The American Spectator : A Prediction Gone Wrong

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A Prediction Gone Wrong

By R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. on 12.29.11 @ 6:08AM

Gov. Rick Perry sure didn’t live up to expectations.

WASHINGTON — The year 2011 has drawn to an end, and as I look back I see several of my predictions that appear pretty sound. President Barack Obama is dead in the water and will be beaten in 2012. I have made that prediction over and again this year and I think it will be borne out. Another observation that I have made is that Liberalism is dead. By the coming election it will be the rare psephologist who fails to notice. Say, the occasional MSNBC political expert may still think Liberalism is full of brag and bounce after the fall elections as will the Sunday morning news know-it-alls, but after the November 6 elections, with the Senate and the presidency added to the Republicans’ trophy chest, I think my observation will be commonly accepted.

The Liberals of yesteryear are history. Those who call themselves Liberals today are zombies, the living dead of the left. Their new taxonomic classification is crony capitalism, according to which winners are picked by the government and showered with government subsidies. Thus is gobbled up ever more of American commerce. Alas, President Barack Obama’s early crony capitalists have a dreadful record. Consider the electric automobile or the solar power sector of the economy, companies like Solyndra — egad! The American people’s limits have been reached. Crony capitalism too is dead or at least moribund.

So was I always right in 2011? Unfortunately, not at all. Those who noticed the optimistic tone of my pronouncements regarding Texas’ Governor Rick Perry’s chances for the presidency in late spring and early summer must know I was too optimistic by half. In fact, I was dead wrong. Let me be man enough to admit it.

Back then I saw Governor Perry declaring his candidacy by the end of August, and so far so good. I said he would be very impressive, speaking authoritatively and sonorously on all the important issues of the day to us conservatives. By January 2012 he would have swept the field. Only a well-heeled Governor Romney would be prepared to challenge him, and perhaps the indefatigable Congressman Ron Paul. It would be a pathetic sight, with a smiling, congenial Governor Perry proceeding to the summer Republican convention and taking the nomination.

Well, Perry did not sweep into 2012. He tripped repeatedly in the fall after a promising declaration of candidacy. He faltered in debate and had those embarrassing brain seizures in front of the cameras where all could see. He was a solid conservative, but on some things he was too solid and he was rarely well informed. Frankly, I came to the conclusion that in the summer sometime he awoke and thought he should be president, so why not make a run for it? His state was rightly being boomed as the economy that works in contrast to California the economy that had failed, that hated business, that was an economy without a purpose. Governor Perry had been good for Texas and could be good for America. The 2012 election was going to be about the economy and the Governor of Texas was the man to take on Obama.

Actually, he might well be a man to take on Obama, but he has shown himself not to be prepared for the race just yet. It is said of him that in Texas he never won a debate and never lost a race. Yet he is beyond Texas now. Today he is campaigning for the presidency and he entered the race as though it were a lark. He has shown the capacity to learn on the campaign trail, but I am not sure the trail is long enough. We shall soon see.

About the Author

R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. is the founder and editor in chief of The American Spectator. He is the author of The Death of Liberalism, published by Thomas Nelson Inc. His previous books include the New York Times bestseller Boy Clinton: the Political Biography; The Impeachment of William Jefferson Clinton; The Liberal Crack-Up; The Conservative Crack-Up; Public Nuisances; The Future that Doesn’t Work: Social Democracy’s Failure in Britain; Madame Hillary: The Dark Road to the White House; The Clinton Crack-Up; and After the Hangover: The Conservatives’ Road to Recovery.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (240) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Jack in Wi.| 12.29.11 @ 6:40AM

The only 2 guys who have ever had a chance to beat Obama have always been Dr. Ron Paul and Willard Romney. I prefer the name Willard because that is his real name and see nothing wrong it. An old and dear friend of mine was named Willard, but always went by the name of Bill. He said there was a movie about a giant Rat and it's name was Willard. None the less Willard, Will, or Bill are a lot bettter then Mitt. Mitt always reminds me of mitt sauerkraut, mitt dumplings, mitt schlage, mitt knockwurst, and catchers mitt.

Now the Republican party is at this time hopelessly divided. There are 2 main divisions. It is between the country clubbers, and eastern banking intrests, with their vast globalist ambitions, supporting Romney vs Ron Paul and the real conservative, pro- life base of the party.

The country clubbers never met an abortion that they didn't love. While the Bush wing of the party never met an intervention that they didn't think was necessary to protect their monetary intrests.
I will say that old man Bush was at least someone who had a personal history of bravery in war. The latest bunch were mostly chicken hawks who preferred wars that are fought by the kids of the plebians.

Now we come to Rick Perry. He at least served his country. That is about all I can say about him as a candidate. I saw a few minutes of his announcement speeech and declared him dead in the water. He looked like and sounded like G. W. Bush. He also didn't seem to be a good speaker and who was very knowledgable. He soon imploded to be followed by a string of other flops. Gingrich being the latest.

That brings me back to Ron Paul and Romney. The party will be hopelessly divided and Obama will be re-elected unless there are a real debates in the party about the future of the country in domestic, foreign, and, social policy. Romney is capable of moving in the right direction and perhaps some accomadation can be made. I doubt it. But that is the only way the party can come close to be united for the campaign.

Personally I would rather see a fight like 64 and see Ron Paul win the nomination and the Presidency by getting the in a drag out war with Obama on policy and everthing else. The country needs a total change of direction.

Lawrence Boccardi| 12.29.11 @ 7:01AM

You folks, who continue to champion Ron Paul, are who well re-elect Obama. Ron Paul is a Independent/Libertarian, running for the Republican nomination. His subtle threat to run as an independent, is what continues to give Obama life. He, Gov. Johnson, Donald Trump, etc., had better smell the coffee, and realize ANYBODYBUTOBAMA!

Jack in Wi.| 12.29.11 @ 7:28AM

Lawerence: Ron Paul has the best chance of being elected. He is against the wars as are 75% of the population. He also is the only one not in the pocket of the bankers and specail intrests. 70% of the voters want the Fed audited. He polls by far the best among independents, disaffected Democrats, the young, and members of the military and their familes. He is the only one running who has a plan to return this country to solvency.

Now I have on occasion said that I thought Willard Romney could beat Obama. I only believe he could do that if he moved over to our side on the wars and fiscal policy. He would also have to take Rand Paul as his running mate. Otherwise I see Obama trouncing Romney as well. Romney is a chicken hawk, rich investment banker controlled by Goldman Sachs. Obama is controlled by the banksters as well, but he will run as the guy who got Bin Laden and is bringing the troops home. He will call Romney out for what he is, a rich guy who wants more wars. Obama will look like a man of who is ending the wars and against rich plutocrats. You can't beat that with someone like Romney.

JimP| 12.29.11 @ 8:18AM

I disagree Jack. Ron's foreign policy ideas sound dangerously naive to most folks I know. Sure he's "anti war", but who isn't? I'm anti war, but know enough history to realize that the Pax Americana that has existed since the end of WWII better serves the planet than Pax USSR or China or Caliphate. I don't believe in nation building for democracy - a proven failure- and therefore the planet needs a World Cop to keep the bad actors from getting out of hand. Better that it be us than anyone else and this means we need to be forward delpoyed in places as an effective deterrent. Don't waste time calling me a neocon. I am the quintessential Ugly American. I want foreigners to buy our stuff, send their resources and STFU or we bomb y0u to the stone age and using nukes is not off the table- in a sarcastic manner of speaking. Make one example and peace will start breaking out all over. With all our 'faults' and shortcomings we are still the best nation for the job. Some country inevitably will take on the role. History proves that. So, it may as well be us.

Clint| 12.29.11 @ 9:24AM

Dr.Ron Paul Understands Real Conservative Foreign Policy.
Watch This Short Video Primer.
http://digitaljournal.com/article/316304

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

JimP| 12.29.11 @ 10:20AM

Clint,

Thanks for the link. I watched it. I still respectfully disagree. I understand your feelings on the subject. There are several Paul supporters in my family. While there is truth in the foreign policy history presented in the video, those truths are presented out of full context, some factual information is not presented [which is too lengthy to recite here] and hence things are over simplified. I too would like to not be involved with all these damn foreigners and their issues. Long term, in ways other than the manner President Bush and others like to address these matters, I think we can lessen our involvement and greatly lessen, if not eliminate, the blowback. Unfortunately since we had Pax Americana forced upon us after WWII- thanks to all those non Middle Eastern foreigners- and the Cold War, Realpolitik is still the order of the day. It's a lousy job, I don't like, I think President GW Bush made a mistake in Iraq and with his nation building policies, and it is why I believe in what I call the Ugly American foreign policy. Also, reading history shows that even if we weren't in the Mid-East, they or someone else would be causing us problems. Example: the Barbary Pirates. Were we supposed to not engage in commerce in the Mediterranean so as not to provoke blowback? [I agree this is over simplified, but the point is accurate.] Additionally recall that it was the spread of Islam by the sword that prompted the reaction known as The Crusades. Muslims traditionally mean to put us to death for our beliefs and intend to conquer us. Our presence in the ME the last 70 years is just a convenient excuse to rile up the Mohammedans to re-engage in the Jihad they started 1,300 years ago.

Respectfully,

JimP

Clint| 12.29.11 @ 10:54AM

JimP,
As An American Freeman You Have The Right To Vote For The Candidate You Freely Choose.

That Said, American Warriors Are Not To Be Used As Cannon Fodder And Our American Taxpayers Force Confiscated Money In The National Treasury Is Not To Be Used To Be The Global Policemen Of The World.

And While Our Force Confiscated American Taxpayer Money Is Spent To Base American Warriors In Countries Around The Globe, Those Countries Take The Money Their Taxpayers Don't Spend To Defend Themselves And Use It To Pump Up Their Own Economies.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

JimP| 12.29.11 @ 1:18PM

Clint,

That is the kind of self righteous sounding rant[captial letters for every word and blanket statements for what our troops, the national treasury etc. is and is not to be used for decided by you and yours] response that turns so many people off to Ron Paul. I don't believe in using our warriors as cannon fodder. Especially having been one myself. Your response indicates an unwillingness for reasonable discourse between/among well meaning fellow partriots. Based on your statements it seems it is 'your way or the highway' and all who disagree with you lack a valid moral, legal, historical and Constitutional position, and I conclude by implication deserve the scorn heaped their way by folks such as yourself. No wonder there are so many anti-Paul folks out here beyond Iowa- where the Tea Party exists also. It's now clear to me why so many think Paul and his supporters are a bunch of tin foil hat wearing nutjobs. LOL

Good luck, Clint. I think your guy is headed for defeat.

'Warm' personal regards,

JimP

WinieR| 12.30.11 @ 10:49AM

"From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli..."
An interesting piece of history about our conflicts with the middle east, page down to the historical part:

http://www.wallbuilders.com/li.....asp?id=374

or watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?f.....C5w4jk6DJI

WinieR| 12.30.11 @ 10:36AM

Clint:
great video with much truth.
Another video to watch that gives more historical insight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXt1cayx0hs

Richard H. Davis| 12.29.11 @ 12:32PM

I'm a liberal Democrat, so you might want to ignore my opinions, but watching the Republican debate in Iowa, everyone except Paul essentially promised to go to war with Iran. Subsequently, a number of the Republican candidates endorsed "personhood," which was defeated in deep red MISSISSIPPI!!! I believe that other candidates will come to endorse "personhood" to stay in the good graces of the Republican primary voters. These positions will not play well in the suburbs in the general election. Iowa is just KILLING the chances of the Republican party to defeat Obama.

JimP| 12.29.11 @ 1:28PM

I think there is validity to your points. The GOP got suckered into answering the make war on Iran question. It's a hypothetical gotcha that Obama will/would not be asked. That issue only seems to surface during Presidential campaigns and why these candidates took the bait is beyond my understanding. Franly, I don't believe for a minute that any of them will go to war with Iran. They're just trying to throw red meat out to some small unidentified faction that they think are conservatives is my guess. Dumb. Very dumb.

Charie| 1.4.12 @ 12:52AM

The candidates were stupid enough to agree to be moderated by leftwing newspeople. What else could be expected out of them but a lot of gotcha questions?

Does anyone seriously think that if the tables were turned, Democrats would allow their forums to be moderated by Walter Williams, Rich Lowery or Andrew Breitbart? Pardon me while I laugh up my sleeve. They know better than to put themselves in a position where they're going to have to answer gotcha questions unlike the Republicans.

beebop2| 12.30.11 @ 5:23AM

Ron Paul is NOT ELECTABLE by America as we know her today. Period. I listen to your Paulenistas on every radio call in program and you sound as vapid as the OWS crowd -- albeit some of you have served. But that's it.

No one should have had any expectations of any candidate beyond their record and their performance over the course of the nomination process. I am disappointed by Governor Perry's performance, but he is the same conservative who entered the race. Which surely cannot be said of Mittless.

babydriver| 12.29.11 @ 12:41PM

The Bible tells me to call no man a fool....

Quartermaster| 12.29.11 @ 2:22PM

Lawrence, the faux-conservatives acting like 16 year olds, who refuse to simply state the facts, such as you Occam, doorgunner, and several others, are who will re-elect Obama. The GOP is demonizing Paul instead of simply refuting the man. You will simply drive people away. As it is, the AmSpec comment threads are a fever swamp as bad, if not worse, than any of the leftist fever swamps. It really is sickening to watch.

Paul's chances are non-zero, but are pretty close to zero because of reprehensible trash like calling Manning a hero. The newsletters are simply a non-PC diversion for the Neocons that think they need to demonize the man. Deal with the truth of his foreign policy positions and Manning, and he will melt away.

Tom Golab| 12.29.11 @ 4:06PM

Exactly right. ABO. Anybody But Obama. The liberal media keeps attacking any Republican front runner. Nobody is talking about how bad Obama has handled the Presidency. Or how much damage he will do in a 2nd term.

Colin | 12.29.11 @ 8:10AM

"Good evening and welcome to Cafe La Jonestown. My name is Ronald and I'll be your waiter tonight. Our specials this evening include roast piglets served in a lovely Pauline Sauce, (our own Chef James original creation), together with a perfectly chilled bottle of classic '78 Kool Aid served in a beautiful 30 year anniversery decanter. I'll give you a few minutes to decide. Meanwhile, feel free to enjoy the house cracker. It's toasted."

Timothy L. Pennell| 12.29.11 @ 8:29AM

Nice.

Clint| 12.29.11 @ 9:33AM

" LAKE JACKSON, Texas, Dec 21, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul polls strong against incumbent President Barack Obama in a general election matchup, according to a new CNN / ORC poll has Ron Paul.

Poll highlights include Paul besting Obama 47 to 46 percent among those 65 years and older, said to be the most reliable voters. Paul also beats Obama among whites 51 to 46 percent, persons who reside in rural areas 52 to 44 percent, and independents by 48 to 47 percent.

When compared to other Republican presidential hopefuls in a general election matchup against Obama, Paul does best among the following population segments: males; persons ages 18 to 34; persons under 50 years of age; persons earning less than $50k per year; persons who have attended college; crossover Democrats; self-identified liberals; self-described moderates; residents of the Northeast and Midwest geographic regions; and those residing in urban areas. Noteworthy as well is that Paul fares better than all of his GOP competitors against Obama among non-whites -- garnering a solid 25 percent, or one in four non-white adults. "

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 10:35AM

Paul is too old to be President ... and it will really matter who he picked as VP, even more so than bubble-head Sarah "I can see Russia from my house" Palin.

Mike 3/505| 12.29.11 @ 10:59AM

" "I can see Russia from my house" Palin."

She never said that....Tina Fay did. Facts are stubborn things.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 12:48PM

Hahaha ... like that matters... it was funny 'cause it fit her stupidity and incoherence. "When Putin comes to the United States, how do you think he gets here? He flies over Alaska and we have our eye on him - So my foreign policy credentials are on display" Huh? - You think that sounds much better coming from Governor Quitter?

Ted| 12.29.11 @ 1:44PM

As opposed to the stupidity and incoherence of Obama.... Visited 57 states doncha know....

Keep trying to stir the pot Purp. You are giving us some great laughs.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 3:37PM

But all you can say is "oh, yeah, well your guy did this ..." what are you, like 12? Your kids could argue that well.

Ted| 12.29.11 @ 6:38PM

Don't need to argue. The facts are the facts. Nice try.

GregA| 1.3.12 @ 12:38PM

"Palin is stupid...Conservatives are stupid...blah, blah, blah." Is that all you have? I'd put Sarah Palin's intellect against yours, sight unseen, and I suspect you'll come up wanting.

Clint| 12.29.11 @ 10:59AM

Bullshit, ObamaBoy.

You're Scared Of The Tea Party And Our Co-Favorite Presidential Candidate Dr. Ron Paul, Because Dr. Ron Paul Draws Independents And Democrats, As Well As Republicans.

Boo !

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

russel| 12.29.11 @ 11:28AM

Didn't think he was up yet , Clint , or got up early to ruin our day ahead of time . I'd bet he's from Boston .

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 12:45PM

Nope, from the middle of the country, farm country. Here's another one obsessed with when I'm in bed... you want to get in bed with me russel? why else is it on your mind?

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 12:48PM

76 years old, 77 by election time ... ya, he's toooo old, ewwww.

W| 12.29.11 @ 6:49PM

Purp,
How can you supposedly work for a Fortune 10 corporation yet spend the entire day here posting your lefty talking points?

I think Occam is correct that you work at GE and you are Jeff Imelt.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.30.11 @ 11:24AM

W
easy. Purp works for George Soros.

Margie| 1.1.12 @ 3:36PM

And you kiss the asses of the most perverse and VILE among us.

Lexa Kyle| 12.29.11 @ 4:57PM

Purp,
Do you hate the beautiful and courageous Sarah Palin so much that you risk showing yourself a fool? Sarah Palin did not say she could see Russia from her house. Tina Fey said it in a parody of Gov. Palin on "Saturday Nite Live." Get a grip, man.

Timothy L. Pennell| 12.29.11 @ 10:55AM

C'mon. Quit with the appetizers. Get to the main course.

I wanna hear how Ron Paul's Newsletter describes how to kill a Black Man, gut him, fry him in a pan, and get away with it. Or, how Me, and my Militia, can Attack the Government and disappear in to the Forrest.

And to think that, some of us, think he's a Lunatic. Or that he's Unelectable. I don't know about you, but WHO WOULDN'T vote for a guy that's been Publishing all this kinda good stuff, for the last 10 YEARS?

Clint| 12.29.11 @ 11:02AM

Do Youe Homework.

"Written By : Eric Dondero

Fmr. Senior Aide, US Cong. Ron Paul, 1997 – 2003
Campaign Coordinator, Ron Paul for Congress, 1995/96
National Organizer, Draft Ron Paul for President, 1991/92
Travel Aide/Personal Asst. Ron Paul, Libertarian for President
1987/88

Is Ron Paul a “racist.” In short, No. I worked for the man for 12 years, pretty consistently. I never heard a racist word expressed towards Blacks or Jews come out of his mouth. Not once. And understand, I was his close personal assistant. It’s safe to say that I was with him on the campaign trail more than any other individual, whether it be traveling to Fairbanks, Alaska or Boston, Massachusetts in the presidential race, or across the congressional district to San Antonio or Corpus Christi, Texas.

He has frequently hired blacks for his office staff, starting as early as 1988 for the Libertarian campaign. He has also hired many Hispanics, including his current District staffer Dianna Gilbert-Kile. "

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 12:49PM

The Tea Party will kill the Republicant party ...

Timothy L. Pennell| 12.29.11 @ 4:16PM

It's HIS Newsletter, Idiot. HE is responsible for the CONTENT of HIS Newsletter. The BUCK stops with HIM.

Even you aren't so STUPID, as to believe otherwise.

HE is the PUBLISHER of HIS Newsletter, of which HE is responsible for what goes in it.

Maybe if you stopped Jerk*ng Off to his Picture, you would snap out of it.

You are not the Tea Party. You're a sick little FREAK, with no Friends, no Life, and no Hope of getting either of those, any time soon.

God, you're F*ck*d Up.

W| 12.29.11 @ 8:24AM

Jack
You must know that Ron Paull has no chance to beat Obama given his views on terrorrism, foreign policy, and his newsletters.

Paul is no Goldwater. Goldwater was a true conservative/libertarian but he believed in a strong national defense.

LBJ ran a dirty campaign saying Barry would nuke our enemies and enlarge the Vietnam war. The Dems ran an ad showing a nuclear mushroom cloud (Bill Moyers's ad).

LBJ beat Barry in a landslide. We got Vietnam, the Great Society, Medicare, and today's big government. Granted, LBJ got the sympathy vote of JFK, but what makes you think Paul is better than Barry?

Clint| 12.29.11 @ 9:35AM

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 12:51PM

He's too old to be elected .. 76 now, 77 by election time ... what could he possibly do at 3am .. doddering old fool. Didn't you have enough with Grandpa McCain?

W| 12.29.11 @ 2:40PM

Purp

Are you old enough to vote?

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 3:39PM

Tell me you haven't considered he would be far and away the oldest person to run, let alone win the presidency? Could he stay awake long enough daily to be President. Reagan almost couldn't and he was younger.

W| 12.29.11 @ 4:06PM

I haven't becaue he will not be the nominee. Waste of time. Deal with probabilities not possibilities.

Lexa Kyle| 12.29.11 @ 5:01PM

Purp, do you get paid to be so obnoxious and stupid?

Occam's Tool| 12.29.11 @ 6:01PM

He hasn't been hit with a 24/7/365 nedia blitz---all newsletters, all the time. Wait until he runs against a Chicago Pol. He will be dead meat.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 3:04PM

"The Dems ran an ad showing a nuclear mushroom cloud"

One time.

LBJ gave us reduced poverty, lower unemployment, and a national debt that was a smaller share of GDP than when he took office.

Of Reagan/Bush I/Bush II none of them can claim any of that.

What makes you think anyone claiming the Reagan mantle can do better?

BTW, the thing I like about Ron Paul is, he actually does have principles, something I don't see in his opponents. I disagree with a lot of what RP says, agree with some, but respect principles.

Occam's Tool| 12.29.11 @ 6:00PM

Obama will kick Ron Paul's ass on his newsletters all day long and twice on Sunday. Hey, Paul put his name to it, and made MILLIONS off it. He owns it, and it will crucify him. Rightly so.

TrueBlue| 12.30.11 @ 12:12PM

Romney and Paul together only represent 40% of the Republican vote. That should tell you something right there. The two of them may have the largest percentage, but 60% do NOT support either of them. This is how we get RINOs like Bush I/II and McCain.

Either the entire race is fixed to do just that (I wouldn't put it past the RNC) or the remaining candidates need to get together, figure out who has the best chances at beating Obama, make some backroom deals for positions once that person is elected, and then all but one needs to bow out of the race followed by an IMMEDIATE announcement that they support the remaining candidate.

Ron Paul has TWENTY PERCENT in IOWA... that is not even close to the majority of the party, in a state with an open primary (because the Dems don't have any stake in us getting a weak/strong candidate *cough*). If Paul really cared about this country instead of his own personal gain he would bow out, realizing he doesn't have anywhere near a majority, and he'd push for his people to support one of the actual conservative candidates. Paul is NOT a conservative, and he is RINO. He left the Republican party, lest his supporters forget. The only reason he came back is because he knew there was NO WAY for him to become President as a Libertarian.

Kenny| 12.29.11 @ 6:52AM

I, too, had high hopes for Rick Perry.

But alas, he flamed out.

bill| 12.29.11 @ 11:01AM

Kenny,

Rick Perry will rebound and clinch the GOP nod.

Old Soldier| 12.29.11 @ 1:56PM

I think not. I too had hopes for Perry - that were quickly dashed.

I now have no candidate and despise them all.

Lexa Kyle| 12.29.11 @ 5:02PM

I, too, despise them all, except Santorum. I respect him, but he doesn't stand a chance.

TrueBlue| 12.30.11 @ 12:13PM

Sadly true, he's the only one with a clean record (for a politician), but he doesn't know how to make himself stand out in the crowd.

As for the Paul camp's calls of chickenhawk, I'd rather have a warmonger than a pacifist that'll get us killed on our own soil.

donserge| 12.29.11 @ 7:53AM

About the time Perry announced his candidacy I saw a poll that said a majority of Texans did not believe he would be a good president. At the time, did anyone think to ask why?

Dmac| 12.29.11 @ 2:15PM

I don't think you'll find there was ever a candidate for President that polled well in his/her home state. The reason being the homers know the candidate better than those outside the state. Sure Perry polls bad here in Texas. We know him and we know his mistakes. I ahd no intention of voting for him, but after hearing answers from Romney and Gingrich in the debates Perry is looking a bit better in my opninion. I'll say one thing for Perry, Christian bashing will come to an end and so will over spending. When it comes to money Perry is downright stingy and thats exactly what we need in Washington now.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:59PM

How did he run up the debt so much?

How did he expand government so much?

Christian bashing is our constitutional right. After all, lots of so called Christians don't even recognize my religion, Catholic, as Christian.

So screw all right wingers who want to enshrine their religion in law.

TrueBlue| 12.30.11 @ 12:15PM

He ran up so much debt because he made a stupid decision to cut taxes knowing that it'd create a deficit. I'm all for lower taxes, but there is a middle ground. Texas' actual spending is about as low as the state can go, they couldn't afford the lower taxes, so they got debt.

Occam's Tool| 12.29.11 @ 6:02PM

Reagan won California. Twice, I believe.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 7:55AM

Well Emmett,
not one vote has been cast yet. Let's hold off our bets until after super Tuesday.

Governor Perry has been workng pretty hard in Iowa on the retail basis. In person, he is quite impressive, and he articulates his thoughts very well in a declarative format.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 8:01AM

Oh, one other thought;
I hated it when he framed his campaign around the term "inconsequential".

Heh, that is a long word and the Paul-bot mouth-breathers don't know what it means.

WJ| 12.29.11 @ 8:35AM

That's pretty funny - a Rick Perry supporter calling anyone else a mouth breather.

Perry's IQ is 90, maybe 95 tops. By comparison, he makes the last Bush (and the last Bush I will ever vote for) look brilliant.

Redatheart| 12.29.11 @ 9:19AM

See Erick Erickson's Morning Briefing today at Redstate (www.redstate.com) and then review some archival info, as well.

Moe Blotz| 12.29.11 @ 11:09AM

George W. Bush was misunderestimated by his detractors and youse do so at your peril.

StanO| 12.29.11 @ 1:51PM

It's called propaganda, it's not a misunderstanding. George W Bush was the first MBA President, graduating with better grades than John Kerry. And at a place where there are a lot of children with notable parents.

He was also one the most well read Presidents ever. You would never know that the way the media shaped his Presidency.

I disagreed with his spending habits and the "compassionate conservatism" concept in general. But, overall I'm glad he was at the helm after 9/11

Mike 3/505| 12.29.11 @ 11:01AM

Perry flew C-130's in the Air Force. You can't do that and be stupid. It requires intelligence, good judgement and the ability to make critical decisions quickly.

StanO| 12.29.11 @ 1:53PM

You have no basis for your inane comments, except that you are perhaps the "mouth breather" that believes anything the media throws at you.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 4:02PM

WJ,
you are hilarious. The US Airforce doesn't turn a moron loose to fly a 30 million dollar airplane full of Rangers into combat.

As Moe below mentioned...you guys just may be misunderestimating a good man again.!

The Big E| 12.29.11 @ 4:32PM

Which is approximately twice yours, right?

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.30.11 @ 11:27AM

(Friday)
Rick Perry on Greta at Fox.

http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/.....ttack-iowa

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 10:37AM

Oh, yeah, like when he caressed the syrup bottle and was hopping around the stage like he was high - oops.

William L. Gensert| 12.29.11 @ 8:13AM

Rick Perry was my candidate as well. I was very disappointed with his performance. I still believe he would make the best President, but Barack Obama would kill him in the campaign. The 2 people Barack Obama does not want to run against are Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich. His minions have already dispatched Herman. The way it was done is a precursor of the President's strategy for re-election. Newt will not only fight, he will take the battle directly to Obama's door. I'm not confident Romney is confrontational enough to win.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 10:40AM

Herman Cain dispatched himself with his debauchery and lack of moral character. And Newt Gingrich? Oh, ya, there's a moral Rock of Gibralter for ya. With all his baggage, he'd be the pinata at the President's party.

Ted| 12.29.11 @ 1:46PM

Herman Cain dispatched himself with his debauchery and lack of moral character."

Now that right there is some irony in action. A Democrat who probably lionizes Bill Clinton talking about debauchery and a lack of moral character.

Keep the laughs coming.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:55PM

"Now that right there is some irony in action. A Democrat who probably lionizes Bill Clinton talking about debauchery and a lack of moral character."

Bill Clinton was the best republican president we have had in a long time.

sorighton| 12.29.11 @ 12:25PM

Have to agree. Newt and Perry are the only fighters but Newt has the problem of his record. You have to fight hard and dirty to get anywhere when you go up against the Bully Pulpit and the Bully Media.

JimP| 12.29.11 @ 8:23AM

I hope Perry keeps running. With the possibilities for a brokered convention Rick may yet have a positive influence on events. I was sad about his miscues because I did have high hopes for him as the nominee. He has the right instincts so maybe he'll be running again in the future, if Heaven forbid we lose next year.

VonMisesJr| 12.29.11 @ 8:29AM

While I am too a Perry fan, apparently not too many other people are.

As for crony capitalism, it is a misnomer. (That means it's name is incorrect for you trolls). It is really simply fascism. It was here in the 1930's and it is back with a vengence. People learned and it became unfashionable, as it will now. But people forget and it will always come back.

Von Mises explained in "Socialism" that when Marx and the other socialist could not defend Marxist theory, and it continually failed; they came up with a series of head fakes. They called a new brand of socialism the "Third Way" or fascism or Nazism. But it is all the same, and today we call it crony capitalism.

Von Mises said socialism is like being pregnant. You are or you are not. Since fascism controls so-called private property, it is socialist. If you don't have control to sell or use your property, you don't really own it. But the socialist knew that they could then blame all the misery on capitalism, while making the state the beneficent provider of all perceived largess. This is why Wall Street is always the scape goat for failed government policies such as subprime and the Fed QE(?).

But the great Mr. Tyrrell is correct. We should rejoice and be glad. Obama has severely wounded socialism for now, and he will be gone soon. It apparently just won't be our guy Rick that takes the reins.

Happy New Year, even to you trolls.

Indy| 12.29.11 @ 9:11AM

The socialists will not go quietly, two articles from big gov
http://biggovernment.com/tloud.....-we-think/

http://biggovernment.com/labor.....s-to-blue/

we will be seeing a lot of Van Jones in 2012

DRed| 12.29.11 @ 9:17AM

By your definition, Rick Perry is a socialist. He wasn't exactly Adam Smith in a stetson down in Austin. One of the best ways to succeed in business in Texas is to give a lot of money to Rick Perry.

bill| 12.29.11 @ 11:01AM

DRed, That's a lie. Rick Perry is a true patriot and never took money from special interest groups. It's Barack Obama, is a LIAR and destroying America.

John Navratil| 12.29.11 @ 9:46AM

VonMisesJr,

Perry has his strengths, no doubt, but his efforts on the Trans-Texas Corridor were damning. That project was the grandest infrastructure for crony capitalism ever to be conceived outside of California. I fully accept Perry's statement that his Gardasil decision was well intentioned (I obtained the vaccine for my daughter) but his methods were more in line with Obama's in the use of an Executive Order than I can take.

I would not vote for him in the primary today, but would gladly support him in the general.

On the other hand, my favorite (Santorum), seems to need something of a miracle.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 4:11PM

John Navortaril,
Have you ever driven on Interstate 35 during the day...OR night?
That is the main highway from Mexico to the rest of the US, and IT IS A PARKING LOT! Full of eighteen wheelers.

Mr. Perry...right or wrong...wanted to break up the traffic jam on behalf of Texans.

The so-called cronyism is a damned LIE!
Just a damned lie!
Of course Perry wanted the highway built by a (non union), Texas contractor...Duh! He is the Governor of Texas.

John Navratil| 12.29.11 @ 6:25PM

Ken,

Perry isn't evil. I'm just not comfortable with a "friendly" state. For all Perry talks about freedom from regulation, we are living in a state which permits 25 (yes that is correct - twenty five) people to create management districts empowered to tax all commercial properties in the district. (See http://stopdistrict11.org and http://www.texaswatchdog.org/2.....6348.story). These "friendly state" initiatives have ballooned during his tenure. Do I blame him, personally? No! But, he is the governor and the bills authorizing these blights on liberty were signed by him. The Trans-Texas corridor was not cronyism, per se, but it's stated goal was to provide right-of-ways for all sorts of "good works". To me, this was a vehicle for cronyism - an example of which which was T. Boone Pickens attempt to use wind-farm transmission as a cover to acquire the right-of-way so he could pipe water from the panhandle to Dallas. I did not and do not accuse Perry of cronyism.

I've defended him on the Niggerhead rock foolishness. I've accepted his stated good intentions for the Gardasil regulation. He is head and shoulders above Anne Richards - Texas has done much worse. I'll support him completely should he get the nomination. I cannot support him, over Santorum at least, for his big government sins of commission or ommision.

If, when I have the opportunity to vote in the primary, he is the best choice, he will get my vote. Not today.

I'd also like to meet you (wives, too) over some ribs at "County Line" or a steak at "Jonathon's - The Rub" to discuss some good cooking, your good works and flying if you have a mind to.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.30.11 @ 11:35AM

John, I would enjoy that call me on my cell
713-569-3896

Margie| 1.1.12 @ 3:39PM

His good works?
You mean like how he slanders Christian women on AmSpec in order to try and get rid of them?

Without even presenting the "proof" he says he has?

His good works are his wife's, by the way.
It's her company which he married into.
He has the plane, that's all.
Ken is a lying, filthy Reprobate.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 10:53AM

Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy - Barack Obama is not a socialist. In fact, very little of America is socialist. What you really mean is that he sees the government as having a role in solving the nation's problems. Every Republicant believes the same thing (stopping abortion, policing the world, prayer in schools, etc.).
Now, America is a capitalist society with a socialist brake on that capitalism. Unfettered capitalism destroys itself because it is NOT self-regulating. Left alone, all wealth accumulates at the top, with the golden rule operative - "those with the gold make the rules. " By adding the social safety net, a regulatory system and those that can monitor compliance and issue punishment for bad actors, capitalism is constrained to allow for a more level playing field. Over the last 30 years, many of those constraints have been lifted and we saw the result in 2008. Whether you understand that, like it or not, the controls have to be put back into place to get America back.

Moe Blotz| 12.29.11 @ 11:20AM

When do youse think the US Treasury should sell our stake in GM (Government Motors)? Have we divested ourselves, collectively speaking , of bank shares acquired via TARP? Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac control most mortgages in the USA. when should we sell them off? When should we take collective control of M1 away from the Federal Reserve? Do I own my property or am I merely the temporary custodian? From 1776 to 1893 we had truly free markets with little government intervention and our nation prospered. Laissez Faire was at work and so were our ancestors.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 12:58PM

The United States sold it's share of GM when GM had it's IPO and made a handsome profit - guess you missed that on Fixed News. TARP has been paid back with interest also, making a nice profit too. If we didn't have Fannie and Freddie, we'd have no mortgages at all, they are underwriting mortgages now for people to even buy homes. M1 is under the Federal Reserves control by law. I don't know - do you owe any back taxes? Do you have a mortgage?
Laissez-Faire was a disaster except for the very wealthy, who owned everything and had politicians in their back pocket. Company stores, company housing, sweat shops, $1 day wages, 12 hour days, 7 days a week working, no vacation, no sick leave, no pensions, child labor - ya, you want that world back? You can have it. I choose to live in a civil society with all the benefits and comforts we have now. Thank you for your perspective on 19th century thinking ....

Old Soldier| 12.29.11 @ 2:13PM

The U.S. government still owns 500 million shares of GM. The stock-price would have to more than double in order for the government to break even on this debacle.

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/.....index.html

Old Soldier| 12.29.11 @ 2:16PM

We missed the news on Fox News because it NEVER HAPPENED. When you are wrong, you go all in.

Here's another recent article.
http://content.usatoday.com/co.....sp=34money

Timothy L. Pennell| 12.29.11 @ 4:39PM

It's the BIG LIE, O.S. This Administrations similarities with Hitler's Nazi Party, does not end with it's Hatred for the JEW. One need only look at his Czars. Why, he's even got a Josef Mengele wannabe, in Rahm Emanuel's brother - Ezekiel. Or his Science Czar - Holdren - who's fondest ambition is to put STERILANTS in to our Drinking Water.

"ARBEIT MACHT FREI"

It's closer than you think.

Occam's Tool| 12.29.11 @ 6:04PM

Gosh, yes. Ezekial Emmanuel is a scary MF. That man wants draconian rationing.

George S| 12.29.11 @ 11:28AM

Wealth is not accumulated, it is created when someone comes up with a product or service that other people gladly pay for. You yourself make those people wealthy by buying their Windows, iPads, Big Macs, Air Jordans, or tuning into their TV shows or downloading their songs or movies. You do. You make them wealthy.

The only accumulators of wealth are those in bed with the government because now you are forced to pay for things you do not want. Such as 500 million dollars to the thieves at Solyndra. Or the retirement packages of low level bureaucrats. Or the dues to your union. Or the hiring of lawyers and lobbyists to keep the government off your back.

You want to see capitalism at its ugliest, look no further than Jon Corzine. He stole other people's money to use for himself. Yet no one in the Left or the media pretend to notice, hell they even feel sorry for the guy. Yet the man who made his fortune with hard work is the criminal in your world.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 1:12PM

Aren't you a basket of Republicant talking points? Hard workers are the backbone of our American economy. Why you disparage them?
Financial transactions create nothing, and yet they accumulate wealth - so what you say is not entirely correct. 40% of our economy is financial transactions - which is nothing but a puff of air in a computer. We buy securities and financial instruments which make those selling them wealthy - unless we control this process, meaning banks and investment houses, abuse can be rampant - which is exactly why we had the 2008 meltdown - the last of the controls were removed in 1999 with the Gramm-Blighley repeal of Glass-Steagall. 10 years later, BLAM, disaster. Same happened in 1919 and 10 years later BLAM!, the Great Depression.
You mention Solyndra - but you didn't mention the 28 other companies the government aided that have done well. Typical out of context argument.
So when IBM or GE gives retirement packages to their workers, that's okay, but if the government entities do, that's not okay? Isn't that called discrimination? And if IBM, GE or ExxonMobil forces their employees to pay for their own cell phone or Internet service, used for company business, that's okay, but a Union expecting dues from their members is not okay? A Country Club forces their members to pay dues - and that's okay?
Hiring of lawyers sounds smart to me ... as is hiring a lobbyist, as long as everything is legal and aboveboard - you have issues with that too?
No idea why you say Corzine is not under media scrutiny, since both TIME and NEWSWEEK had multi-page articles on his shenanigans. Or did you miss that?
These arguments of yours are pretty shallow, which is why they sound like talking points to me, rather than reasoned, lucid arguments.

George True| 12.29.11 @ 3:08PM

You have created a perfect Bizarro World in your own mind, Purp. A world where everything is the opposite of what is real in this world. From Day One, the Obama Administration has systematically looted the treasury, looted the taxpayers, debased our currency, and transferred the stolen proceeds to themselves and their families, and their well-connected pals on Wall Street and elsewhere. Obama and his cronies are the absolute epitome and the very definition of Crony Capitalism. But they have taken it to a level that is several orders of magnitude greater than anything ever seen before in this country. They are thieves, con-men, and plunderers of the highest order. This is the reality of the last three years, and is ignored or refuted only by fools and those under the influence of the most powerful self-delusion.

Corzine openly and brazenly stole billions of dollars from customer trading accounts, and yet he is not under arrest. Only an outrageously corrupt and thoroughly criminal administration and justice department would stand by and do nothing. You, Purp, are an apologist for the most gangster administration ever seen since the founding.

Do you know, Purp, who will pay for the last three $1,500,000,000,000 trillion dollar deficits the Dems and Obama have slammed through, and the most recent $1.2 trillion spending bill? We will all pay, including you. The currency has been debased, and will become much more debased in the years to come. Every dollar you earn, every paper asset you have will lose value according to how much the currency loses value. A weekly paycheck of $1000 will buy only $7oo, or perhaps $500 worth of goods and services. Your IRA or 401K of $100K will actually only be worth $70K or $50K. Obama, Reid, and Pelosi have caused this. And yet instead of denouncing them for this unprecedented thievery on such a staggering scale, you instead denounce the ones who tried to stop them. You are mentally ill.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 8:50PM

Yes, yes, yes ... the world is collapsing because a DEMOCRAT spends money. Where were you for the last 30 years while Reagan and the Bush I and II twins racked up 10.7 Trillion on the National Debt? Sorry, your complaints ring hollow when you only hold some people accountable.
Dollar devaluation has been going on for decades, so NOW you're worried about it? Another red herring to throw at the black man.
If Corzine stole - to jail with him, I couldn't care less about the man - but there are plenty of other Wall Streeters, Bankers and Government Officials that should join him, including GW Bush and Darth Cheney - both admitted to approving torture, which is illegal and is law breaking. What say you on them? or Reagan and Papa Bush? You give all of them a pass?
Basically, I think you're either jealous of his successes, hate him because of race, or p'od because your party is in disarray and you know you're going to lose, no matter who you put into nomination.
I'll say this though - Reagan, and the 2 Bushes made there own messes and charged it! Obama had his mess handed to him, so instead of being down on the man, you should be thankful, first that GW Bush signed the TARP, and that Obama continued the programs and added to them to keep this country from completely falling apart. And, yes the country will have to pay for what others in the past have done - but that's been the case for 100 years, nothing new there. Did you just come to this realization?

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 4:16PM

Purp,
save a lot of typing...simply type "WORKERS OF THE WORLD UNITE!"
(UH the motto of the Soviet Union.)

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 8:51PM

Is that because you don't work? you have a rich widow on the side? Some 99% of us work, so what are you?

W| 12.29.11 @ 4:38PM

Purp
The purpose of ownership is control. If you can control the economy through legislation and regulations then you do not have to "own" anything because you have achieved the same result as if you owned.

Obama is a socialist. He knows, as most lefties know, you can achieve the results you want by regulating the economy. There is no need to own.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 8:56PM

Nope - Socialism is actually owning the methods of production in an economy. Owning GM comes close, but that is on it's way back to privatization with 500 million shares left sell off that the US owns. Other than GM, AIG is probably another example of government control - but they don't produce anything, so who cares? Fannie and Freddie are agencies of the Federal Government, so they are in a special relationship with the US.
Other than what I've cited, there are no other government owns "means of production", without which socialism does not exist, period.
Control of the economy is common sense and practical, not socialist. What has Fixed News been lying about now? Alexander Hamilton put the first controls over our economy from the very beginning. Is he a socialist? OMG, no he's not. Now do you understand?

W| 12.29.11 @ 11:01PM

Purp

"NOPE" is not an answer unless you are a DOPE.
If you control you do not need to own. Result is the same. Of course, I don't want to confuse a lefty like you with the facts. So unless Obama says "I am a socialist" you don't believe he is a socialist.

What did you do, look in the lefty dictionary for the meaning of socialism, and it says "ownership" so then you close the book and close your mind?

I know you understand this, you are not stupid.

What exactly do you do for this Fortune 10 company?

Timothy L. Pennell| 12.29.11 @ 9:09AM

"Rick Perry sure didn't live up to expectations." Really? What were the expectations? What did you want? He's a good guy. He served in the Military. He's got the best State in the Union. He's created more jobs than anybody else. He's served as his State's Governor, longer than anybody else. He's Pro 2nd Amendment. He loves his wife. And he knows what to do with a MURDER, once he's caught.

You got a problem with that?

Is it that he doesn't TALK good? Is it cause he's not SLICK? He's not Ivy League? He's just like regular people?

Where I come from, those are all Good Qualities. We've already had a SLICK Willey. He's the one that RAPED one Gal, Molested another one, Exposed his Genitals to another one, and used another one for Oral Sex, because that's not really sex. Is that what you want?

We've got the Great Orator in there, now. (At least when the Teleprompter is functioning properly) He talks and he talks and he lies and he lies. That's the problem with those Silver Tongues. 99 Times out of 100, they turn out to be FORKED, as well.

Let's go the Video tape, shall we?

We have the lowest Consumer Confidence in 30 Years. We have had our Credit Rating downgraded, for the 1st time in our Nation's History. We are in the 34 straight Month of Unemployment above 8%. (REAL Unemployment is probably around 11%. You know. If you actually COUNT everyone who's unemployed. If they stop looking because there's nothing out there, they're still unemployed. Duh.)
Federal Spending, the Budget Deficit, and our National Debt, are all at the highest level as a percentage of GDP since WWII. Worst Jobs Record of any modern President. Worst Housing Crisis since the Great Depression. Misery Index at a 28 year high. 46 Million Americans now living in Poverty. The most on record since the Census began tracking Poverty in 1959. U.S. Poverty Rate is 1 in 6 Americans. Record Number of Americans on Food Stamps. The Rate of Economic Growth is only slightly higher than the 1930's. And, he thinks there's over 57 States.

But, by golly, he's got that Tom Sawyer way of persuasion. He could sell ya a Car out of the junk yard. Or convince you that he needs a coupla hundred MORE Billions, for ANOTHER Stimulus, even though everyone knows he PISSED AWAY the last $784 Billion he had, for JOBS.

I'm sorry, Emmett. But I'm gonna have to respectfully Disagree. I'll take a Simple Simon who knows how to get things done, and has a habit of Telling the Truth and Keeping his Word, over the Snake Oil Salesman, running the 3 Card Monty Table, every time.

I'm just saying.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 10:54AM

"Oops" is all he had to say ... buh, bye....

bill| 12.29.11 @ 10:58AM

Look at his records as governor of TX, he is the Ronald Reagan.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 11:08AM

Whether it's "Maccaca" or "Oops" .. a gaffe ends your presidential campaign ... and he's done. If he had no money, he'd be gone like the Cain Train. Trust is gone, and it doesn't come back easy.

bill| 12.29.11 @ 11:16AM

I see, you people love Obama, a Muslim but self-identified Christian, a LIAR, and will be defeated in 2012.

Rick Perry will get America back on track, and Obama and liberals can "go to hell."

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 1:13PM

Hahahaha ... " Oops" ... sorry if you have hooked yourself to a loser.

Timothy L. Pennell| 12.29.11 @ 4:19PM

Maybe you can join Abu Hussain, this time around, as he journeys to 57 States, with 3 more to go? And, don't forget your Breathalyzer.

sorighton| 12.29.11 @ 12:20PM

Gaffe a day the Biden way.........and then there are the ones from our esteemed president that come along but not as often. I haven't seen either of them end their campaigns YET.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 1:13PM

You'll notice that Biden didn't win the nomination, or did you miss that?

Perp| 12.29.11 @ 4:25PM

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! This is a warning to those of you that might be tempted to use your gastrointestinal tract as an amusement park.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:43PM

Yep, more debt, expanding government, illegal aliens. That's Perry as Reagan alright.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:45PM

"We've already had a SLICK Willey. He's the one that RAPED one Gal,"

That one is a lie.

Timothy L. Pennell| 12.29.11 @ 4:25PM

Really? Cause the world saw Quanita Brodrick accuse him of RAPING her, on National Television, on 60 Minutes.

I don't know about YOU, Dumb*ss, but if some broad accused ME of Raping her, on National Television, and I DIDN'T DO IT? You can bet your Stupid *ss, that I would SUE the CRAP out of her.

And so would anybody else who was wrongly accused of RAPE.

You're a Stupid POS, ya know that?

Of course you do. And, now, everybody knows it.

Lexa Kyle| 12.29.11 @ 5:11PM

Bob,
That one is not a lie. Ever heard of Juanita Broaddrick???

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:46PM

"And he knows what to do with a MURDER, once he's caught."

Perry is a murderer. He allowed the execution of an innocent man. That's murder no matter what you or anyone else may say.

Timothy L. Pennell| 12.29.11 @ 4:26PM

See?
Stupid POS.

Lexa Kyle| 12.29.11 @ 5:12PM

And which innocent man was that?

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:50PM

"Federal Spending, the Budget Deficit, and our National Debt, are all at the highest level as a percentage of GDP since WWII."

The budget deficit is down. Not by much, but it's a start.

Bush's last budget left the country with federal spending near 25% of GDP, and the Debt pushing 90% of GDP.

It took Clinton his entire first term to turn around the Reagan/Bush debacle, and that was no where near as bad as what Bush left behind.

More Reaganomics will sink this country totally.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 4:19PM

cell block 9
You are merely a bad joke.
Go back to huffpo.

Margie| 1.1.12 @ 3:40PM

Liars like you are a joke in the eyes of God. Better watch it, Ken.

Timothy L. Pennell| 12.29.11 @ 4:32PM

George Bush left office with a $9 Trillion Debt, after 8 years. The Muslim called that "Unpatriotic". The son of an Atheist/Communist Mother, and a Muslim Marxist DRUNK, who died in a Kenyan gutter, has added $7 Trillion in 3 Years.

Don't go to huffpo. Do everybody a favour, and go outside and Kill yourself. I've got a feeling that NO-ONE will miss you.

Sunnyr| 12.29.11 @ 5:41PM

Bravo! Well said!

Rick Perry is also my candidate and will remain so right through the primary election. He's the Real Deal and will be a REAL Commander in Chief. I've had quite enough of the Harvard Law "Professor." I'll take a 12 year Governor who knows how to get things done for our country!

Rick Perry - 2012

JimW9| 12.29.11 @ 9:13AM

Couldn't agree more, Mr. Tyrrell.

It's no accident that Mr. Obama's star, after rising so meteorically, sustained its brightness throughout the campaign and through the worst presidency in memory if not in history. This is the media age to the nth degree. Millions of YouTube hits and smartphone sound and image reproductions of his handsome, smiling visage and deep, sonorous voice reinforce the "image" of leadership. The fact that behind this made-in-Hollywood facade is a raging narcissist, hell-bent on bringing down free enterprise, is mostly invisible, especially with a sycophantic press papering over his every gaffe, mistake, misstatement and negative result.

W succeeded due to a faltering economy and Clinton fatigue. His utter lack of media presentation skills almost cost him the election. Dole? McCain? Where does the Republican Party uncover these bland, boring, blase duds?

It is no surprise that Romney continues to poll relatively well in spite of his healthcare albatross and generally cum se cum sa comfort with big government. He looks and sounds the part. He is the Hollywood candidate - erudite, handsome and accomplished. Our hyperbolic media age nearly requires these attributes. Gingrich and Paul are frumpy old curmudgeons who look and act the role.

Santorum is the epitome of smarminess, looking like he's inflicted with a permanent colonic irritant and Michelle Bachmann has practically bludgeoned the pronoun "I" out of existence.

In spite of the collective flaws of this field Rush is probably right that any of them will defeat the Clueless One. However, other than the carefully crafty and calculating Romney, one of the others might trip up enough to make the finals closer than it should be.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:38PM

"and generally cum se cum sa comfort "

Is that a sexual reference, or are you doing your French phonetically?

Try English. You have some slight chance of doing better.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:42PM

"W succeeded due to a faltering economy and Clinton fatigue. His utter lack of media presentation skills almost cost him the election. Dole? McCain? Where does the Republican Party uncover these bland, boring, blase duds?"

W won by trashing McCain's family through surrogates. He then went on to sink the economy, explode the debt, and get too many Americans killed in a war for oil.

McCain may not be entertaining, but he has enough real background to get even a long time democrat (me) to vote for him in the 2000 primaries. Too bad he didn't savage Bush for the racial smear against his family. That is where he lost my respect.

emilio lizardo, PhD| 12.29.11 @ 9:16AM

Gee Emmett, how could one as smart as yourself get it so wrong? Is it just whistling past the graveyard, or do you really believe in the bilge you are pumping? Could you possibly be that clueless? I am beginning to wonder. Even mossbacks like George Will are back pedalling from an Obama defeat, and if you believe Liberalism is dead, try taking a walk on just about any college campus in the US. The economy's faint heartbeat and the circular firing squad that constitutes the GOP presidential campaign will just about ensure not just an Obama victory, but a landslide. In a pervasive atmosphere of entitlement, it has never been articulated by any one of the GOP hopefuls that ousting Obama is priority one. The only thing that remains to be seen is whether this country as we know it can tolerate the stress of four more years of Obama.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 10:56AM

We survived 8 years of Bush, don't worry, America can handle whatever comes along - even Rick Perry.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:35PM

Can we? Reagan/BushI/BushII ran this country from a debt to GDP ratio of 33% to pushing 90%.

Another round of Reagan Republicans could put this country out of business.

George True| 12.29.11 @ 3:46PM

You are both delusional. We have now had three $1.5 trillion dollar deficits in as many years under Obama/Reid/Pelosi with an additional $1.2 trillion in spending just passed. Everyone will pay for this unprecedented level of theft. Every conservative, every moderate, every libertarian, and every liberal/leftist/socialist will pay through the nose. You will pay, and pay, and pay, in the form of the theft of your life savings by devaluation, and the theft of your income by devaluation of the currency you are paid in. This is what your arch-criminal idols have wrought. The fact that you still defend them means you are delusional, which is a form of mental illness.

Melvin| 12.29.11 @ 9:19AM

Gov. Perry was fluffed up to be all things to all people Conservatively speaking. The problem for Gov. Perry is that I think he began to believe all the B.S. hype that was fanned up his backside.
You know it really sucks to be a candidate. If given the chance if I was ever to be a candidate for dog catcher, I would really want to start my campaign with, "What the Sam Hell do you people want?"
Two candidates really stick out as far as not falling into the, "I'm all things to all people, I can make it work." The first candidate was President Reagan who polished his speaking on radio, TV, and celluloid. Ronnie just smoked everyone, because he stuck to who he was and his core convictions.
The second candidate was Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina. He to cut his teeth in the mass media market. Even the most die hard Liberals in North Carolina despised Jesse with every fiber of their beings, but they did admit publicly that they admired and respected Mr. Helms for sticking to, and not moderating his convictions.
Once a politician starts feeding the electorate a load of crap without a teleprompter, it is easy to become bumfuzzled and that is exactly what happened to Rick Perry.
Gov. Perry may have had a shot at the big prize if he would have just stayed on track of what his convictions were, because people may have not agreed with his position, but at least they would have respected him in the morning for it.
Gov. Perry does have some good ideas that might very well apply to getting this Country's head out of it's backside, but unfortunately he'll be known as the bumfuzzled man from Texas, who speaks like George Bush.

bill| 12.29.11 @ 10:57AM

Melvin,

I truely believe that Gov Rick Perry still has chance and can win the GOP nod.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 4:26PM

Hey, Melvin,
he is a Texan. we ALL sound like Dubyah, dumbass.
It is the accent of the pioneer spirit that still exists here....even wityh the ten million refugees from Detroit States who have moved here and enjoyed a wonderful quality of life.

Anthony| 12.29.11 @ 9:24AM

Here's a surefire prediction that will beat any of the D.C. pundit class; four more years of Obozo and we can kiss America goodbye.
Imagine an Obozo/Clinton ticket. The Muslim Marxist duffer and the Welsley radical cum 1%er. Adios America.
Now back to the R circular firing squad.

Stormy| 12.29.11 @ 9:41AM

"Perry's IQ is 90, maybe 95 tops."

And, how is that known? So, what is Barack Obama's IQ?

Personally, I still like Rick Perry. I would rather have an accomplished person like Rick Perry, who may not be a rocket scientist, than a supposed brilliant genius like Barack Obama, who has wrecked our country. Our president does not have to be a rocket scientist to be successful. He/she only has to have common sense and courage of his/her convictions to implement sound policies that will benefit America. Our colleges and universities are overflowing with supposed brilliant elitists, and they are failing our youth. So, is that what we need to lead our country?

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 10:57AM

"Oops" vs. Harvard Law ... hmmm, that's a toughie... lol

Mike 3/505| 12.29.11 @ 11:06AM

Means nothing if he got in on the basis of his skin color. Again, no proof is in the public domain...grades, SATs, LSATs....

He is the most unqualified person to ever be elected president. His resume wouldn't even get him an interview for a real job.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 1:15PM

Oh, and then made President of the Law Review - guess that's based on color too? Idiot.
As far as experience - who in the Republicant field has more experience as president than Barack Obama now? Hmmmm?

W| 12.29.11 @ 11:06PM

Purp,
President of the Law Review is an elected position at Harvard.

Editor of the law review, at any law school, is based on merit,i.e. your grades.

Do you understand the difference?

Also on law review, you write an article that is published for the world to read in the school lawr review.. I challenge you to find an article written by Obama for the Harvard Law Review.

Take your time.
Happy New Year, Purp,

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:33PM

He did have a real job, with a major law firm.

They don't give out High Honors on the basis of skin color.

The most unqualified was Ronald Reagan, followed by GW Bush. Or was it GW Bush followed by Ronald Reagan? Either way you like it.

George True| 12.29.11 @ 4:00PM

If you looked up the word 'unqualified' in the dictionary, you would see a picture of Barack Obama. He was not and still is not qualified to run a kool-aid stand. He never accomplished anything in his affirmative-action life. He ran virtually unopposed for every office he was elected to prior to 2008. In 2008, the mainstream media acted as his unpaid campaign propaganda arm. Because he is a Marxist and a Socialist, he is profoundly unqualified to hold even the most minor office in a constitutional republic. Not since Nero watched while Rome burned has there been such a mismatch of a person to the office he held.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 8:58PM

Name one Republicant running for president that has more experience of BEING president than Barack Obama. I know you hate him, but you can't say he isn't qualified simply by the fact he IS the president.

sorighton| 12.29.11 @ 12:15PM

You need to check on the "Harvard Law School" and who they admit, pass and promote. It's all about the money. I would put a Texas farmer up against one any day.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 1:17PM

Money? OMG, stop, my side hurts ... lmao. A black man, from a broken home, single mother - ya, there's a guy with wealth behind him. Where is your head? Oh, I can guess.
"Oops"- guess you won't have the chance to put him up against the Harvard Lawyer ... hahahaha

Drunken Sailor| 12.29.11 @ 12:26PM

Yep, a man that can admit he made a mistake VS a man who has never made a mistake in his life. I'll put my money on the first guy thanks.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 1:19PM

By all means, back Loser "Oops" Perry. A mistake? On National Television he can't remember 3 d* agencies of the government he wants to abolish? Wow, must be a long-held, deep-seated principle huh? He couldn't even find it in his notes ... Dumbo for President .. ya, he's a winner.

Drunken Sailor| 12.29.11 @ 2:19PM

Guess so, I mean its not like Obama didn't know how many states we had on TV or nothing.
Or how to pronounce Corpsman,
or that pesky Austrian language.
Or the name of the concentration camp his relative helped free.
Or the difference between Memorial and Veterans Day.
Or that it wasn't 10,000 people killed in kansas by a tornadoe but 12.
Or that his parents met as a direct result of the Civil Rights movement, forgetting that he was born in 1961 and the Selma, Al. march didn't happen until 1965

Shall I go on?

Occam's Tool| 12.29.11 @ 6:07PM

Harvard Law---where the former DEAN published ten academic papers in her career.

Let's be serious--law school scholarship is a joke compared to the sciences.

sorighton| 12.29.11 @ 12:12PM

I haven't seen Obama's IQ - where did you find it. Everything is SEALED. Some of the statements he has made tell me if he didn't have the teleprompter he would show his real IQ. Like 57 states and the Navy Corpsmen and Hawaii being in Asia - and it goes on and on. He didn't even admit the mistakes and say "ooopps" like Gov. Perry did. I just don't think a debater in chief is necessary to be a good president. Also, who says Obama will even debate? He doesn't need to you know.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 1:21PM

who in the Republicant field has more experience as president than Barack Obama now? Hmmmm?
Did you miss the non-teleprompter meeting he had with the House Republicans where he fielded their questions and SHUT THEM DOWN? The guy is smart, nimble and quick witted... Uh, all things Rick "Crony Capitalist" Perry is not ... "Oops" .... :-)

Perp| 12.29.11 @ 4:27PM

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! This is a warning to those of you that might be tempted to use your gastrointestinal tract as an amusement park.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 9:00PM

You're just sick and need help quickly...

Perp| 12.29.11 @ 11:06PM

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! This is a warning to those of you that might be tempted to use your gastrointestinal tract as an amusement park.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 4:29PM

Stormy,
AMEN!

however, Perry IS a rocket scientist. In spite of the communists in DC, he has led Texas in freedom and prosperity...Duh!

H Abdullah Shabazz| 12.29.11 @ 10:09AM

Anyone could see that Perry was a trainwreck waiting to happen. His handling of the Hurricane Irene and the polygamy compound affairs were terrible beyond belief.

As far as Ron Paul foreign policy is concerned, it is has been proved sucessful, by Brazil. Like us, a big country bordered by weak neighbors and the ocean with plenty of oil.

Brazil has never lost a war, never been invaded, never worried about atomic war, never needed bases or a world policeman, or body bags. It minds its own business and spends 4% of what we do on defense.

If we had done the same when the cold war ended, the greatest threat to our one security, our national debt, would be zero. Zero!

JimP| 12.29.11 @ 10:52AM

Brazil? LOL You've got to be kidding. An historical comparison between Brazil and the U.S. is not possible. You have selectively chosen facts that support your hypothesis and ignored centuries of historical fact that show you are totally off the mark. Ridiculous.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 11:02AM

While the comparison is weak, the principle is not. He is right about that.
"If we had done the same when the cold war ended, the greatest threat to our one security, our national debt, would be zero. Zero!" - Just remove only 1/2 the defense budget for 20 years and what do you have - Zero debt or nearly so. And, we'd still have 5 times the defense budget as the next highest spending country. Why are we so stupid?
If we balance the budget for 15 years, the timeline for most Treasury debt, all debts would be paid off (since we wouldn't be issuing more Treasuries to borrow money), leaving a small national debt if any. It is not rocket science, just political will to get 'er done.

JimP| 12.29.11 @ 1:24PM

You make a good point. I mispoke. I was referring to Brazil not losing any wars etc. I should have been clear on that. Economically there is a case to be made for comparison. I don't disagree per se with Ron Paul's economic positions. Thanks for the constructive criticism, Purp.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:26PM

You are almost right. Your math is right, your history is weak.

What is the history of balanced budgets in the 20th century? Look at that and tell us how it would work.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:27PM

Oh, you also convicted George W. Bush for our current debt. With Clinton's 4 consecutive balanced budgets, just keep that going for about 10 years and the debt is gone. Bush cut taxes rather than pay off the debt, Bush is the reason was are so deep in debt.

George True| 12.29.11 @ 4:03PM

You are mentally ill.

Occam's Tool| 12.29.11 @ 6:08PM

That's NEWT's balanced budgets---budget bills arise from the HOUSE.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 9:01PM

So where is the budget this year?

bill| 12.29.11 @ 10:55AM

You're leader, Barack Hussein Obama is a LIAR.

Rick Perry is a true patriot.

Be careful what you wish for , Obama will be a one term president. Americans had enough of Obama.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 11:03AM

" Oops" put Perry in the dumpster and he knows it.

bill| 12.29.11 @ 11:18AM

Perry will rebound and clinch the GOP nod. What happens after that is a miracle. Obama will be defeated and ObamaCare will be repealed.

You liberals can "go straight to the hell."

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 1:23PM

How nice and conservative, with discipline and courteousness you are loaded with, aren't you? Perry's problems are not mine to solve, but they are many, "oops" being the most easily Bumper Stickered. THAT's what he is remembered for and always be ... he needs to crawl back to Texas and go back under his N-word rock at his ranch. Out to pasture for him... he's done, toast, over.

bill| 12.29.11 @ 2:26PM

You'll realize how stupid you're when Perry clinches the GOP nod and beats Obama in a ladslide. That's what they told about Ronald Reagan in 1980, and he went on to beating Jim Carter once and for all. Perry is articulate but was smeared.
Perry is not going back to TX because he'll be the next president and never lost any election in his life.
Obama needs to go back to Chicago, and sucks Jeremiah wright's "thing", instead of destroying America, with high taxes and regulations.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 3:31PM

Comparing polished, charming, teflon Ronald Reagan with Rick "Oops" racist Perry ? Are you insane? Luckily, there aren't that many of you out there that think he could be a winner. OMG.

Perp| 12.29.11 @ 4:28PM

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! This is a warning to those of you that might be tempted to use your gastrointestinal tract as an amusement park.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 9:02PM

Sicko

Perp| 12.29.11 @ 11:07PM

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! This is a warning to those of you that might be tempted to use your gastrointestinal tract as an amusement park. Don't end up like Purp.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 4:31PM

Hey Abdulla,
thank you. You pedophile inbred muslim. Stay in Brazil and we will still try to protect you with the Monroe Doctrine. Dumb ass.

albert constantine jr.| 12.29.11 @ 10:46AM

I think that there is a problem sometimes when we assume that because a person is good at something at a lower level, that it follows that they will continue to be good at the next level. While that is certainly a better screening mechanism than the converse (i.e. assuming someone will be good at a higher level when they’re not good at the lower), individuals often disappoint when they’re promoted beyond their level of competence too soon. While Rick Perry has been a long serving Governor of Texas with a generally conservative record, he got there initially as a result of the promotion of his former boss to POTUS. He has been challenged for re-election, and though he has been victorious in both his primary and general election battles, it is important to recall that the electorate in Texas does not exactly mirror the rest of the US. Mr. Perry may have reached the peak of his competence as Governor of Texas, and he serves as a fair example of conservative governance in that role.
In Obama, the Democrats put forth a candidate who could campaign successfully, but governs poorly. While Rick Perry seems to be the opposite of this in that he campaigns (or at least debates) weakly but governs well, it does not seem likely that he will overcome this deficit. In addition to the urgent need to defeat Obama in 2012, though, it seems incumbent upon us as conservatives to help develop a field of highly qualified future prospects, with the right combination of adherence to conservative principles, skill at governance and electability that Ronald Reagan assembled during the two or three decades before the 1980 election. Otherwise, we find ourselves in a situation like we currently experience, where we’re trying to choose a candidate who might have two out of three of those characteristics.

Mike 3/505| 12.29.11 @ 11:08AM

Albert,

You make some good points...but PLEASE, help us out and throw in some paragraphing. My old eyes are having a hard time extracting what you are trying to get across.

Regards,

Mike

albert constantine jr.| 12.29.11 @ 11:37AM

Sorry, for some reason the tabs and linebreaks I put in don't survive the submit button being pushed. If I were Captain Queeg, I'd blame the "defective equipment, no more or no less". I'll endeavor to do better in any future posts.

John Navratil| 12.29.11 @ 12:13PM

albert constantine jr.,

I get frustrated posting using the "COMMENT" text area for anything other than a quick note. Try using a text editor (notepad, e.g.) and then cut and paste into the comment. Not only is the editing easier, but it's harder to accidentally lose your work.

bill| 12.29.11 @ 10:51AM

It's premature to predict that Gov Rick Perry is done. We have not had even the first four contests yet, IA, NH, Fl, and SC. Anything can happen between now and Jan 30th, and that can prompt a whole new ball game.

Rick Perry is articulate and authentic. He is the longest serving governor of TX, a state crucial for GOP.

Perry did O.K. in the debates, because he was given inadequate time to express his views on issues before GOP voters, and MSM waged a war on Perry since he jumped into the race in late August.

Perry had little time to prove himself, yet he did a good job in laying out his plan of fiscal agenda.

Some people are scared of Perry because he's from TX, and is electable and proven leader. That makes Obama and his liberal machine nervous, and that's why Perry is bombered with smear negative campaign, and they are all lies and baseless.

Perry will win IA, SC, FL , and seal the deal for GOP, just like John McCain did in 2008.

A prolonged primary battle will hurt GOP, and embolden the Dems.

Remember 1980, Ronald Reagan rescued GOP.

It's all over 1980, and this time it's Rick Perry.

Joe R| 12.29.11 @ 11:06AM

Looks like the Paultards and Obamabots have hijacked another thread. Great job, boys.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 11:06AM

Nervous ... Hahahaha ... "Perry will win IA, SC, FL" oh stop, omg, my side hurts, lmao ... "Oops" guess I screwed up that election... hahahaha ... he did it to himself, nobody is helping him implode .. hahahaha Perry for President ... "oops" LOL

bill| 12.29.11 @ 11:20AM

Purp,

When did you get out from the rehab? You may have to go back there, cause you need help, brother.

John Navratil| 12.29.11 @ 12:18PM

bill,

Does anyone remember David Mathews? Perhaps that was Purp before his Mom kicked him out of the basement.

Drunken Sailor| 12.29.11 @ 2:21PM

Is it just me or does it seem like everytime Purp makes a comeback on this site, we hear less of Post America? Same poster on/off his rehab drugs?

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 3:33PM

Huh?

russel| 12.29.11 @ 2:39PM

Thot I'd check back here , waiting for drywall mud to dry . Bill , the guy is a site pest or Troll . They get paid to do this . Notice how many postings he does . If it looks like he has nothing better to do , or has no job , well , he really does . This is it .

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 3:33PM

Funny, you can check back, but I can't? Idiots

Perp| 12.29.11 @ 4:28PM

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! This is a warning to those of you that might be tempted to use your gastrointestinal tract as an amusement park.

Lexa Kyle| 12.29.11 @ 5:47PM

Purp is doing such a good job of showing us his ignorance, which he backs up with each of his posts. Keep going, Purp.

Kent Lyon| 12.29.11 @ 11:54AM

I attended Gov Perry's inauguration in January of 2011. His speech was all but a send-off to a Presidential run, and I said at the conclusion of his speech that he was going to run for President (correctly). I also said that Perry was not ready for Prime Time. Correct again. I will add this: Perry's political career is over. He will not run for Texas governor again. He will not run for the Senate from Texas. He may appoint himself a chancellor to Texas A and M University, but he will retire from politics on completion of his current term as Texas Governor, if not before. His presidential run has too severely impaired the public perception of his capacities that he will not be able to recover.
I will state further that, unfortunately, Mr. Tyrrell's claim of the demise of Liberalism is premature. It is touch and go whether the US will permanently become an autocratic state with an oppressive bureaucratic regime, worse than the European Union, or survive as a free market, American individual liberty nation. Obama may well be re-elected, as the Republicans' greatest skill is to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Republicans may not win the Senate, and just hang on to the House, barely. The zeitgeist of America is dependency on the largesse of the Federal Government. FDR won four presidential elections by buying votes with taxpayer money, and Obama is bent on doing the same, only moreso. A couple of months of slightly improved economic stats is all it will take to bolster Obama's polls and get him re-elected, along with a few Axelrod astroturfing or other tricks. The American electorate is not the one Mr. Tyrrell thinks he fondly remembers. It is well nigh brain dead, on life support, and Obama is the one to pull the plug permanently. For example, we will permanently have Obamacare unless there is a massive repudiation of Democrats by the electorate, on the order of 60-40. That's not going to happen. With Obamacare permanently enshrined in the American system, insolvency is assured, and America will be functioning like Rome as the barbarians surrounded it, starving the populace, one of which decided the barbarians couldn't be all that bad and opened the gates to ask for a little food, whereupon Rome was sacked. America is about at that point, suffering from a self-induced Stockholme Syndrome, enthrall to the idiocy of Obama. There is no will in America to resist the tender ministrations of Leviathan, rather the character of the nation now begs for relief provided by Leviathan, and celebrates the preposterous and shameless largesse of Leviathan as it collapses following the European model (despite, or because of, Bernanke's efforts to prop up the fiscal house of cards that is the US Treasury and economy).

russel| 12.29.11 @ 3:40PM

Kent , you make compelling points , but comparing US to the Roman Empire falls short . Our Founders were not uneducated ; they were aware of not only that empire in time and structure of governance , but Greece as well . They chose to model after the latter . We have a Republic , not one huge territorial body governed by a central planning commission ( tho many would like to see it - the Feds ) . Our Founders saw fit to break the nation into bits who would determine their own destiny . One cannot move to another state and expect to get what one had " back home " . The point being : to bring this country down , all states must agree . And , vice/ versa . The feds are still a little entity ( bear in mind , it is the federals who are attacking our liberty ) . The People and their prospective states are still a big entity . And no , I do not believe they are nearly as " braindead " as you suggest . Matter of fact , they're just waking up .

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 4:38PM

Kent,
if you cannot space paragraphs...or in fact construct paragraphs other than around piss breaks... I simply cannot pay any attention to your utter stupidity.

Margie| 1.1.12 @ 3:44PM

Look who talks~ you utter hypocrite!
NOW: Where are the emails you claimed you had to back your FALSE accusations against me?

You have succeeded in your attempt here in turning others against me but God sees you, He is watching you, and He knows what you are doing and each and every day that you do not REPENT of your bearing false witness against me is another day you are already in Hell.

You KNOW how God hates lairs, and you KNOW what He will do with you and sooner than you think for you are playing the fool who thinks he has time to repent.

And what a lousy coward!

"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.

bill| 12.29.11 @ 11:58AM

Breaking News!

Pop icon Kelly Clarkson endorsed Ron Paul. In my world. Paul comes at the fourth place to be the GOP nominee, here's the list:

First Choice: Rick Perry

Second: Michelle Bachmann

Third: Newt Gingrich

Fourth: Ron Paul

Kelly and I, we have some common. I'm thrilled.

sorighton| 12.29.11 @ 12:05PM

Perry will do better in Iowa than the polls show. I'm not sure where Paul is getting all of his money but it could very well be a party who would like to see him break up the GOP. I think when it comes to Caucus they will not be attending. My problem with Perry is that he got in the race before he was completely normal after his surgery, etc. He is just now feeling the power to take on the challenge. I am going to caucus for him since I think he is the only one I agree with (mostly). Anyone who says "oops" on national TV can't be all bad. At least he knows when he makes a mistake - that's a breath of fresh air for a politician.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 4:56PM

sorighton,
a chuckle. then for him to openly admit..."yeah I stepped in it." This is the kind of man who might be able to lead us out of the wilderness.

Clint| 12.29.11 @ 12:22PM

" Ron Paul’s “Tea Party” money bomb meets $4 million goal

Ron Paul (R-TX), a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, ended his “Tea Party” money bomb Sunday at midnight. Mr. Paul succeeded in meeting his fundraising goal of $4 million. The Paul campaign plans on using the grassroots donations for additional campaign activities in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. With the donation ticker still climbing, Mr. Paul has raised more than $4,048,000 as of 9am EDT Monday.

Ron Paul 2012 Campaign Manager John Tate urged supporters to contribute Sunday.

“The more resources we have, the more undecided voters in Iowa and New Hampshire we can contact through email, mail and TV to spread Dr. Paul’s message of liberty and free markets that has him skyrocketing in the polls in the early states,” Mr. Tate wrote.

“The establishment knows Ron Paul is the one candidate who is serious about cutting spending, standing up against assaults on our liberties, restoring sound money, and fighting for a return to constitutional government,” Mr. Tate added."

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here And In Iowa.

C| 12.29.11 @ 12:26PM

I'll vote for Perry...even if I have to write him in. While he may not be all about debates and speeches....he certainly knows how to govern. I've voted for him every time here in Houston...and I'll continue to vote Rick Perry for President

John| 12.29.11 @ 12:34PM

I hope that you are right about Obama being defeated in 2012. My concern is still about the 85% of blacks who will instinctively vote for Obama again, and the 50% of Hispanics who still see Obama as their choice for more free handouts. on top of that is the current RINO Republican candidate field that supports Romney. Romney will be more like McCain and Bob Dole than Reagan.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:18PM

"Romney will be more like McCain and Bob Dole than Reagan."

Thank God for that, considering that Reagan set the pattern that is responsible for the explosive growth of the debt.

Note that 100% of the post WWII till 2009 growth in the debt to GDP ratio was under three republican Reaganite presidents.

fmm| 12.29.11 @ 12:39PM

Unfortunately you were wrong on the first two counts you talk about also, making this a misleading article. Liberals simply call themselves progressives now and are very much alive. A recent poll does show the term liberal to be out of favor but the term progressive is more popular than that of conservative. Yet progressives are the left fringe of liberalism. Crony capitalism is much wider spread than you suggest: the failures of solar power and electric cars are extreme cases and failed due to technical issues, not political ones. The real hurtful crony capitalism exists in all the Fortune 500 companies which have been taking presents from the feds while giving up their operational freedoms. Your article does a disservice by suggesting that two of the most damaging political circumstances are on the decline when they need to be fought tooth and nail.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:15PM

Solar power and electric cars have not failed. They are also premature. But that's another issue.

Crony Capitalism has been a republican staple for a very long time. That is the great failure.

Haliburton and KBR are the two great examples. And they caused the deaths of at least some US military in Iraq.

HRH| 12.29.11 @ 1:13PM

My impression of Perry is also that he entered the race on a lark.

David in Ardmore| 12.29.11 @ 1:15PM

Mr. Tyrrell,

Liberalism is alive and well, and it has been adulterating conservative circles for decades now. Mitt Romney believes in the climate change context, and Newt prosyletized us to submit ourselves to it repeatedly. We all recognize there are problems with healthcare costs in America, but rather than attack to the root of the problem (guarantees and mandates), both Newt and Mitt insist on creating more mandates that will drive up the costs and limit access in the long run. Meanwhile, Newt has been a long-time, belligerent proponent for ethanol. Why? Not because it's good for America, but because the ethanol mandate's beneficiaries have been lining his pockets! Then there are the endless Bush I and II liberal legacies that haunt us to this day (failure to restore Constitutional Powers, creation and bolstering for crisis structures).

For decades we have suffered one liberal insult after another, often at the hands of our own party! The GOP mocks principled candidates who believe in individual liberty, freedom, accountability, property, happiness. They deny it, and defend the liberal antics of the frontrunners. Perhaps it's all about the meaning of "is", and if you're willing to re-define "is", then you're a liberal!

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:07PM

"We all recognize there are problems with healthcare costs in America, but rather than attack to the root of the problem (guarantees and mandates)"

You just signed on to the death panels.

David in Ardmore| 12.29.11 @ 3:14PM

Einstein, apparently you don't understand the difference between accountable freedom and socialism.

What would happen to costs if all guarantees, all entitlements, all socialist programs in the healthcare arena were abolished? Hmm? What would happen to demand?

Funny how you liberals champion change at the expense of the common American taxpayer, but you clam up when it's time to stand up for accountability, freedom, individualism.

I'm for liberty and freedom first, no matter how ugly and unfair you think they are, Einstein.

Purp| 12.29.11 @ 1:35PM

Perry is a flop. He cannot go any higher than Governor of Texas apparently. He's terrible on camera, cannot even manage his campaign properly, and you think he can run the country ... OMG.

bill| 12.29.11 @ 2:29PM

Lady Gaga looks great on camera, why she doen't run for the President?
Presidency depends on charisma and leadership. Perry posseses and Obama lacks.

Margie| 12.29.11 @ 3:26PM

Wait a minute. You mean you know what she actually looks like?

shipley130| 12.29.11 @ 1:50PM

As I write this comment, I am watching a report on Fox News about a guy that was fired from a South Carolina state position because he complained about the diversity training that touted putting your Americanism second. The guy is now having to sue South Carolina because the SC officials are morons.

Ron| 12.29.11 @ 1:57PM

Purp, once again, you really need to return to the basement of your parent's home and stay out of adult conversations. You continually (as everyone else does) bash Mrs. Palin without the slightest clue about what she said. You should stop relying on Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, Stephen Cobert, or SNL for "facts."

First, as anyone can tell you, you can see Russia from Alaska. Little Diomede and Big Diomede Islands are 2.4 miles apart, Little Diomede being US/Alaska territory, and Big Diomede being Russian. Therefore, you can truly see Russia from our home...Alaska belonging to all of us.

Next, if you understood the issues in Alaska, and the reason Mrs. Palin resigned, you would not be so quick to judge. She resigned due to the ever constant filing of malicious ethics complaints (all of the last 25 or so being unfounded) by one sore loser who thinks she was cheated of a high level State position under the Palin Administration. Mrs. Palin clearly stated it was costing the State AGs office too much money to constantly defend these unfounded allegations, and when it drains the resources from the State, she would rather resign. It was also causing so much distraction that she could not accomplish her duties fully.

By the way, your left wing heroes scanned thousands of Mrs. Palin's emails and found zero issues.

Basically, she shows more class than your hero NerObama ever could, or for that matter, you show in you constant quotations of the daily Lame Stream Marxist media talking points.

Margie| 12.29.11 @ 1:57PM

"Only a well-heeled Governor Romney would be prepared to challenge him, and perhaps the indefatigable Congressman Ron Paul."

The indefatigable Ron Paul??

Huh?

Is Tyrrell a Paul-bot?

Inquiring minds want to know.

David in Ardmore| 12.29.11 @ 3:18PM

Margie,

It does appear that Paul is the most principled candidate, no matter what you want to believe. That is, of course, unless you believe it's OK to change your position in the name of money and/or power.

Margie| 12.29.11 @ 3:22PM

Yeah, David. He's REAL principled.
Like how he blames America for the poor terrorists being terrorists and all that?
Delusional doesn't equal principled.

Margie| 12.29.11 @ 2:01PM

Rick Perry, ever since he began running, struck me as someone who didn't really want it.

Sorry, I call them as I see them.

That said, I'm pretty sure he'd make a decent President~ after all, he'd have conservatives in his administration, and NO MORE OBAMA.

I still wish him well.. just needs a little bitty fire lit under his butt.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 5:02PM

Margie,
well spoken.

Lexa Kyle| 12.29.11 @ 5:53PM

Yep

Margie| 12.29.11 @ 7:35PM

KEN: You say that only because he's your man.
Otherwise, you are busy trashing me, and calling me a "Satan woman." amongst other vILE things.
So take your patronizing sick soul and STUFF IT.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.30.11 @ 12:02PM

Hi Margie.
still "biting the hand that tries to feed you" again I see.

Margie| 1.1.12 @ 3:47PM

Asshole.
Where are the e mails you claimed you to prove your false accusations against me?

Do you REALLY think you are getting away with what you are doing?

Now you claim you tried to feed me?
You are a filthy, lying scumbag.
GO FUCK YOURSELF.

Bob From District 9| 12.29.11 @ 2:04PM

Well, you start out with lies, how else would you end up?

Ok, my prediction:

If the republicans win the Senate and White House their governance will go one of two ways.

They will govern completely differently than they promised. Thereby they will earn your approbation as Democrats Lite, and maybe lead an economic recovery.

They will govern just as they promise and as you want them to. Before the midterm elections we will be back in recession. Before the following presidential election we will be in a full blown depression.

I hope it's the first way, fear it will be the second. This one the country may not recover from in our lifetimes.

David in Ardmore| 12.29.11 @ 3:20PM

Bob,

You're probably correct, especially if socialized medicine is forced onto us. Talk about something that'll keep us broke!

Liberty and freedom first, no matter how ugly you think they are!

bobmontgomery| 12.29.11 @ 2:07PM

Mr. Tyrell: Thank you for at least not totally writing off Governor Perry. Whatever his faults. it is somewhat disheartening to see people who read the American Spectator casually dismiss the Governor's pledge to work his tail off to make Washington as inconsequential in our lives as possible. The translation of that, folks, is - To save us from tyranny.
This "Dr. Ron Paul" this and "Dr. Ron Paul" that
is at once humorous and frightening. The man is unstable.

mavigozler| 12.29.11 @ 2:28PM

Hey Emmett,

I gotta love your delusions about your "predictions" for 2011, especially the one about Obama--what was it?---being beaten and defeated and finished. LOL!

If anything, the field of establishment Republicans---all 7 or 8 of the dwarfs---is a bunch of clowns who likely couldn't beat Dukakis, Kerry, Mondale, McGovern, or Humphrey. Forget about them beating Osama bin Laden's killer!

Oh yeah Emmett! Did you forget that? That's right, all those Al Qaeda members now sent to meet their 72 virgins...? By the Obama team.

Here's what you should do, Emmett. If you really want to be credible, let's change the name of American Spectator to Wishful Thinking or maybe Journal of TinFoil Hats. That's certainly descriptive!

You can do it right at the start of the new year...2012...and beat the rush [double entendre, just for you!]

Guess what, Emmett! HATE is no longer fashionable. 2012 is the year we eschew the hate from the likes of the American Spectator. Embrace the inner Kenyan Muslim socialist in you, Emmett.

Remember Emmett! Being a conservative or right winger is PROOF that the American educational system has failed. Do you really want us to fix the American education system?

Isabel| 12.29.11 @ 2:55PM

I would vote for Gov. Rick Perry in a minute!
Obama, compared to Rick Perry? At least Rick Perry is real. I think this liberally programmed robot we have in our White House now is a fraud.
A complete fraud. I'll take the "Paint Brush" farm boy from Texas any day! He loves America and that would be good enough for me.
I live in Texas, and he is as good a governor as it gets. Shame to those who criticize him like they have. I still think he was getting over his back surgery, and just not on his game when all this started. He is doing very well now. People better sure as shooting take another look at the man.
I don't want some rich elite social liberal in the White House. Our White House is fading, and maybe the Aggie from Texas can put a fresh coat of paint on it. This "Socialist New Age Green" tint is not my color.

Margie| 12.29.11 @ 3:25PM

"I'll take the "Paint Brush" farm boy from Texas any day! He loves America and that would be good enough for me."

Me too, Isabel.. me too.

Ken (Old Texican)| 12.29.11 @ 5:08PM

Isabel,
well spoken!

Delmar Jackson| 12.29.11 @ 5:32PM

Gov perry got torpedoed by an electorate wise to his allegiance to big business cheap labor anti American worker plutocrats in Texas.
Nearly 80% of jobs created under perry went to immigrants. Perry fought against e verify and has done nothing to keep his state from becoming another mexifornia!

Bush was our first mexican president, people knew perry would be our second.

Sunnyr| 12.29.11 @ 5:34PM

Rick Perry is still my candidate, all the way through the primary election. I support him 100%.

Rick Perry for President - 2012!

abu nudnik| 12.29.11 @ 5:39PM

Wow, you are dreaming big time! Obama's fate is far from sealed (unfortunately) and it is beginning to look more and more like no one can beat him. I pick it this way: a kind of 1968 moment with Ron Paul, doing well in the primaries, getting the nomination a la George McGovern with about the same result.

Hopefully a win in Congress will help control the president but frankly, he should be impeached already for usurping Congresses legislative prerogatives. But the people are, unfortunately, largely ignorant of the issues and I expect they will remain so.

In the end, the checks and balances are the strength and weakness of the system. The bribery that goes on can't be sustained and, unless Ron Paul has a sympathetic Congress, it won't be.

As for liberalism, how can it be dead? That's just the dope you're smoking. And don't you mean socialism when you say liberalism? There's nothing incompatible between conservatism and liberalism. Study your history. Besides, it's politically dumb to say so.

Margie| 12.29.11 @ 7:42PM

abu,

I have to agree with you as to Obama possibly winning again. (and also with your saying how can liberalism be dead).

When did it die??

Since Bill Clinton won a second time, I'm not going to try and kid myself.. that was something that I had to face: never underestimate the voting populace's ability. Or should it be OVER estimate??

I am not getting my hopes up. I'll be hoping and praying for the BEST, but EXPECTING the WORST.

Margie| 12.29.11 @ 7:44PM

Just a thought: What if Clint is Tyrrell?

Bob Grant| 12.29.11 @ 9:05PM

There's a bit of Clint in all of us. That is why we go to church on Sundays to seek reconciliation.

Margie| 12.29.11 @ 9:56PM

Well, Bob. My SIN found me out and I got reconciled to Christ, but it had nothing to do with attending a building, I can assure you!!

Syd Chaden| 12.29.11 @ 10:09PM

Well, don't feel bad because your prediction was wrong. I predicted that any Republican would defeat Obama because Obama's performance has been so bad. I didn't know that the Republican Party would expend so much energy on why its candidates should not be elected, and so little energy on why Obama should not be elected.

R Daneel| 12.29.11 @ 11:51PM

I am from Texas and still plan on supporting Perry. He is still the only one who even imitates a true conservative. I will vote Perry in the Texas primary and then if the GoP nominee is not Perry I will vote ABO.

goldwaterrepub| 12.30.11 @ 3:22AM

"The Liberals of yesteryear are history. Those who call themselves Liberals today are zombies, the living dead of the left. Their new taxonomic classification is crony capitalism, according to which winners are picked by the government and showered with government subsidies."
Let's leave the big oil companies, the gas pipeline companies, the military contractors, in fact all the Repub pals out of this discussion.

John Symons| 12.30.11 @ 5:01AM

You can sure tell which websites charge admission by the caliber of the comments.

Tim Shevlin| 1.16.12 @ 6:27PM

Uh, oh. Your comments exude overconfidence--premature, IMHO. Two things: it IS the economy, and as a stockholder, I welcome a strong recovery. Good for Obama, bad for any contenders. Secondly, too many voters are ignorant and vote for the loudest voice, which will be Obama in the fall. (check out mindless voting in CA as it heads for bankruptcy) Hope I'm wrong. Go, Romrich!

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