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Loose Canons

Romney’s Doldrums

By on 7.9.12 @ 6:10AM

He should be doing a lot better — and it’s increasingly becoming more apparent why he’s not.

It’s more than miserable hot weather that’s causing our grumpiness toward the Romney campaign. Romney’s summer doldrums have him stuck behind the comprehensively beatable Obama. We’re impatient, but we have the right to be. Romney seems to be letting our side down.

House Speaker John Boehner’s statement that “…the American people probably aren’t going to fall in love with Mitt Romney” isn’t enough to cause Romney’s campaign to panic. Boehner’s statement — typical of the Republican establishment’s attitude and probably meant to calm our restiveness — should cause Romney more than a moment’s pause.

Romney was badly damaged by the criticisms he suffered in the primary campaign. Some of that damage lingers. It could result in a depressed voter turnout in November that would be fatal to his campaign. In the dog days of summer, Romney has time to reassess his strategy and chart a winning path to November. But will he?

By now, Romney should be drawing ahead of Obama, but he isn’t. The problems that are keeping Romney’s poll numbers below Obama’s go much deeper than unforced errors or unnoticed speeches.

There are two big factors behind the sinking confidence in Romney. First is his unwillingness to engage on issues other than the economy. Second is the lack of Romney’s ideological focus.

Polling this long before the election doesn’t reveal who will win. But those polls do reveal the swaying of voters’ opinions of the two candidates. Since before February of 2011, Obama hasn’t polled above 50%. He’s a weak candidate who can’t get around the problems we face at home and abroad. Since April of this year, Romney has had two periods of quick rises in the polls and one when he suffered a quick drop. The rises and falls were small: usually about two or three percent, but they are nevertheless instructive.

Between April 26 and May 10, Romney’s polling rose about two points. In that time, the most important events were Newt Gingrich’s withdrawal and Vice President Biden’s strong criticism of Romney’s “Cold War mindset.” The Biden criticism could be ruled out as the cause of Romney’s poll bump but for one fact: it was repeated in the next period of a Romney bump between May 28 and June 3 when Romney made a strong Memorial Day speech in which he said that the world is a dangerous place and warned against the unilateral disarmament that our NATO allies have been pursuing for decades.

The third instructive period was around the time of the Supreme Court’s Obamacare decision. Then, Romney dropped and Obama rose in the polls to their largest gap in recent months. Romney’s waffling resulted from a statement by top campaign advisor Eric Fehrnstrom’s absolving Obama of raising taxes despite the court’s characterization of the mandate as a tax. When Romney later accused Obama of hiking taxes in the guise of the unpopular mandate, the flip-flop left a lot of Republicans baffled. (Fehrnstrom was also the author of the “etch a sketch” comment that damaged Romney last spring.)

Romney should learn from all these incidents. The first lesson is that voters’ concern about the economy isn’t the only thing on their minds. Defense and foreign policy aren’t their top concerns, but they may be enough to sway a lot of votes in November. January will deliver more than “Taxmageddon”: defense spending will be cut massively by the “sequestration” mechanism Congress created in last summer’s debt increase deal. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon has been a voice in the wilderness campaigning against it. Why isn’t Romney speaking out?

Where was Romney’s response to Hillary Clinton’s apology to Pakistan for the November incident in which about two dozen Pakistani soldiers were killed by an American air strike when they opened fire on our troops. Americans don’t like apologies for U.S. actions, especially those that save American lives on the battlefield. Romney’s reflexes were, once again, dulled by his unwillingness to engage.

Romney and his staff lack the awareness that would cause him to pick useful fights. His focus on the economy drove him to attack Obama on the new jobs report last week — which he did with all the force that was appropriate — but that focus dulls his other responses when Obama makes a move that reveals his radical liberalism.

Which leads us to the principal problem: Romney’s discomfort with the basics of conservative ideology.

Republicans win when they nominate ideological candidates because it is only they who can draw sharp distinctions between them and the Democrats. When Republicans run a non-ideological candidate such as John McCain against a Barack Obama — who hid his radical liberal ideology behind a smokescreen of “hope and change” — they lose. Romney lacks the conservative ideological mindset just as McCain did.

Romney won’t evolve into an ideological conservative between now and November. But unless he chooses a running mate who is — and can carry the conservative messages on issues Romney is neglecting — he will lose. Romney needs a known, skillful conservative who can take the conservative messages to the voters on defense, foreign policy, and the other important non-economic issues with which Romney feels uncomfortable.

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan would serve Romney on the economy and the other issues very well. If he doesn’t choose Ryan, Romney will have to choose a running mate who will be a bit of a surprise. Someone such as HASC Chairman Buck McKeon or Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama would fill the gap in Romney’s ideology and expertise.

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About the Author

Jed Babbin served as a Deputy Undersecretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush. He is the author of several bestselling books including Inside the Asylum and In the Words of Our Enemies. You can follow him on Twitter @jedbabbin.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (235) |

Appleby| 7.9.12 @ 6:31AM

There's an easy answer as to why Romney is not doing well in the polls: people don't like him. They didn't like him when there were other choices, and now that they're being told they have no choice, they like him even less. Romney is acting as if we'll all hold our noses and vote for him because otherwise Obama will be re-elected and that would mean the end of the world.

Trying to put lipstick on this pig and call him Cinderella is a losing proposition. The best thing he could do is pick Rick Santorum for his running mate. He won't.

Kevin Brent | 7.9.12 @ 6:56AM

I know what you mean, and BELIEVE I know how you feel. But, if we don't get Obama out now, he'll never leave. He gets a second term, he'll be dictator for life.

Aristocat| 7.10.12 @ 12:44AM

It's appalling that "Etch-a-sketch" Fernstrom has not been fired and is still being allowed to damage Romney. Don't be like Bush Jr. and put loyalty to your employees overpower your responsibility to the nation....Get a high-powered campaign manager like Ed Rollins,
Haley Barbour, or Schoen. That would take alot of pressure off the candidate. And how about Newt for press secretary? Who could handle the press better than the Newster?

TLP| 7.9.12 @ 7:24AM

What a surprise. Grandma Canada is 1st outta the gate to knock Romney, whom, if you're still too STUPID to realize, is the only other Pick, other than The Creature that is in the White House, now.

THIS is one of the problems.

"I didn't get my guy, so everybody else can Go To Hell!"

The Idiot-Libertarians who think that it's Ron Paul or Nobody.

Those who believe that NOBODY is a Conservative, not even Reagan. Only they are the True Conservatives, because only they are AWARE.

The JackassesInWi, who don't care who's in there, as long as they Hate The Jews.

And, once again, we've got this "Once upon a time" ex Prom Slut, sitting up there in her Shack, safe from the Consequences of her Vote, and the votes of similarly Mentally Challenged OLD FOOLS, pronouncing her Superior Wisdom, and Her Fidelity to true Conservatism, even as THE BEAST continues is uneding drive for The Death of this Country, the End of Our Way Of Life, a continued Forced March in to Third World Status, and a World Wide Conflagration in the Middle East, which is on an Irreversable Glide Path, as we speak.

These people, like Sh*t for Brains up in Canada - Appleby - are too Old, too Ugly, and obviously, too Stupid to get fckd anymore.

So, they've decided to FCK THE REST OF US, instead.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 9:26AM

Hey, Brainiac - Romney ISN't the nominee yet - he has to be approved by the RNC convention.
Dump Romney for Santorum. Romney is weak, unlikable and politically dumb (according to the Wall Street Journal Editors).
Dump Romney for Santorum.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 9:39AM

It's more likely your Party, "Purp," that would benefit from dumping your current nominee...

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 10:05AM

I'm sorry - do you know how to read what the Wall Street Journal Editors, Weekly Standard' Bill Kristol and can you understand what John Boner ("America ain't gonna fall in love with Romney" ) and Rupert Murdoch tweets ... Romney's a LOSER and they all know it. Can't even beat the black guy.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 10:35AM

Hahahahahaha!

Purp, I would bet you a lobster tail at Red Lobster that you didn't read the Wall Street Journal article. Whenever I hear leftists claim "Well, the Wall Street Journal says X so it has to be true!" I then do my own research and find:

1) They usually got something wrong about their cite.
2) They didn't read the citation but probably are just repeating what they heard from The Daily Show.

One leftist recently accused me of the standard leftist line: "You probably heard that on Foxnews, didn't you?" Yet, leftists rarely actually really read the NYT or WSJ because they are even more simpleminded and spoonfed than they claim Foxnews viewers are and just listen to Jon Stewart chuckle "Republicans are stupid, haha!, because the WSJ says X" and think that makes them educated. Note: Watching a political comedy show doesn't make you educated!

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 1:27PM

Poley, Poley ... read it and weep - http://online.wsj.com/article/.....93044.html

So much for you knowing anything... Hahahaha

obadiah| 7.9.12 @ 3:17PM

you tell 'em. why, not so long ago the WSJ had integrity. (please note, I make no such claim about the NYT. however, not so long ago the NYT was profitable.)

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 11:27AM

So what are you afraid of, Boy-Purp?

FYI, an orange-juice can could beat Obama AND do a better job.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 1:30PM

Doctor - and, yet he can't beat the black guy... not yet anyway.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:14PM

Is Obama black, today? Or is he pimping his whiteness?

He's also bisexual, like a lot of malignant narcissists (but don't get your hopes up, Purp!), but that's neither here nor there...

After November, you won't be heard from on this board.

You're running scared, Purpie...

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 3:16PM

Nice try Doctor Doolittle. I've been on here for years and am not going - anywhere.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 3:57PM

Who cares?

I don't advocate banning you, FYI. I LOVE having idiot liberals post here.

It serves to highlight how utterly bereft of logic and facts you are, and how subservient you are to girlish emotionalism.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 6:57PM

Really? You actually believe in Free Speech? Congrats, you know what America is all about. Now for the conservative cause that is going down in flames with Romneycare - It's a hoot!

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:20PM

And you are....STUPID!!!!!!!!!

Boar Hunter| 7.9.12 @ 5:43PM

Yup, F-U TLP! After all, it's always about you isn't it?

You and the other bed wetting, hand-ringers in the battered woman's shelter have brought this on all of us.

How sad our society has so many people like you that think having the correct genitals makes them a man. Except for the foot stomping childish rants you go on, you are a perfect mirror of the other cowards in the Republican establishment that you continue to vote for.

Oh that's right you have a plan! Your going to keep eating the excrement sandwiches the Republicans give you until they come with mustard!

At least from what I've seen, Appleby conducts herself with dignity, but since she does not agree with you, you scream and call names.

You are nothing but a whiney little girl who throws a daily little temper tantrum about Obama and anyone who does get join your pity-party of martyr's who have to vote for Romney because he's "our only choice."

Dai Alanye | 7.9.12 @ 2:17PM

Babbin is correct, but Appleby is also dead right. Romney lacks both the common touch and ideological credibility. Yes, we must vote for him, since there's no other choice. And Heaven knows, I'd vote for Joe Biden or Jimmie Carter if either were the only other choice than Obama.

But we don't need to be ignorant robots like TLP, and pretend we like Mitt-in-the-middle.

Kevin Brent | 7.9.12 @ 6:49AM

Mr. Babbin, if you believe polls showing Obama in the lead, then I have this bridge I want to sell you. It's hardly ever in use, and has only fallen down once. Romney has his issues, he was not my first choice for nominee. But, my neighbors fat, Doritos munching latchkey kid could beat Obama this year and not even get up off the couch.

TLP| 7.9.12 @ 8:04AM

What does Mr. Blabbin want him to do?

What does he want him to talk about, since he's obviously upset that "all he talks about is the Economy.

That's all there is. It's the ONLY THING in this Country, that somewhat Ties us all together.

Unless you're one of the Walking Dead, in the Black Community, you WANT A JOB.

Unless you've been chained to a post, on the Liberal Plantation, licking your White Liberal Massa's hand every time he gives you a treat in your mailbox (also, the Parasitic Black Community) you want a Paycheck not a Welfare Check. Not an Unemployment Check. Not a Food Stamp.

If you're someone who BATHES, on a regular basis? If you're someone who WASHES his Hair on a regular basis? Someone who wears Clean Clothes, brushes his Teeth, and Craps in the Toilet instead of on the nearest Police Squad Car?

Then, you probably will Vote for ANYONE other than The Creature that lives in the White House now.

I get it.

I realize that our Guy is Boring, and The Creature is gifted with a Silver Tongue. But then, EVIL always is. And it's easy, when you can LIE every time you open your mouth, knowing that your Acolytes in the Media, will cover your tracks.

I believe that he has done so much damage that, if we need a Shakespearian Master Thespian to convince people to give us their vote?

Then, we're finished as a Country, already.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 9:21AM

There ARE plenty of untapped practical issues/ideas that Romney could utilize to energize his base and even steal some of the "moderates" from the Democrat party. Allow me to define them:

Issues:

1) End the marriage penalty.
2) Affirmative action.
3) H1B visa abuses.
4) Drilling for oil/natural gas.
5) Excessive environmental regulations driving manufacturing out of the USA.

To name a few! Now let's find the "moderates." They include:

1) Working and middle class married, heterosexual minorities working in private industry with strong traditional values.
2) Aging FDR voters who are wondering why their grandchildren aren't married and having kids yet.

These are NOT useful moderates to try to switch:

1) Hispanics who view amnesty for illegals as a swing issue. Most of them will stay with Obama.
2) Feminists. The left promises more goodies.
3) Non-whites working in government jobs or on welfare. They simply have no economic or cultural motivation to switch.

McCain attempted to pander to all three of the above!

Cobalt| 7.9.12 @ 9:33AM

"3) Non-whites working in government jobs or on welfare. They simply have no economic or cultural motivation to switch."

These people are not moderates in my book. They will not vote for Romney because they consider him to be a damned white man.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 9:47AM

Cobalt, I agree. They're not USEFUL moderates but some of them have a lot in common with conservatives/Republicans: They may go to church, they may be against gay marriage, or they may even be against abortion. This has misled many Republicans in attempting to switch them over. It was a waste of time.

TLP| 7.9.12 @ 9:43AM

Moderates?

Everyone is a Moderate. Everyone who doesn't have a Swastika tatooed on his Face, or who prefers to let loose his Bowels on a Cop Car, instead of in the toilet, is a Moderate.

"It's the Economy, Stupid."

Visas?
The Marriage Penalty?
Affirmative Action?

When you're a Pitcher, and you need to get that big out? You go with your BEST PITCH.

When you've got your guy at 0 and 2?

Then you can throw around the edges.

We don't have time to JAB at this guy.

We need to hit him with the Big Stuff, over, and over, and over again, until he drops like the Sack a Sh*t that he is.

Nobody living on Government Assistance cares about the other stuff.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 9:54AM

The left has been very successful at getting their big message out via their surrogates: the non-fox media and the school system. So the left then won elections by making up entirely new issues, even issues we consider petty, to push their victories through. In this case, it's outsourcing. They're making Romney into the Outsourcing King.

Even though outsourcing sounds petty to many readers here, it strikes to the heart of "moderate" or independent voters who are switchable (especially those working in private industry). Romney lecturing from a yacht about "free markets" and "tax cuts for the rich to create jobs" while Obama pounds him on outsourcing is a winner for Obama and Obama probably has secret research to prove it.

Romney needs to defuse that, now, not by playing defensive (that's a losing strategy) but rather by going on the offensive and that's by going after H1B's which benefits the left in the long run since most H1B's are future democrat voters.

Economy/Defense, Defense/Economy is an anemic winner for the Republicans. It got the Bushes into the WH 3 times but simultaneously has hurt them as often (Knocked GHB out and made GWB unpopular crippling McCain, (not that McCain needed much help losing!))

TLP| 7.9.12 @ 10:15AM

It sounds like you're not really Comprehending the Scope of the Economic Meltdown this is right around the Corner.

And I mean, within two Months.

How lucky for you.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 10:22AM

Then Romney will walk into the white house and you're right, this is all moot. I "hope".

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 10:22AM

Then Romney will walk into the white house and you're right, this is all moot. I "hope".

Al Adab| 7.9.12 @ 11:07AM

As many of us kept repeating throughout the primaries, Romney is an establishment, accomodationist republican and nothing more. There is no ideological fervor, no philosophical compass and no inner fire. This is the same old republican party with which the Conservative Movement has compromised since its beginning. All any of us have to show for it is a trail of failure and defeat. How long must we continue to follow these people to defeat?

TLP| 7.9.12 @ 3:55PM

He's NOT the Muslim, and he's the only other choice.

Unless you have a better idea?

I suggest that you just SUCK IT UP, and pull the lever for Romney, and cross your fingers.

ANYBODY is better than this MFer.

Hello?

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 9:27AM

RealClearPolitics shows differently, kiddo. Romney is not wanted.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 10:05AM

I seem to recall that "exit polls" showed that the Scott Walker recall election was "close". If things were reversed, and Romney was in a surge, I would say that the fat lady hasn't sung yet.

That said, the polls do have a point that whatever Romney is doing now is not working. In addition, it shows that Obama's health care victory has been a short term gain for him in terms of credibility and that conservatives will need to switch gears and stop running a "constitutional" campaign. It's ALL politics, so to speak, from here on forward.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 10:08AM

Point taken - but as the Wall Street Journal Editors said - "Romney's campaign is politically dumb ... "

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 10:31AM

I love it when people use the "dumb" word because it has a subtle meaning that they usually miss. Dumb means an inability to express oneself (not stupid) and perhaps that's Romney's big problem.

You have to admire Obama and the left for knowing what they want to accomplish while simultaneously what they want to tell the rubes to get their votes. They have it down to a science. Obama did NOT sell a big healthcare tax and forcing people to buy insurance nor blowing money windmills from Germany and getting gasoline up to 4 bucks a gallon. But that's clearly what he wanted all along and this was pretty much well known to leftists who supported him.

Perhaps Romney is "dumb" (stupid) because he truly doesn't know what he wants to do or maybe he's a McCain and unsure how to BS his base and the uncertainty is not inspiring voter confidence. He needs a clear message, "stuff" that people want, and to get it out. It needs to be something new and not warmed over Republican slogans on security and cutting taxes. Those aren't "bad" things, but most voters know them already and don't need a lot of reminding.

Perhaps Romney is working on the commercials right now to generate (proper) fear about Obamacare and people losing their coverage and forced out on their own. But the above suggestions I made would also turn people around, quickly. Most people LOVE cheap gasoline for example.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 1:31PM

http://online.wsj.com/article/.....93044.html

Dai Alanye | 7.9.12 @ 2:22PM

As long as polls of "likely voters" show the election as a virtual tie, and numbers of "undecided" remain high, Obama is almost sure to lose. Because that's the way things work.

Our main fear must be an October surprise, such as a disclosure that Mitt once kicked a cat or spit on the sidewalk.

Purp| 7.10.12 @ 8:51PM

I'll guess his tax returns hold quite some surprises. Why isn't he as good as his Dad and release 12 years worth?

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 11:29AM

...Again, as opposed to Obama's, which is designed to appeal to losers, lay-abouts, malcontents, and the pathetically dumb.

"Change."

FORWARD...That's brilliant.

JohnLeo| 7.9.12 @ 2:41PM

I think too much attention is being paid to the polls which should be ignored this time around. Why? In 2008 many millions of white voters who couldn't stand Obama, found it necessary to vote for him to convince themselves that they weren't prejudiced. Now they can vote against him with a clear conscience. Of course they still tell pollsters they are for Obama so as not to be labeled racists, but once in the voting booth, they will do the right thing.

TLP| 7.9.12 @ 3:57PM

Just remember, Jimmy Carter was Leading in the Polls, right up till the Election.

And, we all know how that turned out.

Drunken Sailor| 7.9.12 @ 11:07AM

Interesting. RCP last week had Obama up by 3.8, now it's only 2.6. Seems that his incumbency favor isn't as strong as it should be.

Now that is what I call a "step in the right direction".

RCV| 7.9.12 @ 11:40AM

Small comfort for the GOP when you look at the details. The RCP average went down for Obama only because Rasmussen -- the only poll that has Romney ahead -- came out with a new poll showing Romney up by 1. But - that's a loss of three points for Romney from the previous Rasmussen poll, which had him up by 4.

The In-Trade odds -- where people put their money on the line -- has Obama with 56%, his highest in a long-time.

Drunken Sailor| 7.9.12 @ 12:06PM

Actually on 07/01 it was Obama by 3.6 but it has steadily dropped. Point is at this time of the race it shouldn't even be that close. And I put very little stock in In-trade as people using it get their opinion based on polls. We all know how easily skewed they can be.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 1:33PM

That's correct, if America disliked Obama's policies so much, Romney should be far, far ahead. He's not because they don't want a pig, even with lipstick...

Drunken Sailor| 7.9.12 @ 1:51PM

Do you get dizzy with all that spinning? Incumbents are always ahead in the months leading up to a election. Usually by larger margins than your guy has right now. Between that, his difficulty raising funds, Poor job growth, Persistent unemployment, newest polling data from RCP showing that 61.3% of the public think the country is headed in the wrong direction, your guy is facing some Hurricaine proportion headwinds.
http://www.realclearpolitics.c.....y-902.html

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 3:19PM

Drunk-boy- you're right, but the direction is wrong because of Republicants.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:38PM

http://www.rasmussenreports.co.....cking_poll

There goes THAT theory...

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:22PM

A HAM SANDWISH is"""""wanted""""" or preferred over your domestic terrorist [semi] white knight from Chicago!!!!!!!

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 7.9.12 @ 7:01AM

The Republicans haven't elected a conservative for President in the last 50 years so I doubt if conservatism can be the root of any political problem for a Republican.

Dai Alanye | 7.9.12 @ 2:26PM

Hussein O'Stalin wouldn't recognize a true conservative if one kicked him in the kiester. Or any other portion of his anatomy, for that matter.

Ragin Patriot| 7.9.12 @ 7:07AM

GOP establishment money selected Romney in the primaries. Given its stellar track record -- the Ford, Bushes, Dole, McCain -- we must trust that they know what's best for us, and will succeed in the end. So relax. Our betters know what they're doing.

Gary B| 7.9.12 @ 7:17AM

The GOP is skillful at betraying conservatives. They'll play the lesser-of-evils game as long as they can. This time around may be different because the sleeping giant is waking up. Apparently, governors are seeing the light first. DC is a hopeless cesspool of reptiles.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 7:39AM

The Bushes won 3 Presidential elections...

Ragin Patriot| 7.9.12 @ 1:06PM

Yes, but consider that George H didn't get re-elected, and were it not for the War on Terror (and the fear of a Kerry as Commander in Chief) it is unlikely that George W would have been re-elected.

Dixon| 7.9.12 @ 3:57PM

Yeah, but both of them ushered in liberals with Clinton and obamanation. If fact, had both just been as conservative in their actions as their talk, the GOP may have held the WH and made gains in Congress.

Both Bush administrations were rejected (GHW re-elect and W with McCain as Bush lite) yet the GOP made HUGE gains in Congress in the next national election following their departures.

Conservatives win elections. Moderates lose them.

Crassus| 7.9.12 @ 9:31AM

Actually, the GOP establishment pretty much wants to throw this election so they can get their man Jebber Boosh the nomination in 2016. Mittenz is just the sacrificial lamb who's been thrown out to take the fall. The GOP doesn't really want him to win.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 11:30AM

That's absurd.

NO ONE on the GOP side, other than Jeb Bush, maybe, wants that to happen.

Al Adab| 7.9.12 @ 12:36PM

...and what are the odds of there even being a 2016 election?

RCV| 7.9.12 @ 2:01PM

100%

Ragin Patriot| 7.9.12 @ 1:08PM

Actually that makes some sense. It also explains why W chose Dick Cheney, a VP who would not run for President and in so doing perhaps get in the way when it was deemed "Jeb's turn."

TLP| 7.9.12 @ 4:02PM

Really?

Cause, last I looked, Jeb Bush didn't run in 2008.

Idiot.

Ragin Patriot| 7.9.12 @ 5:24PM

TLP,

No, since W was so unpopular by 2008 that the Bush name was radioactive. So Jeb had to wait.

But that had nothing to do with their planning circa 2000 when the Cheney choice was made.

For one who's quick to fling the word "idiot," you may want to ponder the difference between decisions made in 2000 to leave options open based upon the then-current circumstances, versus decisions made in 2008 based upon the the then-current circumstances. I know it's a difficult concept, so we'll give you a while to ponder the notion.

TLP| 7.9.12 @ 5:38PM

I've finished "Pondering"it, and I've concluded that you're still an Idiot.

Ragin Patriot| 7.9.12 @ 9:04PM

Well then, I guess you'd better go back and ponder some more. And perhaps look in a mirror while doing so.

Gary B| 7.9.12 @ 7:12AM

Romney's VP not only has to deliver the conservative message well, but the ideal VP candidate must also be able to carry the fight straight to the press, the other Democrat opponent in this race. The press is vulnerable for not vetting The Muslim in '08 and again now. They're easy prey this time around. All it takes is to get in their face. There may be others, but Rubio is really good at that.

Mimi | 7.9.12 @ 7:27AM

PRESS ? ? ?....Sounds like a NEWT to me!

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 9:30AM

No one votes for the VP - it won't help. Dump Romney for Santorum.

Gary B| 7.9.12 @ 9:58AM

So, Sarah Palin had no affect in '08? The right VP can make all the difference in the world, especially this time around. He or she can act like a junior super PAC by saying the things that need to be said.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 10:13AM

No one votes for the VP - but they can hurt; Sarah "I can see Russia from my house" Palin sure doomed McCain.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 10:41AM

Come now. McCain was already doomed due to his meeting with LaRaza and bashing his own base.

But yeah, honestly, I think the VP choice is highly overrated and usually brings more damage than help. I like Dan Quayle because the leftist press engaged in ugly character assassination attacks against him much like they did with Palin and they worked.

So Romney would be safest with a low key, neutral personality either from a swing state (Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Florida) OR someone such as Ryan whose made some inroads on the healthcare issue and could run with that banner for Romney.

Ryan probably will be the VP choice.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 11:30AM

She CAN see Russia from her house, dummy...

You don't know much about geography, do you?

AhiaBoy| 7.9.12 @ 11:53AM

Not only that, but it was Tina Fey pretending to be Sarah Palin, not SP, who said that.

Purp, you need to get your info from more than the usual suspects on the Left.

canuckistani| 7.9.12 @ 1:40PM

Her narrative was and is in stone. Her influence on the GOP has been a disruptive force.
We had Willard and then a litany of hacks and clowns behind him. The fact it took so long shows Willard is doomed by apathy alone.

Where are the winning national conservatives? They don't exist.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:16PM

Then as a Liberal Canadian from Craplakistan, you should be very happy...

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 1:36PM

Yeah, but that was her claim to having foreign policy experience ... hahahaha. what a bimbo.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:19PM

Obama's foreign policy experience is REALLY something to brag about, isn't it???

Here's a clue, "Burp"...

Behind closed doors, Putin, Hu Jintao, Castro, Cameron, Merkel, etc, are LAUGHING at Obama!!!

LAUGHING!!!!

They know he's a joke, and a useful idiot.

But the other useful idiots out there (that would be you) haven't caught on, yet.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 3:33PM

Poor Doc - yes the world is quite impressed with Obama and his policies.
Not in your world, of course, but only 20% of Americans live there.
Poor Doc.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 4:00PM

LOL!!!

I wish I could debate Obama!

I'd school his dumb butt on basic economic principles for a love audience, if given the chance. And I don't even need a teleprompter!

And I don't say "Ummmm...uh...aaah...Errr...ummmm" as I search in vain for a coherent thought like the Boy-Prez...

Dave Williams| 7.9.12 @ 1:01PM

...not to confuse you with FACTS, PurpTwerp, but Tina Fey said that on SNL, NOT Sarah Palin...

C. Vernon Crisler | 7.9.12 @ 1:31PM

She didn't say that Burp. A Saturday Night Live actress said that.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 1:39PM

A VP candidate who is the butt of jokes is NOT going to be VP. And so it was thus ...

canuckistani| 7.9.12 @ 1:43PM

Exactly.
McCain was a dud candidate, but Junior's spectacular fails in 07 and 08 would have let any dem win the office. The fact an exotic even won a national nom is a testament to Junior's legacy.

Palin was a hail mary pass that flew into the seats, and we have McCain to thank for her being shoved in our faces.

Could you imagine a McCain administration with that judgment?

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:22PM

You're completely, utterly wrong.

Look...we know you come from a backwards, misogynistic, Islamo-crap culture in some third-world backwater, so we'll give you a pass on your fear of strong women...

...But without Palin, McCain would have lost by worse than he did.

She was the only bright spot in his pathetic campaign.

Dai Alanye | 7.9.12 @ 2:31PM

Palin almost saved McCain's bacon. Had she been properly handled by Angry John's campaign staff the outcome would have been different.

Mimi | 7.9.12 @ 10:31AM

WOW PURP....Newt must scare the "H" out of you...and all the Dem's top to bottom ! You know he can say what needs to be said with a bang and a punch and a smile!....Santorum ? Maybe would be great for V.P. too!

MK48| 7.9.12 @ 11:37AM

Mimi..........THEY hate Newt because he knows where all the dead bodies are buried.

I hope that Romney finds a place in his cabnet for Newt......love to see all of these commies run for cover.

canuckistani| 7.9.12 @ 1:45PM

That would be the joke of the year.

Newtie was the best possible clown to wheel out during the primary season.

His own party mutinied. Nuff said.

MK48| 7.10.12 @ 1:25AM

canuck....and what party would that be.

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:24PM

No we're going to dump ya boy for Romney in order to save this country from total destruction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mimi | 7.9.12 @ 7:24AM

I'ts Been a long, hard ride for the Romney's so far...Ann seems to be getting tired, and he needs to give her a REST !
A PAUSE and a restart might be in order! We can always change 'horses' in mid stream...if enough Conservatives have been chosen as delegates. That awareness should motivate Mitt to do the revamping to perk up his campaign.
Over-all he looks and acts like a President...He has one BIG difference between him and Barrack...HE IS AN HONEST MAN, and can be trusted by the people....PRAISE the day we have a man of CHARACTER in the Whitehouse !

JP| 7.9.12 @ 9:13AM

Mitt could run adds which do nothing more than use Obama's words against him. Mitt is going to have to get himself dirty and play hard ball. Negative adds almost always work.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 9:31AM

He's been bashing Obama since before the primaries ended - it doesn't help - people know who Obama is, and they like him.
They don't like Romney - dump Romney for Santorum.

TW in SC| 7.9.12 @ 9:49AM

Please explain why they like him.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 10:16AM

He's strong, smart, thoughtful, compassionate, funny and cool. A strong leader, inspirational.
Romney is calculating, shifty eyed, plastic, drab and a follower - of his father first, his wifey second.

Mimi | 7.9.12 @ 10:36AM

More like Dumb,Slick, sympathetic to non-whites and funny & cool like a teenie bopper!

Crassus| 7.9.12 @ 10:43AM

ROTFLMAO!!!!

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 10:47AM

Purp, I am willing to acknowledge that Romney has a lot of work ahead of him but come now. Obama is a charming candidate, but it's quite clear that he's more detached and smug than cool and compassionate. And he's been looking rather haggard lately rather than strong. And inspirational? Hahaha! What a laugh. He was a half-black candidate whose "historic" win was heralded by his race and little more. Now that the race card has been played, he's just another political hack with a bad economy and many foolish white-guilt leftists are regretting their decision whenever they fill up their gas tank with $4 gasoline.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 11:32AM

LOL!

Yeah...he's "cool"!!!

I guess to a liberal, ignorance is cool?

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 1:50PM

Saying it, doesn't make it so.
Nevertheless, RomBot is nothing special and America's resistance to him proves it.
You WOULD have been better off with Newt Gingrich. At least he could inspire your side.
RomBot no.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:26PM

OK...explain what makes Obama "smart," without using your schoolgirl crush as a guidepost.

He's a singularly unaccomplished individual who sailed through life on lies, half-truths, affirmative action, and white guilt.

Where's his grades? Where are his transcripts? What did he actually write for the Harvard Law Review? What, of note, did he ever do while a State Senator, or a Senator (besides voting "present")?

You're a clown.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 3:43PM

Name calling again? Is that all you got?
He's been President for 3 1/2 years - even though you try to trash his past, his past means little now. He IS the only man in this election with experience as President.
RobMe's past haunts him, as you can see. Yell, scream, call me names - it won't change the fact you have a horrible nominee. As Santorum said "He's the worst Republican to run against Barack Obama" ... so enjoy the loss. And, you call me a "Clown"? Ha.

Gary B| 7.9.12 @ 4:00PM

You're refuting your own argument within the same post. This is funny.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 4:06PM

He's "been President" does NOT answer the question, Einstein...

Again...

Explain WHAT makes Obama "smart."

Let's hear it!

Whenever you're confronted, like a good little Lib, you hide behind hurt feelings.

Obama's past is a joke.
His present is our nightmare.
His future is unemployment.

Either answer the question, with examples, or everyone will know you're a fraud.

GO.

...waiting....

And yes...you're a clown. A joke. A useful idiot.

You have never uttered a word in support of Obama that wasn't either a media-driven cliche, or simply dumb.

You are the direct result of the complete dumbing-down of America. Your ignorance is breath-taking - you don't even know what you don't know, but you say it with conviction so it must be right, right?

Time to man-up, Dorothy.

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:31PM

We'd be better off now with Bo or Moochel!!!!!

Gary B| 7.9.12 @ 3:59PM

"He's strong, smart, thoughtful, compassionate, funny and cool. A strong leader, inspirational."

He's so smart in fact that he's spending millions in legal fees to cover up his college record. He's so compassionate that he's tossing soldiers off their current medical program into a more expensive one. And, he's as strong as any other liberal pencil neck on the block.

As they say, liberalism is a mental disorder.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 4:14PM

Not just soldiers, but white males and non-government working and middle class people can all go rot in hell as far as he (and leftists) are concerned too.

Liberalism is all about a sublime hypocrisy of compassionate, wise latinas tossing working class white male firefighters under the bus because the latter is selfish and "racist". Amazing. It's about making the world into Sweden by first making it into Detroit.

Since their agenda is not only false but even nonsensical, it makes sense that they idolize their leaders and their party just as Hollywood has become a coven of leftists. It's all about appearance and popularity and gossiping about whose wearing what at the premiere.

Something to keep in mind: the left pushed their white, working class base in front of the bus when they decided that they needed to get a new electorate in the states and then irrationally began destroying their own Western European utopia because they couldn't keep their logic straight. They're not only amoral but nuts. One could almost respect them if they were just pandering to bashing whites in the states under the pretense of ending racism if they dropped the nonsense in Europe when they knew they wouldn't get called on it. But they didn't. They're nuts.

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:30PM

"He's strong, smart, thoughtful, compassionate, funny and cool. A strong leader, inspirational" translated means he's weak, stupid, arrogant, mean-spirited and worthless; but those are only his finer points. Ask Jeremiah about his true character!!!!

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:27PM

Like him? Not according to the polls? Of course, Californians, unionists, illegals, homosexuals and Hollywood scriptreaders like him....but no one else does. Oh I forgot Moochel and Valerie love him, but who gives an excrement?????

John786| 7.9.12 @ 7:34AM

Quack quack: I think I see a Duck.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 7:38AM

It's funny, but the same people who insisted that Romney was the inevitable nominee now tell us that his victory is possibly in doubt.

Lighten up, guys - it's July.

Unemployment still sucks. Under Obama, nothing has improved.

Romney will win. Now stop kvetching.

JP| 7.9.12 @ 9:11AM

Good point. However, according to 3 recent polls (Gallup, WSJ, and CBS) about 55% of the voters still Blame Bush for the poor economy, despite the fact that the Bush Recession ended in June of 2009.

Mitt can still pull it out. But, he's not going to be able to run on the "economy only".

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 9:37AM

Bush's blame continues because the Bush Depression didn't end. For the rich it did, not so for the majority of Americans. America knows who puts us in the 800,000 jobs lost/month syndrome - Bush.
They also know who has saved the Auto Industry, ended the Iraq War, killed bin laden, given us healthcare reform and reversed the Bush syndrome by adding 4.4 million private sector jobs in his term so far. That is more net jobs than Bush added in 8 years (3.9 million).
You don't change horses in the middle of the stream, and it's only 1/2 time in America.
Romney is NOT the horse they want to jump on anyway - Dump Romney. He's a loser. 2 Billion dollars will NOT do anything but put lipstick and rouge and silk on this pig, Romney - he's still a losing pig.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 9:40AM

You sound increasingly desperate, TWERP...

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 10:19AM

No, but I sure am enjoying the scathing insults thrown RomBot's way. He's not what you want. And, with Romneycare around his neck, he can't defeat the President.
He's proving what everyone knew all along - he's not inspiring, he's cold, calculating, a flip-flopper. John Boner said it himself - you ain't gonna fall in love with the RomBot.
Where are all his tax returns, btw? Where else does he stash his cash? In China? In India?

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 11:35AM

The only one here insulting Romney, Dorothy, is you.

He's not what I want??

Well, no...that's true. He's a tad moderate for me, I'll admit.

I'd prefer someone with cajones the size of battleships who doesn't care what the media or the Democrats think about him/her.

And it would be GREAT if that person's party controlled both houses of Congress and could ram legislation through while liberals and their assorted coterie of freaks and weirdos cried and screamed about it.

Yup. That's be great.

But Romney will do just fine; all he has to do is defeat the biggest disaster EVER to live in the WH.

Occam's Tool| 7.9.12 @ 12:36PM

Yup. Bolton would have been my choice for POTUS, Dr. R. He's nominatable for VEEP, incidentally, and would KILL Biden in debates.

canuckistani| 7.9.12 @ 1:50PM

Bolton would win a debate? Show me evidence he has not been laughed out of every gov job he occupied. To watch him attempt to match wits with even a grad student is good theater.

Another neocon don quixote that has been exposed by facts.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:31PM

What facts??

Let's hear how dumb John Bolton is, OK, Achmed??

And while you're at it, why don't you recite for us a list of "Great Statesman of Craplakistan"..?

I'm willing to bet that you don't shoot your cowardly, ill-informed goat-hole off around real people, other than your wife (if you have one).

A pox on Lyndon Johnson for opening this country up to massive immigration from the 3rd-world. This is what we get...

RCV| 7.9.12 @ 2:04PM

Sorry, Occam, but Bolton is one of the most personally offensive human beings on the political landscape. Romney won't pick him if for no other reason than he'd have to work with the guy every day for the next four years.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:31PM

What's so offensive about John Bolton?

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 1:57PM

Saying it doesn't make it so - polls and even Rupert Murdoch say differently ... too bad, so sad for your side. You had Newt, but you didn't keep him.

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:34PM

Ya boy's toast, and burnt besides!!!!!

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 10:56AM

Saved the auto industry? Last I heard, it was still doing badly and how many liberals drive a GM anyway? Most of them drive Priuses. The Volt is dead.

There was a term coined during the Bush(es) administrations: The jobless recovery. The left used the term to try to undermine any economic improvement stats and most people are not fooled by summer temp jobs that pay minimum wage. Gas, sugar, and meat prices have soared and people are HIGHLY sensitive to them. This isn't the great depression where FDR could have a friendly media that wouldn't take a picture of him in a wheelchair and said what he wanted them to say. There's now alternative media to alert people that they can't blame Bush for everything. Dan Rather can no longer read off a teleprompter and tell people what to think.

The problem for Obama is that he hasn't even ridden much of a horse yet? Howz all that stimulus money to buy windmills from Germany doing? Has it lowered electricity costs? How about not drilling for oil? Is that helping? And the trillions in stimulus money? Going good?

Obama "wins" healthcare as a political battle in the purest sense. He "won" in court but now... he's stuck with it and even it's supporters were never big fans. It's a hot mess and Obama knows it. Ironically, if Obama does win then he's stuck with it for another term and it will be his baby, so to speak, to crutch along.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 2:16PM

Poley, Poley - you heard wrong again - Ford, GM and Chrysler added 7,000 jobs in June.
You can't fool the people that lived through the Bush Recession and now Bush Depression. 4.4 million jobs under Obama says to America we ARE better off than 4 years ago, losing 800,000 jobs/month under Bush, period, end of story. And, you haven't changed their minds. RomBot sure won't.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 2:38PM

And Toyota and Honda added 3000 without any bailout from the taxpayer (and did Ford take a bailout?)

Regarding unemployment numbers: Obama promised a lot better and spent a lot of money (over in Germany outsourcing green energy manufacturing...) You can BS all you like, but people don't "feel" better and simply Bush bashing doesn't do it.

That said, indeed, the main challenge for Romney is to not be Bush. The problem with Obama is that eventually he's got to own the economy otherwise anemic recoveries and $4 gasoline isn't going to cut it.

Yeah yeah yeah, you're gonna win. Sure. And Wisconsin was close up to the end. As I said, I wouldn't trust the polls to call this election at this point either way. That said, Romney should do something with the outsourcing charges from Obama because they do have traction. Ironically, outsourcing is a form of foreigner bashing so if Romney wants to, he can certainly hit Obama on that (rather hard to "insource" when you're granting amnesty left and right to illegals.)

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 3:52PM

Poley, Poley, Poley - Even Toyota and Honda admit, if the Auto Industry had gone under, all their suppliers would have gone with it, and they would have left the U.S.
Lot's of people feel better, just not good enough yet. If Obama had had a simple recession like Reagan did, morning in America would already be here. But, alas, Bush did America really, really bad. And over 50% of the population already has that baked into the election.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 4:37PM

You have a cite to prove that claim about Toyota and Honda? (No, the Daily Show doesn't count!) So nobody would have any cars anywhere in the world if Obama hadn't bailed out The Auto Industry? He is the One, isn't he? Hahahaha! Seriously, the worst that would have happened is there would have been a bankruptcy and the unions would have taken a hit in court. Ford and Chevy didn't need the bailout, yes?

You can't spin things that Bush did America really bad so they're miserable and hate Bush AND people are so happier after Obama so they needn't hate Bush. You can try to BS me but I won't BS you (for the fun of it) Here goes:

I made several suggestions above for Romney to basically kick Obama's butt such as simply suggesting drilling for oil and gas and getting pump prices down. His popularity numbers would surge in a matter of hours. However... whether he'll have a decent campaign staff is another matter. He has a good 2 months or so to get his act together. Then we'll see.

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:39PM

No dummie, Japan's auto manufacturers would have bought them and de-unionized their workers!!!!!!

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:37PM

The $8mil non-stimulus was theft of taxpayers' forced gift to the union pimps of the prostitutes @ Detroit !!!!

Drunken Sailor| 7.9.12 @ 11:18AM

The Bush depression didn't end? Then what in the hell was that "Summer Recovery" you guys kept crowing about?

And you keep crowing about the "4.2 million jobs" Obama created. You do realize that economist say we need at least 150,000 jobs a month to keep up with inflation, right?

Keeping it simply at 36 months that comes out to 5.4 million jobs. Seems to me that Obamas jobs still are not keeping up with the population growth, let alone putting people back to work. Great numbers!

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 2:17PM

You're right - except it's Bush's fault and America knows it. OMG - 2 million jobs were lost for the first 4 months of Obama's term. THAT is not blamed on Obama, sorry.

Drunken Sailor| 7.9.12 @ 3:06PM

Actually I was counting back 36 months. I gave your boy the benifit of the doubt for the first 7 months. Guess what? The math still shows he isn't keeping up with the population growth, let alone the # of jobs lost.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 3:53PM

No need to argue ... you're right, completely right. Why is Romney still losing to Obama then? Why? Hmmm?

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 4:09PM

He's NOT.

That's your fantasy.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 4:08PM

Actually, it WAS Obama's fault.

Anyone with half a brain would have kick-started this economy back to life with massive tax and spending cuts.

DUH.

Only an idiot (like Obama) thinks that spending = saving...or that taxes = revenue.

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:40PM

No stupid, it was the UAW's fault!!!!

AhiaBoy| 7.9.12 @ 11:57AM

"They also know who has...ended the Iraq War, killed bin laden..."

Pres. Obama simply followed the plan Bush set in place to end the Iraq war. BFD.

As to Bin Laden, saying BHO "killed him" is like saying Ronald McDonald made your hamburger.

canuckistani| 7.9.12 @ 1:53PM

By that rationale, Junior did not start the Iraq war.
Maybe it was a sergeant on an apache helicopter going rogue?

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 2:19PM

Sorry, but Ronald McDonald isn't in charge of McDonald's, but Obama is in charge of the Armed Forces, Navy Seals included. Sorry to burst you're bubble, Chuckles.

Drunken Sailor| 7.9.12 @ 3:09PM

Your right. Obama is in charge which means the buck stops with him. Why is it we don't hear the press broadcasting the number of dead soldiers under his term like we did with "W"?

Here is a hint, In Aug 2010 the numbers reached the equal mark in Afghanistan and have climbed every since, yet not a peep from the lamestream media. Can't shine a bad light on the saviour now can we?

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 3:55PM

It's not his war? Ya think?

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 4:09PM

Yes it is.

HIS war, HIS economy.

HE owns it, lock-stock-and barrel.

Louis Jenkins| 7.9.12 @ 3:41PM

And after Obama's stimulus package was passed by the Holy Democrat Crowd we were supposed to be at a 5% un-employment rate now. Well, where on earth is it at?

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:32PM

You're a lying AH!!!!!!!!!!!

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 9:40AM

Bush ISN'T running for office.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 10:30AM

Neither is Hoover running for office, but we all remember what he did, don't we?
Bush is right up there with Herbert "Great Depression" Hoover. Right or wrong, it's reality. 55% of Americans still blame Bush for the economy - again, right or wrong, it's reality.
And you can't change that RomBot's policies mirror Dubya's - but as Romney's campaign spokeslady says - "Bush - On Steroids" ... Great campaign, yep - The Greatest Hits:
"it's a tax, no it's a penalty, no it's a tax" ... That's not a 180 flip, it's a 360 triple axel flip.
" I have know idea what I said, but I stick by what I said" .... classic.
" I enjoy firing people ..." I bet you do.
"I don't worry about the poor" - No just the 1%
"$10,000 bet ..." - Perry declined
"Speaking fees, oh, small change" - $375,000 is small change?
" I like the size of the trees .." - only in Michigan?
"Romneycare should be the model for the nation"
" - and that Videotape, folks, is the final nail for the RomBot's coffin.

PolishKnight| 7.9.12 @ 10:58AM

Indeed. Hoover was a political moderate much in the same way that GW Bush was. But unlike GW Bush, Hoover didn't get America into a war. FDR did that (and it worked out well for him. That sacrifice at Pearl Harbor got him another 8 years).

FYI, the Iraq war isn't over yet. We still have troops over there getting killed so he can't put up a "mission accomplished" banner.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 11:36AM

You're an economic ignoramus.

In all seriousness...when it comes to economics, you are as DUMB as they come.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 12:51PM

From the Doctor who doesn't know anything about healthcare - Doctor of What?

canuckistani| 7.9.12 @ 1:54PM

Rugs. Just rented one of his machines last week. Poor suction.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:35PM

I guess you know a lot about flying carpets, don't you Mustafa?

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:34PM

LOL!

Hey, dummy...I've forgotten MOE about healthcare than you've EVER known!

Wanna' go toe-to-toe, Dorothy? C'mon...show us your brilliance!

...crickets...

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 3:59PM

Doctor Doolittle - why are you a doctor? Of what?

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 4:12PM

You didn't answer the question, mental-midget...again.

So I'll repeat myself:

Wanna' go toe-to-toe (on healthcare issues), Dorothy? C'mon...show us your brilliance!

You're such a fool!

In a few years, your healthcare premiums will go through THE ROOF...and the quality of care you receive will be sub-par...

All because of Obama.

Then who will you cry to? A picture of Harvey Milk?

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:49PM

A Doctor of BS......no wait, thats that idiot in the WH....sorry!!!!

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:47PM

We're all going to enjoy his FIRING GOVERNMENTAL WORKERS IN 2013!!!!!

Mimi | 7.9.12 @ 10:38AM

And answering all the "LIES"....with the truth!

MK48| 7.9.12 @ 11:44AM

Hey Doc..............we have to stand strong you don't get into a fight just to participate we have to win with power.

This shot over the bow stuff is not going to get it done....ya want to win ? .......than you make sure tap...tap...tap.

Gary B| 7.9.12 @ 8:11AM

Further thoughts... Romney has a huge advantage in one, critical area - he's moral. What he is - a man of good character - is as important as what he does.

Everyone around the world knows Obama is a weak-kneed liar. Most liberals are amoral and don't care because he lies for their cause. But some incumbent Democrats are running away from him as fast as they can. And, everyone else hates him.

This is the backdrop for this election and I submit that this is about as personal as it gets.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 9:39AM

Hahahahahaha ... yeah, right. 17 overseas accounts, 7 not even listed on his legally required financial disclosure form? Really? And, he's on top of things. I don't think so.
The Outsourcer-in-Chief outsourced his tax evasion and America is finding him out. What a terrible nominee for president. Dump Romney. He's a rich loser - but still a Loser.

Gary B| 7.9.12 @ 11:48AM

Romney's a loser compared to Obama? Really?

Obama's your likable liar and the first "lady" hates America. I would not want to be his campaign manager. In fact, his campaign is in panic mode. Even Democrats are running away from him. Fascism hasn't worked out too well for them.

Further, if Obama is so likable, why are the states starting to revolt? Compared to Obama, Romney looks great to anyone who gets up in the morning and goes to work. He's not ideal, but he'll do for now.

canuckistani| 7.9.12 @ 1:58PM

States are starting to revolt because they are scared sh!tless to tell their constituents there is no free lunch. Cities are going bankrupt and nearly 1M public workers are gone. State bankruptcies will be next.

18% GDP on healthcare and we endlessly debate.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 2:25PM

States Revolt? You mean the Republican Governor ones? There's a big surprise - nothing political there.

Gary B| 7.9.12 @ 4:05PM

What do you think this is science class? Of course it's political. Earth to Purp... politics is political. See, you leaned something today.

Teflon93 | 7.9.12 @ 2:18PM

A moral man would have gone to Vietnam instead of traipsing about the Loire Valley while others risked life and limb in his place . He is a coward.

paintbrush| 7.9.12 @ 8:23AM

Before everyone gives up their gender studies, buys a hybrid vehilcle or gets a farewell kiss from the Iraqi people, the Democrat party is not going to tolerate divisive language from Syria or Iran. Military options when dealing with nuclear matter isn't all that appealing to military commanders, but it could be politically appealing to the Democrats this time. After all when you help Democrat leaders you help us all.....

Truncheon| 7.9.12 @ 8:26AM

To me this article reads as a personal wish list, advanced as a cogent argument, and founded on polling shifts of 2 to 3 percent ... inside the margin of error.

One word: decaf.

Cobalt| 7.9.12 @ 8:47AM

"Electoral Map Doesn't Always Lead Straight To White House"

http://www.newsleader.com/arti.....dyssey=nav|head

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 9:40AM

You need to try haaaarrrddderrr ... Romney's a LOSER.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 9:41AM

As opposed to THE proven loser...Mr. Kenyan-Socialist-Affirmative Action-Dumb-Democrat-Obama...

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 11:37AM

You're scared, Dorothy...

canuckistani| 7.9.12 @ 2:04PM

I'm fearful BHO will knuckle under to the baseless meanderings from the bagger right. It took 30 years to get to this point and possibly that much time more is required to get us out of the RR funk.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:35PM

You're NOT part of the "us"...

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 2:29PM

Hahahaha ... desperation on your part you mean. Name calling is the only place you can go. You're own politicians don't like him.
You have a dumb nominee that nobody wants or likes. Good choice people.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 4:14PM

Actually, I have facts, logic, experience, and a quick-wit to use against you...

...But you lack any substance, so I don't even have to use them.

The name-calling hurt? Too bad. Get used to it. It's what I save for idiots who shoot their fool mouths off without knowing a damn thing about what they speak.

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:46PM

Don't talk about Axelrod's boy-toy like that!!!!!

Derek Leaberry| 7.9.12 @ 8:54AM

Romney's problem is that conservatives with IQs over 100 who don't regard politics as some sort of game between team elephants and team jackasses know that Romney is not a conservative and will not govern as a conservative. When you peel back the facade, Romney is still the pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, pro-immigration social liberal who ran against Ted Kennedy in 1994.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 9:42AM

Bingo.

CJW| 7.9.12 @ 3:09PM

When you have Obamaboy Purpie agreeing with your, then you have a problem.

AhiaBoy| 7.9.12 @ 12:01PM

Romney may not be a conservative, but he has a few good points vs. his opponent:
1, He loves the USA;
2. So does his wife;
3. He believes in capitalism.
4. He never said the most beautiful sound in the world is the Muslim call to prayer;
5. He never ate dog meat.

I could go on, but maybe you get the point that there's clear choice here...

canuckistani| 7.9.12 @ 2:06PM

Mormon.
Nullifies the rest.

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 2:37PM

Better a Mormon than a Muslim.

CJW| 7.9.12 @ 3:14PM

Romney will not get the religious bigot voters ,

JP| 7.9.12 @ 9:09AM

Establishment Republicans cannot go on the offensive in the same way the Dems do it. Niether of the Bush's could (Lee Atwater did push Bush41 kicking and screaming towards to the finish line, however), nor could Dole or McCain. And it appears Mitt doesn't have the will to paint Obama in his true colors. What gives?

Teflon93 | 7.9.12 @ 2:20PM

Romney and Obama are both members of The Ruling Class. They will not attack each other on that basis. Since virtually all conservatives are not members of this class, Romney cannot win unless he does so. He will lose.

Louis Jenkins| 7.9.12 @ 9:17AM

Where does Romney berth his yacht at? We know he's got one somewhere. You have pegged Romney correctly when you realize that he is of the upper echelon Republicans. But he does seem to have morals. Morals are good to have when facing the beast from the White House, and we know Romney's past history unlike the jukin' jivin' mess. When do taxes become tribute? The minute libs like Obama, Biden, Holder, and Hillary arrive. So hitch up yer pants conservatives, liberals, and Republicans, and hold your nose this fall, anyone but the One.

Silver Bullet| 7.9.12 @ 9:32AM

The "Establishment" in effect "fixed" the nomination for Romney -- first off, and most importantly, by "stealing" Iowa until they were sure Santorum couldn't get the boost in the polls that a first-place finish would have given him; secondly, by carpet-bombing Gingrich in Florida with false & misleading advertisements; thirdly, by manipulating Ohio with overwhelming ads.

Let me get this straight: Romney's campaign spent millions to bomb the hell out of his primary opponents, but now his campaign can't find the cash to answer Obama's ads already running in key swing states? What the hell!

Truth be told: Romney is as much a part of the Elitist Establishment that runs this country as Obama is. What the hell difference voting for him would make escapes me. We're "scre***"! As usual.

Mr. Babbin, Spectator still publishes about Romney as though he is acting in good faith. Guess what: he isn't. His "job" was to be the straw man, the fall guy -- his "job" assigned to him, four years ago, was to be the token opposition to Obama. The election is already decided.

Why vote?

Teflon93 | 7.9.12 @ 2:21PM

Bingo---thus the Tea Party is the way to go.

Nancy in NC| 7.9.12 @ 9:52AM

As trite as some here may think, Romney would be well served to talk about freedom and personal liberty, coupled with responsibility. (Steal Kennedy's ask not phrase).

There are lots of examples out there about individuals who have had their ox gored by the overreaching, all powerful federal government. He needs to seek out these people and hold them up as what happens to freedom when they are on the wrong side of the jackboots in the Federal government.

No one likes a bully. Maobama is a bully. Romney needs to use that in a subtle way.

A little passion, lots of humor and some strong examples will catch the eye of those who are on the fence.

Personally, I will blame the GOP if we lose this election. There is no excuse for not winning; Maobama has given Romney too much ammunition. He needs to use it, and stop shooting himself in the foot.

Gary B| 7.9.12 @ 10:11AM

Nancy, I blame the GOP for decades of sabotaging conservatives. It's part of the ruling class, while pretending to be the opposition.

Getting that lying bastard out of the White House is critical, but real change will come from the bottom up (states). The ruling elite is not going to willingly walk away from the hog trough. They're going to have to be poked real hard.

loulou| 7.9.12 @ 11:01AM

Gary B--you're right. The GOP elites are barely different from the Democrats.

If RINO Romney doesn't pick Col Allen West for VP or maybe Paul Ryan, he's an idiot. I don't want to hear about any Tim Pawlenty types or any Bushes.

Gary B| 7.9.12 @ 12:21PM

loulou, I believe his VP choice will say a lot about the situation. If we're disappointed, it could be the RNC forced someone on him. That happened to Reagan. They forced Bush 41 on him and then loaded his administration with Bushies.

Reggie Love| 7.9.12 @ 10:39AM

The biggest misstake Romney made was after Obama changed the immigration rules. He should ahve pounced on him for his lawlessness. Instead he tried to pander to hispanics. A smart and tough response could ahve won over blue collar whites,in places like Ohio,PA,Michigan and Wisconsin. What we got is more mush from the wimp.

Mike Rogers | 7.9.12 @ 10:55AM

So, Boehner said we probably won't fall in love with Romney - he's right, but the fact that he said it confirms he's a liability to the party.
Romney does need to take it to Obama on all fronts - hopefully his veep choice will help with that, but in the meantime, "It's STILL the economy, stupid", and even Carville knows how much trouble Obama is in.
Romney has an excellent site "obamaisntworking.com" where he echoes the successful advertising campaign which brought Thatcher a landslide win in 1979, and his attacks on Obama's economic record are striking a chord.
Finally, in case it's it's not apparent by now, Eric Fehrnstrom needs to be shaken like an etch-a-sketch and tossed aside like yesterday's toy.

nathan| 7.9.12 @ 11:27AM

What pray tell did you all expect? Really. Tell the truth. Romney had a record to run on, as governor of the state of Massachusetts, we could look at his record and it told us everything everyone needed to know. "By their ACTIONS ye shall know them", right? How "conservative" was he as governor? Not very. How moderate was he? Some. How liberal was he? A lot. He can "talk" all he wants, but look at how he "walked" it folks.

So why the surprise here? And who cares who the VP is? This guy, based on his private sector actions, doesn't defer to subordinates. So even if elected, how really much different is he going to be from the incumbent? Based on his RECORD not his talk, probably not as much as people think/hope. And Congress? Boehner is useless and so are most of the rest of them. Repeal ACA? Dream on. Get rid of the NDAA language, arguably as big a threat to our individual liberties? Don't bet on it.

Reality bites folks but republicans/conservatives who are looking for their own version of "Hope and change" are in for a rude awakening come January. And BTW, the defense cuts are not draconian, not remotely. And really, long overdue.

William L. Gensert| 7.9.12 @ 11:40AM

Mitt Romney needs to get in Barack Obama's face. For our President with a compliant press and a multitude of minions, confronting the Republican candidate directly is not a necessity. Scurrilous sycophants will act in his stead as proxies with accusations and personal attacks. Mitt has no such luxury. He must transform himself into a latter-day Patton and "attack, attack, attack!"

Read more of my article: http://www.americanthinker.com.....z208li0a1N

MK48| 7.9.12 @ 11:57AM

William.......I agree Romney needs to get some attack dogs in place to help him formulate his plan.

owend| 7.9.12 @ 11:44AM

The opportunity is here to win this election. Whether Romney can do it, is another matter. This article is right on. If Romney doesn't pick a VP who can articulate the conservative message, he will have a difficult time winning in November. What I had hoped would not happen, is happening. Romney is not taking the ball and running with it. I agree that some of his campaign staff should be fired and replaced. But, that probably won't happen either. The real problem with this election occurred when Romney was essentially nomined by primary voters. Republicans did have a choice. They could have voted for someone more articulate. But, they didn't and we are where we are.

AhiaBoy| 7.9.12 @ 12:05PM

Maybe Romney & his team know that no one is paying attention yet except true believers on both sides and Beltway pundits.

I would remind Mr. Babbin that Reagan didn't pull away from Carter until the late stages of the '80 campaign.

And for a challenger to be essentially even with an incumbent who has a fawning media on his side at this point in the summer speaks volumes.

Petronius| 7.9.12 @ 12:14PM

See my post under Having a Cow.

Rockabilly| 7.9.12 @ 12:16PM

Can you say "Bob Dole?"

Derek Leaberry| 7.9.12 @ 12:23PM

Having now read this piece rather than skimmed it earlier this morning, I would add that Mr. Babbin is delusional if he thinks there is much of a vote on the defense issue, especially when it comes to the subset of undecided voters.

Occam's Tool| 7.9.12 @ 12:34PM

Pound him on the economy, and pound him on raising taxes and pound him on Iranian nukes. While you are at it, ask for his college and law school records, stating that you don't think he's too bright.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 2:31PM

Hasn't worked.... so wanna try a new nominee that is liked and wanted?

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 4:15PM

Don't need to.

You have a nominee that's known and despised for being an idiot.

Alej| 7.9.12 @ 8:24PM

Yes. A military dictatorship for ten years, to give Washington DC and much of dumbass America a much-needed and physical painful enema. The old ways were formulated, as Samuel Adams said, for only a moral and educated society.

Look around you.

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:44PM

A ham sandwich would be more liked than ya Chicago terrorist!!!!!!

truzak| 7.9.12 @ 12:45PM

Ironic that us neanderthal conservatives were lectured by Establishment Republicans - as well as the know-it-all Ann Coulter - that Romney was the most electable candidate precisely because he is not an ideologue. Now we get stories like this.

Meanwhile, us know-nothing rubes knew enough that Romney was absolutely the worst candidate given "Obamney" care and his persona as a privileged rich guy. He would be - and is - an easy target for the bumper-sticker attacks of Obama.

Us unsophisticated political novices knew Romney was the latest in the line of Dole and McCain whose only claim to the presidency was because he was next in line.

Us amateur politicos knew Obama and the media wanted Romney. It is why the press never went after him like they did Bachmann, then Newt, then Santorum. It was the same rope-a-dope technique the media used by lauding McCain during his primary fight against Romney, only to viciously turn on him once he became the presumptive Republican nominee.

After the election, I can hardly wait to read all the stories - as touched upon in this one - that it was the naive Tea Party types who destroyed Romney during a bruising Republican nominating process, and he was unable to fully recover.

One thing is certain, when Romney loses, it is not going to be the fault of the Establishment Republicans who forced this poor candidate on us and gave us four more years of Obamanation.

Teflon93 | 7.9.12 @ 2:23PM

Nope---after all, it wasn't their fault when they stabbed us in the back with McCain last time.

Who's fault was it? CONSERVATIVES, of course. If McCain had only betrayed us more and earlier....

Who Knows?| 7.9.12 @ 2:24PM

Romney is going to win.

Alej| 7.9.12 @ 8:20PM

Damn right, as I respond to RNC donation entreaties, using their postage paid envelopes.

David| 7.9.12 @ 1:47PM

Like so many of said during the primary, Romney was the candidate least likely to draw a stark contrast with Bam Bam. Now we are left with the flip-flopper on virtually every issue and the author of Romneycare. This should be a slam dunk for any candidate. Romney exaggerated and told outright lies about his repub opponents in the primary in order to win, and now can't muster even the slightest outrage about Bam Bam's dictatorial acts and outright refusal to enforce laws on the books.

David| 7.9.12 @ 1:48PM

con't.

What a f_cking disappointment this guy is.

One article in Am Spec the other day stated that Romney should admit that passing Romneycare was a mistake. That it has not, is not, and will not work. Own up to it. THe voters will understand it. But for him to continue to make fine distinctions between him doing it at the state level rather the federal level on confuses the average voter.

F_cking butch up Mitt.

F_cking select Santorum as VP. At least he will not be afraid to take it to Bam Bam and the left. He will get you the blue collar workers, conservative Catholics, and conservative democrats you are going to need to win. He is knowledgeable on all issues both domestic and foreign.

Gingrich could do just as good a job as Santorum in making the conservative case - if not better - he just has far too much baggage.

Other than Santorum, choose someone who can excite the base, not just on the economy, but all issues and Bam Bam's usurpation of power.

If not Santorum, maybe Bob McDonnell,

canuckistani| 7.9.12 @ 2:09PM

He can pick no one that will buttress his campaign. They would all be holding their noses to accept the nod.

Why has no star talent from other campaigns been brought into Willard's?

Teflon93 | 7.9.12 @ 2:25PM

He won't pick Santorum because Santorum wouldn't abort his children. Aborting your children is very important to Ruling Class types---like knowing which fork to use when.

David| 7.9.12 @ 2:10PM

Santorum has shown that he is a fighter, can accomplish a lot with minimal resources, and has always been a big underdog and found ways to win. YEs, yes, we know about his last senate race, and that has been thoroughly explained on this site many times.

Teflon93 | 7.9.12 @ 2:15PM

Romney won't do any such thing because the only problem he has with what Obama's doing is that Romney isn't the one doing it.

Who Knows?| 7.9.12 @ 2:22PM

The one indubitable thing you say is that polls so far from the election aren’t worth spit.

While I agree with much of what you and the WSJ say, and am as prone as anyone to get “excited” about the potential VP pick, especially Paul Ryan, having lived through every election since 1956 as an aware adult, memory of all the election hype I’ve endured does cause pause. Remember Bruce Babbitt?

The Seven Dwarves, who emitted the dark light, Clinton?

Somehow, I care less and less about politics.

Hey, wouldn’t it be truly exciting for Obama to win again, and try to become president for life?

I look forward---FORWARD!---to the fatter days that are coming, when 80, then 90, and then 95 percent of Americans are what we now call fat or obese. Of course, by then, the standards will be “higher”, so a fatso circa 1960 will be “normal” in 2020, say.

Keep in mind that “FAT” is attacking not just bodies, but minds.

Imagine 500-pound broads on Friday Night at the Fights!

And, NOW---we already have the equivalent fights going on in the noosphere. Practically everybody is “overweight”, unto a confusing and deluding death, in the mind or thought realm.

Connected, 24/7, to vacuous WORDS, with nary a split second to waste in silence. How is anyone to “digest” it all?

Jake| 7.9.12 @ 2:43PM

If Romney is in the doldrums, how did he manage to excite contributors to the tune of 106 million in June ?
That's 35 million more than Obama's June take of 71 million.
Romney also outraised Obama by 16 million in May.
Romney touches on a lot more issues than the economy in his speeches.
From freedom and liberty to Syria, Obamacare , education,
school vouchers, religious freedom , same sex marriage , unions....
For too many pundits on the right, Romney has become the constant target for their public ire, not Obama.
The Democrats generally take their disagreements and complaints to the Obama campaign through back channels.
Their strategy is to focus all their public energy on Romney.
This may be the one time when Republicans should follow the lead of Democrats.

Purp| 7.9.12 @ 4:04PM

He has the rich corporate types on his side - but they don't have the votes, now do they? And, you can bet they will have their hand out if RobMe is elected. Not to the favor of the middle class, that's fer sure.
But a Billion can't make a pig look like a million, can it?

Doctor Right| 7.9.12 @ 4:16PM

I'll take the "rich corporate types" over the lazy, worthless, slobs on the Left any day...

The rich create jobs...and they smell better, too.

CJW| 7.9.12 @ 4:45PM

Rich corporate types?
Obama has the Solyndra types who get rich on the government tit.
Purpie, since it appears you now work full time as a paid Obamaboy troll, can you get the details on how Michelle's pay as a Community Relations Attorney at a Chicago hospital went from $100,000 per year to $350,000 per year after O directed a pork grant to that hospital? Is it possible that we taxpayers paid Michelle's raise?

Oldefarte| 7.9.12 @ 8:43PM

Your "middle class" = everyone with income/job [ie on governmental welfare]

CJW| 7.9.12 @ 3:21PM

Must be a slow news day for Babbin to complain about the Romney campaign. I guess the 15 trillion deficit, 10 % unemployment, fast and furious, leaking of our national secrets to the NY Times, surrender in Iraq and Afghanista, and giving money to Obama's cronies at Solyndra and other companies is not important. So an article complaining about the campaign, when everyone knows the real serious campaigning starts in September.
And of course, we have the usual Obamaboy drivel supported by the so-called conservatives such as Clint writing under one of his names, and the usual defeatists who want Obama to win so they can continue to bitch and whine.

BackToBasics| 7.9.12 @ 3:48PM

The MSM will not cover him unless it's something negative, true or not, that they can report on.

At the same time, he seems to be keeping a low profile. I hope he ramps it up after the convention.

As for the polls, there still have not been any debates between Romney and Obam and neither convention has aired yet. My guess is that the democrats and the MSM will try to keep it to ONE debate only. Romney may not be the best debater he's better than Obam who will not have his teleprompter to rely on and will not be able to defend his bad record.

Dixon| 7.9.12 @ 4:08PM

Before I open up my checkbook, I will await Romney's choice for his veep RM.

If Portman, I will know the moderates are running the campaign and the prevent defense will be executed heading into the 3rd quarter. (here in Packerland, we believe a prevent defense is effective in preventing VICTORY)

If that is the case, more of my money will go to competitive GOP senator candidates to build the firewall against obamanation II, the horror show sequel.

If he chooses a Rubio, Ryan, or other bonafide articulate Conservative....I'm all in.

My fear is Romney is as completely surrounded by moderates as much as obamanation is a den of uber radical progressives.

Alej| 7.9.12 @ 8:18PM

Excellent philosophy and analogy, sir.

Sue| 7.9.12 @ 6:33PM

I listened to Romney on Mike Gallagher's show at 5:30 and he sounds as though he can get the job done, but he did not use the words liberal, radical, transformative, cronyism, or government expanding to describe Obama. How in the world can you talk about Obama and not use any of those words? That's Romeny's problem. He just doesn't want to appear "mean;" The Democrat attack dogs will rip you to pieces then serve you on a platter to conservatives. Where's Romeny's "attack dog?" I'll volunteer.

Alej| 7.9.12 @ 8:28PM

It does bother me. Explain, please.

Dr.Wapiti| 7.10.12 @ 7:40AM

I'm afraid the reason Romney's in the doldrums is not because he's lukewarm conservative. More worrisome is that perhaps the majority of Americans buy into the 'Hope' of more 'free stuff' promised by our liberal President. Fooled once in the fog of shallow idealism, why not again? Leading our naive, idealistic electorate away from the natural entropy toward socialism and less freedom is a daunting challenge for conservatives, whether or not they use a hammer or compromise to push forward conservative values. Free stuff sells.

threeleafclover| 7.10.12 @ 10:23PM

We are worrying about Ann Romney's expensive horseback riding as a drag on the candidacy of Romney and there are those suggesting St. Richard Santorum and his wife, who lived (out of wedlock, to put it quaintly) with the obstetrician who brought her into the world, before she met Rick and became a born again-Christian.

It takes a strange couple to take family portraits of their dead baby, all in the name of anti-abortion belief. It is creepy.

You don't like Health Care being force fed - consider 4 years of self-righteous sanctimony as the only entree on the menu.

For the record, I am anti-abortion, too. I just think the Santorums are some kind of crazy in their zeal to force their beliefs on others.

And remember, Appleby - he could not get re-elected in his home state. You can't steal first base.

vmax| 7.10.12 @ 10:23PM

Romney is in the tank just like McCain was in '08. The only way to save this country is another civil war! Curse Lincoln & his war of northern aggression!

threeleafclover| 7.10.12 @ 10:27PM

One thing that might shake us out of the doldrums, is - even if they are nothing to write home about - if Romney got on TV holding his college diplomas in one hand and trasncripts of grades in another - and showing a little guts, challenging Obama to cough his own records up.

It is not in the Republican DNA to do anything daring.

threeleafclover| 7.10.12 @ 10:31PM

The last "real man" display I saw in the Republican Party was when George W. Bush was being stalked on stage by Al Gore. As Gore closed in, Bush gave him that dismissive nod of the chin and went on with what he was saying. It's still on YouTube and fun to watch. Gore retreated.

Miss him yet? Yes, I do.

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