on 01/27/2012 18:25:59
Quote by wickedpam:
its been quiet all week and now suddenly on friday everyone wants to work? wtf people



I'm not at work. I am actually recovering from the Ebola I had. My fever seems to have broken finally. I just finished eating solid food, protein and everything.

Comment by wickedpam on 01/27/2012 18:45:51
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
its been quiet all week and now suddenly on friday everyone wants to work? wtf people



I'm not at work. I am actually recovering from the Ebola I had. My fever seems to have broken finally. I just finished eating solid food, protein and everything.



Glad to hear you're feeling better

Comment by BobR on 01/27/2012 19:17:58
Obama 1, Birthers 0: GA case likely headed to dumpster

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 21:13:52
Quote by BobR:
Obama 1, Birthers 0: GA case likely headed to dumpster
Did you read the Jay Bookman link in there. It was hysterical.


Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 21:16:25
And then there is this. Oily doesn't seem to know the difference between being a counsel and a witness.

California lawyer Orly Taitz, a leading proponent of challenges to Obama’s candidacy, made the latter argument. She turned and faced the gallery -- and the TV cameras -- during her opening statement, prompting Malihi to tell her: “Counsel, please address the court.”

During closing arguments, as Taitz began referring to documents that were not in evidence, Malihi pointedly asked, “Counsel, are you testifying?”

Taitz abruptly halted her arguments, took the witness stand and began testifying. Malihi soon cut her off.


Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 21:42:08
and another column from Jay Bookman (I love this guy)

Read this carefully:
According to the birther movement, Malihi told their lawyers during pre-hearing conference that he would enter a “default judgment” against Obama for refusing to appear and for refusing to even send lawyers to participate in the hearing, and that he would in fact recommend Obama’s removal.

I think that’s highly dubious. I know you will be shocked to hear this, but Orly Taitz and others have a record of claiming important legal victories that turn out to be inglorious defeats. Among other things, it keeps the contributions flowing in. Nothing presented in the absurdist comedy of that courtroom yesterday would justify barring a sitting president of the United States from the Georgia ballot. It was a farce. The birthers’ only chance is a recommendation from Malihi based not on their “evidence,” but on the refusal of the Obama camp to put up a defense against it.

Until I sat in that courtroom yesterday, I wasn’t sure why the Obama legal team had chosen not to appear. But in hindsight, they were right. Showing up to refute the nonsense presented would have given the birther arguments a dignity they do not deserve. You cannot refute air and sheer fantasy. How many times can an opposing lawyer say, in so many words, “Your honor, this is just really and truly stupid”?

In either case, Malihi makes only a recommendation. The official decision on whether Obama will be listed on the ballot will be made by Secretary of State Brian Kemp, a Republican.



Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 21:56:24
and -- in today's "I Gawker Moment"

Comment by Raine on 01/27/2012 22:22:21
Quote by Raine:
and -- in today's "I Gawker Moment"
correct link.