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Streetcar Line
Without Visuals, a Different Impression
Some belated, sobering thoughts about Tuesday’s debate.
(Page 2 of 2)
Okay, let me interrupt this criticism with a note that Romney gave good answers on how regulations harm community banks and on why “permanent changes to the tax code” are preferable to temporary and targeted tax breaks. But aside from those, he was nothing but platitudes — wrapped, I’m sure, in his trademark coiffed hair, relaxed posture, and pleasant tones, and topped off at the end of each answer with an oh-so-earnest smile.
Lord, please save us from candidates who want to be president to either equal or out-do their presidential or near-presidential or considered-for presidential or national-military-leader fathers. Romney the father complained about being brainwashed; now Republicans are on the verge of being brainwashed by the son.
Rick Santorum: First, the criticism: No matter how justified it is for a candidate to resent, in debate after debate, being given only about one-third or one-fourth as many opportunities to speak as the front-running Forehead gets, don’t, repeat don’t, complain about the unfairness of it all. Whines don’t age well.
Other than that, Santorum again was first-rate. He’s right that his proposal for zero corporate income taxes on manufacturers would be an economic winner and, unlike 9-9-9, be likely to be passed by Congress. He’s right that states without any sales taxes would howl at a national sales tax (and, he might add, states already with a sales tax over, say, 5 percent, would balk at being the collection agents for double-digit levies). He’s right to go after specifically those regulations that “cost” more than $100 million. He’s right to say that Romney’s “waiver” approach to Obamacare would end up with red states subsidizing California and New York. He was right, unlike four of the others, to have opposed TARP. And he was both right, and eloquent, in insisting that “the breakdown of the American family” is not just a moral issue but an economic one, and that poverty is exacerbated by, and ever concurrent with, broken families. As the lead Senate sponsor of welfare reform in 1996, Santorum (along with Gingrich and several other House leaders) is as responsible as anybody for helping lessen the incidence of poverty, in part specifically through policies aimed at keeping families together.
*****
Of course, in a competitive election, “presentation” does matter very significantly, and if Republicans want to rid the country of this disastrous president Obama, they have every right to want a candidate who “projects” himself well enough to win. The question is, why can’t they get somebody who also has good substance to project?
About the Author
Quin Hillyer is a senior editor of The American Spectator and a senior fellow at the Center for Individual Freedom. Follow him on Twitter @QuinHillyer.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (129) | Leave a comment
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Clint| 10.14.11 @ 6:23AM
Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday.
Romney, 23%. Cain, 19%. Paul, 13%.
Mike Hawk| 10.14.11 @ 8:31AM
5% - Ron Paul is an outlier and his minions a coterie of crackpots and kooks.
Clint| 10.14.11 @ 8:42AM
We Have A Meeting Tonight Of The Valley Forge Patriots, Hawk.
Let's See If Ya Show Up This Time.
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Oldefarte| 10.14.11 @ 11:47AM
What, all TWO of you [that's not a meeting, that's a coupling]? Are party hats, horns, cake and ice cream being provided also??????
Clint| 10.14.11 @ 12:28PM
Obviously, RINO-CINO ShitPants There Doesn't Know Who The Valley Forge Patriots Are.
Show Up & Find Out Shitpants.
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 1:56PM
Does this describe you?
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of stress. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of Religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people." 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
Trish| 10.14.11 @ 4:28PM
As usual, the Word is the most accurate barometer.
Clint| 10.14.11 @ 4:36PM
Yeah Apocalyptic Crank Lady Margie I'm A Tea Party Patriot.
But, You Already Knew That Screwball Anti-Catholic, Israel Firster Apocalyptic Crank Lady Margie.
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 9:12PM
What does you being a Tea Party member have to do with the application of 2 Tim. 3:1-5 to yourself, Clint?
Clint| 10.14.11 @ 10:07PM
We Catholics Don't Take Lectures From Hypocrite Nasty Ass Anti-Catholic Bigot Pigs Like You Apocalyptic Crank Lady Margie.
Now, Tell All The Practicing Jews & Muslims, Where You Say They Go When They Die.
You're Up Bigot Pig.
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 11:38PM
Nasty-ass?
Now that's rich.
Clint| 10.15.11 @ 10:47AM
You're American Spectator's Resident White Trash Bigot Broad, Apocalyptic Crank Lady Margie.
Get Right With God,Before You Run Your Nasty Ass Bigot Mouth.
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 11:40PM
p.s. You're Religion won't save you from where you're going, Clinty-poo.
Clint| 10.15.11 @ 10:52AM
You Got A Fixated Obsessional Ax To Grind Against Catholics, But Today, You Haven't Exposed Your White Trash Fundy Fanatic Bigotry Against Practicing Protestants, Jews , Muslims & Mormons.
Tell Us What You Say About Them ,White Trash Joisey Bigot Broad, Margie.
You're Up, World Class Bigot, Margie.
Margie| 10.15.11 @ 11:31PM
"But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and ALL LIARS, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second Death." Rev. 21:8.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 1:47PM
Wow, Clint. Isn't this the Pot calling the Kettle Black? Nasty, nasty comments on Judaism from you.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 1:54PM
She likes Jews, Clint. Unlike you.
Jeamar37| 10.15.11 @ 3:05PM
It's a shame you have a captive audience among AS readers of the comments. You shrill, self-righteous proselytizing is surely turning more people away from Christianity (at least your personal interpretation of it) than serious consideration of it.
Can't you go door-t0-door or stand on a street corner with your message. At least one could then shut the door on walk away.
Jeamar37| 10.15.11 @ 3:07PM
Magie: The above is for you. Forgot to mention your name as though one couldn't figure it out.
Margie| 10.15.11 @ 11:29PM
Stuff it, sweetheart~ say, why don't you and Clinty-poo go get a room?
I hear Elvis is waiting for you in Las Vegas.
Clint| 10.16.11 @ 10:44AM
Margie is American Spectator's Resident Industrial Strength Religious Bigot Maniac.
Oldefarte| 10.14.11 @ 5:05PM
C&nt;: If you ran for president, not even Ron Paul would vote for you. You should display your eloquence by becoming a spokesperson for the Wall Street protesters and mingle with your fellow WHITE TRASHERS!!!!!!!
Clint| 10.14.11 @ 10:12PM
Unlike You RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges , We Tea Party Patriots Protest, TARP, The FED, Crony Capitalism, FHLMC. FNMA......
Go Put Your Adult Pampers On, Shitpants.
Mike Hawk| 10.14.11 @ 6:49PM
YOu are still a jerk Mr Blowhard.
HULK| 10.14.11 @ 6:58PM
Yo Mike,tell me how to find this clown and I will pinch his head so that it pops like a zit.
Clint| 10.14.11 @ 10:16PM
You're Still A World Class Asshole, Mr.Blowjob.
What Are Ya Gonna Do About It, Punk.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 1:49PM
Mr. HawK:
But you, sir, are still a gentleman and a patriot. Pleasure to read your stuff.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 1:48PM
I looked them up. Clint Air is indeed a member, but it gives his address as Apple Valley, CA, as does his own website.
Man, I hate flying Coast to Coast. Sucks.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 1:38PM
Ah, yes. I'm sure you attend many meetings from Apple Valley, CA, nematode.
By the way, here's an example of your happy fanbase to your website:
"Clint: Stop posting greetings to me. Thanks! Sincerely: you're creepin' me out
Jun 15, 2011 5:24 PM."
Clint Air, everybody. Yessss.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 1:50PM
I did not include the fellow's mname, but go to Clint Air's website off of the Valley Forge Patriots site and you should find it.
Jack in Wi.| 10.14.11 @ 10:56PM
Romney with his well dyed hair, multiple facelifts, fancy capped teeth. Is about as false a candidate as I have ever seen. We don't need a failed one term governor of a liberal state, as President. He has flipped and flopped so much that no one can tell which side is which. Romney will divide the party and even if elected be a disaster.
Jack in Wi.| 10.14.11 @ 11:09PM
Romney and Cain are more of the same. Mr. TARP, MR Federal Reserve, Mr Endless Wars, Mr. Romneycare, Mr. Endless Bailout s for the rich and connected, Mr endless foreign aid, Mr endless debt and inflation, Mr. soft on abortion and homosexuality, and most of all Mr incompetent. Romney was a terrible chief executive in his only term as a governor and Herman is good pizza salesman who doesn't know much about history economics, foreign policy or anything else. He is the ultimate affirmative action President. Isn't the guy we got now bad enough? Even Obama a got elected to public office a couple of times. If we want aa talk show host we may as well nominate Lush Bimbaugh.
Alan Brooks | 10.15.11 @ 12:22AM
http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET.....r20111014/
Vivian| 10.15.11 @ 10:54AM
The readers of AmSpec would like to know Ben Stein's medical condition after his gastric bypass operation. I read that "complications set in," and this has me alarmed.
Please give us an update.
He is in my prayers.
Negro X| 10.14.11 @ 6:29AM
Where are these debates you speak of? Question and answer sessions with politcal hacks are not debates. Anyone with any intelligence would not watch this made for TV garbage.
Intelligent Design| 10.14.11 @ 8:28AM
Amen.
Larry| 10.14.11 @ 8:36AM
So true. These are nothing more than beauty contests.
Nancy in NC| 10.14.11 @ 9:13AM
And the more on looks, the uglier it becomes.
SpiralArchitect| 10.14.11 @ 4:24PM
How many people on the road to the WH have avoided the debates so far?
Anyone aware of any other route to the WH?
Mr ED| 10.14.11 @ 6:31AM
But it is, at least in part, Romneys "coiffed hair, relaxed posture, and pleasant tones" and the seemingly endless polished platitudes that make him the Lite-Right Ruling Class Elites choice. And those things that appeal to the elites are the very things that repel the average conservative voter. Also the perception that Romney the *Establishment* candidate will quickly, once elected, revert to the game-as-usual politics and jettison all conservative principals in a rush to *prove* his reasonableness to a hostile hard Left media machine. When summed up all of this will mean - once again - we have been had and the entrenched Washington political machine continues unabbated.
There has been a lot of babble by nominally conservative pundicRATs about how Romney is the "electable" candidate and that he is also the "business" candidate. I'd say he is much more the "business-as-usual" candidate, guaranteeing that the Washington gravy train does not end if and when the Obamesiah is defeated. I truly believe the Lib-Lite, check-pants RINO establishment, which long ago made it's peace with the Liberals and decided that it was better to play along Lib ideas than to ever challenge them head-on, only cares that when the day comes that a new Republican president is sworn in, that the new president will be one of them - A RINO. If the new president is not a RINO but, god forbid, a real conservative, the Ruling Class Republican establishment would rather the Democrat win. That way they can return the next election and make the usual lesser-of-two-evils argument: "You better elect our *electable* RINO candidate or you will be stuck with another awful Democrat". That way the two Ruling Class parties, the Lite-Right Republicans and the Democrats, can continue unabbated, swapping the office of president back and forth and keeping the gravy train on track for themselves and their cronies.
Pecos Pete| 10.14.11 @ 6:52AM
Mr. ED: Good comment.
Anybody But King O would force me to vote for whoever is the Republican candidate. But, I sure don't want to vote for Romney.
Nancy in NC| 10.14.11 @ 9:09AM
This article by one of my favorite TAS contributors was very depressing, along with the other comments.
Does anyone else feel like the whole thing is just one big joke and we are the punchline? It seems that no one can be believed or relied on to have integrity or character.
Four years of Obama or Romney...will it even matter? Anyone that would institute ObamaCare anywhere is a socialist...not a conservative of any order.
Who are we kidding? I read in one article that Marco Rubio may be in bed with Romney, and then this article by Quin.
I personally like Cain, but agree that he's in over his head and the media will tear him apart. Newt is a smart creep. Ron Paul is a nut case unable to articulate anything but weirdness...even though I agree with him in areas other than foreign affairs.
I think Bachman may be the most decent person but lives with hoof and mouth disease.
What's John Bolton up to these days?
MOdawg | 10.14.11 @ 1:32PM
It is time for all who care about our Constitutional republic and the freedoms that we enjoy to step up and do what they can according to their gifts, time and resources to help restore it. Join a Tea Party or other Constitutionally conservative group, start your own, start a blog, read up on your particular concern or interest and start writing your representation; at the state level as well as national reps. Start participating in local politics; go to city and county council meetings and make your voice heard! If you don't like the direction of the party, get involved with the local Republican precinct as a committee person; they often have a 50% vacancy in many townships. So many are frustrated with the way things are, understandably so; so, are we going to accept the paradigm that the pundits, media and elites say we must learn to live with and shrug our shoulders (Atlas Shrugged, anyone?) or dust ourselves off and get into the fray? We are engaged in an ideological battle for the heart and soul of our liberty; the sooner we recognize that and empower ourselves to fight the good fight, the sooner we will see positive change; otherwise, accept the paradigm and don't whine!
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." ~ Thomas Payne
“I know of no safe repository of the ultimate power of society but the people. And if we think them not enlightened enough, the remedy is not to take power from them, but to inform them by education.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
“It is not the function of the government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error.” ~ Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson
TexasMom2012| 10.14.11 @ 3:38PM
Bolton is Perry's foreign policy advisor. I am still praying that Perry gets his act together because I want obamacare repealed, tort reform enacted and the budget balanced. And more real domestic energy NOW!
SpiralArchitect| 10.14.11 @ 4:27PM
What's John Bolton up to these days?
Brilliant man. Definately aware of the continuing demise of America.
That said, probably a fith a day. :/
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 7:00PM
Don't be discouraged, Nancy. It's only the TAS writers and some posters.
El Rusbo totally gets it about Herman Cain. Take a listen:
"Herman Cain: Consistently conservative:
http://www.therightscoop.com/r.....servative/
Brian Mc| 10.14.11 @ 7:35AM
We've been pushed to the edge by the established elites entrenched in Washington. I don't want someone reaching out for a hug with platitudes about getting along. We have got to have someone who is willing to push back...HARD.
In the meantime, just checked, my powder is dry. And the 'business as usual' crowd undermines the last vestige of cliff we are left standing upon. Due to the tones of this article I'm beginning to believe that we've failed the 'great experiment'. We've lost way too much ground and the cliff looms.
Screw the other side of the aisle; after all, that's what they've been doing to us for over four generations.
martin j smith| 10.14.11 @ 7:45AM
Most of us peasants do not read debates Hillyer. They want to "know" the person and his or her style and manner of presenting in addition to what they say.
I think Cain is ahead because of both style and substance--he sounds the right kind of sounds.
Romney is where he is only because of his political status. Considering that Cain was a total unknown his status is amazing.
As for the others, they have to show how badly they want to be President.
I think Cain wants it badly and is motivated. I think Romney takes his status for granted--an error. As for the others--its up to them.
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 11:59AM
"As for the others, they have to show how badly they want to be President."
Correct. And if they don't, it's going to be between Romney and Cain as to the nominee.
And I hope there's enough of us to not allow the Romney to get it.
Shamus| 10.14.11 @ 7:54AM
My guess is that Cain will fade and Romney will be nominated. Cain is certainly interesting, and he's willing to try new ideas, but I think his lack of background in politics will cause him problems. Organizing support in the Iowa caucuses is his immediate challenge, as a win there would show that he's truly a contender.
Nancy in NC| 10.14.11 @ 9:12AM
Which translates into 4 more years pretty much like the previous 12...hell.
Chalkdust| 10.14.11 @ 8:52AM
Well done Hillyer....you're dead bang on. Unfortunately, we are what we are, a nation of television watchers and supermarket packaging freaks. what's in the package may taste like cardboard, but golly-gee the presentation is super.
There may be only 1% of the peeps that have even the slightest idea of what has brought this nation to the brink collapse. The edge of the cliff. Make a wrong move and it's curtains baby.
We need a presidentaul canidate who will push bach HARD. Not some dude who wants to see what way the wind is blowing before he acts. Bachman has the guts and brains to push back.
Nancy in NC| 10.14.11 @ 9:10AM
I think you may be right on.
Trish| 10.14.11 @ 7:04PM
She also has the balls.
Allen Churchill| 10.14.11 @ 9:12AM
Quin, It's not that I disagree with your analysis- It's just that there are only two issues in this race- who can beat O and who is credible enough to be an adult and get the country to follow his or her lead in turning it around. Mitt wins on the first and his lib waffleing of recent years may help on the second- if he does not do lib waffleing. Keep it up!
Quin| 10.14.11 @ 11:29AM
Allen, my friend, if I were the Obama campaign team I would be salivating over the chance to take on Romney. I think he is eminently beatable by using the dark arts of attack politics of which the Obamites are so enamored. I think I could take him apart in no more than two weeks if I had half a billion dollars at my disposal.
florin| 10.14.11 @ 12:47PM
Why not a Romney/Cain ticket? If Romney fails to do well, then Cain could take him on after 4 years.
SpiralArchitect| 10.14.11 @ 4:43PM
Yes, the Vp of the failed admin running against the incumbant. Sure.
doh!
Trish| 10.14.11 @ 4:31PM
Romeny, the Ken doll of Rinoland.
Al Adab| 10.14.11 @ 4:36PM
LOL. Never fear Trish, truth is a defense.
Chalkdust| 10.15.11 @ 9:31AM
I agree Quin....about July 2012 the peeps will Begin to think, cardboard really doesn't have any taste. Romney isn't a born again Conservative, just a ex-Massachusetts governor, who can open his closet and wipe out a different skin at will. Mitt could be a RINO trap, anyway the "flea-baggers" could grow to hate camping, turn violent and change everything.
martin j smith| 10.14.11 @ 10:06AM
While Republicans try to decide on their nominee for President our current President is playing spider web and choking this nation further economically and politically. he is probably the most openly currupt President in my life time.
I have a hypothesis--a vague one but I will tell you what it is: It was inspired bya post at Gateway pundit about Andrew Breitbart asserting that he has e-mails that prove the Occupy Wall Street Mob have plans afoot to overthrow or put it this way bring it down through riots 2which will be blamed on guess who ?
So here goes: The Republican Elite know something we do not know and perhaps are either in it with the Socialists or perhaps have been threatened one way or another. This hypothesis is extremely tentative and part of it depends on Breitbart releasing these e-mails which apparently he said he will.
David T| 10.14.11 @ 10:17AM
Cain, like Bachman and Perry before him, will fade. The best alternative to Romney is Gingrich. Newt has had his problems, but he has come through them a wiser and stronger man. A Gingrich/Santorum (or possibly Cain) ticket would give Obama/Biden fits.
Chalkdust| 10.15.11 @ 9:15AM
Bachmann/ Santorum or Santorum/Gingrich or Bachmann/Gingrich have a much better chance of beating Obamaisky/Whoever. Romney is loaded down with "campaign" negatives, easy mark for slicing and dicing by the Obamaites.
Kimonoman| 10.14.11 @ 10:19AM
Finally, someone gets it. I usually read the transcripts the following day, and never watch any debates or speeches. Applause, hecklers, commercials add nothing. Substance trumps style, and inconsistent or non-responsive answers are oh so obvious in printed form. That said, I did listen to the Bloomberg/WashPo debate.
POST American| 10.14.11 @ 10:26AM
"America better watch it or in
a couple of decades we're going to
be a minstrel show for RED China."
-GORE VIDAL
1985
---ALLLL the Tavistock Institute programming
wizardry on earth cannot save capstone
cardboard from coming off as capstone cardboard
in this---the 11th hour of our 4 decades underway,
Globalist RED China sellout, TREASON and
EUGENICS OP.
Tim the Enchanter| 10.14.11 @ 2:54PM
Huh?
Dai Alanye | 10.14.11 @ 10:53AM
Anyone with experience on the retail level of politics knows how superficial are the typical voter's judgments, and this nominating season proves it as one after another of the candidates surges to a lead or into contention, only to fade under closer examination.
Pawlenty, Bachmann, Perry and even Huntsman have peaked and slipped, the peaks for some (Huntsman and Perry) coming before they've opened their mouths in a public forum. Christy, while not a genuine contender but the great hope of those who never look beneath the surface, has started to fade in conservative eyes with his smarmy endorsement of Romney.
Two leaders now remain who are primarily superficial in their popularity: Romney, who has by almost universal denial managed to obscure his liberal background in Massachusetts politics---and Cain, who hasn't much political background to obscure. Both Mitt and Herman are buoyed by a perennial Republican hope that experience in "Business" is a sure-fire indication of political leadership potential. It was what buoyed Ross Perot in '92, thereby ensuring Clinton's first term.
I don't see it. Where was Reagan's business experience? And Dubya's business successes---dependent upon the assistance of friends---were such as to make one lose confidence in his abilities.
Santorum is a contrary example, blessed as he is with substantial knowledge and experience, and the willingness to work harder with a smaller budget than anyone else. Had Fred Thompson in '08 one half of Santorum's determination and work ethic he'd be President today. If Mitt Romney had half of Santorum's passion for conservative principles he'd be above 50% in the polls.
But superficialities count for all too much. Reagan beat Carter not merely by his clear exposition of conservative ideas but by his winning persona. Obama, who neither had nor has any substance, managed to win only by faking the appearance of gravitas and Presidential uprightness.
Ironic though it sounds, if Santorum were able to become more superficial he might yet be a top contender.
Quin| 10.14.11 @ 11:31AM
GREAT commentary, Dai!
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 2:00PM
Reagan ran the Screen Actor's Guild before becoming Guv. But Reagan was sui generis.
I would love Santorum as the candidate. But the job is very simple, although incredibly hard. 1)Keep taxes and regulations low. 2) Bop overseas assholes on head. Obama is a failure at (1) and inconsistent at (2). If he fought America's enemies with the enjoyment that he fights Republicans, and cared a whit about the ordinary American, I'd be a lot more comfortable with him. As it is, in little over a year, barring a Paul nomination, he will be toast.
Who Knows?| 10.14.11 @ 11:33AM
Sizzle, not the steak.
Style over substance.
As an older observer of the 24/7 political dance, I’ve learned to avoid SEEING and HEARING via cathode ray tube images and sounds the sizzle and style of the candidates, as well as---especially!---the pundits.
Why, it’s more than enough of an effort to put up with the written words I deign to read daily!
However, gains made by winnowing out losers over the years have resulted in a residual of chelated-out winners, who I do, if I’m in the mood, choose to SEE and HEAR.
For me, as one who almost always follows Quin’s one time shot of eschewing all but the written words from these GOP wannabes, of course the rise of Cain has to be the most intriguing story. His 9-9-9 economic plan is thus most vital to understand.
Hence, until today (as someone who basically has an MA in economics from UCSB), after reading the reliable WSJ editorial pages and all the other hot shots give their erudite opinions about it, I was convinced it was a bad idea. So, I was eager and happy to SEE and HEAR Art Laffer, via Realclearpolitics.com’s youtube portal, give his APPROVAL to 9-9-9.
Actually, I was kind of shocked that Art didn’t denigrate it, BEFORE I carefully listened to him.
His analysis of 9-9-9 and what it would do was absolutely clear---and, his rebuttal to the argument that in the future politicians could make it a 20-20-20 etc “plan” cold cocked this complaint.
As Milton Friedman taught us, it’s the TOTAL amount of government spending that matters, not how it’s financed.
It’s the SPENDING, stupid!
In simple terms, then, pace the many-years argument by the WSJ, the key number to pay attention to is the percent of GDP that the federal government has SPENT, on average, over the years---usually excepting WWII for example.
So, 22% is about what SHOULD BE acceptable.
Now, attention must be paid to HOW that money is removed from the clinging fingers of taxpayers. At the present, as everyone agrees, the tax system is ROTTEN, inefficient, not reformable, and indeed, corrupt.
Cain’s 9-9-9 plan would be a HUGE improvement on what we now suffer, and in a much more efficient way be able to provide the 22% the fed should spend---and, NOT screw people who don’t deserve to be screwed. In short, if we were starting over, 9-9-9 would certainly be preferred to what we now have.
Now the bad news.
Nothing will change, except more fiddling in the future, around the edges, of the current tax system---probably for the lifetime of anyone over 50, at least. The status quo has many weapons to defend itself. It would likely be necessary for a war or some horrible catastrophe for the people to be FORCED to get back to a basic and efficient and FAIR tax code.
As for Romney, and the seven or eight other “dwarves” fighting to be able to “debate” Obama and win the presidency, they face a simple test---convince enough voters to choose them. This means, without a doubt, that---
Sizzle and style are what it’s all about! Proof---Obama!
So, my advice is to NOT take seriously all the inside baseball games about substance and the “steaks”, because even though they are interesting and edifying, for the people who matter—the average voters---they DO watch and listen to the candidates, and for the most part they don’t HEAR or SEE what’s beneath the shimmering offerings.
It rained today. It’ll probably rain tomorrow.
Obama ran against McCain in 2008.
You know what comes next!
Dai Alanye | 10.14.11 @ 4:12PM
I like Herman, and would back him or any candidate who wouldn't embarrass the conservative cause (sorry, Paul and Huntsman) against Obama. But it seems to me the best feature of 9-9-9 is that it will never get through Congress.
Wayne| 10.15.11 @ 9:11AM
In the 999 plan, does our 401K plans no only receive a 9 per cent tax when we withdraw them? And with the flat tax does that mean I pay no tax when I withdraw it?
Al Adab| 10.14.11 @ 11:37AM
Good analysis. So often in marketing, less is more. We recall that Nixon "won" the debate in 1960, but appearence turned out to be everything. The DEM party and The Left learned the lesson that packaging makes the product. The GOP, at least in its Conservative manifestation, keeps seeking substance and kills its own wounded if they don't measure up. That is why The GOP nominates accomodationist non-entities who drift with the wind if elected but more often simply fail to excite the voters into support and lose. It takes one set of qualities to win elections and quite another set to govern. Few have both as we have seen so often.
Deborah D | 10.14.11 @ 11:47AM
Thanks for your interesting observations, Mr. Hillyer. Now I'm more confused than ever! I do worry about a Romney presidency. The country is so ready for someone who will actually take what's happening seriously...someone who actually understands what is going on -- our country is on the brink. Do any of the candidates seem to understand that we peons out here want to preserve the Constitution and the country for our children? I don't really hear anyone speaking about that like they seriously get it. I keep praying...
Al Adab| 10.14.11 @ 1:48PM
Deborah:
When I look at my grnadchildren I ponder how I can ever apologize to them for the failure to secure their liberty and their ability to pursue happiness. I have fought in Conservative trenches since I was 16 and while we may have held back the flood, we have saddled the future with intolerable conditions of debt and servitude. I'm not even sure they should forgive us for our failure.
Deborah D | 10.14.11 @ 4:27PM
Hey Al -- Bless you! I'm not giving up, but I am truly concerned about the Republican Party being these wimps when the future of the country is at stake. As they keep saying on lots of other blogs...keep your powder dry. This isn't going to be pretty if Republicans don't start getting serious, and I mean now.
Al Adab| 10.14.11 @ 4:33PM
Deb:
"Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever."
Thomas Jefferson
Oldefarte| 10.14.11 @ 11:55AM
Although I agree with Quin's analysis, I do think that far too much emphasis has been historically and is given to political candidates' debating points, styles, image etc [which is precisely what sadly got us to our current state of national disgrace/embarrassment coming from 1600]. Yes look at a candidate's wording/ideas but with the projection of what that person would possibly do/accompolish as president. Look at their governing history/credentials and whatsame accompolished for the people that were representated by these candidates. That's what's most important, not their polished demeanor, debating experience etc. Please do so, for the stakes to this nation are too high. We simply do not have luxury of another four years of incompetitence and ineptness. We will did a quick death if we do not get it right this time, and the US will become the next Cuba!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oldefarte| 10.14.11 @ 11:56AM
DIE not 'did'. Sorry!!!
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 12:12PM
Quin,
It wasn't that Herman Cain COULDN'T name who he'd surround himself with, and it was concerning something specific. He said he didn't WANT to say who they were that he was considering and/or talking to about the position.
I cannot stand you people who continually try and misrepresent Herman Cain.
It's despicable.
And as to Alan Greenspan, he was asked who his favorite was, and he answered honestly, as he worked for the man.
And he "misrepresented" NOTHING about auditing the Fed. He spoke honestly about that.
What you are doing Quin, is trying to destroy him by misrepresenting him yourself.
Just like Michael Tomlinson here, and good old Clinty-poo, and some others.
And it isn't RIGHT!
Al Adab| 10.14.11 @ 12:56PM
Shouldn't we be looking at this candidate pool as comprising the future cabinet? No matter which emerges as the nominee, it would be a shame to lose the talent represented by these folks. Each has their strength and could perform valuable service in the right positions.
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 12:57PM
YES.
Well said, Al.
TexasMom2012| 10.14.11 @ 3:47PM
Agreed but add in Palin at Energy (she is supremely qualified) Guiliani at Justice (also extremely qualified and capable of cleaning up that mess) and someone really tough (not sure who) at the EPA to clean up that vipers pit. Oh and Bolton for Sec State.
Deborah D | 10.14.11 @ 4:29PM
I could see Santorum cleaning up EPA...he is one (besides Palin) who seems to get it.
Al Adab| 10.14.11 @ 4:30PM
Deb
Clean up EPA. LOL :)
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 7:04PM
Excellent ideas, TX. Mom & Deb D. Love it.
Al, yeah, I'd say it's about time the EPA gets some Regulations put upon them.. a taste of their own medicine!
Al Adab| 10.14.11 @ 4:29PM
Mom:
Works for me. Keep those cards and letters coming. If only the candidates were watching.
Deborah D | 10.14.11 @ 4:28PM
Amen, amen!!
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 1:39PM
Yup. Right as usual, Al.
PattyMor| 10.14.11 @ 12:14PM
What's Romney's stategy? Look good, say as little as possible, and rake in a bunch of dough. Just another blow dryed, Liberal Republican who won't rock the boat. isn't that was the well heeled
Rats want. They don't want their ethanol subsidies killed, their corporate welfare reduced, nor reform. Mitt is just their water carrier.
Please let's all coalesce behind one ELECTABLE
alterntive. If we all put our money and talent to work for that one individual, we could prevail. But, divided, we're conquered.
For me, its the Cain Train. Perfect? No, but a lot better than Mittens and he is very electable. I made my donation yesterday.
Trish| 10.14.11 @ 4:36PM
I am onboard for the Cain Train as well. My dream ticket is Cain/West.
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 7:05PM
El Rushbo gets Herman Cain, like we do.
Herman Cain: He's consistently conservative:
http://www.therightscoop.com/r.....servative/
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 1:40PM
Trish: Magnifique.
Owen K.| 10.14.11 @ 3:28PM
Cain may have some flaws, but he knows what it is going to take to kick start this economy. If we can't get our economy moving, nothing else will matter very much. He is also electable and is a likeable guy. He speaks well and isn't afraid to go after Obama. Cain is a conservative, Romney is not. Cain can defeat Obama. Romney is just another country club go along get along Republican.
Jabber3| 10.14.11 @ 3:44PM
Quin, you sound to me as if you're someone who reads the book but never sees the movie or at least likes the book better than the movie. Am I correct?
TexasMom2012| 10.14.11 @ 3:48PM
NOT Romney gets my vote!
GW| 10.14.11 @ 4:42PM
Quin is exactly right, but why should we expect different?
We don't elect a king, someone to reign over us with an infinite wisdom from above. As Americans, and conservatives at that, we of all should know not to place our hope and trust in the institution of government. If a perfect candidate could be created--one we all agree had the best qualifications, was the most skilled rhetorically, was the smartest, the wisest, the humblest, etc.--we still shouldn't rely on him to make the country great, because he can't.
Only the American people can signficantly improve conditions in their own lives. How have morals declined so steadily? Why are out-of-wedlock birthrates so high? Why have illegal aliens been given a free pass for so long? Why have businesses been unnecessarily shipping jobs overseas while still getting our dollar? Why has education declined in the US? Why do so-called conservatives believe immigration from the 3rd world is a good thing when all imperical evidence shows America doesn't turn 3rd worlders into Americans, but 3rd worlders turn America into the 3rd world? Why have states allowed abortions to go along, as if they must obey everything the federal government does? Why haven't more states done more to combat illegal immigration? Why has the silent majority allowed the 10% of atheists dictate what we can or can't say in a country founded on theistic, Christian principles?
Remember Friedman's quote about making the "wrong people" do the "right thing." In our representative republic, the people ultimately decide what gets done. We have sat on the sidelines for too long. Americans don't need a savior on a white horse. We need more movements like the Tea Party. We need entrepreneurs who's work increases the well-being of others. We need an active and strong defense of traditional morality and the constitution.
Ron| 10.14.11 @ 6:21PM
Cain/Perry or Perry/Cain or Cain/Santorum or Santorum/Cain...I wish the oldster Newt and Dr. Paul would quietly go away. Maybe they would be suited for cabinet posts. Mittens, forget about it!!!!
Naturalborn Texicanette| 10.14.11 @ 6:56PM
Answer to AARP......
http://www.amac.us/amac-was-fo.....to-aarp-2/
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 7:06PM
We joined up. First 6 mos free. They offer home owners & auto. Ins as well at discounted rates.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 1:41PM
Yes. Next August, in addition to the coffin cakes and the Balck Balloons, I get to not join AARP and join the other guys.
Margie| 10.14.11 @ 7:06PM
Country Class Women for Herman Cain 2012!
Naturalborn Texican| 10.14.11 @ 9:21PM
I'm a Texas mom with Texas MOM!!!!!
emo| 10.14.11 @ 10:15PM
Prediction Obama will win and the 2012 election will look just like the 2008 election with only Indiana flipping to the GOP.
Obama 53% 347EVs
GOP Candidate 46% 191 EVs
House
Dem 225
GOP 210
Senate
DEM 51
GOP 49
Wayne| 10.15.11 @ 9:06AM
I predict:
Obama 43%
GOP Candidate (probably Romney) 56%
Democratic Party goes into a crises and splits in 2 or 3 separate parties.
House GOP 310, Dem 125
Senate GOP 61, Dem 39
and 5 Dems Senators switch to the GOP to abandon the sinking Democratic Party.
POST American| 10.14.11 @ 11:01PM
---------------------BOTTOM LINE---------------------
"Understand, you HAVE TO know
WHO these people are? ---where they're
from? ---what occult organizations they
belong to? ----what funds --what support
they've taken? ----and, MOST important,
WHAT oaths they've taken? Remember,
if they're being backed by the Masonic
foundations, if they're members of the
CFR or the Trilateral, or involved with the UN
---------they've already sworn allegiance
to world 'govern--ANTS'. They have
already betrayed you. They have already
committed TREASON..."
-ALAN WATT
(essential online coverage of the CON)
-------------------------AMEN-----------------------------
zelda| 10.14.11 @ 11:41PM
What you read on paper is exactly what I saw when watching the debate. I said after the debate that Romney gives no substance, all Cain can say is 999 and beyond it not make much sense, Perry was horrible and seemed like he was hiding, Bachmann was good, Gingrich the best as usual, Santorum good but wish he would stop complaining and I said Ron Paul was good on monetary policy and I appreciated the voice he brings to the debate.
Oh, and Huntsman? I said he's so condescending the idea of him being President is not a good thought.
Funny, I'm not sure what people are seeing or hearing when they watch these debates but I imagine it's what they WANT to see and hear. I myself am sick of hearing about Romney's "performance" and his looking "presidential". Total propaganda.
dadfly| 10.15.11 @ 4:28AM
thanks zelda,
don't watch much tv anymore (just sports). the mind pollution is just too much for me these days; and there's not much real information to gain from lib tv.
after wading though all of this hoping to get some info on the debate, your comment had the "ring of truth." you have a way of "speaking" that i've learned to recognize as one who tells it like it is, unvarnished, short, and to the point.
Wayne| 10.15.11 @ 8:59AM
I get a feeling that Romney is the establishment candidate and like Obama is not getting properly vetted. He is another teflon man. Obama now going after Romney is just meant to give him street cred. Don't be surprised if both get orders from the same master.
Santorum does seem to have the quickest mind of the bunch. He can see beyond the sound bite. Cain to me seems to not see when he is not making any sense. He is much like the CEO surrounded by yes-men.
martin j smith| 10.15.11 @ 9:56AM
There will be no fading. The voters will decide who they want not anyone who predicts fading. I have some vague preferences but it is very early days. And anything can happen on any given day. To those people who are quick to assume Romney will be the nominee I caution you that there is at least one very distressing issue that someone will put to him: Romney Care and Obama Care, among others. His handling of issues related to these matters could make or break his candidacy. How much of a small government -free marketeer is his position ?
Within the Republican voter block he must demonstrate not only that he wants to be President but that he hears the voters at the very least on his side of the aisle--that is to say the very existence of the Tea Party and the desire
for a big change from the Obama/Socialist agenda.
In order to win he is in the same boat as all the candidates. He must come thru being for the voters. He has not yet been tested.
Clinton| 10.15.11 @ 1:26PM
Why should conservatives vote for a candidate who refuses to sign the pro-life and pro-marriage pledeges, has a history of support for gun control and has advocated a massive tax increase during an economic slump? This is not a conservative.
Currently, there two candidates that fit the above description perfectly -- Mitt Romney and his very good friend Herman Cain the Obama of 2012 (the man who says one thing and actually does another and people don't seem to care).
Every other candidate, aside from libetard Ron Paul and only God knows what Huntsman is, are conservatives we need to get behind one to stop the two moderates -- Romney and his stooge Cain.
Clint| 10.15.11 @ 3:04PM
" Rick Perry supported Lance Armstrong's 3 billion dollar Texas taxpayer funded medical research center. That’s like ObamaCare. That’s not free market.
Rick Perry, secured a 300 million dollar business handout slush fund for him and just the two leaders of the legislature to dole out to whomever he felt like being friendly to. That’s corporate welfare, a recipe for corruption, and as bad as the TARP bailouts that caused the Tea Parties to explode all across America. In fact, Perry gave 20 million dollars to Countrywide Financial, which later went bankrupt.
He supported a new state business tax. He set up toll road tax collection booths all over Texas highways. The Austin Tea Party and the Austin Toll Party booed him on the steps of the state Capitol for that.
Rick Perry, signed an executive order mandating young Texas schoolgirls to get the HPV vaccine, while his former chief of staff was a lobbyist for Merck. Perry's judgment was so bad the Texas legislature revolted against him and overturned his decision,"
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Clint| 10.15.11 @ 3:11PM
Follow The Money Trail Of Ricky Perry's Crony Capitalistism
AUSTIN - Nearly half the companies that received Texas Enterprise Fund grants also made donations to Gov. Rick Perry's state campaigns or the Republican Governors Association, according to a report released Thursday by a watchdog group.
" The governors association, which Perry twice chaired, has been his top state campaign contributor.
The report - "Perry's Piggybank" - by Texans for Public Justice says 43 companies gave nearly $7 million in political contributions to Perry or the RGA.
To date, 90 companies have been awarded $439 million in state economic development grants from the Perry-championed Texas Enterprise Fund."
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
obadiah| 10.16.11 @ 2:23AM
i'm not a republican. my question is, if the republicans don't like him because of his personality, why do they expect non-republicans to like him? if it comes to who people like (and it often does), obama at least presents an image that resembles a human being.
carnot| 10.16.11 @ 9:27PM
key word: image
Clint| 10.16.11 @ 10:47AM
Because Now, Voters Don't Like Obama Even More.
A Refrigerator Could Beat Obama.
Oldefarte| 10.16.11 @ 11:09AM
A refrigerator YES, Ron Paul NO. Even a refrigerator would have sense enough NOT to blindly follow a political candidate off of the cliff's edge [as Obama's/Paul's/Hitler's supporters have done]!!!!!!
Wayne| 10.16.11 @ 11:12AM
Are you saying that you would vote for Obama over Paul?
Clint| 10.16.11 @ 11:46AM
RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooge Fart Is Scared Of The Tea Party & Our Co-Favorite Presidential Candidate Dr.Ron Paul.
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Oldefarte| 10.16.11 @ 1:34PM
Wayne: No, I MAY vote for Paul if nominated, [but only if CLUNT, as a so-called spokesperson for Paul, shuts his pie-hole and stops asininely and 'stupidly' insulting everyone here; if you/Wayne can guarantee this happening, then I and others will vote for Paul if nominated!]
Clunt: See above comment to Wayne!!!!
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 1:43PM
I would write in a candidate between Paul and Obama. Both of them are anti-American swine.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.11 @ 2:02PM
I'd have to vote, you see. Chip Cravaack is a good man.
Clint| 10.16.11 @ 3:12PM
Why Don't You Try & Make Me RINO-CINO Fart.
Fart Will Vote For Romney, Because Fart Is One Of The Ruling Elites' Flunkie Apologist Stooges.
The Tea Party Steps On Fart's RINO-CINO Face.
Oldefarte| 10.17.11 @ 2:35PM
If you weren't so STUPID, you'd make yourself STFU!!!!!!!!!!!
Insurance | 10.16.11 @ 9:04PM
Where are these debates you speak of? Question and answer sessions with politcal hacks are not debates. Anyone with any intelligence would not watch this made for TV garbage.
sommers | 10.17.11 @ 2:19PM
The article is correct in it's assessment of Paul. He has a strong tendency to ramble and digress from the question. So even reading his words on paper, in the debates, they can come across as disjointed.
But if you read his writings when not under a debate forum he is very articulate. His reasoning sound.
His handlers need to convince him to stay calm and stay on subject. He is not a good debater. But he'd make the best president.