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Go Down Gambling

By on 10.18.11 @ 6:10AM

The stakes are high in tonight’s GOP debate in Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Even before landing, passengers in the window seats can see the neon lights of the casinos on the strip. As soon as you exit your plane and step into McCarran International Airport, the business of the place confronts you: Rows of slot machines waiting to accept the visitor’s contribution to the local economy. “Double Gold,” “Triple Red White & Blue,” and “Triple Diamond Deluxe” — the bright lights, garish colors and clamorous sounds of the machines invite you to take a chance and, what the heck, why not? “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” as the slogan says, and what happens here day after day is tourists losing money that stays in Vegas.

You go home. Your money stays here. If tourists were as lucky as they hoped, Las Vegas would go broke within 72 hours and all the tourists would go home rich. What actually happens, of course, is that the tourists lose far more than they win and yet they keep coming back year after year, losing more in the slot machines and poker pits, at the blackjack tables and roulette wheels — even at the airport, where they can bet a buck and maybe win a million (but much more likely lose again) before they board the flight back home. And tonight at the Sands Expo and Convention Center on the Strip, somebody’s going to lose a presidential debate.

Like every other luckless loser who leaves Las Vegas and tells folks back home he broke even, the losers of tonight’s Republican debate (8 p.m. ET on CNN) will pretend they didn’t really lose. As soon as the debate ends and moderator Anderson Cooper says good night, campaign proxies for all the candidates will descend on the “spin room” next to the media filing center, where they’ll assure clusters of reporters that their candidate — no matter how hapless — has just scored a huge triumph. At least one or two of the campaigns will have some legitimate claim to victory, but some will be in a position analogous to the unlucky gambler who had to pawn his watch to obtain cab fare back to the airport, and hopes his wife doesn’t notice the missing watch when he finally gets home.

Whatever the spinners may say, however, odds are that the big winner tonight will be former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who comes into this high-stakes game with a $14 million bankroll of campaign cash and the political equivalent of a Vegas casino’s house advantage. According to the “It’s His Turn” principle of GOP presidential campaigns, Romney’s the guy who is supposed to emerge the big winner when the chips are cashed in next August at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, so he can play it safe and hedge his bets.

By contrast, the other big money player in tonight’s debate arrives in Vegas riding a six-week losing streak. Texas Gov. Rick Perry jumped into the GOP field in mid-August and quickly raised $17 million. But Perry hasn’t won a debate yet and his Sept. 22 disaster in Orlando, followed immediately by his stunning defeat in the Florida Republican straw poll, has covered his once-promising campaign with a shadow of doom. Having once led the Republican race — his standing in the influential Real Clear Politics average of national polls peaked at 31.8 percent on Sept. 13 — Perry numbers have cratered. A survey released by Rasmussen Reports on Thursday showed the former front-runner now in single digits, in fourth place behind Newt Gingrich, and the same collapse of Perry’s support is apparent in polls for early primary and caucus states. The most recent numbers from Iowa show Perry in fifth place there, he’s actually in sixth place in New Hampshire and even in South Carolina — the original linchpin of Perry’s strategy — he has dropped into third place according to the latest poll.

Perry’s lost support has evidently gone into the stack of chips piling up quickly in front of Atlanta businessman Herman Cain. Since his impressive debut in a May 5 debate in South Carolina, Cain has had his ups and downs. He finished a disappointing fifth in the Aug. 13 Iowa GOP straw poll and most pundits seemed to count him out until, with shocking suddenness, he zoomed into contender status with his upset victory in the Florida straw poll, where he won more votes than Perry and Romney combined. Cain arrives in Las Vegas fresh off a Sunday appearance on Meet the Press, where he survived an intense interrogation by NBC’s David Gregory. Cain is now virtually tied with Romney in the RCP average, and actually leads Romney in the latest polls from Iowa and South Carolina.

Despite his astonishing month-long surge, however, Cain faces numerous obstacles as he tries to turn his momentum into a genuine threat to Romney. Cain’s campaign has gone through numerous staff changes and lacks organizational strength in early primary states. The candidate hasn’t visited Iowa in two months and the Cain campaign’s second-quarter fundraising — although impressive for an underdog who entered the race with little of what pollsters call “name ID” — was a fraction of what Romney and Perry reported. Nevertheless, based on reports that contributions to Cain surged to $1 million a week during the first two weeks of October, one Republican strategist told me this weekend that if that pace continues until the end of the year, Cain could raise “Romney-esque money,” and have $10 million cash on hand when the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses roll around.

To make that happen, however, Cain must first convince voters (and potential donors) that he really is “in it to win it,” as he has insisted from the outset of his against-the-odds campaign. Cain will likely be the target of multiple attacks from his Republican rivals here tonight, not merely from Romney and Perry, but also from other candidates eclipsed by Cain’s sudden ascent to political rock-star status. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is arguably the best debater in the GOP pack, and has seen his own poll numbers rise in recent weeks. Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann is seeking to re-start her campaign, which has floundered since she won the Iowa straw poll two months ago. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum has so far been unable to turn his strong debate performances into strong national poll numbers, but can be expected to take his shots at Cain. Texas Rep. Ron Paul remains the center of his own libertarian orbit, and has nothing to lose by taking on Cain.

“Go down gambling,” the jazz-rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears sang some forty years ago. “Sing it when you’re running low. Go down gambling — you may never have to go.” Here in Vegas, which turns would-be winners into losers every day, the candidates in tonight’s debate must weigh their odds and take their chances. With less than three months remaining before the Iowa caucuses, they may finally be ready to yell, “All in,” and put everything on the line.

About the Author

Robert Stacy McCain is co-author (with Lynn Vincent) of Donkey Cons: Sex, Crime, and Corruption in the Democratic Party (Nelson Current). He blogs at The Other McCain.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (70) |

POST American| 10.18.11 @ 6:39AM

----The absolute perfect franchise slum
n' wamum venue for this utterly corrupt,
possibly FINAL, upcoming Presidential election.

Meanwhile, ALEX JONES'S on site
coverage of the 'by design' collapse of our southern border
is spot on.

We'll guess the border's history by the end
of 2012 ---thus bringing Bush's TREASONOUS
amalgamation into full-blown reality.

WHENEVER you're ready to deal with
th 'T' word ----you know what's waiting:

----------HUAC meets NUREMBERG 2012----------

AS for the Vegas 'debate' ---them dice are loaded.

Tim the Enchanter| 10.18.11 @ 10:22AM

Huh?

POST American Explainer| 10.18.11 @ 12:28PM

Never fear, POST American Explainer is here.

He's saying that America is doomed unless we elect Ron Paul.

This has been a special edition of POST American Explainer.

irish19| 10.18.11 @ 6:24PM

Not sure PA is a Paulista. I am sure he/she/it is from a parallel universe near us.

Occam's Tool| 10.18.11 @ 8:58PM

So PA is Clint or Jack in Wi, then. I go for Jack, as the writing style approximates.

Margie| 10.18.11 @ 11:30PM

He's said he's for Ru Paul.
Surprised?

irish19| 10.18.11 @ 11:50PM

PA?? When/where did he say that he was for Paul? I thought maybe he was for Ming the Merciless.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 10.18.11 @ 6:54AM

First off, these aren't really debates.

The public forums so far have simply been a stage where political candidates can pontificate.

There are only two candidates left standing at this point and that's Romney and Perry.

Ironically, both are despised by the idiots running the Republican Party.

In that sense, some poetic justice is about set in as the main stream of the Republican Party doesn't get to choose the candidate.

Personally, I would prefer Perry but the Republicans are in for a big surprise.

Although Obama has minority America solidly behind him, that won't make a difference this time.

Mainstream Americans are tired of paying the bills and are tired of all the spending.

Any candidate who can sound fiscally responsible has more than an good chance of taking it all.

Perry needs to back off his immigration statements and focus entirely on the economy. His energy plan is simply weak. Before the debate tonight he needs to come up with some good statements about pulling the economy together.

Perry and Romney should also prepare for some stupid questions about Occupy Wall Street and the professional moochers there.

In short, this will be much ado about nothing. Until the final two are left standing don't expect much. It's CNN after all and they have no intent of letting a Republican candidate look good.

This will be one time that what happens in Vegas stays there after all.

LiveFreeOrDie| 10.18.11 @ 2:04PM

"First off, these aren't really debates."

Exactly, the format is no good. I think CNN will have every intention of making them all look bad but hey, it's Vegas, you're supposed to lose.

Moe Blotz| 10.18.11 @ 7:54AM

An acquaintance of mine drove to Las Vegas in a $50,000.00 Cadillac and was chauffeured back home in a $300,000.00 Greyhound Coach.

irish19| 10.18.11 @ 6:25PM

LOL!!

Bruce| 10.18.11 @ 8:06AM

Bill Hussein;
I am disappointed you feel the Republican nomination is down to only two individuals, especially the two you name. IMO Perry is a dead duck. I sincerely hope the Republicans can find someone other than Romney to represent them. Just because it is "his turn", we should be leery. It was McCain's "turn" last time around that got us into this mess.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 10.18.11 @ 10:59AM

Come up with someone better.

MmmmmmmBacon| 10.18.11 @ 12:31PM

With Perry polling down at 3% in the most recent Florida poll, how is he not a dead duck?

And second, what about Cain? If you dismiss him as lightly as Axelrod does I think you're missing something.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 10.18.11 @ 6:05PM

If Cain can overcome all the obstacles against him including the evil mindset of the leadership of the Republican Party then he is truly a marvelous candidate.

As far as Perry's polling I don't put much into it.

The Republican establishment is in a quandry.

They don't have a McCain to run in front of the firing squad and that is viewed as a tragedy.

McCain is the perfect Republican candidate.

Within the past few days he was congratulating Obama for sending troops into Africa while claiming Obama should get off the campaign trail.

That's classic McCain, the man who won the primaries and somehow convinced Republicans he could win.

If you learn nothing else from that learn that only a dope would have believed McCain could have won that election.

What is the conclusion? The conclusion is that Republicans haven't done that well lately at nominating a winner.

That's precisely why I think Perry is better off than most believe. I'm not saying he's a perfect candidate either.

But not one candidate currently running can be defined as a real conservative. That statement applies equally to both the Democrats and the Republicans.

Brubaker| 10.18.11 @ 7:08PM

Odds are that Romney will get the nomination.

Odds are that Romney will lose the election.

IMO, both Perry and Cain are better than Romney, but Romney has the establishment GOP behind him. Not surprisingly, he also gets the nod from the left-leaning media that clearly believe he can't beat Obama. I think they're on to something.

Mimi| 10.18.11 @ 8:32AM

I am expecting it will be Gingrich.....But the one who comes out with a CLEAR Conservative message...BOLDLY given to teach America's CNN listeners what this election is all about, what the stakes are, what should be DONE to restore this great NATION on a new PATH...will WIN !!!
They are a wonderful group of candidates and done a good job but ONE will be the LEADER we need. The severe scurilous left....acting lately so irresponsibly in word and deed needs to be called on their pathetic actions....who will do the BEST JOB of this task??? Who will be confident enough to take RISKS?

Clinton| 10.18.11 @ 8:33AM

As Mitt Romney has said about his good friend Herman Cain, "he's a great guy." Mitt should know since Cain is in it to help him knock out the conservative threat and assure his nomination. Watch Cain play nice again with his old pal Mitt Romney, but as has happened in every debate gang up with Mitt on Perry or any other conservative who might threaten Romney.

While the debates have hurt Perry at this time last election cycle Mitt was right where he's at today and Fred Thompson the Herman Cain of 2008 was riding high.

The good news Perry has $15,000,000.00 is the best candidate at retail politics and as people start looking at Herman Cain's regressive tax they're going to realize he's closer to Nancy Pelosi (who wanted a sales tax on top of an income tax too) than Ronald Reagan.

MmmmmmmBacon| 10.18.11 @ 12:37PM

Cain is playing nice with Mitt, and vice versa, because Cain wants to be the running mate. Romney/Cain would be a pretty strong ticket.

Your comparison of Cain to Pelosi is laughable and desperate. Cain is a solid conservative. The sales tax is a bad idea but look at the levels of taxation he endorses and the levels of spending and he's nothing at all like Pelosi, or any other liberal.

Perry? In Florida he's fallen from over 30% support down to 3%. If it wasn't clear why he avoided debates in his gubernatorial runs, it's crystal clear now. He can't do it. Bachmann has a better chance of resurrecting her campaign than Perry.

Timothy L. Pennell| 10.18.11 @ 8:40AM

Pop Quiz: What happened in 2008, when the Congressional Black Congress sponsored a Democrat Presidential Debate?
Anyone? Does anyone know what happened, when the Congressional Black Caucus Sponsored a Democrat Presidential Debate, back in 2008?
Think.
Alan Brooks? I thought I saw your hand up, just now. Stop looking at Military Recruitment Brochures, with your Boyfriend, wipe the Mascara out of your eyes, and tell the class what happened.
All right. I'll tell you.
THEY BLEW IT OFF.
You see, the Debate was to take place on FOX. (Alan, you would know it as FAUX. Faux News)
Well, these wonderful guys, running to be President, and the Wife of the RAPIST, Serial Misogynist, Pathological Liar, and Indecent Exposer, weren't about to sit down in a place where they MIGHT, actually, get a TOUGH QUESTION. Or, a FOLLOW UP.
And, why should they? They never do, any other time. ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, PBR, MSNBC. They all just always hit them with a Feather Duster, as they lob a Softball question at them, like: "Can you tell the American People why Republicans have so much HATE? And, if I could get a follow up? Can you tell us why they want to KILL everybody's Kids, and Grandparents, with Dirty Air, Poisons in the Water, and Constant Oil Spills that Contaminate the Food Chain?"
So, instead of actually having to DEFEND a position, that they have, or come up with any SPECIFIC? They just refused to show up' Yet, here WE are, AGAIN, letting ourselves be SET UP, by the people in this Country who Worship their Messiah, and the Black Madonna, and will NEVER have a good night's rest, until George Bush and Dick Cheney, are Frog Marched in to a SUPER MAX, or DEAD.
Can anyone EXPLAIN, why we do this? And, I'd like to follow that up with a question on OPEN PRIMARIES.
Insanity.

irish19| 10.18.11 @ 6:29PM

BRILLIANT!!

POST American| 10.18.11 @ 8:44AM

----'CALM--PLACE--'n see' SAP OP
--ALERT!--

We're speaking of that subverting title
'Go Down Gambling' ---like a command through
our back door by some enabling handler.

And when was the last time were you
ANYWHERE exhorted to 'Go Down Fighting'?

---AGAIN---

AS, from FUKISHIMA world depop, to
weaponized food and shots, those wanting
some soul searching on the way to that
fight --will CHECK OUT

Akira Kurosawa's 1952 film

-----------------------'IKIRU'----------------------------

Before you get the news of that next neighbor,
or loved one, done in by the 'on the go' Globalist
EUGENICS OP--------really, CHECK IT OUT.

-----------------------REALLY----------------------------

Tim the Enchanter| 10.18.11 @ 10:26AM

Huh?

POST American Explainer| 10.18.11 @ 12:40PM

Never fear, POST American Explainer is here.

He's saying that if we don't elect Ron Paul, America is doomed.

This has been another edition of POST American Explainer.

Dick Nome| 10.18.11 @ 8:48AM

Why do we have primaries???

Read all this crap and one would think the convention is over as well.

DTOM| 10.18.11 @ 8:58AM

So many conspiracy theories, so many revealed, hidden subplots, so little time...

What if Romney really wants to win cause he thinks he can?

What if Perry sounds and looks good to Texans but not so much to the rest of us?

What if Herman Cain really is "in it to win it" as he says he is?

The real Occam's razor, not the poster here, holds that the simplest explanation is the best. So can we please forget the cloudy, obscure conspiracy theories, we're trying to pick a winner here!

Mr. McCain, your point is what? You are a statist and you really want RomneyCare to prevail, even in a CLASSless state? If Romney wins, would he actually sign the bill repealing HIS Obamacare? Have you forgotten "Read my lips, no new taxes?" If Mitt is not the next generation of GHW Bush, the compassionate conservative's moderate, I'll eat my hat. Heck, Romney sent or allowed his people to advise the Obama crew on the basics of Romney-OBamaCare early on. Do you really think they came up with all that in the White House? That crew can't schedule a speech between a debate and a football game!

Did not Rasmussen have Herman Cain +2 over Obama last weekend?

RSM, what the heck are you trying not to say? Just spit it out let us hear what you are really up to, please!

Occam's Tool| 10.18.11 @ 9:02PM

DTOM,

The simplest explanation---Cain needs to turn his lead into muscle and sinew of organizational strength to win. He is our best hope against Obama.

(How was that for brief and on edge, eh?)

Margie| 10.18.11 @ 11:31PM

Well, I for one liked it.

Casey Abell| 10.18.11 @ 9:15AM

"Cain will likely be the target of multiple attacks from his Republican rivals here tonight, not merely from Romney and Perry, but also from other candidates eclipsed by Cain's sudden ascent to political rock-star status. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is arguably the best debater in the GOP pack, and has seen his own poll numbers rise in recent weeks."

Gee, Robert isn't just a crank who fulminates about Florida running their primary on a date he doesn't like. He finally gets off a couple decent lines about Cain and Gingrich.

Sooner or later Gingrich has to decide if he really wants the nomination or if he just enjoys debating as a way to build his pundit credentials. Frankly, I don't think Newt has a prayer for the GOP nom due to nine Tiffany tons of personal baggage.

But any politican lives on hope. And if Newt really nurses a secret hope for the nomination, he has to go after Cain. That national sales tax is a gigantic hit-me target for a skilled debater like Gingrich. Will he take the opportunity?

If he passes on the chance, we'll know Newt isn't serious about the nomination. He just wants to hang around the debates, for fun and (eventual) profit.

MATT M.| 10.18.11 @ 10:16AM

When the dust settles Romney will be the last man standing.

Tim the Enchanter| 10.18.11 @ 10:28AM

As the saying goes- if Romney is the answer, it must have been a stupid question.

MmmmmmmBacon| 10.18.11 @ 1:03PM

The problem isn't with the question. It's a multiple-choice question with no good answers and without a "none of the above" option.

Romney is the only candidate who is good at campaigning. The tea party candidates are all awful campaigners. That's the story right there. If Romney gets the nomination it's not because it's "his turn" it's because the other candidates aren't ready for national politics.

Mimi| 10.18.11 @ 10:30AM

The nation NEEDS a Conservative President to lead us...to set the course right...we are going down a HOLE...the severe correction needed will not be accomplished by a MODERATE. The country always self corrects...it is that kind of time. It will take one with GRIT & COURAGE and ability to get the country behind him....A Bush type cannot do it....sweet as he is and nice, bold strength and steel for this election!!!

MmmmmmmBacon| 10.18.11 @ 1:07PM

Maybe so, but thanks to the tea party we have a moderate nominee who can run an effective campaign, and some conservative nominees who are such weak campaigners they can't even hold the tea party's attention for three weeks straight.

Needing a conservative President doesn't mean needing a conservative candidate, it means needing a conservative candidate who can run an effective campaign and win the election.

October 31 is the filing deadline in Florida. After that you're stuck with the choices up there on the stage.

Peppermint Tea| 10.18.11 @ 11:12AM

Don't we miss Sarah Palin?

GW| 10.18.11 @ 12:57PM

No.

MmmmmmmBacon| 10.18.11 @ 1:13PM

LOL! She would have made the race more interesting for a few weeks, though.

Margie| 10.18.11 @ 7:51PM

I don't miss her because she hasn't gone anywhere.
Fret not!

Dan| 10.18.11 @ 11:22AM

RSM is off target with his fixation on whether or not someone "won" the debate.

In the sole debate between Reagan and Carter, most said thereafter that Carter "won" the debate. Unbelievable but the truth nonetheless.

Romney hasn't blundered because Romney hasn't been challenged, hasn't been roughly queried over his many associations with Green economic and scientific kooks, hasn't been roughed up over his hedging of his bets over "the surge" four years ago, hasn't been brutally battered over his serial flip-flops during his two decade presence in the public eye.

So when that failure to confront Romney repeatedly happens, ---------------- yea, he emerges the "victor."

Bachman's wide-eyed unblinking peepers are slightly unnerving, {and not in a good way...}. Perry blew himself up, blew his candidacy skyhigh, Paul is someone none need comment upon for his cult following isn't going to deliver for him, Santorum lost big to that non-entity Casey, {to be sure in a Republican blow out year of 2006, when few Republicans could prevail carrying the anvil of all things Bush on his shoulders, but nonetheless he got hammered}, who else is up there?

Oh yeah, Herman, ---------- who when queried about certain issues is apt to blurt out his confidence in unnamed Washington "experts." The very same "experts" who landed us in the plight we're in!

So in such a field, ----------------- how could Romney NOT "win?"

GW| 10.18.11 @ 1:00PM

Not disagreeing with your critiques, but Romneycare, flipping on issues, his Mormonism, etc. Simply put there is no perfect candidate. A better debate format (one where each candidate gets the opportunity to ask each other questions and has more time) would help, but we know a lot more about the candidates following the debates than we did previously.

rendite| 10.18.11 @ 1:05PM

Dan, you are right.

I hate hearing that the "field is sealed. This is it. Now know who is running." It will be one of these eight?

How can this be such a great nation if we set artificial (and for what reason?) candidate filing deadlines 14-15 months prior to the November 2012 general election?

This is an okay group but only "okay."

But there does not seem to be one amongst them that would REALLY turn the tables and correct our course to destruction.

One who is infuriated and ENERGIZED with the savvy, cunning mind it will take to outsmart and undo the legions of Washington District of Corruption scum, regulations, laws, and judicial appointees.

None with gumption, conviction, fire in their soul, and...sincerity.

Margie| 10.18.11 @ 11:32PM

Troll.

Stefan Stackhouse| 10.18.11 @ 11:30AM

Perry has a chance - if nobody asks him any questions. He looks good on paper, but every time he opens his mouth his numbers go down.

All of the "conventional wisdom" commentators are all over the media these days, sagely explaining why Cain can't win it because he hasn't raised a lot of money to hire a lot of staff and hasn't been spending all his time in Iowa and NH. A conventional, unexciting as watching-paint-dry candidate does indeed need all that stuff, along with a lot of luck, to have any chance at all. Cain is not a conventional candidate and is not playing a conventional game. He's getting free media exposure that multi-millions in donations can't buy. That exposure is national, assuring that he'll do good enough in the early states, and then still be in it once the campaign chests of just about everyone else have been exhausted. Don't underestimate Cain, he is a lot more savvy that the conventional wisdom pundits are assuming.

Redstateboy| 10.18.11 @ 11:43AM

whoever the lame stream media is gunning for at the moment.. that's who I'm for and right now it's Cain and I'm voting for Herman Cain for President - he'll wipe the floor in a debate with Der Messiah.

Mike 3/505| 10.18.11 @ 1:03PM

If the nominee is any other but Romney, my bet is that Obama will not debate. He for sure would refuse to debate Cain or Gingrich.

Regards,

Mike

Redstateboy| 10.18.11 @ 1:13PM

good call Mike - Hussein'll run from a debate but who'll he run to?? Occupy Wallstreet crown?

MmmmmmmBacon| 10.18.11 @ 1:21PM

If the nominee is any other but Romney, my bet is that Obama will not debate. He for sure would refuse to debate Cain or Gingrich.

One, I think Obama has a high enough opinion of his debating ability that he'd walk right into any debate.

His advisors might try to keep him from debating Gingrich, but who cares? Gingrich isn't going to get the nomination.

Cain's 999 plan would raise taxes on a good portion of the 47% who currently pay no taxes, and Obama would be happy to point that out in a debate.

rn | 10.18.11 @ 12:54PM

In the other AmSpectator article today, the one featuring Pat Buchanan's comments and new book, we read about the demise of America.

We read the litany of America's current ills: Liberalism, high-speed growth of government, government intrusion, wasted foreing aid, overtaxation, and horrible immigration policies.

Do we read of America's and Americans' gambling problem?

No.

Yet tonight we'll all be in a city built on vice -- as we tune in. Would Carson City or Reno even exist if they were not the first gambling spots available to Californians coming eastward?

I hit the roof when on Fox presenter Huckabee was looking for some hard luck stories during the recent Mississippi River floodings. To whom did he turn for a tear-jerker story of woe? Mississippi huge casino owners lamenting the pending damages and, more importantly, how the threats of flooding were keeping gamblers away from the tables.

Boo-hoo. Now that is Mississippi Delta All-American business/industry that we just cannot afford to lose, right?

Is Atlantic City known for......for what exactly? Oh, yes: Mafia crime. Local government corruption. And....casinos. Gambling.

Every state has some form (usually a multitude) of legalized gambling.

Racing horses, dogs.....

Aren't the biggest billboards in your state -- the ones you see on the highways and toll roads -- aren't they the ones announcing that current $23,000,000 jackpot on the PowerBall Lottery?

Millions bet and lost every weekend on NFL, NCAA outcomes....

We seem to be able to tick off without blinking all the ills that drag our nation down.

All the things ushering in the sure and swift demise.

But we leave out gambling. And the gamblers.

(people with no brains; people who cannot and should not be handling money)

Ask Bill Bennet what gambling does to you.

Occam's Tool| 10.18.11 @ 9:04PM

I remember visiting Vicksburg once---the housing stock was the WORST I have ever seen. Worse than Juarez.

Occam's Tool| 10.18.11 @ 9:04PM

Sorry, cut off. Gambling does no favors. Note the housing prices cratering in Vegas.

Bob K.| 10.18.11 @ 11:55PM

rn,
You make good points!

How does one factor Gambling Revenue into our GDP? They same way we factor in revenue from prostitution and drug peddling?

rn| 10.19.11 @ 12:39AM

Gentlemen, thank you for just noting what I had to share there.

Gambing is a sin for good reason. And it is not because God in Heaven is dead set against us having some fun.

Every state is probably up to its armpits in needyiness for gambling businesses/revenue for state outlays. In my state the "state" takes a hefty chunk of dog and horse betting as state revenue. On any day of the week I think one can purchase tickets in any of 3 to 5 ongoing statewide mega-lotteries (those billboard adverts along the interstates). If this is ever challenged by the citizenry, we're told to "Back off! This money is for the children!" i.e. for K-12 public schools.

I remember living in Illinois when they started constructing huge buildings disguised as old fashioned paddlewheel steamships all across the state -- these were, of course, large gambling casinos. The rule was they had to sit in water.

So, sure enough, there'd be a trench or ditch of water surrounding the structure. (Yes, it looked then and probably still looks now quite farcical.)

These are now in many states -- as "riverboat casinos" Your state probably has some.

All those Indian reservation gambling casinos?

Folks, we got ourselves a heap of a problem.

There's got to be a better statistician here than me, but I'd say that must mean we have at least 13 - 20 million adult addicted gamblers in the USA.

Surely most be a lot of folk gamblin' away to keep all these multiple forms of betting going as full time businesses 7 days every week (yes, there's tourists from overseas to factor in like in Vegas, yes. But surely most of the 'business' is coming from Americans.)

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 10.18.11 @ 2:09PM

Romney speaks like a Conservative, but governs as a liberal. Hey, we've got a democrat governor in Kentucky who is balancing the budget. Woopty-Doo.

Don't fall for Mr. Establishment.. again..

Romney's business experience: Buying up failing companies, selling off the non-profitable parts, and firing unnecessary employees. Romney is just another establishment republican with elder family members who served in government.

When will conservatives stop letting the establishment make up their mind for them.

Get it together people. Perry would completely flop against Obama. The man doesn't have a lick of debating skills.

Romney would win the election, but flop when it comes to governing as a conservative.

So the question is, who do you want besides the dunce and the progressive in conservative clothing?

I'll take Cain or Gingrich. I know I can count on both of them to govern as conservatives. Hell, even Bachmann. Not sure if I trust Santorum either.

Honestly, I don't think Bachmann or Santorum are likeable enough to beat Obama.

Gingrich has his personal life, but his no nonsense, direct talking style is very appealing to me. And considering he's rising in the polls, it must be to others as well.

Cain/Gingrich 2012

Occam's Tool| 10.18.11 @ 9:05PM

No, no, Phil---Cain/West. West is awesome in Town Halls. He will annihilate Biden.

Margie| 10.18.11 @ 11:34PM

If West runs, I think it should be West/Cain.
Military leaders take first billing. :^).
At least in my book.

irish19| 10.19.11 @ 12:04AM

West needs to stay right where he is-for now. In 2020 when Cain is done, then West.

martin j smith| 10.18.11 @ 2:51PM

CNN Debate manager ? I know its happening but the loser is us--we are the losers.

Now a real winner would debate fellow candidates on stage but question CNN premises in their questions when it appears that they are " gotcha" questions.

So the real winner will be the one to challenge CNN questions and go off on their own views.

Mike G. | 10.18.11 @ 7:00PM

Gingrich has made it a point to lambast the media at every debate held so far for their "gotcha" mentality and he's the only one. I will say with the exception of the Palmetto Freedom Forum held recently in South Carolina.

somnolence| 10.18.11 @ 6:08PM

At this point I don't see how Cain loses the primaries, the nomination, or the presidency. It seem like he has capitalized on the "he's one of us" theory, and true "man of the people" status. Newt, to me, would get the same support as Romney, namely my vote in November 2012, but that is all. No money, not a whimper of verbal support during the whole campaign.

Casey Abell| 10.18.11 @ 6:36PM

Crossposting this from Antle's debate preview thread...

Major news just before the debate: Stephen Moore, who helped design 9-9-9, now says the national sales tax is gone from the plan. In an interview with National Review, no less. He doesn't expect Cain to come off the tax completely tonight in the debate, but that flipping tax looks like a goner sooner rather than later.

http://www.nationalreview.com/.....rew-stiles

Tom in Michigan| 10.18.11 @ 6:44PM

What a metaphor mishmash. C'mon TAT; get an Editor!

That the Repubidopes have, once again allowed their "debates," so-called to be moderated by the likes of Anderson Cooper (Try to imagine me saying its name with unctous revulsion. I wouldn't watch his drivel-show with a gun to my head; why would I watch him moderate a "debate?") and the fact they've once again allowed the next old, white guy who's "turn it is" lead the pack tells me the end is nigh for the Republic, which dubious fragility was foretold by Benjamin Franklin himself.

If this is all that stands between us and Euro-trash social democracy (At best!) or decline into pitiful failed state status (At worst! Well, I hope that's the worst that can happen), Gaia help us all.

Somewhere in the deepest pits of Hell; Saul Alinsky's tortured soul is laughing a demonical laugh between fits of anguish. He's had his revenge and Satan, to whom he devoted his rag of a "book" is considering giving him an hour off.

rn| 10.19.11 @ 12:55AM

I am tired of the TV glitz, red and blue neon lights, curtains, rock 'n roll bumper music.....all the falderall.

These are serious, sober discussions about the fate of the nation?

I don't need or want show or showmanship.

And, yes, you are right: Liberal news outlets can be shut out. CNN? I didn't see the round table at Dartmouth, but I heard the names of the 3 who asked the questions. They are a joke; they don't have brains or a heart and soul for America.

This all needs a serious re-think.

The ain't a game, people.

P.S. No, did not get the chance to view -- again -- tonight. Say it ain't so: Anderson Cooper? About three years ago I read his autobiography. Ugh. A very troubled, ill man. Seriously. Psychologists would have a field day with him.

POST American| 10.18.11 @ 10:39PM

---------------------FINAL WORD-----------------------

----Call it 'Trump Dump RE--publican-ism'.

---------------------------LOL------------------------------

sirbourbon| 10.18.11 @ 10:46PM

Ron Paul said cut a trillion from the budget and eliminate 5 major cabinet departments and the TSA!
Perry said defund the UN!
Cain said reform the bureaucracy (?)
Santorum said he is a Pennsylvania's boy.
Bachmann was back with her repeal Obamacare routine.
Newt cautioned the candidates to play nice.
Romney denied he was ever voted flip flopper king.
The

POST American| 10.19.11 @ 12:46AM

TTT-Rick PAIR-hee is pitching empty, crowd
pleasing bravado.

His record clearly manifests a
total tool of capstone Globalism,
and the now CON-solidating RED
China sellout and TREASON OP.

Mike Rogers | 10.19.11 @ 8:41AM

Perry gambled all in, and lost big. Romney just turned up his mosquito swatter one notch and let Perry have it.
Santorum overplayed his hand, too.

Margie| 10.19.11 @ 2:30PM

I feel sorry for Rick Perry. Maybe his wife got him to run, but he didn't really want to. It shows.
Whatever it is, I am thinking he is going to drop out sooner rather than later, because it just seems it is painful for him the more he goes on.

POST American| 10.20.11 @ 3:13AM

--------------------BOTTOM LINE----------------------

AS the front ops of ROT-child/Rockefeller
swing into full gear to co-opt and short circuit
the world awakening on USURY ---FAKE politics
----the RED China TREASON OP ---and the agendas
for world 'govern-ANTS' , world EUGENICS control
and, of course, incremental GENOCIDE ----

the man to be following on the CON
remains

---------------------ALAN WATT------------------------

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