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The Campaign Spectator
Can Republicans Talk?
Why lose to a lie because you didn’t bother to explain the truth?
The first time I saw Chris Christie on television, shortly after he became governor of New Jersey, my immediate reaction was, “My Gosh! A Talking Republican!” It was almost like seeing a talking giraffe or a talking salamander.
Technically speaking, Republicans do talk, but talking is definitely not their strong suit. Nor do they seem to have put a lot of thought into what they say or how they say it. The net result is that articulate Democrats can get away with the biggest lies, without any serious rebuttal from most Republicans.
I have not heard any Republican official or candidate even try to answer a standard claim of the Democrats, that “deregulation” is the reason the housing market went haywire and brought down the economy. Therefore, according to the Democrats, Republicans who want to restore a free market are just trying to “go back to the same policies that got us into this mess in the first place.”
That sounds very persuasive, if you don’t know the facts — and it sounds like pure hogwash if you do.
But facts don’t speak for themselves. And if we wait for the Republicans to speak, the whole country can be in big trouble.
The “deregulation” gambit is not new. It was tried out years ago, in California, when some of the most heavy-handed regulation of the electrical utility companies forced them to charge less for electricity than they had to pay to buy it. After this led to their financial collapse, and then to power failures and blackouts that outraged the public, the Democrats’ response was that this was all due to — you guessed it — “deregulation.”
It is the same story today on the national level. Federal agencies with powers of economic life and death over banks and other lenders forced these lenders to lower their lending standards. The words of the regulators themselves are a matter of public record, and they sound like something out of “Alice in Wonderland.” They ought to be quoted, to give the lie to claims that “deregulation” is the reason for the housing boom and bust.
Some people think that nonsense is too silly to answer. But not answering it can just allow nonsense to prevail — to the detriment of the whole country.
Much as I admire the approach of Congressman Paul Ryan, I cringed during one of his speeches when he said — in just one sentence — that none of his reforms would deny benefits to people already getting Social Security. When the truth is just a passing blip on the screen and the lies go on at great length, guess which one is likely to prevail politically.
Vulnerable people, depending on that monthly Social Security check, need to hear that you understand that they paid into Social Security for years when they were working, and that it would be unconscionable to now cheat them out of what they paid for.
Policy wonks already know that nobody in his right mind has proposed any such thing. But, if you depend on the votes of policy wonks to win elections, be prepared to lose in a landslide.
One of the biggest of the election year lies is that Republicans want to sacrifice the poor in order to have “tax cuts for the rich.” That would be grossly immoral — if it were true. Unscrambling the confusion in that argument can involve work. But if people on welfare can be expected to work, surely people running for high office can put in a little work too — including the work of explaining in plain words what is totally false about the “tax cuts for the rich” argument.
I know it can be done because I have done it. You can see my essay on the subject on my website (www.tsowell.com) under the title “Tax Cuts.”
But so long as Republicans don’t seem to feel any urgency about refuting the Democrats’ claim that they just want to help the rich at the expense of the poor, they are courting defeat on election day. Why lose to a lie because you didn’t bother to explain the truth?
Some of the time that was spent at the Republican convention trying to “humanize” Mitt Romney could have been better spent debunking the Democrats’ talking points. After all, we are not going to be voting for a Buddy-in-Chief in the White House, but for someone with some clear ideas about what this country needs — and who is willing to share those ideas with us in plain English.
COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM
About the Author
Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305. His website is www.tsowell.com. To find out more about Thomas Sowell and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (64) | Leave a comment
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Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 6:21AM
"Can Republicans Talk?" Apparently not.
Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber would make better candidates. Why? Because they're not afraid to tell the press to stick it where the sun doesn't shine. And, how 'bout that cadre of so-called campaign consultants whose job it is to throw elections for their Republican clients?
I like Romney, but holy cow, when the hell is he going to use Obama's own words and actions against him? It should be like shooting fish in a barrel. Instead, he's like that same old deer in the headlights. We need to get Clint Eastwood back in there.
Alan Obama Fan Brooks | 9.18.12 @ 3:41PM
Sowell would make a better GOP candidate for you because he is not a Rockefeller liberal as Romney is.
Alan Obama Fan Brooks | 9.18.12 @ 4:28PM
So much for *conservative* Alaska:
"Alaskans to get $878 in yearly oil fund payout this year"
TLP| 9.18.12 @ 7:07AM
The problem with these Republicans, is the same problem that we have with Democrats.
Lust. Greed. Gluttony. Sloth. Envy. That's 5 outta 7.
Therein lies the problem.
These guys like being called Congressman, and Senator. They like that sweet Parking Space. They like that nice Bathroom, with it's spit polished Toilet Seat. They like sending someone to get their Coffe, Pick up their Dry Cleaning, and make them Reservations. Ah, the good life. It would be a shame if I had to GO BACK TO WORK.
They Lust for Power. For a spot in the Leadership. That's like "Pick up my Dry Cleaning" x's 10. It's more like: "I stepped in Dog Sh*t. Use your Wife's New Dress to wipe it off."
Like I said, it's the same with the Democrats, except they need not worry about being Exposed. The Media is so far up their Asses, that only a Douche (like Jackass from London) can get them outta there. So, Republicans, unlike their Scum Sucking Counterparts, twist themselves into Pretzels, as they walk on Eggshells to Parse every word, and Stay On Script.
And, of course, that is exactly the Opposite, of what they should be doing.
THE TRUTH, and Nothing but The Truth. Works everytime. Lies are for the Wicked. Mealy Mouth is a Clintonian Affliction. To Speak the Truth, is a Virtue, and one that is always rewarded.
There are few rewards for weaving a Tangled Web of Lies. For, what does it Profit a Man, to gain the whole world, and lose his Immortal Soul?
Hmmmm?
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 7:34AM
TLP: Like I've said before, conservatives are the most betrayed group in the country. We hold our noses, pull the Republican lever and hope for the best. What we get 98% of the time is what you described above. The new candidate shows up in DC and the party establishment explains the rules of the game. Go along to get along. Then the invitations to the cocktail parties start showing up. Then, they think, "Hell, talking one way and voting the opposite isn't too difficult. I can do this!"
I'm afraid after November a third party will be the only way to go. Conservatives running a third party will guarantee no lying bastard Republican will ever be elected again. The GOP can squawk all it wants. The base will simply walk away. I would love to see that.
TLP| 9.18.12 @ 10:14AM
Actually, running a Conservative Third Party would guarantee your worst Nightmare - An endless Conga-line of Liberals. The only reason Bill Clinton won, was Ross Perot. (Who, hopefully, is Burning in Hell, as we speak.)
If the Base walks away? Where will they go? What will they do? They will never be in a position to get anything "Conservative" done, if they are stuck in the Minority, forever more.
You say that I write what you're thinking.
Then, Trust Me.
If not for the Votes that Ralph Nader garnered in Florida, running as a Third Party Candidate, Al Gore would have been President.
Third Parties are for Losers, like the 3rd Shift at work, Olde Milwaukee Beer, and The Mets.
Everybody coulda run in the Primaries.
Everybody DIDN'T.
Everybody coulda Voted in the Primaries.
Everybody DIDN'T.
The Water is already Under the Bridge, it's over the Dam. The Horse is outta the Barn, and the Milk has long since been Spilt.
Romney is our Guy, right or wrong.
Gary Johnson is Poison in the Well. I would love to see his Bank Account, these days. See if he's made any Six Figure Deposits, lately.
He can't Win. He knows he can't win. And, he knows that every Vote he gets, is a Vote that brings The Muslim closer to 4 more years, to "Finish the job we started".
Ya gotta buck up, and Dance with the Girl that brung ya.
Or, The Terrorists Win.
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 10:23AM
Absolutely! A third party is a doomsday machine for RINOs. Democrats would rule the roost until the entire place comes down around everyone's ears. It's the political equivalent of hitting a donkey between the ears to get its attention. As such, it's a major and very real threat to a possible Romney administration to straighten up and fly right.
"Ya gotta buck up, and Dance with the Girl that brung ya." This election, yea. In 2016 not a chance in hell.
JP| 9.18.12 @ 11:11AM
If Mitt loses I see no reason to support the GOP in the future. We did everything the RNC and Establishment Republicans wanted. And now, less than 60 days before election, Mitt cannot be found. He refuses to defend himself, and appears totally cowed by Obama as well as the MSM.
I grant you, I supported Mitt because there was no other alternative. But, if this is the best the GOP has to offer, we are in serious trouble.
TLP| 9.18.12 @ 4:32PM
You won't have to.
The United States will no longer exist.
And, as far as - Is this the best that the GOP has to offer? - I'll repeat myself.
Everybody coulda run in the Primaries.
Everybody DIDN'T.
Everybody coulda Voted in the Primaries.
Everybody DIDN'T.
Don't blame Romney for the Cowardice of the other guys.
Shut Up.
Go Vote.
Save the Country.
It's no more complicated than that.
Trust me.
Aegis| 9.19.12 @ 10:52AM
Basically you would end up being in the same boat the political left is in in Canada currently. While all conservatives are consolidated in the one party, liberals are split between the Green, NDP and Liberal parties which has basically guaranteed Conservative dominance for the forseeable future (yes I understand the PC's have a majority gov't so it might be moot but that's helped by the liberal infighting).
TLP| 9.18.12 @ 7:47AM
Christ taught us that Truth is everything. HE said: "I am the Light, and the Way, and the Truth".
I'm sure that the Torah treats the Truth with the same reverence. As do the Bhuddists, and the Hindus, and the Sikhs, and all other Faiths who worship A LOVING GOD.
The Cult that follows the Pagan Moon God of Death, feels no compunction to tell the Truth. The Truth is Foreign to them. As is Love, Mercy, Empathy, Kindness, Charity, and Compassion.
You see, there's a Difference.
What we need is Men and Women who will go to Washington, and not leave Who they are, and Why they were sent there, behind. It's a JOB. It's not a Lifestyle. (AlanBrooks and a greased up Field Mouse, is a Lifestyle. Purp and his Neighbor's Dog and a Jar of Peanut Butter, is a Lifestyle.) And, the easiest thing you can do, once you get there, is to DO THE RIGHT THINGS.
Perhaps, each of these people needs a Goody Bag, before they get in the Car to go to Washington?
A Goody Bag containing a Book, with all the Knowledge they will ever need, when it's time to do their job.
It's called: All I ever need to know, I learned in Kindergarten.
All the other Bullshi*t comes later.
Joellen| 9.18.12 @ 7:58AM
Tim, you are sooo right (once again - are you married?). May I add to this though. NO ONE should represent the great USA and expect anything other than the honor. No perks, no pensions, no salary other than to be compensated what they are earning in the real world. This is what the late great President Washington strived for - you go in serve your term and GET OUT! Let the plumbers, secretarys, accountants, waitresses, etc. each have a turn. Can you all imagaine how truly free this country would be if this were to be!
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 8:48AM
Unfortunately, corruption is baked into the system. What ever you think of him, Ron Paul has remained faithful. For that reason alone, he's one in a million.
mike 3/505| 9.18.12 @ 10:08AM
Tim!
Are you feeling OK this morning? You seem to be a little quite and unassuming.....subtle as it were. :-)
Regards,
Mike
TLP| 9.18.12 @ 10:27AM
Really? Are you sure you've got the right guy?
I know that Navritil is kinda subtle. Have you noticed that, about him? Always being that Subtle Guy, over in the corner with his Subtle sense of Humour. Some people say this his Comedy is TOO SUBTLE, and that's why he gets Calenders, when Imaginary Edit app Buttons are the real Coin of the Relm.
Then again, you could be right, and I'm laying low this Morning.
Between you and me?
I haven't pooped yet.
mike 3/505| 9.18.12 @ 12:17PM
You sunnuvab****! You owe me a keyboard! ROFL&P
TLP| 9.18.12 @ 4:38PM
I don't know what that means.
Are you coming on to me?
Hardcard| 9.18.12 @ 7:22AM
Gov. Romney please talk like you mean it. I and millions of Americans have placed our future in you. Don't allow the media to bring you down. You and Mr. Ryan are our only hope for the survival of this GREAT LAND. May God give you strength and courage.
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 7:35AM
And, may those campaign consultants who blow in your ear every day die slow, painful deaths.
Von Mises Jr| 9.18.12 @ 7:34AM
Chris Christie was a top featured speaker at the Convention while at the same time he is passing Agenda21 in New Jersey that is opposed by the Republican Platform. The Development and Redevelopment Plan is an Executive Order that centralizes power in an unelected, unaccountable board similar to IPAB and the Dodd Frank Board, and also cites they may transfer power to authorities above and outside the State.
John Boehner was caught using Congressional information to conduct Insider Trading along with Kerry and Pelosi.
Lugar was for the LOST Treaty and that is why the TEA Party defeated him in the Primary.
The country will collapse under four more years of Obama. But if we can take the White House and Senate, we still have a lot of work to do to fix the Republican Party.
Perhaps it will take the TEA Party conservatives and the strong Republican Governors that believe in the Constitution and State's Rights.
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 7:42AM
There is no fixing the Republican Party. It has a vital role to play in the overall scheme. It's job it so pretend to be the opposition so the ruling class can continue it vital work of subjugating the peasants. The Tea Party is the only solution. It got short shrift and shut out of the convention. That will cost the GOP dearly in 2016.
scotchieguy| 9.18.12 @ 10:09AM
The problem with republicans is their no. one goal is to be liked by dems and the media. Since they are so delusional, no wonder they are the butt of everyone's joke in media-ville.
IOW, the dems are so much better at lying.
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 10:27AM
Palin and Bachmann don't behave this way. It's obvious to me they told their consultants to hit the road. Or, as Churchill said to Stalin at Yalta, "Go yea forth and multiply."
Nancy in NC| 9.18.12 @ 7:56AM
I get mail everyday from the Republican party requesting money. I don't even open them anymore--striaght to the trash. I do contribute directly to candidates and groups I believe in--like American Spectator.
I sent Romney a small check, but he's not getting anymore. I'm spending my money on more ammunition and food for the future. Wish I could store gasoline. I suggest the like minded do the same. There will be bad times ahead, regardless of who is elected in November.
We can't expect or want government to solves all our problems. Too bad they have created so many that we and our offspring are totally screwed for the future.
The sleeping majority slept too long and the insane have taken over the asylum.
TeaPartyNow| 9.18.12 @ 11:05AM
The American People destroyed America. For a long time now I have felt that it was so sad for the right to offer up Romney as the guy who can fix America & beat Obama. Romney can do neither.
But listen, the American People limited nothing for the past sixty years. For the last solid thirty at least years, government has run unattended by the American People. This is why we are here.
Romney did not even have to power to "save us". We need to save ourselves. & we will. Please don't be all doom & gloom yet. The Americans People are making a come back. It won't be either party, this is on us to do. & I honestly believe that we are up to it.
Think about this, we were going to have to watch Romney anyway, now we just have to keep watching obama. But no one will watch what they have to for America to recover. Eventually things will be so bad that there will be a second American Revolution. Perhaps as early as next year. We the People can do this. As soon as we get rid of Romney. Please have faith, freedom will rise again.
Cpm| 9.18.12 @ 5:46PM
You are a total nutjob. "As soon as we get rid of Romney". That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Why don't you just go down to your polling place and cast your vote for Obama like that squealing worm in your lizard brain is imploring you to do?
Nancy in NC| 9.18.12 @ 7:57AM
The answer to Dr. Sowell's question.
No the Republicans can't talk. They whimper like a bunch of pussies.
The TRUTH is all we need to hear--loud and clear, over and over.
SUBVET| 9.18.12 @ 11:55AM
WOW...........pussies and poop this morning
Funny sh*t.............
JP| 9.18.12 @ 8:27AM
If one considers that we have over 100,000 pages of federal regulations that subtract over $1 trillion from our GDP it is rather odd anyone claims we are under-regulated.
As a matter of fact, we had thousands of pages of laws, regulations, and statutes on the books during the Housing Bubble. To say that an additional few thousand pages of ink would have prevented the crisis is absurd. This is especially true when you realize that famous Democrat insiders like Rahm Emanuel, Jamie Gorelick, and Franklin Raines all occupied significant positions within the various GSEs during the Bubble.
See? that wasnt' so difficult. Perhaps the Republican Party really believes in the Beltway BS as much as the Dems?
Cat Shot| 9.18.12 @ 8:37AM
Can't remember who said it so I'll just have to steal it: D.C. looks like a cesspool until you get there. Then it's more like a hot tub.
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 8:44AM
Very, very funny!
I once reserved the domain name, CesspoolofSellouts.com but I never did anything with it.
Mike G| 9.18.12 @ 9:34AM
You should be making money hand over fist. There's a wealth of subject matter for you to mine.
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 10:36AM
I'm not smart enough or young enough. Be great if someone else grabbed it and ran with it. I'm pretty close to retiring to my front-porch rocking chair with a shotgun across my lap, waiting for the inevitable SWAT team to make an appearance.
Purp| 9.18.12 @ 10:30AM
And yet, Mitt Romney called Seniors on Social Security Moochers and Deadbeats, because they pay no Federal income tax.
He threw them under the bus with veterans and the working class poor.
http://www.politico.com/news/s.....ml?hp=t1_3
Why is he so arrogant and nasty?
TeaPartyNow| 9.18.12 @ 10:53AM
Everybody in America who pays no income tax, 47% of all American according to Romney are lazy pigs that live to suck off of welfare entitlements & ALL, ALL 47% VOTE FOR OBAMA FOR THEIR OWN WELFARE ADDICTION!!
I wonder how that 47% is going to feel when they find out what Romney really thinks of them. Did you go to the mother jones site? I was on forbes yesterday & they linked mother jones. You have to watch the whole video. Romney actually talks about how he can cheat the election because he has got a guy who can do it for him.
& Anti-American Spectator is all over the hate today as usual. I went on breitbart last night, & the right agrees that all 47% are welfare junkies, & grandma & grandpa need to be cut off. You have got to see what the people on the right are saying.
There is actually a story here by Aaron Goldstein that says to kick everyone not paying taxes in the teeth & treat 'em like hores. (sic)
Lovely, lovely people, the right. Thank God they will lose.
Nick| 9.18.12 @ 10:56AM
Last week, Burp blamed the late Ambassador Stevens for his own death, the death of 3 other Americans, and the attack on the Libyan consulate because they didn't apologize to a Moslem mob (hit squad?) for the American right to free-speech.
__________________
Purp| 9.12.12 @ 4:16PM
"Correct - the Embassy in Cairo released that message BEFORE there was any violence. Obama knew nothing about it - but they were worried for their lives and tried to calm things down.
"Smart, since they didn't get burned down like what happened in Libya."
______________
You blamed Ambassador Stevens for his own death, Burp.
You are a disgusting scumbag.
TLP| 9.18.12 @ 4:43PM
Again, with the BOLD LETTERS.
You are so Screwed, come Friday.
I promise you.
Nick| 9.18.12 @ 8:07PM
Speaking of, Mr. Pennell, I didn't get a chance to reply last Friday.
I did not realize that I was showing off when I was exhibiting my expertise in using both italics and bold in my responses. Sorry!
I will try to cut back, in future contests.
But, it is just sooooo addictive, ya' know?
Nick| 9.18.12 @ 8:18PM
p.s. I could show you how to "bold", if you were to make it worth...um...my while. Hmmmmm?
(No what I mean? Nudge, nudge. Say no more, say no more. Nudge, nudge.)
TLP| 9.18.12 @ 8:32PM
You've got my attention.
The Grand Prize this Friday is a Collection of Paper Boy Bicycle Seats, discovered in an old Storage Locker owned by Purp.
You give me your secret, and even if you don't win on Friday?
I'll slip you one of the more Aromatic Seats, apparently Unsniffed by Purp.
Do we have a deal?
Nick| 9.19.12 @ 12:34AM
For such secret information as this?
I don't think so.
I will need guaranteed wins in half of the contests from now until New Years Eve.
Is that asking for too much?
(I have so little, sniff.)
TLP| 9.18.12 @ 8:27PM
Unfortunately, I don't.
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 11:11AM
Republicans kill their grandmothers and eat their young. Didn't you know that? The press has been reporting this for decades. Romney is really Satan and his mission is to destroy America. Obama isn't moving anywhere near fast enough for him. If you want something done right, you have do to it yourself.
Purp| 9.18.12 @ 12:42PM
Sorry Gary, you got it backwards ... Republicans want their grandmothers to die and they don't want their young to eat.
As long as they don't pay for a thing - they don't care about anyone but themselves.
Most of the moochers and freeloaders in this country are in the RED States - but THEY don't think live off the government sucking.
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 4:21PM
This is because they don't pay their fair share, right? Are they tax cheats or are they following incentives placed in the tax code by Congress? There's that dirty word again - incentive.
TeaPartyNow| 9.18.12 @ 10:43AM
Republicans do not want to win the presidency in 2012. They want to keep spending, & being hand in hand with the corruption in D.C., without taking any of the blame for it. They had a man who won on both the freedom of religion, & abortion, in the rights' favor & he talked about everything loud & clear. They rejected the conservative fighters & talkers for the guy who was supposed to win by not talking. Senator Santorum won the issue of religion freedom, 60% in America agreed with him that government does not get to tell us how we worship. He also won on the abortion issue, by making it a matter of personal responsibility. Making abortion illegal only makes Americans responsible for their own actions. He was cut off by Romney before he got any further.
They wanted to lose. But Obama will create less debt than Romney would have anyway. The nanny state, those people who don't pay taxes, the 47% of Americans who Romney says lay around & vote for more hand outs, he is saying that he wants welfare induced poverty to continue.
Anyone who thinks that 100% of the people who get entitlements all lay around & vote for more because they are pigs, is insane. & I see that most people on the right agree with Romneys' insanity.
No, the right so obviously wants to lose this time.
Nick| 9.18.12 @ 11:03AM
And still, the Foodstamp President's incompetence has resulted in the burning of our embassies across the Middle East.
And, the DEATH OF FOUR AMERICANS.
His UN ambassador has been caught lying about the security that Ambassador Stevens had.
The democrats threw Israel under the bus AND booed God at their disastrous convention.
They are trying to GUT the work requirements from welfare reform.
Why are they such liars?
Purp| 9.18.12 @ 12:44PM
Nobody cares about your issues. The President is winning and Mitt the Twit is losing ...
Nick| 9.18.12 @ 1:24PM
You blamed Ambassador Stevens for his own death, Burp.
You are a disgusting scumbag.
Stan Redmond| 9.18.12 @ 3:26PM
You mean liberals don't care about issues. Exploding anti-American violence and attacks on US territory. Who cares. Obama needs four more years. Two downgrades under OBama's handling of fiscal policy. four more years. The greatest number of disability. Four more years. Least amount of working Americans. FOUR MORE YEARS. 17,000 new pages of regulations. FOUR MORE YEARS. EPA eliminating private property rights. FOUR MORE YEARS. Food stamps at record use. FOUR MORE YEARS.
Mitt tells the truth about 47% of people paying no taxes. DESTROY HIM.
SUBVET| 9.18.12 @ 8:15PM
NICK........in "bold"etters....I would call it an assassination or murder......and surely the out come was death.
So how do we get the secret on the bold face type.
TLP| 9.18.12 @ 8:34PM
Not Funny, in the least.
JP| 9.18.12 @ 11:08AM
We should all admit the fact that most Republican lawmakers enjoy the regulated and administrative society as much as any Progessive. Mitt or Paul are DC Insiders. For them regulations are politics bread and butter. Regulations keep thousands of DC Lobbyists employed and enriched; regulations garner bureaucrats and lawmakers powers that would otherwise be left to the voters; regulations keep wealthy CEO and business owners in line. There is nothing more gratifying for a pol than seeing Warren Buffet get on his hands and knees in supplication to a 42 year old bureaucrat or a 55 year old Senator. If anyone wants to know why the likes of Richard Lugar or Arlene Specter refuse to retire look no further than the 100,000 or so pages of federal regulations. It isn't the money, fame, fawning adulation of the Beltway press corps. No, it is the power they wield over the rich and the poor alike. Regulations are to the Beltway Operative like crack is to the junkie.
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 11:16AM
JP: You are a lot more right and wrong. Ultimately, it's going to come down to the torches and pitchforks we hear so much about.
Purp| 9.18.12 @ 12:44PM
Be careful - inciting to riot will get you a trip to Guantanamo and no one will ever know.
LarryK| 9.18.12 @ 11:19AM
Romeny's toast. Stick a fork in him!
Gary B| 9.18.12 @ 4:23PM
So was Reagan at this point in the campaign. Have you forgotten the 2010 election? Almost everyone has.
cicero| 9.18.12 @ 11:37AM
To address Dr, Sowell's issue, a large part of the problem is the lack of a forum. The Republican base is already aware of the message, and the positions of the candidates. The others rely heavily on the media to report what is said. At present, and for the past 50 years, the media has made a game out of the electoral process Not much will change relative to the messages conveyed by the candidates if the general public never hears it, or hears it in twisted form.
I don't know if there is a cure for this. Perhaps the debates will give R & R a proper forum, as they will be live, and in direct confrontation with the opposition. If they can't make their case then, there is no sense complaining. At that point, the Democrat Party will only be running against itself. If the majority of the voting public is too uninformed, or just downright ignorant to recognize the path were are on, there is little that can be done. This is a democracy. We get to choose our own mode of destruction, or salvation.
Purp| 9.18.12 @ 12:50PM
The problem is that the Republican electorate enjoys the entitlements we have (most people on the public dole are in the RED states), but they haven't found a way to sell that we shouldn't have to pay for them. And - they never will.
They are pushing a rope uphill. Everyone not rich knows what it's like to have nothing, work hard and still have nothing. Hard work does not always equal super success. Taking away the little help the government can provide to many people is tantamount to throwing them off the cliff.
Worse for Republicans is that Mitt the Twit is just that - a Twit. He can't even manage his own campaign - maybe he should OUTSOURCE the job to someone who knows how to run a campaign - the President!
Petronius| 9.18.12 @ 12:23PM
Republicans lose because they are not interested in governing when they get to Washington. Their sole interest is getting into the Establishment clique controlled by the Liberals with an iron fist.
Purp| 9.18.12 @ 12:56PM
Exactly - hop on the gravy train and screw America like Jack Abramoff.
Nick| 9.18.12 @ 1:25PM
You blamed Ambassador Stevens for his own death, Burp.
You are a disgusting scumbag.
Stan Redmond| 9.18.12 @ 3:21PM
The sad fact is liberals are better politicians. LIberals tend to go in to politics because of their insane narcisism.
Conservatives tend to stick to their own business in the hopes that it is a live and let live world.
Unfortunately the liberals crave and get power over the country. Liberals control the media. Even if there were an army of well spoken persuasive republican conservatives (clean and articulate as Biden would say) they would still be twisted by the likes of Purp to say we hate old people and just want to give billions of dollars to millionaires and billionaires.
Listen to the lefties hyperventalating about what Romney said. He told the truth. It is a 100% fact that 47% of the people in this country pay no federal income taxes. There is an expanding army of drones and welfare recipients that will vote for Obama no matter what. Why is that something liberals would defend?
Purp| 9.18.12 @ 4:04PM
These people live in the RED STATES:
http://www.businessinsider.com.....tes-2012-9