GOP Debate, Iowa Edition

If creeping shariah doesn’t take over first
Politics • Views: 37,679

Eight Republicans — yes, even Newt Gingrich and His Amazing Collapsing Campaign! — will square off tonight in Ames, Iowa, so here’s a thread for the occasion. The Kook Quotient will be soaring, because in addition to the other right wing candidates, Crazy Uncle Ron Paul will be present. I’m searching for a live video feed now…

Jump to bottom

232 comments
1 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 4:58:14pm

Thursday night drinking thread?

2 Killgore Trout  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 4:58:31pm

I think we have an hour before it starts. I'm not even drinking yet.

3 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 4:58:57pm

Yeah, it starts at 9 pm ET.

4 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 4:59:29pm

re: #2 Killgore Trout

I think we have an hour before it starts. I'm not even drinking yet.

Well, you probably will be when we hear them start spouting off their kookery.

5 Killgore Trout  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 4:59:39pm

re: #3 Charles

Yeah, it starts at 9 pm ET.

Good, I'd hate to be sober for this.

6 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 4:59:43pm

I mean 9, of course.

7 darthstar  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:00:33pm

Prediction: They'll all be in 11th commandment mode again and perform a circle of ass-kissing that will make synchronized swimming look disorganized by comparison...unless Bachmann pulls the pin out of the grenade and throws a barb at Romney...then the dog comes off the roof of the car and all bets are off.

8 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:01:11pm

re: #5 Killgore Trout

Good, I'd hate to be sober for this.

We could play a drinking game. These guys are so predictable, I'm sure we can come up with a surefire way to get all the participants hammered by about 5 minutes in.

re: #6 Charles

I mean 9, of course.

Is it sad that I didn't even catch that until after you corrected it?

9 albusteve  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:01:26pm

I won't be watching...but I certainly hope there are no survivors

10 Stanghazi  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:01:43pm

Another hangover Friday in store. Yay!

11 makeitstop  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:03:37pm

I'm not up to watching. With all the false piety, arrogance and numbskullery going on, my TV probably wouldn't survive.

12 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:03:48pm

re: #2 Killgore Trout

I think we have an hour before it starts. I'm not even drinking yet.

Take a shot every time someone says Reagan!

13 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:04:28pm

Mitt Romney sure got the shit heckled out of him today.

14 albusteve  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:04:32pm

time to kill...
who's got a deck of cards?

15 Stanghazi  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:04:32pm

re: #11 makeitstop

I'm not up to watching. With all the false piety, arrogance and numbskullery going on, my TV probably wouldn't survive.

I'm trusting the Lizard minute by minute commentary.

16 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:04:41pm

re: #12 jamesfirecat

Take a shot every time someone says Reagan!

You trying to get everyone here alcohol poisoning dude? :)

17 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:05:17pm

Shots everytime someone accuses the president of apologizing.

18 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:05:46pm

re: #14 albusteve

time to kill...
who's got a deck of cards?

The troll barbecue is heated and ready. Flavor of tonight - rather apropos, I think - Texas Pit.

19 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:05:53pm

re: #13 Charles

Mitt Romney sure got the shit heckled out of him today.

That's not a good thing. That's normally jerks who feel a need to crap on other people.

20 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:06:37pm

re: #19 Dark_Falcon

That's not a good thing. That's normally jerks who feel a need to crap on other people.

You don't feel a great deal of the current Republican crop is made up of "jerks" at best?

21 b_sharp  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:06:44pm

re: #14 albusteve

time to kill...
who's got a deck of cards?

I'm just going to check out some porn.

22 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:06:47pm

re: #18 thedopefishlives

The troll barbecue is heated and ready. Flavor of tonight - rather apropos, I think - Texas Pit.

I've got spare charcoal in case we get more than one. I'm going to leave it by the pit, since I think I'll be at dinner during the debate.

23 recusancy  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:06:51pm

re: #19 Dark_Falcon

That's not a good thing. That's normally jerks who feel a need to crap on other people.

He got heckled on policy. It wasn't mean spirited. Romney loves him some rich people and it showed through.

24 wee fury  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:06:53pm

re: #13 Charles

Mitt Romney sure got the shit heckled out of him today.

Plants.

25 Stanghazi  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:07:14pm

Ok, I missed the weird thread previously that I saw people mentioning today. Can anyone direct me?

26 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:07:43pm

re: #22 Dark_Falcon

I've got spare charcoal in case we get more than one. I'm going to leave it by the pit, since I think I'll be at dinner during the debate.

Well, I cook on gas, so feel free to light up the charcoal. I'm sure there'll be plenty enough troll for everybody to roast their own through the course of the night.

27 Stanghazi  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:08:04pm

re: #17 HappyWarrior

Shots everytime someone accuses the president of apologizing.

If any GOP person mentions calories I'm gonna freak. Oh yeah, Sister Sarah is to chicken to be there.

28 b_sharp  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:08:24pm

re: #25 Stanley Sea

Ok, I missed the weird thread previously that I saw people mentioning today. Can anyone direct me?

Down the hall, first door on your left.

Make sure to light a match.

29 albusteve  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:08:38pm

re: #19 Dark_Falcon

That's not a good thing. That's normally jerks who feel a need to crap on other people.

it's not a bad thing either...fuck him, he's one of the reasons politics is so brutal right now...he made his bed

30 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:09:46pm

re: #27 Stanley Sea

If any GOP person mentions calories I'm gonna freak. Oh yeah, Sister Sarah is to chicken to be there.

Yeah she only likes hearing people say nice things about her. If she were actually attending, you know she'd being rightfully criticized for being a quitter.

31 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:09:47pm

re: #25 Stanley Sea

Ok, I missed the weird thread previously that I saw people mentioning today. Can anyone direct me?

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

32 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:10:13pm

re: #20 jamesfirecat

You don't feel a great deal of the current Republican crop is made up of "jerks" at best?

Romney's not a jerk, nor is Pawlenty. Rick Perry is a jerk, even though its part of why he wins elections. Bachmann isn't a jerk, but rather simply a fanatic. Ron Paul is crazy and a jerk.

33 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:10:29pm

re: #19 Dark_Falcon

That's not a good thing. That's normally jerks who feel a need to crap on other people.

It was childish heckling..If you can't ask a question like a big boy then you don't deserve any answer from any candidate from any party...
Politics is an adult sport

34 Shiplord Kirel  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:10:57pm
The Kook Quotient will be soaring,


The amount and quality of free entertainment on the net is amazing. May Cthulhu bless Al Gore for inventing it.

35 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:11:17pm

re: #29 albusteve

it's not a bad thing either...fuck him, he's one of the reasons politics is so brutal right now...he made his bed

He's no Jon Huntsman.

36 Stanghazi  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:11:37pm

re: #31 SanFranciscoZionist

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Thanks SFZ. I was about to go the bottom comment route.

37 laZardo  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:11:47pm

On the lighter side of the nation's collective misery, my mom landed the part-time job at Safeway and I've got an interview for a different branch on Monday.

38 wee fury  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:12:18pm

Of all the contestants on tonight. . . I like Romney the most. However, it is (for me) still way to early in the game for this. Much may/can happen. It will be entertaining to see.

39 The Shadow Do  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:12:27pm

GOP sanity testing begins

Romney the human being vs the Nuts of the World (and yes, I include Governor Good Hair in there)

40 b_sharp  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:12:40pm

re: #33 HoosierHoops

It was childish heckling..If you can't ask a question like a big boy then you don't deserve any answer from any candidate from any party...
Politics is an adult sport

Are you sure?

41 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:12:58pm

Possible words/phrases for tonight's Retardican Debate Drinking Game:
* Responsibility
* Ronald Reagan
* Deficit
* Big
* Tax cuts
Feel free to add more ideas.

42 zora  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:13:05pm

Increasingly Desperate Pawlenty Hits Bachmann on Migraines

[Link: www.theatlanticwire.com...]

bet he won't say it to her face.

43 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:13:37pm

re: #41 thedopefishlives

Sorry, that should be "big <insert industry here>", PIMF.

44 Henchman 25  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:13:44pm

This ought to be more comic gold.

45 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:14:39pm

re: #41 thedopefishlives

Possible words/phrases for tonight's Retardican Debate Drinking Game:
* Responsibility
* Ronald Reagan
* Deficit
* Big
* Tax cuts
Feel free to add more ideas.

* Socialism
* Values

46 Kragar  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:14:48pm

OK, first question...

Who is here tonight because God told them to run for President?

47 TedStriker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:15:18pm

re: #46 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

OK, first question...

Who is here tonight because God told them to run for President?

I'd say most of the field...

48 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:15:24pm

re: #38 wee fury

Of all the contestants on tonight. . . I like Romney the most. However, it is (for me) still way to early in the game for this. Much may/can happen. It will be entertaining to see.

I like Romney the best also... but on the other hand that's like saying I'd rather come down with Gonahera than Syphilis, or AIDS or . SyphilAIDS.

49 b_sharp  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:15:27pm

re: #45 HappyWarrior

* Socialism
* Values

Family
Common sense.

50 sod  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:15:40pm

Thanks webevintage for the tip on the Cast Iron Skillet Pizza. I made the dough last night and stuck it in the fridge - took it out when I got home from work.

Turned out really good!Pizza!!

51 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:16:25pm

re: #31 SanFranciscoZionist

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

Thaara packed a lot of crazy into that page. A clearer cut case for banning you will seldom see.

52 Kragar  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:16:49pm

re: #47 talon_262

I'd say most of the field...

All right, thanks for coming, we're done with you. OK, now for those of you left...

53 Henchman 25  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:16:55pm

re: #46 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

OK, first question...

Who is here tonight because God told them to run for President?

Everybody but Romney, it seems.

54 Kragar  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:17:30pm

re: #53 SteelPH

Everybody but Romney, it seems.

Well, duh. God doesn't talk to Mormons...

55 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:17:51pm

So, who is there?

56 The Yankee  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:18:00pm

re: #13 Charles

Mitt Romney sure got the shit heckled out of him today.

Charles swears, didn't know that.

57 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:18:18pm

re: #51 Dark_Falcon

Thaara packed a lot of crazy into that page. A clearer cut case for banning you will seldom see.

Nahhh, those are the type that flounce when we refuse to believe their load of crap.

58 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:18:38pm

You never know what you're gonna get with Romney. Sometimes he seems fairly reasonable. Othertimes, he seems like he's pandering to the worst elements.

59 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:19:40pm

re: #40 b_sharp

Are you sure?

*waves*
Well You have to be of legal age to vote...I have noticed that when it comes to politics most adults act like children.. No control over the discussion, emotions run wild and solutions exist only in one view.

60 sod  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:19:57pm

re: #49 b_sharp

Family
Common sense.

Entitlements

61 Stanghazi  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:20:14pm

re: #31 SanFranciscoZionist

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]



Wow to the wow

62 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:20:48pm

* Elitists
* Big Government

63 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:21:00pm

re: #42 zora

Increasingly Desperate Pawlenty Hits Bachmann on Migraines

[Link: www.theatlanticwire.com...]

bet he won't say it to her face.

If he does she should tell him off. That's rather out-of-court to go after someone on.

64 laZardo  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:21:14pm

re: #62 HappyWarrior

* Elitists
* Big Government

* Jesus

65 Henchman 25  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:21:15pm

re: #60 sod

Entitlements

RON PAUL!

66 makeitstop  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:21:43pm

re: #19 Dark_Falcon

That's not a good thing. That's normally jerks who feel a need to crap on other people.

Yeah, like that guy who yelled 'You lie!' at the State Of The Union.

67 wrenchwench  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:22:01pm

re: #50 sod

Thanks webevintage for the tip on the Cast Iron Skillet Pizza. I made the dough last night and stuck it in the fridge - took it out when I got home from work.

Turned out really good!Pizza!!

What size pan? Looks like a 9" or 10" in the photos. Yours looks bigger than the one in the recipe photos.

68 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:22:22pm

re: #65 SteelPH

RON PAUL!

This thread is now officially over.

69 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:22:29pm

re: #63 Dark_Falcon

If he does she should tell him off. That's rather out-of-court to go after someone on.

It's idiotic. People have migraines. They take pills for them. Is this a measure of how much she scares them?

70 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:22:42pm

re: #57 thedopefishlives

Nahhh, those are the type that flounce when we refuse to believe their load of crap.

Even by that measure, Thaara was crazy. She posted some extremely out there conspiracy theories. She makes the Stalkers look calm and sane.

71 TampaKnight  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:22:48pm

Paul is a cook and I'm no fan, but I'll give him his due on monetary policy. Artificially induced cheap money turned out to be a fairly dangerous thing....

72 Bubblehead II  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:22:52pm

re: #50 sod

Thanks for posting that link. Looks good so I bookmarked it.

73 Dark_Falcon  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:23:15pm

re: #66 makeitstop

Yeah, like that guy who yelled 'You lie!' at the State Of The Union.

Yep, he was being a jerk to do that.

BBL, dinner

74 CuriousLurker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:23:49pm

re: #45 HappyWarrior

* Socialism
* Values

* Marriage
* God
* Jesus
* Bible
* Forefathers
* Constitution
* The unborn
* Education
* Immigration/Mulitculturalism
* Terrorism/Creeping Shariah

75 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:24:05pm

re: #71 TampaKnight

Paul is a cook and I'm no fan, but I'll give him his due on monetary policy. Artificially induced cheap money turned out to be a fairly dangerous thing...

So you feel that the American currency needs more Deflation?

76 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:24:56pm

re: #74 CuriousLurker

Oh, well done.

77 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:24:58pm

Really, I don't want Michelle Bachmann anywhere near the presidency but if Pawlenty's thinks that's the way to go at her, he's a lame ass. Clearly, he's too afraid to go after her more radical views because he knows there'd be a backlash against him, wuss.

78 sod  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:25:30pm

re: #67 wrenchwench

What size pan? Looks like a 9" or 10" in the photos. Yours looks bigger than the one in the recipe photos.

It's the 12" so the label on it said when I bought it. I agree that it looks enormous. I've concluded that they must use a different, longer, inch for measuring pans than for measuring, ah, other stuff...

79 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:25:33pm

re: #74 CuriousLurker

creeping sharia, skulking sharia, prowling sharia, moseying sharia, hell I heard sharia can swim and i have it on good authority from Herman Cain that it wears a frogsuit while doing so

80 wrenchwench  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:25:37pm

re: #71 TampaKnight

Paul is a cook and I'm no fan, but I'll give him his due on monetary policy. Artificially induced cheap money turned out to be a fairly dangerous thing...

Just because the Austrian School has been crying gloom and doom for years doesn't mean they are astute when things do go badly.

81 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:25:42pm

re: #74 CuriousLurker

* Marriage
* God
* Jesus
* Bible
* Forefathers
* Constitution
* The unborn
* Education
* Immigration/Mulitculturalism
* Terrorism/Creeping Shariah

* Small towns
* Urban elites
* Strict constructionists
* Judicial activists

82 engineer cat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:25:42pm

watching video of romney getting hard questions from democrats today, maybe they don't want to rile him up. he seemed almost human

on the other hand, maybe they do want to get obama out on the stump and getting hecked in a way that pisses him off. i think a lot of progressives would like to see barack lose his temper

remember in 1980 when they cut off the microphones at a very early campaign event and ronald reagan lost his temper and yelled "i paid for that microphone!"?

everybody knew he'd be the nominee after that

83 TampaKnight  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:26:02pm

re: #75 jamesfirecat

So you feel that the American currency needs more Deflation?

I think we shouldn't have kept interest rates near 0 for years upon end when market forces were calling for higher rates.

Without years and years of cheap money, the housing bubble and financial meltdown don't happen.

84 b_sharp  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:26:03pm

re: #74 CuriousLurker

* Marriage
* God
* Jesus
* Bible
* Forefathers
* Constitution
* The unborn
* Education
* Immigration/Mulitculturalism
* Terrorism/Creeping Shariah

Shouldn't the unborn be the pre-born?

85 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:26:27pm

re: #79 WindUpBird

creeping sharia, skulking sharia, prowling sharia, moseying sharia, hell I heard sharia can swim and i have it on good authority from Herman Cain that it wears a frogsuit while doing so

I've heard Sharia is gay :).

86 laZardo  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:26:33pm

...

I:

87 makeitstop  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:26:37pm

re: #81 HappyWarrior

* Small towns
* Urban elites
* Strict constructionists
* Judicial activists

States rights
Founding Fathers

88 austin_blue  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:26:39pm

re: #33 HoosierHoops

It was childish heckling..If you can't ask a question like a big boy then you don't deserve any answer from any candidate from any party...
Politics is an adult sport

Hoops! Did you get ay rain today? A cool down? We hit a relatively balmy 104, but the HI was 111.

89 wrenchwench  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:27:00pm

re: #87 makeitstop

States rights
Founding Fathers

Everyday Americans.

90 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:27:05pm

re: #77 HappyWarrior

Really, I don't want Michelle Bachmann anywhere near the presidency but if Pawlenty's thinks that's the way to go at her, he's a lame ass. Clearly, he's too afraid to go after her more radical views because he knows there'd be a backlash against him, wuss.

Think of this: it's the republican primary, the attacks have to be the sort of dull and obvious attacks that will make sense to the kooky base of the republican party, because it's for their benefit

therefore, migrane panic!

91 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:27:05pm

re: #81 HappyWarrior

re: #74 CuriousLurker

* Marriage
* God
* Jesus
* Bible
* Forefathers
* Constitution
* The unborn
* Education
* Immigration/Mulitculturalism
* Terrorism/Creeping Shariah

* Small towns
* Urban elites
* Strict constructionists
* Judicial activists

You guys missed the number 1 word tonight
Obama

92 Kragar  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:27:47pm

Second Question for the candidates;

Many of you have signed a pledge whose writers have gone on record as saying "Blacks were better off under slavery". Do you agree with that statement and why?

/Hilarity ensues

93 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:27:56pm

Anyone have any idea why in the world Sarah Palin would crank up her bus tour again, right in time for the Iowa straw polls? She is a weird spectacle. Is she suddenly going to decide to run after all?

And why am I asking all these questions?

94 b_sharp  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:28:27pm

re: #91 HoosierHoops

re: #74 CuriousLurker

* Marriage
* God
* Jesus
* Bible
* Forefathers
* Constitution
* The unborn
* Education
* Immigration/Mulitculturalism
* Terrorism/Creeping Shariah

* Small towns
* Urban elites
* Strict constructionists
* Judicial activists

You guys missed the number 1 word tonight
Obama

Obamacare.

95 sod  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:28:36pm

re: #78 sod

Crap I think I meant to say a shorter inch. Anyway, you know the self deprecating humor I was going for there..

96 jaunte  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:28:41pm

re: #91 HoosierHoops

"We are all NotObama, and we will now compete to see how NotObama we can each be."

97 Kragar  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:28:50pm

re: #93 Charles

Anyone have any idea why in the world Sarah Palin would crank up her bus tour again, right in time for the Iowa straw polls? She is a weird spectacle. Is she suddenly going to decide to run after all?

And why am I asking all these questions?

To stay in the news and to be the "Kingmaker" for the Tea party.

98 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:29:13pm

re: #85 HappyWarrior

I've heard Sharia is gay :).

sharia gets around! Everyone hide under your beds in the heartland, stock up on apple pies, we're under attack

99 wrenchwench  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:29:15pm

re: #83 TampaKnight

I think we shouldn't have kept interest rates near 0 for years upon end when market forces were calling for higher rates.

Without years and years of cheap money inadequate regulation, the housing bubble and financial meltdown don't happen.

FTFY

100 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:29:24pm

re: #93 Charles

Anyone have any idea why in the world Sarah Palin would crank up her bus tour again, right in time for the Iowa straw polls? She is a weird spectacle. Is she suddenly going to decide to run after all?

And why am I asking all these questions?

Possibly trying (and failing) to steal the media thunder?

I dunno, the batshit insane is above my pay grade.

101 The Shadow Do  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:29:34pm

re: #58 HappyWarrior

You never know what you're gonna get with Romney. Sometimes he seems fairly reasonable. Othertimes, he seems like he's pandering to the worst elements. At other times he just looks lost.

Quite the political dilemma, how to avoid the all out invective of the nutters while maintaining anything remotely principled?

I'm pretty sure it takes a good deal of money and persistence of which he seems to have surfeit.

So far he has seemed to rely on a thick skin. I think that is not enough. He is going to have to show a bit of belligerence if he wants to advance. His recent challenge to hecklers shows a bit of promise - to me.

102 CuriousLurker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:29:34pm

re: #91 HoosierHoops

You guys missed the number 1 word tonight
Obama

Silly me! *smacks forehead* If it weren't for him, America wouldn't have any problems.

103 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:29:36pm

re: #88 austin_blue

Hoops! Did you get ay rain today? A cool down? We hit a relatively balmy 104, but the HI was 111.

It was awesome today..Lots of rain.. Overcast..and the High today in Norman was 78 degrees...Just awesome! back to over a 100 Friday but who cares? Really needed a break

104 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:29:59pm

Question: Many of you have signed a pledge that would ban gay marriage everywhere in the nation. Where in the Constitution and not the Bible does it say anything about same sex marriage?

105 engineer cat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:30:16pm

re: #74 CuriousLurker

* Marriage
* God
* Jesus
* Bible
* Forefathers
* Constitution
* The unborn
* Education
* Immigration/Mulitculturalism
* Terrorism/Creeping Shariah

assertions that "unemployment is caused by obama" - note that no specifics are given except, vaguely, "job killing policies". also assertions that raising taxes kills jobs and the only way to create more jobs is to cut medicare and social security - "entitlements", since the most common colloquial use of the word is "he thinks he's entitled to it" as a criticism

and, of course, republicans are the only ones who will "be honest" and explain to you that the only way to "save entitlements" is to kill them

106 jaunte  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:30:38pm

re: #102 CuriousLurker

Geller has a new typo out about him:

"Obama hosted a huge black affair last night (his third) for Iftar."
[Link: webcache.googleusercontent.com...]
107 TedStriker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:30:44pm

re: #63 Dark_Falcon

If he does she should tell him off. That's rather out-of-court to go after someone on.

I agree...she may come off looking like a zombie robot a lot of times, but someone's health issues should be off limits, unless it affects or could affect job performance.

That said, if "affects/could affect job performance" is the angle T-Paw was trying to play, he could have played it without coming off looking like a dick, because it can be a valid question, especially for a 24/7 job such as POTUS.

108 The Shadow Do  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:30:44pm

re: #93 Charles

Anyone have any idea why in the world Sarah Palin would crank up her bus tour again, right in time for the Iowa straw polls? She is a weird spectacle. Is she suddenly going to decide to run after all?

And why am I asking all these questions?

Answer: marketing, the broads making a killing

109 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:31:10pm

re: #104 HappyWarrior

Question: Many of you have signed a pledge that would ban gay marriage everywhere in the nation. Where in the Constitution and not the Bible does it say anything about same sex marriage?

For that matter, where in the Bible does it say anything about same-sex marriage?

110 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:31:28pm

re: #98 WindUpBird

sharia gets around! Everyone hide under your beds in the heartland, stock up on apple pies, we're under attack

I am still awaiting for a candidate to equate gay marriage with Sharia. I did Freepers do that once though haha.

111 TampaKnight  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:32:00pm

re: #99 wrenchwench

FTFY

You're kidding right? It was no secret what was going on- any regulator with his eyes closed could have seen what was taking place. The problem is that no one wanted to stop the gravy train. Not the Congress, not the President, not the regulators, not the banks, and not the buyers.

Go read "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis. There were average, ordinary people who simply reviewed the portfolio reports on these mortgage backed assets, bet against them all failing, and got rich because of it.

These weren't experts or PhDs, they were mostly regular people with a computer.

112 laZardo  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:32:27pm

re: #102 CuriousLurker

Silly me! *smacks forehead* If it weren't for him and the Federal Reserve, America wouldn't have any problems.

ftfy

113 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:32:35pm

re: #109 SanFranciscoZionist

For that matter, where in the Bible does it say anything about same-sex marriage?

Or "If we allow the Bible to dictate policy, is it acceptable to use the Torah or Quran for guidance in policy."

114 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:32:51pm

re: #110 HappyWarrior

I am still awaiting for a candidate to equate gay marriage with Sharia. I did Freepers do that once though haha.

it can be like a mashup, we'll have newt gingrich on the turntables

115 CuriousLurker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:33:07pm

re: #105 engineer dog

assertions that "unemployment is caused by obama" - note that no specifics are given except, vaguely, "job killing policies". also assertions that raising taxes kills jobs and the only way to create more jobs is to cut medicare and social security - "entitlements", since the most common colloquial use of the word is "he thinks he's entitled to it" as a criticism

and, of course, republicans are the only ones who will "be honest" and explain to you that the only way to "save entitlements" is to kill them

And never, ever raise taxes. Ever.

116 wrenchwench  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:33:26pm

re: #106 jaunte

Obama hosted a huge black affair last night

Was the word "tie" supposed to be in there?

117 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:33:35pm

re: #114 WindUpBird

it can be like a mashup, we'll have newt gingrich on the turntables

DJ Newt G in da hizzhouse.

118 zora  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:33:35pm

all the other republican candidates (except romney and huntsman) must be kicking themselves for not out-christianing perry and having a revival / prayer rally first. they can only top him now by having an exorcism.

119 CuriousLurker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:33:35pm

re: #106 jaunte

Geller has a new typo out about him:

*snort*

120 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:34:04pm

re: #106 jaunte

Geller has a new typo out about him:

A huge black affair to remember.

121 laZardo  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:34:21pm

re: #117 HappyWarrior

With Michelle-Bizzle layin down the hustle

122 allegro  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:34:25pm

re: #107 talon_262

I agree...she may come off looking like a zombie robot a lot of times, but someone's health issues should be off limits, unless it affects or could affect job performance.

That said, if "affects/could affect job performance" is the angle T-Paw was trying to play, he could have played it without coming off looking like a dick, because it can be a valid question, especially for a 24/7 job such as POTUS.

I suspect it is his way of pointing out that women, i.e. Bachmann have "that time of the month" and therefore cannot be trusted. I'd even put money on it.

123 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:34:36pm

I see Pam visited the ABC store just as I predicted earlier.

124 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:34:42pm

re: #110 HappyWarrior

I am still awaiting for a candidate to equate gay marriage with Sharia. I did Freepers do that once though haha.

Everything I don't like is Sharia!!!

125 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:34:55pm

Some of these people tonight have kind of backed off the Muslim-bashing lately. Herman Cain earned himself a deranged rant from the Shrieking Harpy because he clumsily tried to walk back some of the bigotry.

126 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:35:02pm

re: #121 laZardo

With Michelle-Bizzle layin down the hustle

My hype man is Mark Levin

127 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:35:04pm

re: #111 TampaKnight

You're kidding right? It was no secret what was going on- any regulator with his eyes closed could have seen what was taking place. The problem is that no one wanted to stop the gravy train. Not the Congress, not the President, not the regulators, not the banks, and not the buyers.

Go read "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis. There were average, ordinary people who simply reviewed the portfolio reports on these mortgage backed assets, bet against them all failing, and got rich because of it.

These weren't experts or PhDs, they were mostly regular people with a computer.

Saying that the regulators lacked the spine to regulate is no argument that the regulation was sufficient only that it was insufficient in a different manner.

128 TampaKnight  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:35:13pm

Romney should just say "economy" and "independents" and walk off the stage.

He's the only guy in this bunch who could beat Obama, and people know it.

129 wrenchwench  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:35:20pm

re: #111 TampaKnight

You're kidding right? It was no secret what was going on- any regulator with his eyes closed could have seen what was taking place. The problem is that no one wanted to stop the gravy train. Not the Congress, not the President, not the regulators, not the banks, and not the buyers.

Go read "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis. There were average, ordinary people who simply reviewed the portfolio reports on these mortgage backed assets, bet against them all failing, and got rich because of it.

These weren't experts or PhDs, they were mostly regular people with a computer.

That the regulators did nothing kinda makes my point.

130 Alexzander  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:35:50pm

RON PAUL!

131 zora  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:35:50pm

re: #106 jaunte

so was this a hip hop, iftar?

132 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:36:13pm

re: #125 Charles

Some of these people tonight have kind of backed off the Muslim-bashing lately. Herman Cain earned himself a deranged rant from the Shrieking Harpy because he clumsily tried to walk back some of the bigotry.

So now the question is, who's going to back off and who's going to turn the crazy up to 11?

For me, the most interesting thing will be to see the two Minnesotans go at it. Before seeing the earlier link, I didn't think these gentle Scandinavian folk had it in them to fight dirty.

133 sod  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:36:41pm

re: #105 engineer dog

You touched on something that I've been hearing more and more - and it's really irritating. I'm sure there's a word for it but it goes something like this:

First breath:
"The government doesn't create jobs, the private sector does!"

Next breath:
"Obama is a complete failure at creating jobs!"

There's lots of different topics that this "logic" gets applied to. Rush does it a lot.

134 moderatelyradicalliberal  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:37:01pm

re: #93 Charles

Anyone have any idea why in the world Sarah Palin would crank up her bus tour again, right in time for the Iowa straw polls? She is a weird spectacle. Is she suddenly going to decide to run after all?

And why am I asking all these questions?

She's kinda like Norma Desmond at this point.

135 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:37:14pm

re: #128 TampaKnight

Romney should just say "economy" and "independents" and walk off the stage.

He's the only guy in this bunch who could beat Obama, and people know it.

Yes Romney whose one experience in government involved his state being in bottom 40 for job growth and is most famous in the business world for buying up companies and firing people to make a profit, he clearly is the man to save America from an unemployment crisis!

136 TedStriker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:37:18pm

re: #124 SanFranciscoZionist

Everything I don't like is Sharia!!!

My, my, my Sharia!

/apologies to The Knack

137 laZardo  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:37:26pm

re: #126 WindUpBird

I seem to be the only one that LOL'd hard at the "Wigger Day" article.

...

I still blame 4chan.

138 CuriousLurker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:37:40pm

I tweeted this the other day, but for those who didn't see it and have trouble wrapping your head around the debt numbers (like me), I present you with:

US debt visualized: Stacked in 100 dollar bills

139 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:37:48pm

re: #130 Alexzander

RON PAUL!

PAUN LOR

140 TedStriker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:38:01pm

re: #126 WindUpBird

My hype man is Mark Levin

Was Flava Flav not available?

141 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:38:22pm

re: #138 CuriousLurker

I tweeted this the other day, but for those who didn't see it and have trouble wrapping your head around the debt numbers (like me), I present you with:

US debt visualized: Stacked in 100 dollar bills

Had a friend who Facebooked it like this: The US is like a family who earns $58,000 a year, spends $75,000, and is $327,000 in debt.

142 CuriousLurker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:38:35pm

re: #125 Charles

Some of these people tonight have kind of backed off the Muslim-bashing lately. Herman Cain earned himself a deranged rant from the Shrieking Harpy because he clumsily tried to walk back some of the bigotry.

Maybe they're saving it for later when the real knife fights start. //

143 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:38:40pm

re: #140 talon_262

Was Flava Flav not available?

too many tv committments

144 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:38:47pm

re: #128 TampaKnight

Romney should just say "economy" and "independents" and walk off the stage.

He's the only guy in this bunch who could beat Obama, and people know it.

I just realized something ( 2 minutes to Kickoff! 185 days since the Superbowl )
If MB wins the nomination she is going to pick Sarah Palin as her VP...
Won't that be something?
/

145 TampaKnight  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:39:01pm

re: #135 jamesfirecat

Yes Romney whose one experience in government involved his state being in bottom 40 for job growth and is most famous in the business world for buying up companies and firing people to make a profit, he clearly is the man to save America from an unemployment crisis!

Please step down from your partisan high horse.

I'm not endorsing the guy yet. I want to see how he goes about his campaign. I'm simply saying that of these Republicans, he is the only one who could beat Obama.

I wouldn't say Obama's background exactly makes him an expert of economics either.

146 zora  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:39:41pm

re: #109 SanFranciscoZionist

For that matter, where in the Bible does it say anything about same-sex marriage?

and there's definitely no "one man, one women" wording in the bible. you could have a boatload of wives and some concubines if you could afford it.

147 The Shadow Do  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:40:18pm

re: #135 jamesfirecat

Yes Romney whose one experience in government involved his state being in bottom 40 for job growth and is most famous in the business world for buying up companies and firing people to make a profit, he clearly is the man to save America from an unemployment crisis!

Yes, businesses exist to protect the welfare of their employees. Government is a good model for this and hasn't failed here...yet!

148 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:40:20pm

re: #145 TampaKnight

Please step down from your partisan high horse.

I'm not endorsing the guy yet. I want to see how he goes about his campaign. I'm simply saying that of these Republicans, he is the only one who could beat Obama.

I wouldn't say Obama's background exactly makes him an expert of economics either.

Obama believes in Keynesian Economics, that makes him head and shoulders above Mitt Romney Version.... ?.0

149 CuriousLurker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:40:45pm

re: #141 thedopefishlives

Had a friend who Facebooked it like this: The US is like a family who earns $58,000 a year, spends $75,000, and is $327,000 in debt.

Heh, well that makes it pretty clear too.

150 TampaKnight  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:40:50pm

re: #148 jamesfirecat

Obama believes in Keynesian Economics, that makes him head and shoulders above Mitt Romney Version... ?.0

Is that really your stance?

151 Kragar  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:41:01pm

re: #136 talon_262

My, my, my Sharia!

/apologies to The Knack

The most beautiful sound I ever heard

(Sharia, Sharia, Sharia, Sharia)

All the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word

(Sharia, Sharia, Sharia, Sharia)

SHARIA!

I just met a girl named SHARIA!
And suddenly that name
Will never be the same
To me
SHARIA!

152 TedStriker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:41:10pm

re: #134 moderatelyradicalliberal

She's kinda like Norma Desmond at this point.

"I am big, it's the pictures that got small!"

153 wrenchwench  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:41:13pm

I'm headed for home, where there is no TV.

I'll see you lizards tomorrow.

154 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:41:30pm

re: #147 The Shadow Do

Yes, businesses exist to protect the welfare of their employees. Government is a good model for this and hasn't failed here...yet!

I don't grasp your point could you explain it to me a little more clearly, tonight I seem to be a little... DIM!

155 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:42:08pm

re: #150 TampaKnight

Is that really your stance?

What do you not believe in Keynesian Economics?

If not, why?

156 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:42:55pm

Met her in a club in South Soho and she said her name was Sharia where the people all drink champagne and coca cola.

157 TampaKnight  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:43:21pm

re: #155 jamesfirecat

What do you not believe in Keynesian Economics?

If not, why?

You framed it as saying you only like politicians who completely adhere to Keynesian economics.

It sounds awfully close to the Ron Paul people who only like politicians who adhere strictly to Austrian Economics.

Hint: strict adherence to either is not a guarantee of success.

158 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:43:32pm

re: #155 jamesfirecat

What do you not believe in Keynesian Economics?

If not, why?


likely because he's a Ron Paul guy on economics, as per his #71


AUSTRIAN RULES FOOTBALL WHOOP WHOOP

159 TampaKnight  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:45:18pm

re: #158 WindUpBird

likely because he's a Ron Paul guy on economics, as per his #71

AUSTRIAN RULES FOOTBALL WHOOP WHOOP

You yet again ignorantly post falsehoods and presumptions.

160 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:45:27pm

re: #157 TampaKnight

You framed it as saying you only like politicians who completely adhere to Keynesian economics.

It sounds awfully close to the Ron Paul people who only like politicians who adhere strictly to Austrian Economics.

Hint: strict adherence to either is not a guarantee of success.

The Great Depression proved the strength of Keynesian economics.

I have no problem liking my politicians strictly adhering to economic theories that have been proven more in line with reality than any alternative, the same way that I like them to strictly adhere to belief in the theory of evolution.

161 lostlakehiker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:45:58pm

re: #32 Dark_Falcon

Romney's not a jerk, nor is Pawlenty. Rick Perry is a jerk, even though its part of why he wins elections. Bachmann isn't a jerk, but rather simply a fanatic. Ron Paul is crazy and a jerk.

Romney was misquoted by omission when quoted as saying "corporations are people". The rest of the same exchange included this explanation: corporations are people---in the end, it goes to people. [I paraphrase, but that's basically what he said.]

In other words, corporate revenues, in the final analysis, go to biological human being people.

And, to continue the exegesis, much of the revenues go to wages and benefits, and much of the profits go to dividends that shore up 401K's. If some of the gains go to the captains of industry, well, even they are, umm, people.

Romney, after all, would know. He's been one of those people.

162 moderatelyradicalliberal  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:46:02pm

re: #145 TampaKnight

Please step down from your partisan high horse.

I'm not endorsing the guy yet. I want to see how he goes about his campaign. I'm simply saying that of these Republicans, he is the only one who could beat Obama.

I wouldn't say Obama's background exactly makes him an expert of economics either.

Romney is the most electable, that's for damn sure. And yet as a Democrat, I still want him as the nominee. Perry and Bachmann are charismatic and oddly charming and charm always matters. Mitt Romney on the other hand is totally unlikeable. I don't know anyone who actually likes the guy. I don't mean they hate him, just nobody likes him, I want the GOP to have a nominee that no one really feels passionate about. I want the used-care salesman/game show host.

163 laZardo  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:46:04pm

re: #160 jamesfirecat

The Great Depression proved the strength of Keynesian economics.

I have no problem liking my politicians strictly adhering to economic theories that have been proven more in line with reality than any alternative, the same way that I like them to strictly adhere to belief in the theory of evolution.

Didn't World War II really end the Great Depression?

/checking

//although getting off the gold standard did help somewhat, iirc

164 Alexzander  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:48:18pm

RON PAUL!

165 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:48:33pm

re: #163 laZardo

Didn't World War II really end the Great Depression?

/checking

//although getting off the gold standard did help somewhat, iirc

Of course for all the people who claim that, they should realize that World War 2 what with its draft, and needing to use companies like Ford to produce Tanks and Bombers was in reality more or less THE MOST MASSIVE FORM OF GOVERNMENT STIMULUS IMAGINABLE thus even if WW2 did end the depression, that still is an argument in Keynesian economics favor.

166 Alexzander  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:48:43pm

My two year old account is really just a Ron Paul sleeper sock. RON PAUL MODE ACTIVATED.

167 makeitstop  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:49:01pm

re: #161 lostlakehiker

Romney was misquoted by omission when quoted as saying "corporations are people". The rest of the same exchange included this explanation: corporations are people---in the end, it goes to people. [I paraphrase, but that's basically what he said.]

In other words, corporate revenues, in the final analysis, go to biological human being people.

And, to continue the exegesis, much of the revenues go to wages and benefits, and much of the profits go to dividends that shore up 401K's. If some of the gains go to the captains of industry, well, even they are, umm, people.

Romney, after all, would know. He's been one of those people.

Don't you think he should have had enough sense to phrase it differently?

168 Alexzander  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:49:10pm

Debate starts in 10 mins correct?

169 engineer cat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:50:06pm

ron paul : advocates legalization of marijuana

ron paul : when he talks, you want to ask him "what have you been smoking???"

coincidence? i think not!

170 moderatelyradicalliberal  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:50:36pm

re: #163 laZardo

Didn't World War II really end the Great Depression?

/checking

//although getting off the gold standard did help somewhat, iirc

Still massive government spending. Also, not to be callous, but the war took a lot of out of work young males out of the work force and put them to another use and many didn't come back home to look for jobs either.

171 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:51:09pm

I wonder if Gary Johnson will get the following Paul got. After all, the guy has at least been elected to an executive position which is more than you can say for Paul. The funniest thing for me in 2008 was seeing Paulians run down McCain for his age. I was on the sidelines since I was voting Dem anyhow but I had to gently remind them that Ron Paul is older than McCain and yes I know he's in better physical shape than McCain but sheesh Ron Paul is only six years younger than my grandfather.

172 moderatelyradicalliberal  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:52:22pm

re: #165 jamesfirecat

Of course for all the people who claim that, they should realize that World War 2 what with its draft, and needing to use companies like Ford to produce Tanks and Bombers was in reality more or less THE MOST MASSIVE FORM OF GOVERNMENT STIMULUS IMAGINABLE thus even if WW2 did end the depression, that still is an argument in Keynesian economics favor.

You beat me too it. Why do people act like defense spending isn't government spending? It's like when Dick Cheney said the government had nothing to do with his financial success after running a company that got huge government defense contracts for years.

173 Alexzander  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:53:17pm

Anyone find a live stream of the debate?

174 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:53:20pm

re: #172 moderatelyradicalliberal

You beat me too it. Why do people act like defense spending isn't government spending? It's like when Dick Cheney said the government had nothing to do with his financial success after running a company that got huge government defense contracts for years.

Because they live in fantasy land with the children of Narnia?

175 CuriousLurker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:53:47pm

Gotta make make some phone calls.* BBL

//*Since Gov. Christie appointed that Muslim judge, we have to arrange a series of post-Iftar meetings with him this month to decide where the public executions will be held when Sharia is instituted in NJ later this year. Snookie & the rest of the Jersey Shore cast are really pissed that the girls are gonna have to wear burqinis next season.

176 Alexzander  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:54:31pm

re: #174 HappyWarrior

Because they live in fantasy land with the children of Narnia?

Well, for someone living in a fantasy land they certainly possess far more control over this world than you or I do.

177 A Man for all Seasons  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:54:31pm

re: #163 laZardo

Didn't World War II really end the Great Depression?

/checking

//although getting off the gold standard did help somewhat, iirc

Plus..FDR applied the theory differently.. His policies highlighted the unemployed to work projects... Jobs created or saved is a cynical saying
How many Billions went to College professors studying moths or some such crap? How much money sent for teachers went to bloated Administrations?
I believe a really targeted Stimulus does well to kick start the economy.. Otherwise it's nothing more that hanging out in strip clubs making it rain...A drunk politician with lots of money and friends that want the pay back

178 moderatelyradicalliberal  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:55:04pm

re: #174 HappyWarrior

Because they live in fantasy land with the children of Narnia?

Oh, yeah.

179 HappyWarrior  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:55:36pm

re: #176 Alexzander

Well, for someone living in a fantasy land they certainly possess far more control over this world than you or I do.

True that. Just annoying to have elected officials who get elected bellyaching about big government yet have no problem with spending astromical amounts on defense with zero accountability.

180 TedStriker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:56:31pm

re: #162 moderatelyradicalliberal

Romney is the most electable, that's for damn sure. And yet as a Democrat, I still want him as the nominee. Perry and Bachmann are charismatic and oddly charming and charm always matters. Mitt Romney on the other hand is totally unlikeable. I don't know anyone who actually likes the guy. I don't mean they hate him, just nobody likes him, I want the GOP to have a nominee that no one really feels passionate about. I want the used-care salesman/game show host.

Romney might be a panderer, but I'd rather see him win the primary, though I don't think he (or Huntsman) have a snowball's chance in Hell of that.

181 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:56:52pm

re: #107 talon_262

I agree...she may come off looking like a zombie robot a lot of times, but someone's health issues should be off limits, unless it affects or could affect job performance.

That said, if "affects/could affect job performance" is the angle T-Paw was trying to play, he could have played it without coming off looking like a dick, because it can be a valid question, especially for a 24/7 job such as POTUS.

Pawlenty can't rescue a kitten from an octopus without looking like a dick. He's a dick.

182 Atlas Fails  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:57:43pm

I have no idea who will win the actual primary. I have a very good idea who will win almost all of the post-debate internet polls.

183 lostlakehiker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:57:44pm

re: #155 jamesfirecat

What do you not believe in Keynesian Economics?

If not, why?

That wide open spending, even if it's not spent on anything of value, is good medicine for a recession.

I mean, how could it be? How could it ever be Pareto optimal to systematically and on a large scale destroy scarce economic goods, steel, wood, oil, etc.?

They may as well have been destroyed if they're entombed in a bridge to nowhere. The oil, of course, is converted to CO2 and water; the CO2 is bad for us and the water is trivial. The energy released does work that didn't need to be done and serves no further purpose, and then, but trivially, it makes it warmer.

In bad economic times, potential labor goes to waste because no one seems to be able to marry up workers with useful work. When there's obvious useful work that nobody will pay for because it's a tragedy of the commons situation, yes, Keynes nailed that one. Have the government hire the workers and get the TVA built, get the CCC trails built, and so forth.

But when there's no genuinely useful work at hand, not that anybody can think of, it simply logjams the hunt for answers when the government creates "jobs" that are no such thing.

Consider the hash the government is now making of the real estate bust. There's an obvious worked example which can be copied: Reagan's Resolution Trust Corporation. Doing it again would get all the foreclosed and to-be-foreclosed properties back in circulation almost instantly. Before all the wiring and plumbing is looted from the empty buildings. Before trees grow from under the foundations.

A city not tended by its populace burns: Moscow, Atlanta for example. Unoccupied/untended homes don't necessarily burn, but they quickly go to ruin all the same. And an "owner" who knows he is to be turned out, without any equity, is not going to tend a home very meticulously.

This hemming and hawing and thinking about schemes whereby the formal recognition, on paper, of losses that have long since been locked in, is madness. In the physical world, the losses are piling up and compounding.

184 laZardo  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:57:58pm

re: #175 CuriousLurker

Snookie & the rest of the Jersey Shore cast are really pissed that the girls are gonna have to wear burqinis next season.

...

ALLAHU AKBAR

185 darthstar  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:58:02pm

Where's Ron Paul's jar?
Image: Iowa_Straw_Poll_Corn.jpeg

[Link: www.slate.com...]

186 Slumbering Behemoth Stinks  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:58:33pm

re: #181 Decatur Deb

That would be kind of a dick move, though. Octopi need to eat too, ya know.

187 austin_blue  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:59:34pm

What I expect to hear:

Lack Of Leadership.

Economic Lightweight.

Lack of Experience.

Worst Economy in the Last 75 years (true that!)

Deficit Spending.

Waste and Fraud.

Strong Military.

Broke Social Programs.

American Exceptionalism.

What I don't expect to hear:

Income.

Revenue Streams.

Cuts in Defense Spending.

A Decrease in Outsourcing Government Jobs That Cost Four Times as Much.

Balance.

Fairness.

Pension Crisis.

The Social Compact.

188 lostlakehiker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:59:42pm

re: #162 moderatelyradicalliberal

Romney is the most electable, that's for damn sure. And yet as a Democrat, I still want him as the nominee. Perry and Bachmann are charismatic and oddly charming and charm always matters. Mitt Romney on the other hand is totally unlikeable. I don't know anyone who actually likes the guy. I don't mean they hate him, just nobody likes him, I want the GOP to have a nominee that no one really feels passionate about. I want the used-care salesman/game show host.

I want Romney as the nominee because it's possible the economy may tank so bad and so hard that Obama can't win, even against loon. If that happens, God help us if one of the loons becomes the Republican nominee.

189 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 5:59:42pm

The luckiest people in the world:

190 engineer cat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:00:18pm

re: #161 lostlakehiker

Romney was misquoted by omission when quoted as saying "corporations are people"

i take your point, but i will point out that the purpose of a corporation - formally known as a 'limited liability corporation' - is to shield the personal assets of these individuals - people - who make up the corporation, in the case that the corporation screws up and gets sued. the practical effect of giant corporations and limited liability is that the corporation becomes both hydra headed as well as faceless (mixed metaphor alert), and it becomes impossible for the individual confronting the corporation to have any contact with any responsible individual person in the corporation. at this point, it is utterly unlike any actual person in any way

i still have been unable to find the source for this quote:

"A corporation, in law, is a person; except that, unlike a natural person, it has no ass to kick.

And it should!"

191 Alexzander  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:00:34pm

THIS SHIT IS GONNA BE OFF THE HOOK!

192 Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:00:42pm

Hmmm, So I'll be watching the debate online while also watching Project Runway on the TV. Let's see how long I can survive the debate.

193 zora  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:00:47pm

Gay Republican presidential candidate: I qualify for Ames debate; Fox News says no


Fred Karger, a gay Republican who is running for president, notified Fox News this afternoon that he has met their threshold and should be included in anAmesdebate next week.

Michael Clemente, vice president of news for the network, said Karger doesn’t qualify.

[Link: caucuses.desmoinesregister.com...]

194 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:01:07pm

Fire in the hole! I'm not going to watch, talk about a waste of time; but I'll listen to the Lizardoid liveblog.

195 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:01:08pm

Related... on Bio HD right now?

They're showing "The Tragic Side Of Comedy".

196 engineer cat  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:01:26pm

re: #187 austin_blue

What I expect to hear:

Lack Of Leadership.

Economic Lightweight.

Lack of Experience.

Worst Economy in the Last 75 years (true that!)

Deficit Spending.

Waste and Fraud.

Strong Military.

Broke Social Programs.

American Exceptionalism.

What I don't expect to hear:

Income.

Revenue Streams.

Cuts in Defense Spending.

A Decrease in Outsourcing Government Jobs That Cost Four Times as Much.

Balance.

Fairness.

Pension Crisis.

The Social Compact.

what i don't expect to hear:

fairness

197 Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:01:39pm

Woooo the Washington Examiner, Talk about a kook run newspaper! This should be fun!

198 Alexzander  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:01:49pm

GTFO Gingrich. What a waste having him up there.

199 austin_blue  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:01:54pm

And we are off to the races! May the best packaged shill of Corporate America win! My money is on Pointy Boots.

200 Robert O.  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:02:25pm

Just like last time, I predict President Obama will be the winner of the debate without uttering one word.

201 Atlas Fails  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:02:29pm

Quick, add "Obama downgrade" to the drinking game!

202 Alexzander  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:02:53pm

Good intro, evil Clark Kent.

203 moderatelyradicalliberal  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:02:55pm

re: #180 talon_262

Romney might be a panderer, but I'd rather see him win the primary, though I don't think he (or Huntsman) have a snowball's chance in Hell of that.

If Romney survives Perry, I'll be amazed. Although, I wouldn't mind my current governor being the nominee because his GWB 2.0 vibe would be gold for Obama. If the GOP thinks Americans miss Bush, I'm fine with them suffering that delusion. Obama's got problems, but I think he could beat anyone of these jokers. Make no mistake he is the ultimate front runner. It's odd, Romney will never generate passion, but some people think he's a moderate and created jobs (HA!). Perry on the other hand is a raving rightwinger who could get some real passion from the GOP base. It's a toss-up, but I'll take either one.

204 albusteve  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:03:23pm

re: #198 Alexzander

GTFO Gingrich. What a waste having him up there.

it's all a waste...every person and every minute of time....it's all about ratings

205 recusancy  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:04:18pm

Oh, this is a Fox News debate...

206 moderatelyradicalliberal  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:04:39pm

re: #200 Robert O.

Just like last time, I predict President Obama will be the winner of the debate without uttering one word.

Yeah, that's about right.

207 albusteve  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:05:01pm

there's NO business like SHOW business

208 Kragar  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:05:20pm

re: #205 recusancy

Oh, this is a Fox News debate...

Did the moderator give each candidate a blowjob yet?

209 moderatelyradicalliberal  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:05:22pm

re: #194 thedopefishlives

Fire in the hole! I'm not going to watch, talk about a waste of time; but I'll listen to the Lizardoid liveblog.

Me too.

210 Atlas Fails  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:06:28pm

Michelle Bachmann: "I voted for not increasing the debt ceiling. That turned out to be the right answer."


Holy.


Balls.

211 sod  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:06:32pm
212 lostlakehiker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:06:33pm

re: #165 jamesfirecat

Of course for all the people who claim that, they should realize that World War 2 what with its draft, and needing to use companies like Ford to produce Tanks and Bombers was in reality more or less THE MOST MASSIVE FORM OF GOVERNMENT STIMULUS IMAGINABLE thus even if WW2 did end the depression, that still is an argument in Keynesian economics favor.

So, the answer was to build airplanes, fill them up with young men, fly them to Germany, and blow them up, destroying the plane and killing the men? Solves unemployment two ways?

The economics of military spending is that it's pure waste. You build it, you or the enemy blow it up, and if the war ends, it has to be scrapped.

Possibly, you could argue that getting all those men trained and experienced in coping with all sorts of emergencies made them better employees after the war, the ones who lived. You could point out that we lost 300 000, out of many millions, so the training effect might economically outweigh the fatalities.

Or maybe it was the postwar market for, well, everything, that did the trick. All over the world, there was useful work galore to be done, and we in America were the only ones who had an intact industrial plant.

We had new markets in Germany and Japan. Germany and Japan, themselves, were no longer scuttling their own economies while burning their neighbors' stuff and killing their neighbors. That might have had something to do with it too.

213 darthstar  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:06:52pm

Oh, fuck...the Fox "times up" bell at the debate sounds like the doorbell - so the dogs are a-barkin'...

214 Douchecanoe and Ryan Too  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:07:01pm

Off to the new thread.

215 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:07:08pm

re: #188 lostlakehiker

I want Romney as the nominee because it's possible the economy may tank so bad and so hard that Obama can't win, even against loon. If that happens, God help us if one of the loons becomes the Republican nominee.

I want Romney as the nominee because the thought of having to watch the campaign any of the rest will run makes me nauseated.

216 Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:07:46pm

Yes or No Romney

217 Obdicut  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:08:03pm

re: #212 lostlakehiker

The economics of military spending is that it's pure waste. You build it, you or the enemy blow it up, and if the war ends, it has to be scrapped.

Does it bother you that this isn't a remotely true statement?

218 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:10:02pm

re: #208 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

They're blowjobs? I forget about the blowjobs.

I always wondered why people even ran for the office. That has to be the only answer.

219 Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:10:08pm

Ron Paul flummoxed trying to answer the idea of getting something passed...

He also doesn't know his history, the boom bust cycles of the late 1800s while the US was on a gold standard make the current cycles look like steady growth.

220 lostlakehiker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:10:09pm

re: #203 moderatelyradicalliberal

If Romney survives Perry, I'll be amazed. Although, I wouldn't mind my current governor being the nominee because his GWB 2.0 vibe would be gold for Obama. If the GOP thinks Americans miss Bush, I'm fine with them suffering that delusion. Obama's got problems, but I think he could beat anyone of these jokers. Make no mistake he is the ultimate front runner. It's odd, Romney will never generate passion, but some people think he's a moderate and created jobs (HA!). Perry on the other hand is a raving rightwinger who could get some real passion from the GOP base. It's a toss-up, but I'll take either one.

What if Perry wins? A man who either doesn't understand evolution, or won't tell the truth about it, who either doesn't understand AGW, or won't tell the truth about it? A man who has a taste for luxury (big gov's mansion rental habit).

No one who is particularly unfit, within the field, for the presidency, should get any support for the nomination. Because things are dicey enough that there's virtually no nominatable Republican that Obama is an absolute lock to beat in the general election.

221 TedStriker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:10:42pm

re: #215 SanFranciscoZionist

I want Romney as the nominee because the thought of having to watch the campaign any of the rest will run makes me nauseated.

I'm sure that most sane Americans will have OD'd on the TPers' batshit craziness long before the primaries are finished...

222 Atlas Fails  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:12:37pm

Luap Nor pushes voodoo economics; gets tongue tied when asked real question.

223 Achilles Tang  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:13:13pm

I would watch if they had invited Jon Stewart so that they had a real counter opinion to debate.

224 lostlakehiker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:14:39pm

re: #217 Obdicut

Does it bother you that this isn't a remotely true statement?

In a technical sense it's not true, because Jeeps and utility trucks have all sorts of civilian uses. But B17's have no real civilian use. They don't even have a postwar military use to speak of. Sherman tanks likewise. And blown up B17s and Shermans have no civilian use at all.

Fired off ammo has no civilian use to speak of. Sunk shipping likewise. So we go back to the training. Shipyards, for example, had adapted new methods, improvements that were impossible in peacetime because unions would not have accepted them or because management would not have been imaginative enough to think way outside the box.

225 moderatelyradicalliberal  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:15:05pm

Every GOP candidate + Sarah Palin, and excluding Herman Cain Mitt [Romney] is what people who hate white people think of white people.
– Comedian Reggie Brown (Impersonating President Obama)

226 lostlakehiker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:16:13pm

re: #167 makeitstop

Don't you think he should have had enough sense to phrase it differently?

No, not really. If you can't get one whole sentence quoted in full, there's just no point in talking at all. Anything you say will be twisted and then used against you.

227 Atlas Fails  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:16:35pm

Newt mentioned Raygun and tax cuts in the same breath! He clearly isn't going down without a fight (but make no mistake, he's still going down. Slowly and painfully.)

228 lostlakehiker  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:18:14pm

re: #109 SanFranciscoZionist

For that matter, where in the Bible does it say anything about same-sex marriage?

That part about a man should not lie with a man as with a woman might be relevant. I'm not a Bible Thumper and I disagree with that provision, but it's there.

229 Obdicut  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:23:52pm

re: #224 lostlakehiker

In a technical sense it's not true, because Jeeps and utility trucks have all sorts of civilian uses.

And the majority of the material used by the military more closely resembles jeeps and utility trucks than B-17s. I mean, even leaving aside the technological advances, what you've said is just flat-out wrong. Most military equipment has civilian use because mot military equipment is about logistics, about the task of moving men and women around, housing them, and providing for them.

It is absolutely true that there is a category of military spending that's pure waste; the ammunition, the weapons themselves. There's shitloads of waste in the private market as well; hell, look at the entire advertising industry.

It is true that those silly people who attempt to argue that FDR's social programs and their heavy government spending isn't what lifted us out of the depression, but instead that it was the military spending, are overlooking that that is still just government spending, and their own argument is rather shooting itself in the foot.

230 moderatelyradicalliberal  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 6:24:50pm

re: #220 lostlakehiker

What if Perry wins? A man who either doesn't understand evolution, or won't tell the truth about it, who either doesn't understand AGW, or won't tell the truth about it? A man who has a taste for luxury (big gov's mansion rental habit).

No one who is particularly unfit, within the field, for the presidency, should get any support for the nomination. Because things are dicey enough that there's virtually no nominatable Republican that Obama is an absolute lock to beat in the general election.

I'm not saying Obama is a lock, but I'll take my chances with either of the best the GOP has to offer and that's Romney and Perry. The one guy I was afraid of was Huntsman and he's going nowhere. What I feared about him is exactly what makes him totally unacceptable to the GOP base in it's current state. There are two plausible winners of the GOP primaries on that stage, Romney and Rick. I mean it when I say I'll take either one. Incumbent presidents that lost reelection, like Carter and GHWB, weren't just defeated by bad circumstances or their own failures, they were beaten by likable, charismatic, and smart politicians with broad personal appeal. Do you see a Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton up on that stage? I don't.

231 (I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was)  Thu, Aug 11, 2011 11:56:27pm

re: #155 jamesfirecat

What do you not believe in Keynesian Economics?

If not, why?

Keynesianism has no actual theory of interest and fails to explain the origin of bad debts. Its theory of money is essentially that of a good that is roduced out of nothing yet being kept scarce through voluntaristic interest rates.

It's a folly and a sham, but in that it doesn't differ so much from most economic theories. It's still better than all classical, neoclassical and marxist theories, though.

232 (I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was)  Fri, Aug 12, 2011 12:05:03am

re: #165 jamesfirecat

Of course for all the people who claim that, they should realize that World War 2 what with its draft, and needing to use companies like Ford to produce Tanks and Bombers was in reality more or less THE MOST MASSIVE FORM OF GOVERNMENT STIMULUS IMAGINABLE thus even if WW2 did end the depression, that still is an argument in Keynesian economics favor.

Keynesian economics cannot be reduced to the formula "government spending". It's a highly evolved and complex theory of the fundaments of economics, including detailed criticism of previous classical and neoclassical ideas.

Why people insist on dumbing down highly sophisticated economic theories to either "government spending" or "cutting government" is beyond me.


This article has been archived.
Comments are closed.

Jump to top

Create a PageThis is the LGF Pages posting bookmarklet. To use it, drag this button to your browser's bookmark bar, and title it 'LGF Pages' (or whatever you like). Then browse to a site you want to post, select some text on the page to use for a quote, click the bookmarklet, and the Pages posting window will appear with the title, text, and any embedded video or audio files already filled in, ready to go.
Or... you can just click this button to open the Pages posting window right away.
Last updated: 2023-04-04 11:11 am PDT
LGF User's Guide RSS Feeds

Help support Little Green Footballs!

Subscribe now for ad-free access!Register and sign in to a free LGF account before subscribing, and your ad-free access will be automatically enabled.

Donate with
PayPal
Cash.app
Recent PagesClick to refresh
Why Did More Than 1,000 People Die After Police Subdued Them With Force That Isn’t Meant to Kill? An investigation led by The Associated Press has found that, over a decade, more than 1,000 people died after police subdued them through physical holds, stun guns, body blows and other force not intended to be lethal. More: Why ...
Cheechako
11 minutes ago
Views: 22 • Comments: 0 • Rating: 0
A Closer Look at the Eastman State Bar DecisionTaking a few minutes away from work things to read through the Eastman decision. As I'm sure many of you know, Eastman was my law school con law professor. I knew him pretty well because I was also running in ...
KGxvi
3 hours ago
Views: 75 • Comments: 1 • Rating: 1