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Alan Abelson, RIP
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Missing So Many
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Ben Stein's Diary
Something Went Wrong Tonight
On Libya, a disastrously missed opportunity.
Tuesday
I am in New York and I will be honest with you, my beloved
Spectator people. Governor Romney was not strong tonight
on foreign policy. Fine on jobs, the economy, regulation, guns.
Super good on how women should get married before they have
children, a point that Mr. Obama should have been making for years.
(I wonder why he doesn’t…)
But when he was asked a question about Pres. Obama’s response to the murders by an al Qaeda affiliate in Benghazi, Mr. Romney completely got flustered by an outright lie by Mr. Obama.
Mr. Obama falsely said that he had called the murders in Benghazi a terrorist act the day after September 11. Gov Romney was seemingly bewildered about what to say. Mr. Obama further told the outrageous untruth that in a democracy, the President should not be criticized over a defense/foreign policy disaster.
Let’s look at the facts:
Mr. Obama gave a lengthy speech on September 12, after the murders in Libya, in which he first of all apologized to the Muslims for that infamous video. Then he talked about the terrorism of September 11, 2001, and his visits to some graves of some victims. It was in that context that he mentioned terrorist acts — NOT in the context of the killings in Libya. Those, he was still blaming on an inflamed mob and that video. For Mr. Obama to take his own words out of context to excuse his inexcusable kowtow to the Islamists was disgraceful, deceptive, but frankly, not surprising. But for Gov. Romney to not catch him on it and whip him… that was a disappointment. Gov. Romney might have said, “Sir, you were covering up for the al Qaeda affiliates most of September and you are still covering up for your incompetence. It is insulting to the nation.”
Even worse, as I keep saying, is Mr. Obama’s anti-Constitutional pretention that no one is allowed to criticize him on foreign policy or else it’s “playing politics.”
To this, Mr. Romney should have said that it is the essence of a free people that the elected officials can and must be criticized for their mistakes. Otherwise, we do not have a democracy.
If this is how Mr. Obama misunderstands the First Amendment, he should not be in high office.
But Mr. Romney missed that moment, too.
Something went wrong tonight. Mr. Romney was not on the beam on Libya. But the dishonesty and shameless obfuscation of Mr. Obama were genuinely frightening. Look, Mrs. Clinton has already apologized, so we know something went badly wrong in Benghazi. Only Mr. Obama is still saying he didn’t do anything wrong. Mr. Obama is smooth, but he is in a box now, and let’s hope that Gov. Romney does not let him out next time.
About the Author
Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu. He writes “Ben Stein’s Diary” for every issue of The American Spectator.
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SSG Baker| 10.17.12 @ 6:32AM
Yes something went wrong and not just that. Mitt's and Obama's reply on guns made alot of us angry. For both of them, all I can say is Molon Labe.
c. j. acworth| 10.17.12 @ 8:34AM
Get Romney elected whatever he says about guns. He's not stupid enough to anger gun owners by actually pushing for legislation, and if he is, a Republican-controlled congress certianly isn't going to go along.
Jack in Wi| 10.17.12 @ 12:14PM
I didn't watch the debate. My wife thought Romney did very well and looked like a leader. I have always said foreign policy will be Romney's downfall. He has the economy and Obama's failures as a great point in his favor. His Neoconsevative foreign policy is where he gets in trouble. The people are sick of wars and endless warmongering. I guess the 3rd debate will be about foreign policy. I expect Romney to blow the election, unless he gets his act together. If it wasn't for his constant blundering on foreign policy he would be winning by at least 5 points. First it was hiss disasterous trip overseas this last summer. Now he is letting Obama paint him as more warlike. As I said, the people are sick of war. Romney should have moved toward a more peaceful position long ago. He could still do it in the last debate. He could call for an immediate end to the war in Afganistan and promise no more wars without first going to Congress for a declation of war. I just don't see him doing well in a foreign policy debate.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.12 @ 12:21PM
"his disastrous," "Neoconservative" "declaration"
Goodness, you are an illiterate moron, Cheesehead.
Nick| 10.17.12 @ 12:31PM
"I didn't watch the debate." - Jackboot the Nazi
Too busy ironing your sheet and hood?
Drunken Sailor| 10.17.12 @ 2:24PM
He was in the back yard putting the finishing touches on his burning cross.
sam1953| 10.17.12 @ 2:36PM
The only blumder was missing a chance to slam dunk O. There was no policy statement blunder.
His overseas trip was spot on, you need to stop listening to the MSM read americanthinker and this site a bit more and get off you MSNBC fix. Relax.
Alan Obama Fan Brooks | 10.17.12 @ 4:26PM
Ryan could have done better than Romney (and Obama too)\but of course, as in '88 and '92, you place the real conservative at the bottom of the ticket and the squishy one at the top.
Stormzeye| 10.17.12 @ 8:58AM
Romney was right in deflecting the "assault weapons" trope. Fully automatic weapons are already illegal. He's not going to further weaken the 2nd Amendment and a Republican House will certainly not.
aquanomics| 10.17.12 @ 10:17AM
Full auto weapons are certainly not illegal. They may be tightly regulated and uber expensive, but most folks can get a stamp/permit to own one.
Frank Drackman| 10.17.12 @ 12:32PM
Automatic weapons are Ill-Legal???
Frank
Floyd R Turbo (American)| 10.17.12 @ 1:24PM
For all practical purposes fully automatic weapons are illegal in the United States.
1) Only fully automatic weapons that were produced before 1986 can be registered. That means that the few that are available for sale are extremely expensive.
2) Owning one means that your 4th amendment rights have essentially been suspended because the BATFE can enter your property at any time, for any reason, and confiscate your fully automatic weapons (and any other weapons you may own), without recourse to the courts.
3) Fully automatic weapons have to be stored under extremely stringent conditions. Most people wouldn't have the funds required to build the facility to store them.
4) There are additional state based restrictions on who can own fully automatic weapons.
The requirements are so bad that most police departments in the US don't bother to get fully automatic weapons - they make do with semi-automatic.
Jacobite| 10.17.12 @ 2:14PM
"Expensive" does not equal illegal.
buckeyeman| 10.18.12 @ 11:06PM
I own three - a fully automatic M-16, a fully automatic Sten, and a fully automatic tripod-mounted, water-cooled, beltfed Vickers. They are not illegal.
Joellen| 10.17.12 @ 4:08PM
Are Illegals illegal? Same Obama rules that apply to Illegals should apply to all - no?
Jacobite| 10.17.12 @ 2:12PM
Fully automatic, Class III, weapons are not illegal. True, you have to pay a federal tax and go through a bureaucratic red-tape nightmare that makes a day at DMV look like a quick stop-off at a massage parlor, but you can own an MP-40 or BAR if you want to.
Bill8472| 10.17.12 @ 9:26AM
I think Romney was as good as one could expect a pro-Second Amendment politician, debating in New York and answering a question that is obviously anti-gun, to be. At least he was clear about the futility of passing more gun laws and the failure to enforce the gun laws that already exist. It's too bad he didn't respond by talking about the sentence enhancers that exist in the law for those who commit crimes using firearms.
C. Vernon Crisler | 10.17.12 @ 9:38AM
Ben, what went wrong is that Crowley interjected herself at the precise moment when Romney could have delivered the knock-out punch. When you have replacement refs making bad calls, there's not much a team can do.
PolishKnight| 10.17.12 @ 9:49AM
Another missed opportunity. He should have simply quipped that we shouldn't be supplying automatic weapons to the Mexican cartels and then accusing legal gun owners in the states as the problem...
SUBVET| 10.17.12 @ 9:59AM
Ben.........your wrong he's not smooth he's a ....LIAR.
drudge ette obama| 10.17.12 @ 6:34AM
The discussion that comes from this missed opportunity will more than make up for the split second error. I loved it. If Romeny had been wrong, that would have been a disaster - but he wasn't and this makes it fun.
tcement| 10.17.12 @ 7:04AM
Obama, Romney blah, blah, blah. More interested in your expert analysis and defense of DSK where you actually knew what you were talking about.
Anthony| 10.17.12 @ 7:47AM
Ah yes, Stein's defense of DSK, who, by the way, when last seen, was arranging for prostitutes for some swanky U.N or World Bank function.
My goodness, how the elites of socialism toil for the workers of the world. But I'm glad to see that that African maid no longer has to change bedsheets for a living, as DSK has made a personal contribution to her health and welfare fund.
I'm sure Stein thinks DSK paid way too much, after all, elites will be elites, was there a problem here? I presume tcement you were speaking tongue in cheek when you said this was something Stein actually knew what he was talking about.
Anyway,Romney pulled his punches last night, and I believe he was right in doing so. While I would have preferred him to bury Obozo on Lybia, he managed to wack Obozo without upsetting the moderates who have no taste for the fight. Besides, Crowley would have sat on him and that would have been painful.
There is a country to be saved, time enough to deal with the world' lefty elites once Washington is flushed of Democrats and the moderates recover from their vapors.
Appleby| 10.17.12 @ 7:34AM
This debate was not about foreign policy. The next one will be. There you will hear the bombs bursting in air that most of us already know about because we read the transcipts and watched the testimony that was shown only in extracts to those of us who were at work when it was being broadcast. So we will know who's telling the truth and who isn't. What we really need is for somebody to assemble sound clips from the Hippie Scum during the hearings about the Patriot Act etc. when the folks were chanting that "this is what democracy looks like." I'd like to hear Obama's explanation for his myrmidion not respecting the President's decisions in foreign policy matters when HIS SIDE was of another POV.
florin| 10.17.12 @ 9:45AM
Oct. 17th: I believe you're right Appleby. Romney is saving his analysis of Obama's indifference and incompetence re: Benghazi for the next debate which will be on Foreign Affairs. And he has to keep hitting on the fact that Obama did answer that 3a.m. phone call and then went back to sleep and when he woke up, he headed off to Vegas...all this after having been informed that our Embassies were under attack and our Ambassador and other Americans killed and the Middle East was burning...it's not just Obama's incompetence, it's his utter indifference. Perhaps if he had attended those Intelligence briefings, security for our people would have come up...surely, security did come up, but Obama was not interested. And Mitt Romney will continue to hammer at the escalating gas prices...young families with several children need to drive them to their after school activities and those activities have had to be cut down because of the cost of gas...but Obama declared at the beginning that he would like to see gas prices go as high as $10 dollars a gallon...
Occam's Tool| 10.17.12 @ 12:11PM
Folks, I don't think anything was really problematic last night.
And Ben, I'm paying less than $3.90 a gallon here in MN for gas, son. Actually, $3.82 on my last fill up on October 6th. I love you high taxing California morons. Every dollar that you take out of private hands needs to be considered, because taxes are essentially DESTRUCTIVE. I know they never taught you that at Yale, but it is true.
Then again, one doesn't need to take an economics class to win the Nobel Prize in Economics. And law school can be done at night.
Joellen| 10.17.12 @ 7:39AM
Well Ben once again I feel you dont get it. The man could not respond with an openly bias "ref" batting for her 'player". He tried, I know I heard him, and to be honest, could he have been more persistent, yes. However, the truth will be discussed now till the election - so maybe this was a blessing in disguise. As for "Mrs." Clinton apologizing - I must be deaf cause I NEVER HEARD her utter any such thing. She took the fall for Obama simply because she had to - why, hopefully in our lifetime we will find the truth on this. But again - APOLOGIZED - THIS SMUG, NARCISSISTIC, POWER HUNGRY INDIVIDUAL- NOT! Now i'll do a Romney, if she did - i want to hear it in full context.
TLP| 10.17.12 @ 7:42AM
Romney missed a chance.
Gasoline is over $4 a Gallon. Hamburger Meat is $5.99 a Lb. EVERYTHING Costs more.
Household Incomes have Plummeted. Home Prices have Plummeted. For every 1 Person who gets a job 10 People Drop Out of the Workforce.
Unemployment is NOT below 8%. It's ABOVE 11%.
People are Still losing their Homes. They're Still losing their Jobs, their Savings, and their Nest Eggs.
Bankruptcies are Still going through the roof. Homelessness (which we NEVER HEAR ABOUT when there's a Democrat in the White House) is through the roof. Suicides are off the Charts.
We have more Americans on Food Stamps, than most Countries have People. More people Collecting Unemployment, than most Countries have People. More People living AT, or BELOW the Poverty Line, than.............You get the picture.
We need a Ride to the Space Station from the Russians. The United States of America, under this Ccksckr, needs to buy a Ticket from these Low Sperm Count DRUNKS, if they want to go in to Space, because this President has Turned NASA into A MUSLIM OUTREACH PROGRAM.
Once again, under another Democrat President, the Military Budget is about to face a Meat Axe so that Democrats can give the Money to all of the Sandra F*ucks out there, so they can Whore it up all over town.
Meanwhile, Military Morale is at an All Time Low, which explains why Democrat Run States never seem to be able to Send the Military Ballots out in time for their Votes to Count.
Romney missed his chance?
Please.
TLP| 10.17.12 @ 7:51AM
If we can't win this one?
Then it's time to start Buying Weapons and Ammunition, and Provisions.
They are Coming.........................................
I'm just sayin.
Maxwell| 10.17.12 @ 7:59AM
TLP, I just checked with my law firm of Baer, Brown, Wilson, & Springfield, and they concur......
TLP| 10.17.12 @ 8:03AM
Did you get a chance to speak with Mr. Glock, or Mr. Mauser?
mike 3/505| 10.17.12 @ 8:27AM
I spoke with Sam (Colt)...He's on board.
Maxwell| 10.17.12 @ 9:11AM
Mr. Mauser referred me to Mr. Accuracy International. Now, as for Mr. Glock I have spoken to him too. I like diversity when I need opinions on some issues.
Stkman| 10.17.12 @ 9:37AM
I spoke with the 30.06 club this morning, all 4 million of them here in Texas ans they've been wondering why the party hasn't already started. BOTH parties need to understand something, this isn't their country, it's ours. THEY work for us! We've been quite bosses so far, but they've been coming in late and showing up drunk and we can't have anymore of that. WE THE PEOPLE do not want a one world economy and WE THE PEOPLE never signed onto this New World Order.
We want and expect OUR government to serve us, only us. To protect OUR borders, OUR language and OUR culture. To hell with Europe, and the Middle East. Right now, we need to be concerned with getting OUR ship righted.
Anthony| 10.17.12 @ 9:50AM
Gentlemen, I happen to be a partner at the firm of Sturm, Ruger LLP. I can report, everything is under control.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.12 @ 12:23PM
Anthony, you are a wonderful human being and, I am sure, an ethical and decent attorney. I just want to point that out, because you know what I think of most of your colleagues.
Actually, you remind me a lot of my friend Colonel Tom Kratman, esq. As he is a fantastic human being as well as a fabulous scholar, that is a very high compliment, indeed.
Anthony| 10.17.12 @ 1:16PM
OT, You render me speechless. Many thanks, I remain your humble servant.
Bill8472| 10.17.12 @ 9:28AM
Personally, I've always considered Mr. Browning the final authority.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.12 @ 12:13PM
Mr. Galil says that some rights come from a higher power.
Bill8472| 10.17.12 @ 2:08PM
Coming from one who was inspired by Mr. Kalashnikov, that's saying something.
RCV| 10.17.12 @ 3:44PM
Ah, TAS's resident Walter Mittys of rebellion are out in force. Dream on, guys.
Toinfinityandbeyond| 10.18.12 @ 3:04AM
So, you want to shoot yourself.
Good boy!
Von Mises Jr| 10.17.12 @ 8:11AM
I am not so sure that Mitt missed an opportunity. People who do not understand the economics and Constitutional issues are not going to learn in a 90 minute venue with Obama and Madam Zeppelin rudely interrupting.
Mitt calmly and presidentially presented clear facts. People that wish to open their minds will be induced to do so more by clear, calm logic.
Von Mises Jr| 10.17.12 @ 8:14AM
Here is what we must do. We must educate our family and friends:
Fiscal Cliff
- Bush tax rates and brackets sun set resulting in $4,269 additional Federal Income Taxes starting 2013 for a family with Adjusted Gross Income of $70,000 (A rate increase from 10% to 15% is NOT a 5% increase of your taxes. It is a 50% increase).
- ObamaCare Tax for Employers over 50 employees is $2,000 per employee if they fail to provide the approved coverage. If your employer drops your coverage and you fail to buy the mandated coverage, you are fined 1% to 2.5% of your income from 2014 to 2016. At $100,000 family income, your employer is fined $4,000 for a husband and wife each earning $50K and the family pays $1,000 escalating to $2,500 for failure to insure in 2016.
- One-trillion plus dollar deficits will demand that America raise the Debt Ceiling early 2013. The United States will face another Credit Rating Downgrade.
- Federal Reserve Policy of Quantitative Easing (QE3) buying $40 billion in Sub-prime mortgages per month will accelerate inflation.
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bailouts are funded through mid-2013. Estimates to bail out these GSE’s range from $221B to $363B through the end of 2013.
- ObamaCare has stolen $716 billion in Medicare Premiums paid by retired and current workers to fund Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Reductions to Medicare reimbursements to doctors threaten the “going concern” of hospitals and availability of medical care.
Von Mises Jr| 10.17.12 @ 8:15AM
National Security
- The terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya illustrates not only the lack of resolve to protect Americans from terrorism, but demonstrates the lies and abuse of power to cover-up the truth about the assassination of our Ambassador and three fine Americans serving abroad.
- “Fast and Furious” was a gun running scandal that was intended to curtail our Second Amendment Rights that resulted in the death of Border Agent Brian Terry and at least 200 Mexican citizens. Eric Holder was held in “Contempt of Congress” while Obama claimed “Executive Privilege.
- The falsified “Gulf Drilling Report” was used as justification to shut down drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. A Federal Judge ruled the Obama Moratorium illegal resulting in a de facto Moratorium by Interior Secretary Salazar refusing to issue Drilling Permits on public lands.
- Unconstitutional “Executive Orders” by Obama have unilaterally deemed the President has the authority to declare a national emergency commandeering all resources, militias and an Order is pending to declare authority for an “Internet Kill Switch.”
- The Federal Government continues to sue states for enforcing the Constitution.
nathan| 10.17.12 @ 8:51AM
Sir I have a serious question for you. Let me take something you wrote:
Unconstitutional “Executive Orders” by Obama have unilaterally deemed the President has the authority to declare a national emergency commandeering all resources, militias
I keep hearing this all the time, the idea that he's going to declare martial law, stuff like this.
But if republicans had any serious concerns about this stuff, similar stuff, why did they hand him the Fifth Amendment destroying NDAA language that gives him the authority to detain at will without judicial oversight everyone and anyone Americans included? When this came up in the Senate bill and Rand Paul objected to it, McCain more or less called him a traitor for opposing it. Boehner if he was worried about what you're worried about could have stricken it from his version of the bill and told the senate no how no way would it pass the house get rid of it. Why did the republicans in the house not share your concerns here? I mean he has had this authority for the whole year. What do you know that Boehner doesn't? Again, serious question.
Von Mises Jr| 10.17.12 @ 9:33AM
Did I defend Bush or the Republican RINO leadership Caliban?
Perp, you really need to take a course in Propositional Logic. But since you ask, the word is that BJ Clinton had 15 Executive Orders in 8 years, and Bush had 62 in his two terms.
Obama is not only up to some 923 in less than four years, but he has even broached issues that would make Orwell blush.
So here you go troll. The first and only time I agree with Rachael "Mad Cow" Maddow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....e=youtu.be
nathan| 10.17.12 @ 10:50AM
I'll tell you what sir. And I'll make this easy and simple for you. We know that MR supports the unconstitutional Patriot Act, the NDAA langauge, and the nonjudicial execution of Americans abroad not on a battlefield who if brought into a New York courtroom would not have been charged with a capital crime. We know this so we know he's not big on the Bill of Rights. By his own admission.
But let me try this. Bush 12 years ago embarked on a huge, unconstitutional expansion of presidential power justified by "defending the country". Huge expansion. BHO took that huge presidential power that Bush had given him and just expanded it further. So here's the challenge for you.
Produce one quote, ONE from MR where he says that he is going to roll back all this unconstitutional presidential authority two presidents have given him and return to more constitutional governance. ONE QUOTE that gives us reason to be think that four years from now the powers of the presidency will be smaller then than they are now. ONE QUOTE that he will not build on the legacy of unconstitutional authority he will be given in January and not expand it probably exponentially more. ONE QUOTE. You up to it?
Von Mises Jr| 10.17.12 @ 11:28AM
You're wasting your time Perp. I won't even waste my time reading your bullshit, troll.
Von Mises Jr| 10.17.12 @ 11:30AM
BTW troll, can you explain this Rachael "Mad Cow" video about Obama the totalitarian???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....e=youtu.be
David in Ardmore| 10.17.12 @ 1:35PM
Apparently you're unable to answer his question. Considering you exploit the notorious Austrian economist for your moniker, and you proper yourself up as an expert, you can at least provide a legitimate answer rather than all the childish bantering.
Romney made it clear early in this ambitious run that he believes in CRISIS CONSTRUCTION (global warming, the ethanol mandate, etc.), and has already demonstrated a leftist bend (socialized medicine, being governor of Mass., etc.).
Nathan's presumptions are undoubtedly correct; we will continue to suffer under the rule of unConstitutional authority, rather than rule by Constutional reason.
VMJ, if anybody's looking like a troll, you're that anybody.
Von Mises Jr| 10.17.12 @ 3:08PM
Perhaps you do't follow logic or read very well. Read above. I said I did not and do not defend Bush on the Patriot Act or many other things, nor do I understand what the hell you are talking about.
Romney said repeatedly that he was not sure about AGW, but does not advocate shutting down oil, natural gas nor coal.
Why don't you explain what Rachael Mad Cow is alarmed about when she talks about Obama's "indefinite detention" for though crimes? Here you go again, jacka$$. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....e=youtu.be
vtwin| 10.17.12 @ 1:07PM
I think we agree; indefinite detention without trial of foreign nationals and American citizens, the practice started under Bush, continued under Obama, and would continue in a Romney Administration is unconstitutional. But it’s a response to OUR criticisms, “the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya [where four Americas lost their lives and the attacks of 9/11 when 3, 000 Americans lost their lives] illustrates …the lack of resolve to protect Americans from terrorism.” The empire is under treat, surrender freedom for security or stop complaining.
nathan| 10.17.12 @ 2:45PM
VTWIN: Sir: Those who surrender essential liberties for a little or in some cases a lot of safety deserve neither. Who today agrees with that? Sean? Mark? MR? Probably not. And honestly probably not the majority of the American public who largely supported the illegal actions of Bush/Cheney by their silence but in many cases with the vocal approval.
The problem is did it really buy us security? Did those policies really make us more secure and are we more secure now? There's a lot of evidence out there the answer is a resounding NO. Matthew Alexander, senior interrogator in Iraq found that detainee abuse was a huge factor in recruiting bad guys to THEIR cause and by doing so may have resulted in about as many extra deaths as the initial attack. Today studies show we are viewed by much of the world the same way the Russians were 30 years ago, as the hegemonic bully who wants to tell everyone else what to do. And that is being firmly resisted by one and all.
Also though the last 12 years proved Madison right. "The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home." Do any deny this has and is happening?
MacWell™| 10.17.12 @ 4:45PM
nathan| 10.17.12 @ 2:45PM
VTWIN: Sir: Those who surrender essential liberties for a little or in some cases a lot of safety deserve neither. Who today agrees with that? Sean? Mark? MR? Probably not. And honestly probably not the majority of the American public who largely supported the illegal actions of Bush/Cheney by their silence but in many cases with the vocal approval.
First off your equating "the Bush years" and "the Obama years", in terms of OUR safety, there is no comparison. Under Bush, we had no more attacks here, while under Obama, we have, it's that simple. Obama just doesn't understand the enemies intent, or, the worst case, he's in their corner.
As you're aware, there is a massive amount of evidence needed to bring an inditement in todays liberal courts, so the "letter" agencies have to use their resources wisely. I'm pretty sure they don't waste time and money watching what you and I say here.
Oh, and yeah, America is such a bully, right?
It's not that America, and Americans have done more for the benefit of the whole world than all the rest of the countries combined.
It's not that America, unlike your precious USSR, has never taken the resources of a beaten country, without LIBERAL compensation, NEVER. America doesn't conquer nations, we defend our interests or our allies and beat nations. Afterwards, we the people spend our money helping to rebuild that country. So just stop with the blame America BS, I, for one am sick of hearing it.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.12 @ 12:19PM
Romey missed my favorite numbers game, which should have been his summation:
Here are some numbers: 4 have gone up during Obama's administration, one has gone down.
1) Unemployment: up. Actually, Obama holds the record for months over 8% since the great depression---more months than all the Presidents since FDR combined!
2) Americans on Food Stamps: up. Again, he holds the record for poverty since FDR.
3) Gas price: up. Doubled plus.
4)Deficit: up. In fact, Obama has added more debt than all his predecessors COMBINED. He has dwarfed George Bush.
What number has improved?
His golf average. Practice makes perfect, and he has done a lot of practice during his presidency.
To quote Reagan: Folks, are you better off tha you were 4 years ago?
Toinfinityandbeyond| 10.18.12 @ 3:03AM
My nasty boy Tim.
Always live on this website and nowhere to go.
lol
chuck| 10.17.12 @ 7:46AM
First of all, Obama can't talk about women being married before popping out kids because......well, let me put this nicely........his mother was less then stellar on her morals.
Romney was dumbfounded that Obama just blatantly lied. He certainly should have called him out, but he couldn't just call him a damned liar. However, the talk of the debate is going to be Libya, and by the end of the day, it will be obvious to everyone that Obama lied his ass off.
The next debate is about foreign policy, and you know that Obama is going to have to defend his actions, and now this bald-faced lie. Good luck on that.
Derek Leaberry| 10.17.12 @ 7:51AM
Sorry folks. Not one person in one hundred cares about Libya.
Bob K| 10.17.12 @ 8:07AM
The ones who do are those in the military and their relatives.
Joellen| 10.17.12 @ 8:11AM
Well Derek if that is true - then we are doomed.
Stkman| 10.17.12 @ 9:44AM
Derek,
It's not Lybia per se'. Lybia is the example of Obama's failings in the Middle East as a whole. And he has failed and he continues to fail. Also, Lybia is an in your face issue when it comes to this Presidents honesty with the American people. He works for us, and he is required to be honest with us. He hasn't been honest with us when it comes to Lybia and he refuses to let us see the information we need to see to decide if he's been honest with us on "Fast and Furious". Again, we are his boss. Our representatives, elcted by us have repeatedly asked to see e-mails and files pertaining to "Fast and Furious" and he refuses OUR request. Again, he works for us.
Occam's Tool| 10.17.12 @ 12:32PM
Derek: I don't give a damn about Libya the country, or Libyans as people, true. Nuking Bengazi would improve matters greatly, from a scenic perspective as well as a political.
But I do want revenge for my sodomized and murdered Ambassador, and the other murdered Americans, who were defended by nothing useeful in a chaotic country. Oh, yes, that matters very much. And I want to know the reasoning behind the idiocy of getting a private POS security company to do an operation that should have been done by our military in such chaos.
In my job, any of my inpatients can kill themselves at any time on my unit. My job is to assess risk and act accordingly. I have NEVER in 20 years had a successful inpatient suicide attempt where I was involved in the care of the patient in any way. Nor have I had a patient successfully kill someone else on my unit, although some have tried. Deadly risk management is what I do EVERY day.
They screwed up big time. Where were the failure nodule points?
Derek Leaberry| 10.17.12 @ 4:04PM
We should have blockaded Libya until the terrorists were handed over. But Libya itself is irrelevant but for its oil. We shouldn't even have ambassadors in half the countries of the world. Libya is one.
Hardcard| 10.17.12 @ 8:28AM
Benny with friends like you weho needs enemies. Take a long long nap, you jerk.
mzk| 10.17.12 @ 1:18PM
I always look at the comments, mainly to see that now that Ben's telling people what they want to hear, how the Ben-haters react.
"Hatred destorys judgement".
In other words, get a life.
Frank Drackman| 10.17.12 @ 8:48AM
TOP 10 WAYS FOR ROMNEY TO "ZING" OBAMA IN NEXT DEBATE!!!!!!!
10: Show up 20 minutes late, quip he thought Debate was at 9pm CPT(Colored Peoples Time"
Frank
BGoldstein| 10.17.12 @ 12:19PM
I am an ardent Romney supporter and hope and pray he will oust Obama. But you, sir, are a racist and I resent your giving Conservative Republicans a bad name with your stupid remarks.
Frank Drackman| 10.17.12 @ 12:35PM
it's a free country(for now)
and that "CPT" thang is something we CP's say all the time.
That's right, I'ze Bee-ze a Colored People.
So I can't be a racist.
So blow me, Goldfinger
Frank "Black as Hell" Drackman
MacWell™| 10.17.12 @ 4:49PM
Bravo!
William L. Gensert| 10.17.12 @ 9:01AM
Crowley may have thought she was helping the President by saying he called the death of our Ambassador to Libya a terrorist attack from the beginning, but her legalistic parsing of what the President actually said in the aftermath of the Stevens' assassination will only remind voters of Clinton, famously questioning what the definition of "is" is.
Romney's reminder that Obama went to Vegas to campaign after he knew of Chris Stevens' murder was priceless. Obama and Crowley looked like they were one second away from crying in their beers.
In any case, her stutteringly shoddy defense will serve to make many, who weren't paying attention before, pay attention now, and that's not good for a man proud of leading from behind.
Read more of my article: http://www.americanthinker.com.....z29YpwxMu5
Bill8472| 10.17.12 @ 9:22AM
I think Romney was correct in his approach to Obama's claim that he called the Behghazi incident an act of terrorism. Romney highlighted the fact that Obama then lied about that terrorist act for two weeks afterward. I don't think he bobbled that issue at all. I think the proof of my position is that Candy Crowley did her best to remove the sting of that Obama admission.
Kitty | 10.17.12 @ 9:25AM
Jay D. Homnick differs with you, Ben.
Cobalt| 10.17.12 @ 9:45AM
Mr. Stein is correct.
Obama is boxed in, and will not enjoy the next debate. Bob Schieffer will not behave like Candy Crowley did.
Hopefully, Obama will not try to play 'wag the dog' before the final debate.
swimdog| 10.17.12 @ 9:47AM
You are incorrect sir, in saying that something went wrong. Romney was the buzz saw and Obama was the deadwood and walked right into it. By getting Obama to state (twice with the moderators help) that he (Obama) called Benghazi 'terror', totally obliterates the feigned disgust that the Obama administration articulated regarding Romney's so called "ill advised comments before knowing the facts". Now, by their own admission, they knew it was a terror attack- revealing once and for all that they (Obama admin.) were the ones playing politics all along- And the reason Romney pinned them down on this is so now there is no backtracking. Secondly and more importantly it fully exposes and confirms the lies they perpetrated to the American people during the weeks following the attack because again, Romney made Obama admit to it during the debate- so by their own admission the apology video, the UN speech, the obfuscation during Obama'a 'The View' appearance, etc.... are now and forever exposed as the lies we knew they were all along, only this time, the president himself has said so and that can't be walked back- Its forever on tape.
djn1313| 10.17.12 @ 10:05AM
Come on Ben give Romney a break, obama's whole life is a lie. If people in this country still believe obama is telling the truth about Libya and re-elect this fraud we deserve our fate.
Bill8472| 10.17.12 @ 10:07AM
Did you notice that the question raised by the audience member about the Libya incident was never answered? By anyone?
There were several audience questions that were sidestepped during the debate. I expected that from Obama, after all, he's an empty suit. But I was hoping Romney would address questions directly. At one point, as he meandered on, I wondered if he gave a direct answer it would answer the question in about 30 seconds, and would the remaining time go to the other debater?
JP| 10.17.12 @ 10:56AM
That is my thinking. Mitt had 2 choices concerning Lybia - focus on the alleged cover-up; or focus on the criminally negligent lapse of consulate security. The person who asked the question focused on the security lapse. Obama refused to answer, and left himself wide open to a riposte. Mitt should have one for broke and asked the President to answer the damn question (politely, course). Mitt could have then re-emphasized the facts uncovered by the Issa Hearings.
Frank Drackman| 10.17.12 @ 10:11AM
OK, I've got the Ass-Burgers so I'm about as good at One-on-One interactions as a Scout Sniper...
but Romeny should have said something like..
1: "You mean the Bush Tax Cuts you extended, the lower rates that you pay yourself, instead of the 15/28/31 it was under yo Massah' Bill Clinton."
OK, maybe leave out the "Massah" part.
Frank "putting the Ass in Ass-Burgers" Drackman
Lyneuss Fields | 10.17.12 @ 11:00AM
First, Mitt's initial Benghazi flub on the facts September 11th—we have a transcript of President Obama's statement, at the White House, the following day as evidence—was both revealing and damning. Last night, Romney displayed the same temperament that drew him criticism with his initial chronological blunder on the day of the attack. Also, Romney's arrogance believing he'd caught Obama in a misstep in last night’s debate was again affirmation he also lacks the critical judgment necessary to be President of The United States.
But his last assertion in last night’s debate, claiming to represent 100% of Americans while leaving President Obama with the last word in the debate citing Romney's damning 47% video, was the proverbial kick to Romney's crotch. This lying, ill-tempered, blundering Mormon is finally through!
http://lyneussfields.blogspot......gious.html
Butch| 10.17.12 @ 2:51PM
Dream on. He actually seemed ashamed when he brought it up, and I didn't think he was capable of shame.
Lyneuss Fields | 10.17.12 @ 3:28PM
So, what is your point Butch? Does the temperament of a President matter? What I mean is this; "let me give you some advice" line is the same bullshit Romney pulled with Rick Perry during the primary debates. And whether you like it or not, Mr. Obama is still President of the United States. We've also seen Romney’s behavior with Great Britain and some of America's other allies. Can you legitimately say President Obama is worse? Would you like to talk about all the flip-flops this lollipop sucker Romney continues to make? This lying jerkwad, Willard Mitt Romney does not deserve and is not capable of handling the position of President of the United States.
gene| 10.17.12 @ 11:50AM
Relax Mr. Stein. This Embassy Attack is staying in the "Media Mind" and will be a MAJOR part of the last debate involving Foreign Affairs. President Obama will have to "explain" all of his remarks and try to defend his Administration. On the heels of this Hot Topic will come another on the hundreds of Mexican citizens that have been murdered (Along with one of our own) by automatic weapons that the President's Adminitsration sold to the Mexican Drug Cartels. "Just Claiming "Executive Privledge" is not going to save him. He won some "technical points" on this debate, but lost the Election.
BGoldstein| 10.17.12 @ 12:15PM
Nothing went wrong last night. Crowley wouldn't let Romney get his bit in. He was in top form on the economy and the state of the nation. Hold your horses until Monday when the topic is foreign policy and you'll see who is in command of the facts. Romney will shine in that area as well.
Nick| 10.17.12 @ 12:27PM
When the best the libs can say the day after is, "Yaaaaay! O'Bama wasn't as disastrous as he was in the first debate!," you know they lost.
All the snap polls basically called it a tie, which sounds about right. And, in this contest, the tie goes to the challenger. So, Romney won.
The CBS poll said that Romney crushed O'Bama/Crowley on the economy. Which is the biggest issue in this election. Even MSLSD's focus group of "undecideds" said they were now more inclined to vote for Romney/Ryan!
Oops!
Plus, the Appeaser-in-Chief couldn't help himself, and had to continue to lie about Libya. He even had Crowley try to help him with his lies, except, she had to take it back an hour later, when confronted with the actual transcript.
Oops! Again!
Will Michelle take back her clapping? (Which violated the established rules, by the way. The O'Bama regime just can't help breaking the rules, huh?)
You need to chill out, Mr. Stein. O'Bama needed a commanding knock-out, last night, to stop the hemorrhaging and get some momentum.
He failed.
Robert| 10.17.12 @ 12:34PM
Between now and Monday's debate a few cruise missiles or a Predator drone will be aimed at some guys in Libya. Then the formerly incompetent intelligence service will immediately confirm the they were the terrorists responsible for the attack on our consulate were killed. Probably Sunday night, Monday before the debate begins...or even during the debate, obama will make the announcement to disarm Romney completely, taking the debate -- and very probably the election.
The tail is readying to wag the dog!
RichardJKelley| 10.17.12 @ 12:42PM
One of these days I'm going to disagree with you - - - but not today. Great perspective.
If either candidate had answered their questioners honestly & DIRECTLY, as opposed to dragging out the same tired lines with which they have beaten the electorate until they are semi-conscious, THAT candidate would have won, hands down. (Sigh) Opportunity missed.
Cienega| 10.17.12 @ 12:48PM
Dear Ben,
Make sure you read David Stockman's new book "The Great Deformation" coming out in January, 2013. In this book, Stockman, who spent many years in Private Equity, as did Romney, points out in great detail the myriad corrupt depredations of Romney while he was at Bain Capital. It is quite shocking. And, Romney is on record stating he is against abortion in this country. His finances don't add up. They will lead to more debt in this country, just like Reagan and Bush before him. He wants to bomb Iran, and mix it up with the Syrians. And you want to vote for this man? If you can't take Obama, just don't vote. But, for God's sake, don't vote for Romney. He's set up to make the same mistakes as Bush. We just can't afford those kinds of blunders anymore.
Nick| 10.17.12 @ 1:18PM
I love the smell of panicky libs in the morning!
It smells like....victory.
TLP| 10.17.12 @ 1:45PM
I'm thinking it smells like Sh*t.
That's all I've got.
Sorry.
vtwin| 10.17.12 @ 1:43PM
Mr. Stein and Mr. Stockman agree the national debt is a serious problem and with the premise we need to raise tax in addition to dept spending cuts to deal with it or “it will deal with us.” But Romney is the odd man out on the debt and wants keep the Bush tax cuts, another 20% in cut taxes, increase military $2 trillion, and the rest is smoke and mirrors.
TLP| 10.17.12 @ 1:52PM
So, what's your "Nigga" gonna do?
Your "Nigga's" already added $6,000,000,000,000 to the National Debt, in less than 4 Years.
He's put out 4 Deficits over $1,000,000,000,000 in a row.
He hasn't signed a Budget, NOT ONE, in 4 Years.
Yet, you want everyone to be Scared Sh*t over your PREDICTION of what Romney MIGHT do?
You're even Stupider than your "Nigga" is.
vtwin| 10.17.12 @ 3:49PM
Just two factors account for 83% of this years’ deficit ; 48% loss revenues because of the Bush recession and 35% loss revenues because of the Bush tax cuts.
TLP| 10.17.12 @ 5:34PM
No.
Just one factor.
Your "Nigga". (vtwin's words, not mine)
Bob Grant| 10.17.12 @ 6:22PM
vtlose,
only a moron would say tax cuts lead to loss of revenue.
Brian Richard Allen | 10.17.12 @ 1:08PM
.... President-elect Romney was completely flustered by Zero's outright lie ....
With great respect, Dear Mr Stein, President-elect Romney was not so much "flustered" by Zero's eveil as he was time and again ambushed by the effective two-man "Democratic"-activist flash-mob tag-team comprising Candy Jabba-The-Hutt Crowley and the Evil One.
President-elect Romney, as we are assured these past couple of weeks' performances, carries as big a stick as will do the job -- in trumps -- and, to boot and for a bonus, does so in the measured tones of an Intact American Gentleman.
Thank G-d!
No_BlahBlah| 10.17.12 @ 1:08PM
"Mr. Romney completely got flustered by an outright lie"
As usual Mr. Stein, you allow your progressive tendencies to cloud your perception.
Mr. Romney wasn't 'flustered.' If you had concluded that Mr. Romney placed too much confidence in those viewing the 'debate' and their ability to appreciate irony, I might have agreed with you.
Truthfully though, at this point it is insulting to Mr. Romney and also to those that did watch the debate closely.
Thanks for insulting Mr. Romney and conservatives who understand what the progressive elites, and you as well try to shove down our throats.
David in Ardmore| 10.17.12 @ 1:39PM
Sure hope you're not lumping Romney in with conservatives. Those of us who value individual freedom, liberty, the right to property have a deep distrust for those who push crisis construction by government force (the ethanol mandate, global warming, smart planning, socialized medicine, etc.). Remember, there's no such thing as a successful conservative in New England politics.
gene| 10.17.12 @ 1:21PM
BTW. Mr. Stein? Give some of us a tad bit of credit for common sense. Even Liberals are turning away from this man and many of us are quite capable of figuring out that one of these Candidates is a disingenuous prevaricator who is SATURATED in fornicating bovine scatology.
o:-D
Capn Rusty| 10.17.12 @ 1:26PM
I think Romney is a moral man; he holds the truth in high regard; he tells the truth and expects to hear the truth from others. If Romney thought that he had stated an un-truth, it would bother him deeply. Obama, on the other hand, has scant regard for the truth, especially should it stand between him and his own ambitions, which are more important. The truth to him is whatever he says it is; he can thus lie with aplomb. After Romney stated that Obama had not identified Benghazi as a "terrorist attack" on 9/12 in the Rose Garden, Obama countered by saying that he had. Flat-footed by such audacity, Romney paused, thinking that maybe he had misspoken, which he would not want to do. Obama, on the other hand, is "cool," and can lie through his teeth without betraying any trace; he doesn't even blink.
SpiderMike| 10.17.12 @ 1:28PM
So, in a democracy (we have a Republic, not a democracy) , the president should not be criticized for a foreign policy disaster? I guess the liberals forgot about that "rule" when they attacked President Bush after multiple intelligence agencies gave him the wrong info on Iraqi WMD.
Oldefarte| 10.17.12 @ 1:37PM
No it is not Romney's problem, since this POTUS and his administration are liars. Untruths? Thats political correctness 101. Tell the GD truth that Americans with half a brain already know. THEY DIED, HE LIED!!!!!!!!!!!
Adele in Texas| 10.17.12 @ 1:44PM
For a number of years I’ve enjoyed and usually agreed with your views, but lately not so much so.
Recently it seems to me that your armchair quarterbacking on the topic of Mitt Romney's debate performances has a very sour flavor and the results have been (IMO) journal entries lacking your usual perception and weight. In fact, this is the second consecutive entry on the topic of Romney’s debate performance that I feel is far and strangely (for you) off the mark.
It’s abundantly clear that you cannot seem to work up enthusiasm for him no matter how well or even brilliantly he performs. But, despite your criticism, it's undeniable that his debate performances not only have met, but exceeded all expectations and particularly those of the Obama campaign and DNC.
Brass tacks? What you described as Romney becoming "completely flustered" was nothing of the sort. His display of incredulity at the boldness of Obama's bald-faced lie was played to the hilt and very well I might add.
We often and rightly say, “…there is no perfect candidate.” But, I’m deeply disappointed that you still seem to be searching. With all due and most sincere respect, Mr. Stein, on this particular topic I believe it will behoove you in the future to dip your toe in the shallow end before diving off the deep one - again.
Simon Templar| 10.17.12 @ 2:07PM
Something certainly went wrong- your inability to see just how this debate was two against one and the corrupt moderator influence and interference in the debate.
Adele says it very well...no need to add anything...
Adele in Texas| 10.17.12 @ 3:12PM
Thank you, Simon.
RCV| 10.17.12 @ 3:45PM
Once again, "Momma, the moderator isn't being FAIR!" Don't you guys ever tire of the whining?
Adele in Texas| 10.17.12 @ 4:28PM
Who's whining, RCV? The unprecedented action of Crowley injecting herself into the debate has provided the Romney campaign with a tremendous springboard of opportunity for the next debate! The fact checkers were fact checked and proven wrong. Crowley having to recant and retract is a thing of beauty and one that is biting Obama squarely in the butt. Perhaps you need to re-read Simon's comment; the target was Ben Stein and his failure to correctly perceive what happened.
RCV| 10.17.12 @ 4:45PM
Crowley didn't "recant and retract" as you conservatives continue to claim. Here's what she said just a couple of hours ago in response to such claims:
"Candy Crowley responded on Wednesday to conservative claims that she had 'backtracked' on her fact-check of Mitt Romney during Tuesday night's presidential debate.
Crowley challenged Romney during a discussion of the attacks in Libya. When the GOP candidate told President Obama that he had not called the attacks terrorism for weeks, Obama protested, and Crowley intervened to back him up.
'He did in fact call it an 'act of terror',' she said, referring to Obama's comments on Sept. 12 that 'no acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation." "
Nice try at spinning things.
TLP| 10.17.12 @ 5:41PM
So, you're saying that vtwin's "Nigga" (His words, not mine) won last night's debate?
Maybe you can tell the rest of us why vtwin's "Nigga" (His words, not mine) kept LYING abbout a Video for DAYS. Why he and Hillary spent $75,000 on an Ad, in Pakistan, Blaming the Video. And, why he Spiked The Ball by arresting that Koptic Christian, after alerting the Media, in the Middle of the Night, and is STILL holding him without Bail?
We're waiting.
RCV| 10.17.12 @ 6:45PM
That Coptic Christian as you call him, TLP, is a convicted felon who violated the express conditions of his parole, and like all felons who do so, was picked up and thrown in the slammer where he belongs pending his parole hearing. That's how things work in a country with laws.
The President didn't lie. Period. And, yes, he did win the debate, as all the polls indicate. Oh, I forgot. You guys only credit the polls when they show your guy won.
And any money spent on videos in Pakistan or anywhere else was well worth it if they saved some American's life from crazed Islamic mobs.
SeekingUnderstanding| 10.17.12 @ 2:13PM
"Mr. Obama further told the outrageous untruth that in a **democracy**, the President" ...
I love your comments and assessment Ben. But there's another thing that's going wrong all across America that no one seems to realize; we're a 'Republic' NOT a Democracy. There's an enormous distinction.
Hugh Manatee| 10.17.12 @ 2:35PM
The video story was an attempt to cover up their Benghazi incompetence. Last night's lie was a cover up of their own cover up.
But, since everyone paying attention knows what they said about the video, and how many times they said it, the lie won't matter.
The highlight of the debate was toward the end, when Romney was speaking of how he managed to get 98% of the adults in his state healthcare coverage.
Then, he added that he got "all my kids" covered.
I thought Romney's use of the pronoun "my" was significant because it shows how Romney thinks - he actually believes that all the kids in Massachusetts were "his" kids and that as state governor he was responsible for them as if they were part of his own family.
I don't recall ever hearing something like this before - an almost Freudian slip that provides insight into a candidate's mind. A truly amazing moment in the debates - which obviously will go completely unmentioned by the media.
It's also quite astonishing that in today's world we actually have a man running for office who has this attribute - I think we'll be lucky if Romney becomes President.
TeriinNorCal| 10.17.12 @ 2:38PM
I, too, was disappointed that Romney didn't show the tenacity on Libya last night that he demonstrated in other areas, but in his defense, he had to have been caught off guard when the president asked the moderator to refer to the Rose Garden transcript. Aside from the inaccuracy of Crowley's comment, the inappropriateness of her having a copy of that transcript in the first place--and Obama asking her to reference it for him--was shocking. Since when does a moderator act as secretary for one of the candidates? Though I shouldn't be, I'm shocked by the gall of the Obama administration and can't help but think that Romney had to be a little thrown by this ploy. Anyway, I'm willing to give him grace on this one and am hopeful that he will redeem himself in the foreign policy debate next week.
MikeF| 10.17.12 @ 3:13PM
Am I the only one to find it odd that Obama asked Candy to check the transcript on his Rose Garden speech? How did he know she had a transcript handy? Why did she have one handy? Where did she get it? And how was she able to instantaneously check the transcript to verify what Obama wanted her to verify? Was she prepped for this by the Obama team before the debate?
oldtexgal| 10.17.12 @ 3:19PM
Take a breath. Romney's missed opportunity on Bengazi is not yet a "disaster". The next debate is on foreign policy. He teed up the issue to smash it during the next debate. Obama's foreign policy has been horrendous, and the handling of the murders in Libya, utterly dishonest, incompetent, and shameful. I, for one, am very optimistic going forward, and believe Romney/Ryan will defeat Obama decisively in November!
davidfarrar | 10.17.12 @ 3:37PM
Relax Ben,
Romney has another debate on Monday to bring the bacon home on Obama's deliberate lie to the American people over the Benghazi affair.
Besides, only the MSM believes Obama can project stronger gravitas in foreign policy than any Republican president candidate, no matter how wet behind the ears.
ex animo
davidfarrar
RCV| 10.17.12 @ 4:16PM
We'll see if Romney will persist in digging himself further into a hole by trying to make political hay out of a terrorist murder of our ambassador.
TLP| 10.17.12 @ 5:45PM
Maybe if vtwin's "Nigga" (His words, not mine) got off his half black Ass, and went to an Intelligence Briefing once in a while, this never would've happened.
But he's too busy, doing the work of the American People from Jay Z's House.
Right?
Or, is he Your "Nigga" too?
RCV| 10.17.12 @ 6:47PM
You are about the lowest life form I've ever encountered, TLP. Tell us again how God sent Hitler, his Huntsman, to punish and cleanse the Jews with the Holocaust, you racist anti-semitic piece of dung.
sweetjoeyhiker| 10.17.12 @ 3:51PM
When, exactly, was Mr. Romney supposed to make all of the points you think he missed, Ben? Candy Crowley kept shutting him down every time he started to dismantle Obama's lies. According to the rules, he should have been allowed rebuttal time on numerous occasions, but Crowley didn't allow time for Mr. Romney to rebut Obama's outrageous contentions and she allowed Obama time to ramble on and on. I think the American people can see through the obvious favoritism showed by Crowley, not to mention her inexcusable intervention on the Rose Garden speech, that she was forced to walk back....after the debate. Mr. Romney did as well as he could have done, debating as it were, both Obama and Crowley.
jvnvch| 10.17.12 @ 4:09PM
Ben:
ROMNEY: I think it’s interesting the president just said something which is that on the day after the attack, he went in the Rose Garden and said that this was an act of terror. You said in the Rose Garden the day after the attack it was an act of terror. It was not a spontaneous demonstration.
OBAMA:Please proceed.
ROMNEY: Is that what you’re saying?
OBAMA: Please proceed, Governor.
ROMNEY: I want to make sure we get that for the record, because it took the president 14 days before he called the attack in Benghazi an act of terror.
OBAMA:Get the transcript.
CROWLEY: It -- he did in fact, sir.
So let me -- let me call it an act of terrorism --
OBAMA: Can you say that a little louder, Candy?
CROWLEY: He did call it an act of terror. It did as well take -- it did as well take two weeks or so for the whole idea of there being a riot out there about this tape to come out. You are correct about that.
ROMNEY: This -- the administration -- indicated that this was a -- a reaction to a -- to a video and was a spontaneous reaction.
CROWLEY: They did.
ROMNEY: It took them a long time to say this was a terrorist act by a terrorist group and -- and to suggest -- am I incorrect in that regard? On Sunday the -- your secretary or --
OBAMA:Candy --
ROMNEY: Excuse me. The ambassador to the United Nations went on the Sunday television shows and -- and spoke about how this was a spontaneous reaction.
Jack in Phoenix| 10.17.12 @ 4:13PM
I, like Mr. Romney perhaps, was stunned by the sheer gall of the President to stand there on global television and utter something so untrue that it could be debunked in seconds by a glance at the Rose Garden transcript for that presser.
So now TeamObama knows how to block Mr. Romney's ascent: just tell bigger and bigger LIES.
I am just not sure that's a winning strategy in the end. Obama is not Bill Clinton, apparently the only president who can get away with an outright falsehood uttered on live TV.
Mr. Romney blew some big opportunities last night and he did it because he wouldn't - or couldn't - remember that brevity is the soul of wit.
I was sitting there while Obama spoke about deficits and debts. It was a trillion this. a trillion that.
Mr. Romney's obvious comeback would have taken less than 10 seconds: "President Obama is the first politician I've ever heard who seems comfortable tossing around the word 'trillion'."
Grzmlyk| 10.17.12 @ 4:49PM
The lies wouldn't work if we didn't have a complicit media and huge swath of moronic American voters who honestly think that if they wish hard enough, the lies will be true.
The sheer audacity of the lying - and the acceptance by such a large portion of the public - shows you the state of the American character in this country.
WhiteBikerTrash| 10.17.12 @ 4:15PM
Ben, this was not a missed opportunity, but a wonderful set up. As a matter of fact an almost perfect set up! Obama and Candi lied! there was no way for anyone to check for the truth in that short time. The next debate will be on Foreign Affairs!! After people have time to see the obvious lie from our President and a representative of our Main Stream Media it will be the perfect time to call them out on it. You don't win chess on just thinking of the next move but thinking three moves out. Remember Romney said he "Wanted it on the record!" Check and Mate!!!!!
MacWell™| 10.17.12 @ 5:03PM
That's how I saw, and heard it.
MOdawg| 10.17.12 @ 4:21PM
Mr. Stein is right on with his assessment of the missed opportunity for Governor Romney, but I must take issue with one of his assertions in this essay, a logical fallacy that has infected many conservatives and continues to spread, though I always try to correct it when I see it and provide proof for my contention. Mr. Stein states: "Otherwise, we do not have a democracy." We are not a democracy, sir, and we never have been! Do you say "And to the democracy for which it stands" when you recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Is it the "Battle Hymn of the Democracy"? I offer this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....r_embedded which shows clearly why we are NOT a democracy. I would also recommend a search of founding father quotes on democracy to ascertain what they had to say; it will uphold my assertion, sir. As a retired veteran who fulfilled his oath to support and defend the Constitution for over 20 years, and continues to do so, I humbly ask for your assistance in helping to stop the further erosion of our Constitutional republic by taking a stand with me in correcting this logical fallacy when you see or hear it. Thank you!
Grzmlyk| 10.17.12 @ 4:25PM
SSSSHHHHHHHHH, Ben.
The Emperor looks positively glorious in his new set of clothes.
Democrats lie. It's what they DO. Our job is to pretend their lies are the truth. Hey, it works for half of America. Now if only the stubborn conservatives and evil tea party types would just get with the program.
Like they say, if rape is inevitable, we should just relax and enjoy it; and if the false consciousness of Obamunism is our reality, we ought to just accept it and go along. The truth is only for the suckers who will get left holding the bag!
That's why I'm going to apply for an EBT card tomorrow. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Alice Lillie | 10.17.12 @ 4:38PM
Fine on guns? Romney????? Not!
This is one of the reasons why I am a Libertarian who supports Gary Johnson.
Anyone who says we should enforce, rather than *repeal* the gun laws we have and not make any new laws is either fiercely anti-gun (both Romney
and Obama are anti-gun...are you also?) or woefully ignorant of the tens of thousands of federal gun laws on the books and how the rogue
BATFE conducts itself.
Every last federal gun law is unconstitutional. The Second Amendment says what it means and means what it says. To keep and bear arms is a
*God-given right!* No-one should have to go groveling to bureaucrats for a license or permit. No inanimate object should have to be registered.
One reason why this is not a free country any more and government agents can do almost anything they want to anyone they want is that We
the People have been all but disarmed and cannot fight back. Remember what Thomas Jefferson said!
The American Revolution was not won by pleading with the British! It was won by regular people who were *armed!*
Alice Lillie
Grzmlyk| 10.17.12 @ 4:47PM
Unfortunately, one thing many aren't mentioning about Romney's performance last night is that he affirmed that he is a statist - the gun comments, his commitment that the top earners will still pay 60% of the taxes, his various pabulum about student loans and pursuing "green" energy. This is why Emmett Tyrrell is wrong when he says liberalism is dead - if that were true, Romney wouldn't have been pandering to "moderates" - i.e., liberals - last night.
But of course this country continues to list further and further to the left.
I'm voting for Romney because it's true that a vote for Johnson is a vote for Obama. But I have no illusions that Romney's going to turn this sinking ship of state around. He'll merely bail harder than Obama would.
At least Ben Stein's gotta be happy that his taxes won't go down much.
RCV| 10.17.12 @ 6:50PM
Romney's always pandering to anyone who's vote he's seeking.
A liberal, a conservative and a moderate walk into a bar, and the bartender says ..... "Hi, Mitt!"
RCV| 10.17.12 @ 6:50PM
"whose" not "who's"
tander1025| 10.17.12 @ 4:59PM
I agree, there is always coulda/woulda/ shoulda 'said' afterwards but it seems that Mitt wasn't allowed to come back and comment too much..Cindy pushed on to another subject...as I remember it (need to watch it again to verify). Your point is a good one and I hope he uses the opportunity to point out exactly what you said the next debate!
Charlie_Tuna| 10.17.12 @ 5:12PM
I don't think something went wrong, I feel Romney now has LOADS of ammunition for the debate on Monday. As this debate will focus on International affairs and the kind of thing that happened in Libya.
Not that I want Mitt to pull Hillery out from under the buss, but I want Mitt to throw Obama under it!
Bob From District 9| 10.17.12 @ 5:14PM
"Mr. Obama gave a lengthy speech on September 12, after the murders in Libya, in which he first of all apologized to the Muslims for that infamous video. Then he talked about the terrorism of September 11, 2001, and his visits to some graves of some victims. It was in that context that he mentioned terrorist acts -- NOT in the context of the killings in Libya. Those, he was still blaming on an inflamed mob and that video. "
Obama gave two speeches Sept 12 in which he called the attack an act of terror. He never gave a speech in which he apologized for the video.
"For Mr. Obama to take his own words out of context to excuse his inexcusable kowtow to the Islamists was disgraceful, deceptive, but frankly, not surprising. But for Gov. Romney to not catch him on it and whip him… that was a disappointment. Gov. Romney might have said, "Sir, you were covering up for the al Qaeda affiliates most of September and you are still covering up for your incompetence. It is insulting to the nation.""
Romney lies a lot, but even he isn't willing to tell a lie that big. Which makes you, Mr Stein, the champion liar in this pissing contest.
MacWell™| 10.17.12 @ 5:15PM
President elect Romney did indeed set Obama up for the next debate knockout, which will come. President elect Romney has outclassed Obama every time, that is a fact. We the people are sick up and fed with career politicians. Our Congress was never intended to be anyone's career. It was intended to be filled with Americans from all walks of life, a cross section, if you will.
Of course we MUST remove all who believe that America needs to be "fundamentally transformed". We must also begin to remove the lawyers and thieves who have made a laughing stock of OUR Congress and our Constitution. Congress was never intended to be filled with lawyers. We the people will only be represented by people who've walked in our shoes, men like Joe the Plumber. We need more joe the plumbers, not more .esq's . We've allowed lawyers to run this country for too long, and they've done a pretty crappy job. We the people need to take back OUR Congress.
AmericanCynic| 10.17.12 @ 6:19PM
Dear Governor Romney,
After the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, you felt it important to address the nation before the President of the United States had a chance to. This is before the death of our ambassador and three others had even been announced! While “consoling the nation” you also thought that was a wise time to score some “political points” and criticize the president…OUR president’s foreign policy. Did you expect the American public to pat you on the back and call you “clever“for this?
If Senators Al Gore or John Kerry had decided to address the nation about 9/11 before President Bush had a chance to, would you have thought that was appropriate? Of course not. Is it just because President Obama is a Democrat that allows you to disrespect the Commander in Chief, or is it something else about him? Or maybe, Gov Romney, it’s simply because you think RULES DON’T APPLY TO YOU. Either way, kind of a douche’ bag move.
Yes, I know there’s an election coming up, but there are established rules about how to handle national security issues during election season. During a national crisis, Americans want to hear from their elected leaders NOT some candidate trying to create a “bull-horn moment” for himself.
Sincerely,
A member of the 99% AND the 53%
Biff| 10.17.12 @ 8:13PM
Dear American Cynic,
Obama did in fact kowtow to the Islamic extremists, as is his custom, as his first response to the murder of four Americans in Benghazi. Romney's response was understandably upsetting to all of Obama's supporters, simply because they cannot admit to themselves that their Messiah is a miserable failure. Facts become discounted or ignored, in favor of the unbelievable progressive spin by our media.
You speak of "disrespect" towards our president, but it is my opinion, along with hundreds of thousands of other Americans, that Obama has done nothing to earn our respect. As hard as this concept may be for you to grasp, simply occupying an office in Washington DC is no reason to worship an elected official as if her were God.
Speaking of national security issues, Obama's plan to grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants - excuse me, unregistered Democrats - by ignoring the violence and crime at our southern borders and illegally bypassing Congress is an insult to every single American who's ancestors came to this great country through official channels.
Now, tell us again about scoring cheap political points so close to an election, would you?
Sincerely,
A member of the 100%
AmericanCynic| 10.18.12 @ 1:43PM
Biff,
You and your "hundreds of thousands other Americans" need to understand that we live in a nation that has over 330 million Americans. All you've done is to prove how myopic and limited your perspective is. Feel free to have your "Hundreds of Thousands Angry White Male Muslim Hater March," meanwhile the rest of us our trying to move our nation forward.
You are completely wrong about the president's administration when it comes to immigration. The violence and crime is being dealt with and people are being deported at increased rates. Stop repeating decades old talking points aimed at generic Democrats and try to see what's really going on.
You are 100% delusional.
Branded| 10.17.12 @ 6:34PM
I can't believe how the STUPID people help Bama cover up the LIES HE TELLS. How can he be president when he, himself, has admitted he was born in Kenya? The Congress has even helped him cover up that LIE!! Along with Supreme Court Justices, they have no shame, or loyality to America!! Semper Fi.
RCV| 10.17.12 @ 6:48PM
What a deluded nutcase.
Toinfinityandbeyond| 10.18.12 @ 3:11AM
Semper Fi so much you su(k guys' d!(ks. Awesome!
AmericanCynic| 10.17.12 @ 6:36PM
http://www.nationaljournal.com.....a-20120912
Biff| 10.17.12 @ 7:39PM
Not sure I agree with "bewildered"; from where I sat, Romney was making an attempt to trap Obama in another one of his seemingly countless lies. It appeared that Ms. "Eye Candy" Crowley saw Romney's ploy, and her interference is what threw him for a loop. Even though she recanted (albeit half-heatedly)this morning, it showed the amazing level of liberal bias which permeates the Fourth Estate.
Colleen Rodman| 10.17.12 @ 8:50PM
I did not hear much from the media when it became public knowledge that the White House had been warned by al-qaeda that we were going to be attacked. Apparently the warnings came just a couple of months before 9\11. Sometimes things happen.
grassroot| 10.17.12 @ 9:48PM
He did as well as could be expected what with
obummer obfuscating, stonewalling, etc. And, you
notice When it came time to cover for the rose
garden remarks, he instantly called on crowley
to produce the transcript which I evidently knew
she had on hand. Must have been forwarned
by the admin. to be ready with it. Sad cronyism
pete schmidt| 10.18.12 @ 1:26AM
I'm inundated with political info. What sticks, Eastwood nailed it. "Barack Obama is the biggest hoax ever perpetrated on America". Lets do the right thing and send Romney to the White House.
pete schmidt| 10.18.12 @ 1:38AM
Someone mentioned clean out Congress and Senate incumbents, then start over. Great idea! Term limits, all 2 years, no bennys after term is up, and the most important item, put them all on commission, subject to constituents vote quarterly based on job performance. That might get appropriate action from our reps.
Toinfinityandbeyond| 10.18.12 @ 3:11AM
This Halloween, the scariest thing you can be is a "Binder full of women for Romney."
drmaddogs| 10.18.12 @ 6:19AM
"Mr. Obama to take his own words out of context", what can one expect out of a 'Community Organizer'/Demagouge.
Muussolini and the National Fascist Party are at it again.
gene| 10.18.12 @ 3:23PM
Nothing went wrong that night.
Romney went against a STACKED Deck and still looked good.
The last debate will not be stacked.
Remember that people are not as dumb as Biden or Obamma thinks or the MSM also.
Pslam 46. Verse 10
Jimbobogie| 10.18.12 @ 4:44PM
In all of the liberal and conservative excitement in criticizing the other side, there's one issue that I believe we're overlooking. We base our criticism on what we see and hear through the media and/or press conferences. I think that the real truth in what governs either Republican or Democratic Presidencies can only be found when the official Presidential Papers are released, usually years after the end of the administration. Public debates and even elections may really have little effect on what's really happening in the world. Once a new President steps into the Oval Office he, in effect BECOMES his predecessor, with only minor changes based on party label (insert "Obamacare" here). I welcome your thoughts-and I'm sure that a lot of those thoughts will be brief and angry-but I welcome them nonetheless.
Machiavelli415| 10.18.12 @ 11:36PM
I agree. Furthermore, I consider this whole notion of partisanship to be a means of effectively repressing/marginalizing the citizen majority. When Democrat/Republican politicians enact something unpopular, the response gets diverted towards the party rather then the politicians themselves. As a result, the people who are democrats blame the people who are Republicans, and vice versa. If all of the electorate came together towards a common goal, little could be done to stop it.
The reality is that Dem/Repub politicians may preach different values, but their policies end up very similar (i.e. Bush's Patriot Act & Obama's NDAA)
hodgepodge| 10.19.12 @ 9:41PM
I have to admit, Romney's answers during this exchange did make me squirm a bit on his behalf. But it must be very difficult to debate a liar. What can you say? How does one answer? Especially when the moderator steps in to defend the liar. Yes, he should call out Obama, and hopefully he will be prepared to do so in the next debate. Romney still came across as more prepared and way more presidential.