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Republican Party

Tue, 02/26/2013 - 5:46pm

Are we getting bored with the "gay marriage" question, or what?  This is really about boundaries being pushed and changed. It's not just gay marriage, but before it was gays in the military, today sports news pondered gay football players, etc., etc., etc.  Social change means evaluating traditional roles and preferences.  Analog thinkers won't want to get on board, new #SmartPower thinkers will.  The comment-sphere is overwhelmingly in support.  But is it lip-service and the en vogue manner of thinking or is it really heartfelt.  At any rate, we definitely see the bottom up approach in these comments as we witness push-back against governmental authority getting involved in such matters as these.  The rise of the individual voice continues. We'll be tracking it for ya here like no one else!

The biggest story on the political scene right now? About a month before two gay marriage cases are argued in the Supreme Court, 80 GOP members are now urging the highest court to support equal marriage rights. According to reports, among the Republicans to file "a friend of the court" brief this week are former members of the George W. Bush Administration, former members of Congress and ex-governons. Most of them don't currently hold office and, as reported in some media outlets, they are described as "more liberal." They want the Supreme Court to declare California's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage, as unconstitutional. The Supreme Court will hear the arguments on March 26 and March 27.  And constituents say....

What Others Are Saying...

I'm glad that top Republicans are "coming out" ... The time for it is long overdue. But the Supreme Court should settle this on constitutional grounds, not political grounds.

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Some conservatives as if when we allow gay couples to marry, suddenly heterosexual marriage will cease to exist. ... This is not one-or-the-other thing. ...

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The rights of the minority should never be held hostage by the majority. ... No part of our government should be involved in the marriage business period. Too bad if some people don't agree with gay marriage. ... It's time to move past it once and for all.

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Tue, 11/27/2012 - 8:25pm

Looks like some Americans just may not want to be talked "at" but rather involved and engaged directly via their ideas.  A tall order given the population, but something will have to give because in this new era (as defined in the book "Rise of the SmartPower Class"), people are committed to becoming more and more self-determinant.  It is not business as usual and even the proposed approach is smacks too much of the business as usual methodology.  People seem to be looking for a radical departure from the old ways that really haven't served many people at all.  This is what is we are calling very leaderful - where everyone wants to participate in creating his/her own lifestyle in the new era.  No doubt, Obama will arrive to cheers in Philly but more than cheers just may be needed here.  Let's watch.

President Barack Obama plans to get the public involved in appealing for a fiscal cliff solution. Obama will be in Philadelphia on Friday where he will explain his strategy for dealing with the issue. Obama making a public case in this manner is seen as a strategy to pressure Republicans to allow tax increases on the wealthy while extending tax cuts for families earning $250,000 or less. The GOP quickly replied criticizing Obama's plan to involve the public by saying that in doing so he avoids to sit and work with the lawmakers. Reaching out to the public has helped Obama before, according to reports. Last summer, the payroll tax cut extension was passed. Also in the same manner, Obama prevented interest rates on millions of federal student loans from doubling. But what's the public chatter this time around?

What Others Are Saying...

That's what Barack does best. Campaign. ... His followers are so gullible they will believe whatever he says ... He and his band of fool Dems have no plan but to tax and spend. The problem is you can't get enough money from this "evil" 2% to pay down the deficit that Barack himself created. ...

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How about listening to the economists who warned against the things that got us into this mess? ... And our representatives need to vote for what's best for We The People ...

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Letting the Bush Tax Cuts expire ... raising the CGT back for everybody ... is a good first step ... Getting the runaway spending ... will be the next step ... Making all Americans pay the same flat-rate Medicare and FICA taxes on all earnings would solve a lot of problems too.

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Wed, 10/17/2012 - 11:56am

Now, we are getting somewhere. This is about facts and challenges and truth in revelations.  Comment-sphere likes this a lot and reflects with its own numbers.  Finally the public seems to be getting more of what it wants.  It's not so much about image, celebs and Al Green renditions; it's about keeping it very real in a tense era.  Could politicos be catching on, finally?  But we can't help but also say that we love when pop culture language gets infiltrated from these debates.  It's now all about "sketchy deals" and "live fact checking."  Gotta luv it.

The second presidential debate, in which both candidates answered questions from uncommitted voters, was a lot more aggressive, as expected, than the previous one. President Barack Obama looked directly at Republican candidate Mitt Romney's face this time and was not nearly as "polite".  According to reports, many analysts agree that Obama won the debate and regained momentum. Romney and Obama fiercely disagreed over how to create jobs, taxes, Libya, Benghazi killings, China, foreign policy in general, women's rights. There was literally finger pointing, talking over one another, jabbing fingers and accusing each other of lying. According to CNN, the network awarded the debate 46% to Obama and 39% to Romney, while CBS put it as 37% Obama to 30% Romney.  What about you?

What Others Are Saying...

If Republicans want to blame President Obama for Libya, then they have to blame President Bush for 9/11. ... Except that President Bush had more time to assimilate the advance warnings ...

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Gas -doubled in price, unemployement - 12%, 6 Trillion added to the deficit, more rounds of golf than the last three presidents combined, ... are you really better off? Obama cant even answer the question, all he tells people is they have the government to thank for their success. ...

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Capital Gains tax relief for people making under $200,000. ... it simply won't apply in any real way to almost everyone. How many stocks and bonds ... are you getting ready to sell ... ? More fluff from Romney, and he'll change his mind as soon as he gets challenged publicly on it.

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Thu, 10/11/2012 - 3:59pm

Got the popcorn ready??? Talk about the "arena".  The comments are all about placing bets almost. Is it Vegas or Kentucky?  Everybody is trying to predict on this one, and actually due to the fall out on the last prez debate; this VP one may result in crazy viewership. Let's see.  One thing is sure.  This further indicates the divide in the country and the basic competitive spirit in our culture. Don't they always say politics is a contact sport?  May the best man win tonite.  Will you be watching?

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan are going to debate for the first and only time tonight in Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. Experts say there is more pressure on Biden following the unconvincing performance last week by President Barack Obama, which resulted in the Republican candidate leading in several polls and making the gap smaller in the national poll. Expectations are that precisely for that reason more people will be watching the vice presidential debate, which is hardly a determining factor in the presidential race. The debate will include both domestic and foreign policy issues and, according to several reports, Biden is expected to be more aggressive and argumentative. 

What Others Are Saying...

Biden has nothing to lose and everything to gain. ... They will most likely adopt a strategy where Biden will try to lure Ryan into a "Bum-Fight", where people watching get a headache and switch the channel. ...Look for Biden to spew a barrage of blatant lies and force Ryan to waste valuable time straightening out the record. ... Keep in mind that Biden is a known idiot so he can screw up all he wants - no one will hold him accountable ...

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... I suspect Biden is walking into a trap against Ryan ... If Biden attacks too strongly, Ryan will droop his ears on camera and get to play "Woe is me" ... Biden should stick to ... wealth inequality and the theft of massive amounts of job-funding capital ... Romney's disrespect for 47% of American voters, and the conservative assault on the social safety net. Those are sure-fire winners, and he should be able to address them without sounding too "mean" ...

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... [Ryan] will come across as extremely petulant and smarmy. In town hall meetings and forums he has this annoying habit of rolling his eyes and saying "you don't understand" ...Very condescending. Biden will rip him on Medicare ...

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Wed, 10/10/2012 - 9:00pm

The side of the comments-sphere that supports Obama seems to be even more disgusted with the now "polite" excuse that the president is offering.  Manners and politics don't seem to typically be placed in the same sentence.  But what's really going on here?  Politeness is said to be seen as deference so of course no one understands why in a debate atmosphere, that one would defer if he has such strong beliefs in his direction.  Power does not typically defer if it wants to retain it's positon.  And as we all debate daily within comments, across social media, etc; we have a different level of communication which we naturally expect those in "authority" to also reflect.  If they don't....well... you can guess what the result is.  But we have to admit, the third comment we've curated here is cracking us up! "Channel your inner Prof. Michael Eric Dyson..."?!?!  How do they think them up!

President Barack Obama said he was too polite during the presidential debate last week and that was not going to happen again. He accepted the debate loss but said that was only the first one. He compared the debate to the playoffs in basketball where a team has to win four out of seven games. Obama said they lost one but were up by two because they are ahead in the national polls. Obama said there would be more activity in the next debate but did not offer any details. The president is mindful that there is  a vice presidential debate coming up, and Joe Biden is facing pressure to make up for Obama's poor debate performance last week. 

What Others Are Saying...

... Obama, getting angry and less polite won't solve your problem. Obama is incompetent and wrong on virtually every issue ... and nothing can change that. ... Obama, you're a terrible debater and you can't convince anyone of anything no matter how often you repeat your lies.

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... I don't know why he would be polite about someone who deliberately lied constantly during the debate ... Obama didn't call him out on it. That's f-ed up the president's side. ... [Romney] said he wasn't for reducing taxes for the wealthy, complete lie... I can't imagine how the American people can be so dumb to believe his lies. Do a little research for Christ sake. ... 

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Dear Pres. Obama, I hope you haven't been so insulated in the cocoon of the White House that you've forgotten "The Ole Black Tax". You don't have the luxury of "next time". ... Next debate I suggest you channel your inner Prof. Michael Eric Dyson ...Be an angry black man, there is too much at stake ...

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Tue, 10/09/2012 - 9:32pm

So, perhaps so much for what Columbia University professor says (see previous post on debate) that people have already made up their minds by debate time and are simply looking to see how their candidate does in the ring, much like a sporting event.  If polls are accurate, and we know they often can be up for interpretation, it would seem that that theory is somewhat incorrect. The interesting thing about the comments is that the issue really seems to be about truth and getting to the heart of the matter whether it be about issues or even how polls are conducted.  This is the major thru-line of our time, and one that politicos often miss - how very much value is now placed on this.  Here's an interesting thing though:  the University of Michigan showed that between when it came to surveying people, the most truthful responses came from text.  Why? Because there is a record of it.  A key element in our society now which is underestimated.  Think Pew might start to survey that way?  Who knows but wondering if Big Bird's opinion was also included in these polls?

After what many are claiming was a poor debate performance by President Barack Obama and a strong performance by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, the latter is now ahead in polls in some swing states like Iowa but Obama is barely winning in Ohio. Some polls found Obama ahead just by 48 percent to 47.3 percent nationally. According to Pew, 82 percent have considered the debate, which is up from 73 percent the month before. According to numerous polls, even where Obama is still ahead, his lead had gotten smaller. Onto the comments.

What Others Are Saying...

... The stubbornness in Obama’s numbers were that his advertising had made people at least doubt Romney and make them ask themselves they need to know more about him before they switch or commit. ... [People] wanted to see Romney against Obama one-on-one and judge for themselves. That has happened and now it will be much harder for Obama to continue his cartoon character of Romney ...

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Whatever the truth concerning Romney's middle class support, that should change once it sinks into voters' minds that Romney deeply insulted and writes off nearly half the voters, including a fat percentage of his own supporters. ... He said he'll never be able to teach them to care for their lives and take responsibility. It doesn't get much more condescending than that, especially when all the working poor he dismisses in those remarks pay a higher tax rate (15% payroll) than Romney paid the last two years (14% and 13%+). ... These people mainly include our brave warriors that fight on our battlefields. ...

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...I love how the Right Wing Freakout Machine now loves polls now that Pew’s shows Romney in the lead. ... They’re the most accurate things ever invented. ...

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Fri, 10/05/2012 - 5:13pm

Naturally there is divide on this one, as is to be expected. But people like commenting a LOT on this new, shall we say, development.  Why?  'Cause the word of the times is transparency. Who is most transparent? Who is hiding what? Why? Who is truthful, and who is not?  These are the questions.  In fact, a sociologist named Piotr Sztompka says that trust (and if one is transparent, then one can be trusted) is obviously a fundamental component of human action.  For him, there are several dimensions of trust and actually notes that is important as a key part of social capital as this new era emerges.  So is Romney abundant with traditional capital but lacking on this level of social capital?  The fact that he is even questioned says much in and of itself, no?

After positive reviews of his performance at the first presidential debate, Republican candidate Mitt Romney and his staff have now had to defend that he had not used cheat sheets or notes during the debate. After a video was posted online, in which Romney appeared to be pulling notes out of his pocket, Romney's campaign said that was a handkerchief. Media outlets analyzed the video and concluded that Romney, in fact, had a handkerchief and did not cheat during the debate. However, some people are still not convinced. On to the comments!

What Others Are Saying...

While I'm not one for conspiracy theories ... the end of the video is what convinced me ... Romney collects multiple sheets of paper from the podium ... What he folds up and takes is clearly too large too firm to be a handkerchief.

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Mitt is known to be a liar, cheating is second nature to him. ... There is something false about that guy.

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... To suggest that Obama lost because Romney cheated is utterly disgusting. Obama was a wimp in the debate because his policies are bankrupt and he can’t take the message of class warfare to the masses ... Obama is setting himself up to be destroyed in the next debate. ...

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Wed, 10/03/2012 - 4:12pm

How interesting that these comments seem to reflect exactly what Columbia professor and author Robert Erikson discusses in his latest book, "The Timeline of Presidential Elections... ."  In it he posits that people's minds are actually already made up by debate time, and that the events function more just to see how your pick performs.  Erikson claims they do not really sway any decisions.  Then why do we have them?  LOL  Well, we'll be watching tonight.  Will you?

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will debate for the first time on domestic issues only at the University of Denver in Colorado. Many consider this event to be the  last best chance Romney has to catch up to Obama as he takes his lead in the national polls. The two will debate in three segments about the economy, mostly o jobs, then move onto health care and finally regarding the role and size of the federal government. The debate is overshadowed by a 5-year-old video in which then-Sen. Obama goes off script and criticizes the poor urgency response of the government after Hurricane Katrina. The Romney campaign denied any involvement regarding the recovery of the video. Onto the comments!

What Others Are Saying...

Mitt Romney, of all people, is going to call someone out for lying?!?! ... That is just hilarious. That man lies every time he opens his mouth. ... But I am sure the president will be prepared for a list of lies and flippity flops from Mittens. ... I don't know if one man would be able to carry that much paper.

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... I'm consistently impressed by ... Romney's...attitude of condescension. Mr. Romney is really tired of people with no status asking him for details, wanting to see his tax returns ... He apparently thinks that ordinary little people do not deserve straight answers and are simply impertinent to question him. ... For him most Americans do not deserve his respect.

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... It will probably not be until the eve of the elections themselves that anyone knows who it will end for. ... We have a clear choice. Romney: freedom, limited government, prosperity. Obama: communism, failed policies, madness. ...

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Mon, 10/01/2012 - 7:55pm

So, who doesn't have an opinion on this one.  Naturally those who comment are not only divided but apparently, according to comments such as the second, doing the math. When not sitting at the abacus, it's all about providing one's own opinion over that of the polls almost as if to imply that these old traditional ways don't matter as much anymore.  It's more about self-determining, being vocal. Watch for more of this to come.

President Barack Obama enjoys a big lead against Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in the polls over the last month, according to various reports. Independent polls find Obama with a double-digit in Washington state. Gravis Marketing research shows that Obama is ahead with 56 percent to 39 percent. Another poll, Elway Research from Sept. 9-12 found Obama with a 17-point lead. The latest Washington Post-ABC Newspoll release results according to which Obama has a lead among likely voters in battleground states by 11 points, 52 percent to 41 percent. However, nationally he is ahead 49 percent to 47 percent. Obama also, reportedly, has a big lead among women voters. The president also leads in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania by 9, 10, 12 percent, respectfully.  These numbers have all the media buzzing today!

What Others Are Saying...

... The US has been losing its competitive advantage – fast. ... It’s hard for Americans to think we’re no longer leading but thanks to progressive policies ... dramatically increasing the budget debt, sovereign debt, and debt interest payments ... we’re on a downward trajectory. ... I think Romney is falling short on Obama’s target, which seems more focused on taking us to a hyperinflationary third-world country.

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... How Obama could be up 11 points in the battleground states and virtually tied in the national race. ...Advertising and get-out-the-vote efforts in battleground states hardly seem to be a sufficient explanation. New York and California aren't battleground states and I'd expect Obama to be ahead by huge margins in both. Is it that Obama's lead in both is cancelled out by similar leads for Romney in the South? ...

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Robme will be the mop rag come debate time. It will be enjoyable. ... I am so sick of all the hate filled language and behavior... Tea Party, the American Taliban, today's GOP.

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Thu, 09/27/2012 - 8:01pm

So the comment sphere is pretty unified on this one.  However if the goal was to start discussion, then the goal was definitely made.  While the focus is on the expletives, should there be a greater question about the number of citizens who are truly apathetic - and more importantly, why they are apathetic.  Did you know there was a writer in the 1830's who wrote that his biggest fear for the United States would be apathy on the part of citizens. Funny enough this writer did not believe in our ability to learn and move out of apathy by reading books, but rather by experience.  If dude was right, this Sam Jackson piece just might be that.  Let's see what happens, but one thing for sure is that no one puts such passion into expletives like Jackson does from a Tarantino flick to a Soros' produced one!

Another Hollywood celebrity just got political. Actor Samuel L. Jackson stars in a nearly 4-minute video talking about jobs in the U.S. and overseas, health care comparing President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The video is aimed at politically active families in 2008 who have since became apathetic towards the future. Hence the line, "Wake the f*** up!" The heroine of the ad is a young girl trying to make her family care. She even curses them out at the very end. The story is takeoff on the narration of the bedtime tale "Go The F*** To Sleep." According to reports, the political spot was done in with the Jewish Council for Research and Education PAC, funded mostly by George Soros’ 25-year-old son Alexander.

What Others Are Saying...

... Both parties support laws that go against the well-being of the average citizen. ... You celebs (Jackson) have a natural platform from which to opine on the world around you and people will listen, but unfortunately every time one of you big-shots opens your mouth, rarely does anything of value come out of it. ...

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... It seems as if this type of language is acceptable in many circles but, I for one, do not appreciate his choice of words. Come on Mr. Jackson you are a terrific actor and a very intelligent person. ... This is no different then the ads that others are running. It is mind boggling to know that the supposedly intelligent people supporting each candidate could do a much better job speaking to the public. ...

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What the F*** was this? A little girl worried about Planned Parenthood? ... Sam Jackson swearing like a sailor right next to her? ... Who's the pervert who wrote this? A little girl interrupts old people about to have sex? ...

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