where the SmartPower generation connects

election

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 11:48am

Very interesting here in the comment-sphere.  While many are certainly taking the holier-than-thou approach this morning, there are many who see it like our Commenter #3 here.  Why?  Does this speak further to value change in our society.  Interestingly enough, certain surveys showed that some female voters forgave Sanford because the situation with the mistress seemed to be genuine love.  As they say, art imitates life, and what other polls are also showing is that female viewers are rooting for the fictional couple on the ABC hit series "Scandal" that depicts POTUS having an affair with a woman he truly loves.  As we observe the beginnings of a gender shift in power in the U.S. that seems to be coinciding with re-evaluation of traditional relationships, we see a new attitude.  While the national press corp may have been shocked about the win, many of us who observe the cultural scene are not quite in that same situation today.  It's about being able to connect the dots to indicate not only what could take place, but mindset behind why it is taking place.  Keep reading and watching us!

What's the hot political chatter of the moment?  Well, aside from the Benghazi hearings today, it's all about Republican Mark Sanford's win of a South Carolina congressional seat just last night.  Though caught up in a previous scandal regarding extra-marital romance and more, Sanford surpised many and appeared like a phoenix from the ashes and claiming victory.  It is said that the national press corp is shocked, but the real news in in the public opinion. Let's get a glimpse....

What Others Are Saying...

...Proving once again, Americans are the stupidest people on the planet...

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Mark Sanford perfectly represents...South Carolina constituents. He isn't very smart.

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South Carolina isn't isolated when it comes to a lack of family values...I know Mark Sanford was wrong, the people apparently forgave him and decided to give him a second chance.

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Sat, 11/10/2012 - 7:32pm

This is interesting. It's not about strength or weakness for the comment soup.  This is about truth or fact, a very important topic in the new times.  Transparency, integrity.  These are the buzz words of today.  In an era where so much has seemingly been manipulated in the past, many believe very little these days.  Professor Piotr Sztompka talks about the "decay of trust" emergence.  He says that as this happens we become "ghettoized"; that is, escaping into enclaves of closeness, security - trusted circles.  How will this affect our society in the long term?  That's what will be fascinating to watch.

A video has hit the cyber-sphere showing President Barack Obama shed a couple of tears during his address to his team at his Chicago campaign headquarters. The tears began to flow as he spoke about having come "full circle" in the election. A president crying is not an act you usually see (that's actually Boehner's vibe), but it shows that the strength has a heart. Nevertheless, some people are question whether it's sincere. Will he shed some more for winning Florida, boosting his votes to 332 in comparison to Governor Mitt Romney's 206? Americans discuss... 

What Others Are Saying...

Oh for pete's sake, of course his crying was sincere. He wasn't playing to some audience that needed to be convinced of his caring for them. He was and is sincere about his staff and about the USA. It's obvious to me!...Walk a mile in his shoes and see where that gets you! A man who can show his emotions of gratitude to his team and his country is a true hero in my book. 

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What a sissy! Just more proof that he is morally weak...

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Why are people watching this video and acting as if Obama was sobbing? Literally, I didn't even know he was tearing up until he finished and wiped the tears from his face.

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Sat, 09/22/2012 - 12:30pm

Is transparency in the eye of the beholder?  One might think so according to this sample we bring you now from the grand comment-sphere. Obviously demonstrates the further divided country in which we are currently living and the issue of which direction we want to go and under what leadership.  Thing is, if Pew Research Center stats are correct in demonstrating that Romney has one of the lowest favorable ratings ever of a prez nominee, do tax records really matter one way or another at that point?  Let's watch the numbers but watch the comment soup even more and see just where the numbers even are this year for actual voter turn-out no matter who the candidate.  In the meantime, we bet H&R Block wasn't the team behind the Romney tax returns.  Wish we could all get such pro counseling!

The Mitt Romney 2012 Campaign team has finally released the nominee's full 2011 tax returns, and displayed his tax rate at 14.1 percent last year. Voters always knew he was rich, but this release of information so late in the game is puzzling to strategists and democrats. Romney swore he never payed under 13 percent in income taxes, therefore when Romney aides went over the records from the past 20 years they decided to release the information to quell doubts before the first debate against Obama. Do voters think this uncovering of information illustrates his transparency, or do they think Romney still has something to hide?

What Others Are Saying...

The corporate national media is refusing to report what everyone knows. ROMNEY IS A TAX CHEAT. My guess is that about ten days before the election, we are going to see Mitt's real tax returns...Public relations 101: if you want to put a scandal behind you, you put all the information out there and rip the band-aid off in one go...Instead he's continuing down the path of dribbling out partial info inviting the question in new news cycles as to what he ISN'T revealing. Mitt's going to be the poster child forever more in political science classrooms of how not to run a campaign...

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Although Romney’s word will not be sufficient for Democrats, and even though his furtive attitudes suggest some sort of cover up, Romney’s base will not lose faith in that word, and may even suggest that he is now some sort of martyr for the conservative cause. Even though the waters remain muddied, it will afford Mitt the cover needed for him to hide...It is also uncertain how many swing voters actually judge this issue, and, they may not dessert Romney in numbers large enough for him to lose...

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How pathetic that the Democrats have to resort to a smear campaign in order to increase Obama's chances of winning the election. For instance, just look at the TV commercials that both campaigns have been airing. I live in a battleground state, and the Obama campaign has only been airing attack ads. Whereas the Romney campaign ads focus on what Romney can do for the country...

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Sat, 09/15/2012 - 1:13pm

More class warfare?  Looks like Mitt has placed himself in yet more hot water with this statement.  Reminds us of a French goverment official not long ago who was asked the price of a baguette and was so far out of touch that the amount quoted was laughable.  What happens in a society when those who wish to run it are not aware of the intricacies of the society itself? This may not really be about criticizing Romney in as much as it's about being cautious about options that appear when choices provided seem incompetent or irrelevant.  There's a hot article on economic gap (since the French Revolution!) between politicians and constituents in "The New York Times" from a few months ago.  Will such/are such patterns being questioned now in the new era?

In an interview on ABC's Good Morning America, Mitt Romney argued that he would not raise taxes on middle income Americans, leading show host George Stephanopoulos to question whether Romney's definition of middle income consisted of individuals making between $30,000 and $100,000. Romney replied that middle income, in his opinion, is actually between $200,000 and $250,000, which in reality is actually in the top 2 or 3 percent. The Romney campaign team later clarified, saying that Romney's numbers were actually for household income, not individual income. What are Americans saying about this gaffe, and how it relates to his party position?

What Others Are Saying...

That is not, nor is it near, "middle income" by any possible reasonable definition. Mitt Romney's world view is severely off-center, and his identification is with people a lot richer and greedier than you and me...he was born with a silver spoon, and never had to pay tuition, a student or mortgage loan, or for medical bills. He is out of touch with reality.

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"Wow! I'm poverty and didn't even know it! Thanks Mitt!"

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I went to college, i have my master's, i got a job doing what i love, but guess what? I don't make $250,000 a year! People in my field of work are significantly underpaid. This guy lives in an elite little dream world...just because i don't make $250,000 a year does not mean I'm some slacker with a minimum wage job that does not have any ambition!

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Fri, 08/10/2012 - 8:14pm

Looks like many of those commenting are not up for the divination by any means when it comes to the political scene and want hands-off when it comes to Wikipedia.  This is really about standards and traditions being tested.   Funny though that this is the vibe given that sentiment was positive regarding using social media elements to forecast different public official elections. That was a different scenario, though so clearly carving out of what tech platforms should and should not be used for certain levels of forecast is being worked out now. Think any info will be leaked similar to that of the Democratic convention data which just happened?  Probably not.  Mitt's got this one on lock. 

Mitt Romney will be announcing his running mate any day now, and Americans are attempting to figure out who it will be before it is broadcasted, such as examining potential picks’ Wikipedia pages. In the past, activity on the Wikipedia pages of the VP pick has increased, such as Biden’s page was edited 40 times the day before it was publicly broadcasted. This year, Rob Portman, Marco Rubio, Tim Pawlenty and Paul Ryan are possibilities, and all have had some interesting activity on their pages. Are hopeful candidates hoping to look better to Romney by deleting or editing a section on controversies and criticisms, or is it someone in the Romney campaign doing the ‘updating’? Either way politicos discuss this medium – even if Wikipedia has just recently locked the potential picks’ pages.

What Others Are Saying...

Classic example of people taking something that should be used for good and ruining it…

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The right wing has a whole business dedicated to nothing but scrubbing the web, rewriting history, and removing unflattering images…Old news stories that have been proven to be lies, any connections between disgraced right wing politicians, and current politicians have been doctored, photo shopped, replaced. Wikipedia? Pfft, child's play…

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It's now official: fortunetellers are as lazy as the average student.  When the typical forms of divination--reading either chicken entrails, runes, wind patterns, auras or tarot cards--aren't working for them, they too turn to Wikipedia…It seems no one has pride in their work anymore. 

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Wed, 06/27/2012 - 9:09pm

(click "View" above for more) Teflon, a question of race or something else altogether.  Given that Congress has most recently had a 13% approval rating, have people just decided to give up voting in favor of working in collectives and via movements?  Whatever the case, the comments are thumbs down, yet Rangel looks like he's on his way to Disneyworld yet again.  Like Bravo says, let's "watch what happens" during this time around.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), fought off four primary opponents in a district that is now more than half Hispanic. Rangel, 82, is now likely to win a 22nd term, according to USA Today. Between 2007 and 2011, Rangel was the first black chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Rangel overcame bad publicity after ethics violations were an issue when in 2010 he was found to have evaded tax on income from a rental in the Dominican Republic. Comments, however, are still negative.

What Others Are Saying...

 The untouchable. The tax evader. … Once a crook always. Rangel has strengths of his own, though. …Rangel’s four-decade career in Congress has engendered abiding loyalty among many blacks and a large swath of Democratic voters in the area. … And why is America in so much trouble??? … America is over as we knew it. I don’t see the U.S. coming back. Peoples’ eyes are blank. No brightness for the future.

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Rangel has had decades to attempt to improve the lives of his Harlem constituents, yet their lives have never improved. They vote for him because he is black.  This is the issue with most black voters. … Presumably, they do this because they think the black politicians will fight for them, but they don't. … It happens all the time -- regardless of the crime, scandal. Look at Marion Barry! … They reelected the same person who disgraced the office he still holds and who has become an ineffective leader.

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 How pathetic. He is censored by congress and should be in jail, but yet wins a primary to get his seat back. And we all wonder why this country is in the position it's in. … Amazing that Rangel gets another chance at keeping his seat. He is a typical politician. In other words, a liar and a crook. However, this guy is a known crook. … The bar is lowered yet again!

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Fri, 06/15/2012 - 5:02pm

Can you say "battleground"?  This is only the beginning, Ladies and Gentlemen.  Everyone will have an opinion on this one.  The most question may be, what aren't we really being told?  This is about trust, transparency and values - all in major flux and shifting.  Keep your eye on the ball, 'cause it's abotu to get hot for those not really aware.

President Obama used his recent speech in Ohio to state that the divisive factor in November’s election would be the:  United States' economic future. This is about ‘"how to grow the economy, how to create good jobs and how to pay down our deficit’.  Romney got a jump-start on the day, however, by giving his own speech in Ohio on economic plans just shortly before the President's. Did the speeches hit home or not? We now look at citizens trying to decide their own futures in favor of or against the President in light of his latest Cleveland speech.

What Others Are Saying...

…a wonderful speech…I don't know if he can get through the dense drunken Republican mindset. The GOP is a real house of nuts…

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Clearly overindulgence in marijuana stunted Obama's intellectual growth, he's stuck in Marxism…

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There is a big difference in how Obama views the economy versus how Romney views the economy. In Obama's world, he views government as the solution....In Romney's world, he views the citizens as the solution. Have government get out of the way, reduce the tax burden on companies who employ citizens, create an environment where the private sector can flourish, use private equity to fund private sector business, and reduce government spending so that government does not create such a burden on the job creators...

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Mon, 05/14/2012 - 9:12pm

What if instead of instead of continuing to support a system which seems to perpetuates disparity by focusing on the need for the biggest bank account in elections; those who were wealthy, powerful and concerned actually helped to create an entirely new system. Oh wait.  That would be too much trouble.

Actor-vist George Clooney hosted a fundriasing gala of approximately 150 Hollywood powerati to raise money for Obama's re-election campaign.  The event broke records for the most earned in a single fundraiser - $15 million.  What do "the people" think?

What Others Are Saying...

Voting is a scam. It is controlled and manipulated. The elite will get the candidates they want....

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Another sad day for... out-of-touch celebrities while the rest of the country suffers at the hand of obama

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...George isn't a good actor and I haven't seen him in a movie in some time. The guy does nothing for me. I heard Betty White was at this elitist function. All politicians are elitist, Republicans and Democrats. Get over it because both parties suck.

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Fri, 05/04/2012 - 3:42pm

With the current sentiments not only in this country but around the world, show-stoppers like this just might be considered risky business.  People just do not seem to be having it anymore when it comes to glitz, glam, money & politics as the day's latest cocktail.  Are leaders aware of what the constituency thinks today or are they simply out of step in a leaderful era? Is this the best system we can think of or is there a better method out there?

Media reports say that approximately 150 guests attended a political fundraiser held at George Clooney's home in the L.A. area.  The dinner is projected to raise $6 million itself and on-line donations projected for another $6 million making a total of $12 million.  Citizens express their thoughts.

What Others Are Saying...

Maybe Clooney should do a fundraiser for...people who have lost jobs during obama's term

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I wonder how many Homeless could be fed instead of having this party for the 1% who already have it all?

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Presidency For Sale.  Low mileage, used only on Sundays for trips to the golf course.  Free gas and other perks included.  Call....

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Sat, 04/07/2012 - 6:01pm

Hillary continues to be a person of interest.  Will she or won't she.  Comments show she is still a polarizing figure in politics, and with the way that new ideas are forming in the world; would this be a proper contender with new thought to equal a new era?  Hmmmm....

Growing number of public figures are starting to voice their feelings for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton running for president in 2016.

What Others Are Saying...

God no...not Hillary. If she gets the Democratic nomination, we'll be handling the Presidency right back to the Republicans...

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Hill in 2016 is an interesting concept. We had our Bill & Hill show in the past. Rekindle that all over again - will American voter buy that?....

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...Former President Bill Clinton, the other half of this political powerhouse, often describes Hillary as the most competent person in his generation. I couldn’t agree more. So although she may have been too polarizing to win the Presidency in 2008, we can all be certain that if given the opportunity, she would have been one of the most competent and successful President’s in our lifetime....

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