The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Revolutions: Reagan, Perry, Paul & Tracy Chapman

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Revolutions: Reagan, Perry, Paul & Tracy Chapman

Well, aren't we partying like it's 1988?

I have spent a good part of the day talking about the Reagan Revolution in the context of the têtê-â-têtê between Rick Perry and Ron Paul and where both men were politically that year. I suppose it's only fitting that Jim Antle should make reference to a Tracy Chapman song (although I must admit I preferred "Fast Car" over "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution.") But in all seriousness let me answer Jim's question. Specifically, did Reagan preside over too much spending or not enough?

Well, I think an argument can certainly be made that Reagan presided over too much spending. But bear in mind that the Democrats controlled the House of Representatives during Reagan's entire Presidency and regained control of the Senate his last two years in office. Congress overrode nine of Reagan's vetoes. One of those overridden vetoes brought us Boston's Central Artery Tunnel Project otherwise known as The Big Dig. It was the costliest public works project in American history. Indeed, the Big Dig was projected to cost $2.5 billion. Well, it took twenty years to complete and it ended up costing $14.7 billion.

The President of the United States simply does not have dictatorial powers. He alone does not have a say in how public monies are spent. So in the unlikely event that all the other GOP candidates mysteriously vanished leaving Paul the GOP nominee by default and he somehow found a way to beat Obama, he would still be faced with the same problems which confronted Reagan. Paul, like Reagan, would have to make the best of the political situation before him and making the best of things will always anger somebody. Invariably, some of his supporters would accuse Paul of falling short, if not betraying his own revolution. Perhaps then Paul would have an appreciation of the constraints inherent in the Office of the President of the United States both constitutional and political.

Simply put, it's far easier to talk about a revolution than to implement one.

View all comments (117) | Leave a comment

c. j. acworth| 9.9.11 @ 6:36PM

"The president of the US simply does not have dictatorial powers."
Looks like someone neglected to explain that to Obama.

Jack in Wi.| 9.10.11 @ 12:48AM

Ron Paul would follow the Constitution. Under our Constution the President has limited powers. His powers are mainly administrating the laws that Congress has passed, conduct foreign policy, and be commander in chief of the Armed Forces. Our good friend Clint down below has a wonderful example of the kind President Ron Paul would be. He would follow the law and Constitution. We haven't had many Presidets since Grover Cleveland who have done that.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:25PM

Why don't you follow/support instead your own Republican governor who is fighting a political war courageously against the sleezebag Democrats and thuggish labor unions??????

Clint | 9.10.11 @ 6:37AM

"EASTON, Md, September 8, 2011 — We have all heard of strong-arm tactics, and during the commercial break at Wednesday night’s GOP Presidential debate at the Reagan Library, Texas Governor Rick Perry was observed doing just that to Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas).

A camera caught the action, but no mikes were on, so this is a perfect example of where actions speak louder than words.

First Perry confronts Paul across the podium of Ambassador Jon Huntsman. Then they stand nose to nose as Perry harangues Paul. Next he shakes his finger in Paul’s face as he grabs his arm. Then he makes one last gesture, perhaps one of giving up in the face of Ron Paul’s stoic, tight-lipped response. "

http://communities.washingtont.....intimidat/

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:29PM

Ah, did Perry hurt his feelings, perhaps? Your insanity is misguided, since even Paul himself blew it off as inconsequential afterwards [and claimed there was nothing to it]. You're complaining about that war of words, when your Paulistas chased Sean Hannity threatening with political signs down a street in NH [F*&jking; crybabies]?????

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:22PM

Tell it to The Conservative Washington Times, RINO-CINO Ricky Parry Algore Cheerleader, Fart.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 2:19PM

Try telling the GD truth for a change:

'.....Ron Paul Scoffs at Rumor of Debate Rift With Perry Friday, September 9, 2011 01:39 PM
By: Newsmax Wires...Since Wednesday’s Republican presidential debate, the Internet has been full of rumors that Texas Gov. Rick Perry confronted Rep. Ron Paul, also from Texas, during a commercial break. Paul scoffed at the gossip, The Hill reports.The rumors stemmed from a Reuters picture showing Perry walking up to Paul's podium, grabbing Paul's arm, and pointing his finger in Paul’s face. But Paul laughed it all off at a campaign event Thursday. “A picture came out last night, it's on the Internet this morning, with I think the governor of Texas, or something? We had several governors up there, but truth was I never met him before," Paul joked. "Truth is, I wish it were a much more interesting story. I don't even recall the moment that was occurring, and I don't remember exactly what he said. We didn't have any cross words," Paul added..........'

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:23PM

Asked & Answered RINO-CINO Ricky Perry Algore Cheerleader, Fart.

Sean| 9.9.11 @ 7:00PM

Paul could veto all unconstitutional legislation, which would then require an override. He could also refuse to execute unconstitutional legislation. The President could make things tough for the welfare state.

Ken (Old Texican)| 9.9.11 @ 7:34PM

Aaron,
well stated.
Mr. Paul will ALWAYS be on the fringe harping away. Chirping away?
Mr. Perry has done a pretty good job governing Texas. Yeah he has tripped over his johnson a couple of times...but that is only because he has a johnson. (smile)... Paul does not and neither do his Paul-bots.

WilliamR| 9.9.11 @ 7:40PM

Ken get, get back to that comic book. Leave the adults alone.

Ken (Old Texican)| 9.9.11 @ 8:17PM

Hey William,
check the reviews on my comic book.
www.americaalonesaidno.com

Especially since being released by amazon, the book has generated a nice cash flow stream.

More important, thousands of Americans have become prepared.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:31PM

Comic book? Have you perhaps ever written anything of not except graffiti upon a bathroom stall wall?????????

Harvey Fierstein| 9.9.11 @ 11:45PM

Ken, the fact that Mr Perry's Johnson makes you smile ... makes me smile.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:32PM

How could NOT HAVING SOMETHING make one smile????????

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:27PM

That's why Fart never smiles.

Clint | 9.9.11 @ 9:36PM

Ron Paul O& A:

1. Does the president have inherent powers under the Constitution to conduct surveillance for national security purposes without judicial warrants, regardless of federal statutes?

Absolutely not.

2. In what circumstances, if any, would the president have constitutional authority to bomb Iran without seeking a use-of-force authorization from Congress? (Specifically, what about the strategic bombing of suspected nuclear sites -- a situation that does not involve stopping an IMMINENT threat?)

None.

3. Does the Constitution empower the president to disregard a congressional statute limiting the deployment of troops -- either by capping the number of troops that may be deployed to a particular country or by setting minimum home-stays between deployments? In other words, is that level of deployment management beyond the constitutional power of Congress to regulate?

You know this might require a little bit of qualification. I have not voted to [restrict] the president on troop movements. So my thinking is if the president has some type of authority or he assumes it, I don’t want the solution to be by capping the number of troops or setting any type of troop movement. The solution there for me would be to remove the authority and defund it, not to micromanage troop movement.

At least the thing that I follow on some of these votes in the Congress, when the Democrats come up with restricting troop movements or saying you have to move so many out by so many months, unless the bill is complex that is a basic premise I try to follow. I do not like to vote for, and have voted against, micromanaging troop movements.

4. Under what circumstances, if any, would you sign a bill into law but also issue a signing statement reserving a constitutional right to bypass sections of that the law?

None.

more later......

Dr.Ron Paul Is Our Tea Party Co-Favorite & Presidential Candidate.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

Jack in Wi.| 9.10.11 @ 12:51AM

Clint: You are a treasure on this site. This is one of your best posts yet. Don't get into squablles with these dimwits here. Just keep putting up your great research.

victor| 9.11.11 @ 3:29AM

Jack in wi:
"Clint: You are a treasure on this site."

In that case, we need some Pirates right away!
You know what Pirates do with their treasure, don't you?

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:38PM

Yeah, that's true....and put the research upon the the web site of the NYT [where it'll be praised and supported]!!!!!!!

victor| 9.11.11 @ 3:34AM

Clint/Timmie*:
"Ron Paul Is Our Tea Party Co-Favorite & Presidential Candidate.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here."

What would your beloved Ronaldus Paulum have done if he were in the White House on 9/11/2001?

The same thing as Albert R. Gore, perhaps?

Zip, Zero, Zilch, Nada?

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:30PM

Do Your Homework Crippled Russkie Israel Firster Victor.

"After the attacks on 9/11, Congressman Ron Paul introduced a bill in the Congress, which would have specified the scope for a mission to take down the terrorists responsible for the attacks on 9/11. First and foremost, the proposal was Constitutional and secondly, it was highly targeted and wouldn’t have resulted in thousands of Americans being killed senselessly. Had Congressman Ron Paul’s proposal for letters of Marque and Reprisal, HR 3076, been passed by the United States Congress in October of 2001, trillions of dollars and thousands of lives would not have been lost in the search for Osama bin Laden."

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

General Smedley Butler| 9.12.11 @ 12:22AM

Let's look at what the mighty W did when China took down our spy plane: jack and squat. ...ok, he groveled and begged; that's something, right?

Oh, and what did Poppy's seed do when warned/advised that specific watchlist terrorists were inside the country training and plotting to fly airliners into buildings (in all probability, including WTC)?

That's right, a giant goose egg, again.

However, he did redeem himself, by killing hundred of thousands of innocent women and children (while attempting to "liberate them from oppression"), and thousands of US service members (should we count the thousands of US civilians who lost their lives by his inaction?), as well as bankrupting this country with his no-bid war profiteering contracts to his VP's cronies.

It's difficult to imagine that my 3 year old could've done worse.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:36PM

Q. After being attacked on 9/11/01, how would you respond if president?

A. I'd switch political parties and SMILE!!!!!

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:31PM

Asked & Answered RINO-CINO Ricky Perry Algore Cheerleader, Fart.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

Nite| 9.9.11 @ 9:57PM

Dr. Paul has a few ideas, but he simply is not electable. The constant trashing of Governor Perry on conservative websites by Dr. Paul's supporters and based on his talking points, is disgusting. The media ad taken out in Austin by a Paul supporter, wanting to interview anyone who says they slept with Perry, crosses the line. Dr. Paul is showing the utmost disrespect for the Governor of the state, where he resides. If the Tea Party considers Dr. Paul is the best choice, I don't think you will get your wish.

Jack in Wi.| 9.10.11 @ 12:39AM

Ron Paul is the only electable Republican. He is tied with Obama in most polling as are Romney and Perry. But Dr. Paul gets far more of the votes, in these polls, from Democrats, Independents, and young voters. There is no way a Republican can win without these voters. Perry has proved himself a dunce in the first debate. Romney is as plastic as Saran Wrap. No one will vote for him out of any conviction that he will be a good Presient. He was a terrible governor of Mass. The good Doctor, who has been right for decades, and is genious on economics and foreign policy is the only man that can win for the Republicans of the current field. The over the cliff Bush Republicans are only about 20% of national vote.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:40PM

.....AND THE COW JUMPED OVER THE MOON, WHILE THE DISH RAN AWAY WITH THE SPOON!!!!!!!!

Albert Pike| 9.10.11 @ 12:47AM

Nite,

Would you say the same of those Republicans who constantly attack Dr Paul? Or, do you consider that acceptable, because you've already determined that he's "unelectable"? [not rhetorical]

Regardless of the bitterness of the primary [the 1980 primary was pretty darn bitter, too, as I recall], Dr Paul actually has the best chance of ANY Republican of capturing Democrat, Independent, and minority votes, in the general election.

The ONLY thing that could possibly keep Dr Paul from absolutely CRUSHING Obama is that, when it comes right down to it, no matter how they may profess to wanting to defeat Obama, neocons far prefer Barry the Marxist's foreign policy over George Washington's (which, also, happens to be Paul's).

The dirty truth is, that if Dr Paul does win the primary (by some act of Divine Intervention), folks like Mark Levin and Bill O'Reilly win actively campaign for Obama. However, even if the entire neocon wing were to boycott the general election, Dr Paul could still win.

If neocons really wanted a Republic victory, they would get behind Dr Paul. It isn't a party victory the neocons want, though. It isn't even an American victory that they want. Neocons want what neocons have always wanted, a victory for their ideology.

The ideology is why these former Democrats joined the Republican party, in the first place, to bring to it the foreign policy positions of Wilson and FDR, and to rebrand global interventionism as a new type of conservatism, or "neo-conservatism."

USA & Israel, friends forever.| 9.10.11 @ 1:07AM

Paul is doomed because he is insufficiently supportive of Israel. Period. Also, he needed a voice & body language coach before being presented in public. Be assured that if by some freak accident this man somehow acquired the Republican nomination & won the election he would be killed before he ever turned the key on the front door of the White House.

Jack in Wi.| 9.10.11 @ 1:10AM

Is that a warning from the Mossad? They do like to asssinate people. If that would happen I would hate to see the consequences in this country.

USA & Israel, friends forever.| 9.10.11 @ 1:46AM

USA & Israel, friends forever.| 9.10.11 @ 3:10AM

I have been strongly advised that these are only my opinions on this matter & have no bearing on any future events as they may transpire. My comments are not meant to be a warning of any kind or a threat in any manner, once again merely my opinion in what may occur should certain events happen.

Jack in Wi.| 9.10.11 @ 1:52PM

I believe it is a Federal crime to threaten the life of a candidate for Federal office. We have had numerous attmpts on the lives of candidate for President. I think you should be investgated. I am going to call my FBI office and have this whole incident investigated.

USA & Israel, friends forever.| 9.10.11 @ 9:59PM

Jack, think about it. How can a candidate so adverse to current foreign policy, monetary & fiscal policy, and standard operating procedure stand a chance? I'm not threatening anybody, but if this guy somehow get some power he'll be heart attacked in 2 seconds. That's not a threat, that is the way of the world. I'll explain it all to the agents when they roll up. Thanks for keeping me on the watch list.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:44PM

Yeah, they assinate MUSLIM TERRORISTS who illegally and subversively comendeer naval blockade destruction vessels for political support of Palestinean terrorist support purposes, that's true. And besides, the Israel commandoes are extremely good at what they do, cause they kicked the terrorists' arses and refused to apologize for it righteously and correctly!!!!!!

Clint | 9.10.11 @ 6:14AM

Hey, Israel Firster Maniac USA & Israel, friends forever., Who Are You Threatening Will Kill Our Tea Party Presidential Candidate Dr.Ron Paul ?

Hmmmmm Israel Firster Fanatic ?

Occam's Tool| 9.10.11 @ 2:55PM

I'm not. Asswipe ain't gonna be elected, Clit-Wit. I would like to see if you and Jack would pick up the bet I've been trying to make with you two limpdicks for months now---if Paul wins ANY primary or caucus, I quit posting on TAS; if he is bottom-O'ed, you guys quit posting. I notice NEITHER of you puss pusses, for all your manly strutting and threats of violence, have picked up the bet.

You know, in Wisconsin and California, they got Queers and Steers. I don't see no horns on you boys.

Jack in Wi.| 9.10.11 @ 3:16PM

i have stated many times on thios site and others that Ron Paul will win or come close in both Iowa and New Hampshire. The primaries carry n until June. I will take your bet gladly. The site will be well rid of you.

Clint| 9.10.11 @ 5:52PM

Breath Of Ass Trash Talkin' Shuck & Jive Israel Firster Screwball,Tool Job's Last Prediction.

"Occam's Tool| 8.8.11 @ 4:30PM

Pawlenty is going to wipe the plate with Paul."

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:49PM

Just because Pawlenty had the intelligence to realize that he could win the nomination [and conversely Paul keeps steeling from his contributing lunatic supporters to continue his failed quest], don't hold that against Pawlenty!!!!

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:41PM

Uh Oh !
It's Tokyo Rose Fart,

" Give Up Yankee Dogs.

You Can Never Win.

Surrender Paul Marines."

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:47PM

Yeah Mohammed, and I'm damned proud of that fact also. Hope Israel Nigasakies Iran as well, so we can party like hell afterwards!!!!

Albert Pike| 9.10.11 @ 7:56AM

Assassinated? Only if he makes the same mistake as Reagan, and accepts a neocon running mate, as an appeasement to his adversaries. He would need to choose someone popular and principled, and who terrifies the Rockefeller crowd even more than he does.

... I got nothing.

BTW, "friends forever" sounds more like a crazy homo-erotic teen suicide pact than a sensible foreign policy. I'm just sayin' ...

Jack in Wi.| 9.10.11 @ 1:07AM

The Rockefeller Republicans tried to sink Barry Goldwater any way they could and did him much damage. They did everything they could to sink Ronald Reagan in 1976 aand 1980. They called Goldwater crazy and called Reagan a dimwit and senile. In 1980 they ran a third party with John Anderson at the head of the ticket in an attempt to derail Reagan. They would rather have a Democrat like Johnson or Carter over a principled conservative.

The neocos and Banksters will do the same to Dr. Paul. They spread nonsense about Dr. Paul on Talk Radio and in the rest of the controlled media. They would rather see their tool Obama remain in office then let us, the people, have the Presidency. The elites want someone they can control. We all know that they can't control Dr. Paul. I don't think they are going to succeed this time. They have messed up too much and their frontmen, like Obama, Perry, and Romney are too incompetent to inspire the voters. The Revolution can be peaceful with Dr. Paul or there will be a second American Revolution, like the one in 1775.

USA & Israel, friends forever.| 9.10.11 @ 1:21AM

Your guy, Paul, is too old. Seems out of touch. His body language says to me, "get off my lawn". His talk about about silver dimes for gas & fences keeping us in just sound wacko & like something my grandpa would say. Maybe if he did a YouTube about Austrian Economics with a good beat, he could catch on. Then again, could be, Pretty good campaign you got there, shame if something should happen to it. Maybe it's time for the rest home. For his own sake, if you know what I mean.

USA & Israel, friends forever.| 9.10.11 @ 3:11AM

Clint | 9.10.11 @ 6:16AM

Again, Israel Firster Maniac USA & Israel, friends forever., Who Are You Threatening Will Kill Our Tea Party Presidential Candidate Dr.Ron Paul ?

Hmmmmm Israel Firster Fanatic ?

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:53PM

Paul is the best political gift to Obama/Democrats that they could hope for, since he squanders from his lunacy any real discussions of CURRENT [not ancient history, ie Goldwater etc] problems for this country. A Paul nomination would represent four more years of Obama and a total destruction therefore of this country!!!!!!!

Clint | 9.10.11 @ 5:37AM

Associated Press-GfK poll: Ron Paul the most favorable GOP candidate

A new national poll of the general population has revealed that top tier candidate Ron Paul is the most favorable choice in the Republican Presidential nomination race.

Ron Paul 37% favorable vs 36% unfavorable = +1
Mitt Romney 39% favorable vs 41% unfavorable = -2
Rick Perry 33% favorable vs 36% unfavorable = -3
Michele Bachmann 35% favorable vs 43% unfavorable = -8

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:22PM

Ron Paul won't get elected dog catcher in Texas, much less as president of the US!!!!!!

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:37PM

Ron Paul Wins Texas GOP Poll

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex), a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, won a poll of 882 “highly active” Republican voters in Texas. Paul won the poll with 22 percent of the Republican vote. Texas Governor Rick Perry grabbed second with 17 percent of the Republican vote.

The tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

irish19| 9.12.11 @ 1:27AM

Latest data (http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/republican_presidential_nomination-1452.html) has Paul in fourth place. He is 2.6% behind Palin (who isn't running at this time) and only 0.4% ahead of Bachmann. Perry has 30%. Now, explain to me again why he is the strongest candidate out there. If you claim strong support among Dems and indies (the former thought McCain was the best R candidate last cycle), then prove it.

Colonel Edward Mandell House| 9.12.11 @ 12:43AM

If the Texas primary were held today, Paul would kick Perry's candy arse. In a state where voters are well aquainted will both men, voters choose Paul.

Perry's frontrunner status is a complete media fabrication.

Once the rest of the country gets aquainted with the little girl murdering, drag queen review attending, in-state tuition for illegals granting, Al Gore for president cheering, Hillary-care boosting, TSA sex abuse ignoring Texas governor, he'll drop like last night's dinner, after 3 cups of coffee.

Anthony| 9.9.11 @ 10:00PM

Simply put, Ron got snookered by Tip and barely slowed the growth of government. He was good on defense, not great, not when over 200 Marines were killed in Lebanon and he pulled a cut and run. Maybe if Ron had stood up to the Islamists then, they wouldn't be making so much trouble now.

Jack in Wi.| 9.10.11 @ 12:42AM

Ronald Reagaan did the absolute right thing when pulled out of Lebanon. He later wrote going in to Lebanon was one of the dumbest things he ever did. He advised Americans to have nothing to do with the millenia old squabbles of the Middle East.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:20PM

Yeah, that's why he militarily supported Central American revolutionaries as well, right[try telling that BS to Oliver North]??????

Occam's Tool| 9.10.11 @ 1:34AM

I am so looking forward to paul getting stomped in a few months. Then the twin antisemitic psychos will be stifled a bit and we can return to a Conservative blogsite.

USA & Israel, friends forever.| 9.10.11 @ 1:42AM

Ron Paul is the poster child for paranoid psychosis & acute neuroleptic deficiency syndrome as far as I am concerned. How he got this much press I'll never know. Here's to talking about candidates with a chance of making things right, & forgetting about those with no chance.

Clint | 9.10.11 @ 5:44AM

Answering the simple question, "If the Texas Republican primary were held today, which presidential candidate would you be most likely to vote for?" 22% of those polled selected the 75-year-old affectionately known as Dr. No.

Gov. Rick Perry came in second with 17%, followed by deep dish pizza lover Herman Cain (14%), with Newt Gingrich placing fourth at 11%.

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

john dubose| 9.10.11 @ 9:36AM

Ron Paul may even be in first place among all the candidates. But he is the second or third choice of almost none of the people who support someone else. That is because he is more prophet than politician. We the people "can not handle the truth". He will loose once the weaker candidates have dropped out.

bummer !!

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:17PM

Stop attempting asininely/dishonestly to equate the tea party movement with your metal-plate-in-the-head dictator-lord. They ain't one in the same!!!!!!

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:49PM

" Tea party activists are divided roughly into two camps, according to a POLITICO/TargetPoint poll: one that’s libertarian-minded and largely indifferent to hot-button values issues and another that’s culturally conservative and equally concerned about social and fiscal issues.

The survey, an exit poll conducted by Edison Research at the massive Tax Day protest on the National Mall, found that the attendees were largely hostile to President Barack Obama and the national Democratic Party — three-quarters believe the president “is pursuing a socialist agenda.”

Yet they aren’t enamored of the Republican Party as an alternative. Overall, three out of four tea party attendees said they were “scared about the direction” of the country and “want to send a message to both political parties.”

Palin, who topped the list with 15 percent, speaks for the 43 percent of those polled expressing the distinctly conservative view that government does too much, while also saying that it needs to promote traditional values.

Paul’s thinking is reflected by an almost identical 42 percent who said government does too much but should not try to promote any particular set of values — the hallmarks of libertarians. He came in second to Palin with 12 percent.

When asked to choose from a list of candidates for president in 2012, Palin and Paul also finished one-two — with Palin at 15 percent and Paul at 14 percent. "

The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.

irish19| 9.12.11 @ 1:29AM

Year-old data, I think.

Clint | 9.10.11 @ 5:41AM

The Screwball Israel Firster fanatic Tool Job Plays The Anti-Semite Card Again.

Associated Press-GfK poll: Ron Paul the most favorable GOP candidate

A new national poll of the general population has revealed that top tier candidate Ron Paul is the most favorable choice in the Republican Presidential nomination race.

Occam's Tool| 9.10.11 @ 2:56PM

Ain't a "Card" if it's true, puss-puss bet dropper.

Clint| 9.10.11 @ 5:45PM

When A Maniac Screwball Israel Firster Fanatic Like You Plays The Anti-Semite Card, It's A Slandering Lie, Pawlenty Trash Talkin' Shuck & Jive Asshole, Tool Job.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:13PM

Yeah, when TRAITOR and his KKKish crowd of lunatic double-wde. nutjobs are allowed to exercise their freedom-of-speech rights, it's a GD CRIME, also!!!!

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:44PM

Now, The Israel Firster Pseudo-Elitist RINO-CINO Fart Is Attacking American Free Speech Rights.

irish19| 9.12.11 @ 1:35AM

Clint didn't take the bet. Jack did, so at least he has the courage of his convictions. Clint apparently doesn't.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:55PM

OT, nutjobs will sadly always exist in this world, and you just have to ignore their insignificance!!!!!!

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:46PM

Uh Oh !

The Israel Firster Big Yellow Bus calls The Tea Party Canaries Yellow.

Solo| 9.10.11 @ 8:25AM

I was downtown yesterday (Chicago) and I saw a fellow standing on the street whom I have seen downtown before.

He was wearing ratty old clothes; a greasy, stained jacket, torn stained pants. He was wearing a stocking cap over a tin-foil skull cap and a bead a sweat was dripping from beneath a bit of foil which protruded from the stocking cap.
His pants stained with what appeared to be the result of him having urinated on himself and as I walked past, he wreaked of feces.

He was wearing a sign around his neck, apparently made from a discarded pizza box, which read: "Repent. The end is near".

Now...despite his other shortcomings, the message he bears is one worth discussion.
It carries with it implications of a deeply profound nature both theologically and philosophically.
But....one would have to be completely mad to suggest that we make him Pope of the Catholic Church.

And...so it is with Ron Paul and his bid to be the Presidential nominee. He has uttered things worth consideration and discussion. Some of which bear repeating. But....it is all the rest that he brings with him, and the stench along with it, which renders one mad at the mere suggestion that he be made President.

And....he never will be.

Cpm| 9.10.11 @ 11:49AM

The big problem with Paul, while he has some ideas worth looking at, is that his followers are fanatics, as exemplified by the troll twins that have infected this forum with their cut and paste diatribes, antisemitic rants and Infantile Name Calling With Capital Letters. One wonders what these people will do with themselves when their elderly candidate/messiah doesn't make it past the early primaries, but it doesn't mean we will care.

Ronald Wilson| 9.10.11 @ 12:23PM

Are you a Perry-diot (per-EEE-diot) or a Romnoid? with which candidate have you made your homo-erotic suicide pact?

Cpm| 9.10.11 @ 10:37PM

It's quite obvious with whom you've made your homo-erotic suicide pact .

Ronald Wilson| 9.12.11 @ 11:32AM

Not quite. You see, unlike others (including you, likely), I haven't chosen a candidate based on some media-induced, 'Star Search'/'American Idol' spokesmodel/popstar standard of superficiality, which includes youth, poise, charm, evening-wear, and soundbite competitions.

How could a supposedly heterosexual man explain his choice of a presidential candidate, based on the above criteria, and maintain the respect of his wife? A woman can be forgiven for such superficiality; it is to be expected. But, when your wife sees you choosing a candidate by the same yardstick she uses, you just know she's going to start wondering what you're really doing, when you say your just out "playing golf" with the boys.

Real men want a president who'll genuinely, stubbornly, and consistently represent a philosophical ideal, not who represents some Sears catalog/Hollywood ideal of male "virility." If that's the standard you're buying into, maybe it's time you just came out of the closet and stopped kidding yourself.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:57PM

Okay, Chaz Bono!!!!

Philip Dru| 9.12.11 @ 12:48AM

Interesting choice. I didn't know s/he was running.

Clint | 9.10.11 @ 12:59PM

Tell it to your GOP RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges, Punk Ass, Cpm.

Cpm| 9.10.11 @ 10:35PM

Thanks for so eloquently proving my point. I couldn't have said it better.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:58PM

That's his rebit, rebit responses to everything, cause he's......STUUUUUUPID!!!

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:51PM

That You're A GOP RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooge, Punk Ass, Cpm.

Adam Weishaupt| 9.10.11 @ 3:40PM

Saw your reflection in a shop window, again, did you, Solo? Nothing to be ashamed of, poor fellow. Obama's handling (and W's, for that matter) of this neocon-induced economic nightmare has been tough on a lot of Americans. America is sick, and she needs a doctor.

Clint | 9.10.11 @ 10:45AM

The Israel Firsters Are Scared Of The Tea Party And Our Tea Party Co-Favorite Presidential Candidate Dr.Ron Paul.

Associated Press-GfK poll: Ron Paul the most favorable GOP candidate

A new national poll of the general population has revealed that top tier candidate Ron Paul is the most favorable choice in the Republican Presidential nomination race.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 1:59PM

....and the cow jumped over the moon, while the dish ran away with the spoon!!!!!

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:54PM

Fart's Scared of The Tea Party.

linda| 9.10.11 @ 12:19PM

Does this place have a moderator? It could really use one.

Clint | 9.10.11 @ 1:01PM

And You Tell It To Your GOP RINO-CINO Flunkie Stooges, little linda.

What Goes Around, Comes Around.

You Crybaby's Start It & Then Can't Finish It.

Oldefarte| 9.11.11 @ 2:00PM

rebit, rebit, rebit!!!!!!!!!

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:53PM

You're Scared of The Tea Party, RINO-CINO Fart.

Bruno| 9.10.11 @ 1:40PM

Paul was coming on to Perry and Perry just let him know that if he pulled that Paul-Bruno stuff he would kick his butt. Paul backed off and that was that. No harm no foul. Clint need not be jealous, nothing happened.

John A. Stormer| 9.10.11 @ 1:53PM

Very cute, Bruno ... except, apparently, Perry has never turned down a sexual advance from ANYONE, male or female. Obama's camp knows this, and you can bet your aspertame that they'll sit on it until next summer. Meanwhile, they're praying for Perry.

Word is that the guv likes to pitch, but that he's more of a softball type.

So, go wave your Perry pride signs, and get your man crush nominated.

Perry-diots (per-EEE-diots). Gotta wonder.

Bruno| 9.10.11 @ 5:45PM

Well I can tell you for sure that Ronny is a catcher.

Clint| 9.10.11 @ 5:55PM

More Queer Talk From Ricky Parry Algore Cheerleader, Brunella.

Bruno| 9.10.11 @ 10:29PM

I am a Ronny Paul man all the way. He went to the motel room with me. Get over it.

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 9:14AM

That's your first mistake. You ain't a man.

Bruno| 9.11.11 @ 9:54AM

Maybe so but he went to the hotel room with me. I will still vote for him. As you know he is what man love is all about. You are like exhibit A.

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:57PM

No Maybe's About It,. You're A Flamer Fag.

Bruno| 9.11.11 @ 8:55PM

We are birds of a feather. We both love the same man but he went to the motel with me. Get over it.

Bruno| 9.11.11 @ 8:57PM

How can he lose? He has the Republican gay vote. With Clint on board so to speak Ron Paul will go all the way. I hope he also gets the nomination.

General Smedley Butler| 9.10.11 @ 1:41PM

Neocons really do have a natural advantage in politics, I regret to admit: you see, neocons know their agenda is a poison pill, so they wrap it in candy, and sell it straight to the masses.

We conservatives, on the other hand, offer a healthy diet and exercise, for a long happy life, and, frankly, Americans have become so dumbed down and lazy that they prefer the sweet-tasting poison.

There are just not enough intelligent and energetic people, willing to know and face the truth.

Neocons play the averages, and are generally successful at selling death to the masses. Give them their credit. Bravo, boys! Good show!

Bruno| 9.10.11 @ 5:46PM

You are a real fighter neolib boy.

General Smedley Butler| 9.10.11 @ 7:37PM

Is that a challenge, Brun-hilda? If so, you might wanna read my book and reconsider, you wannabe-conservative panty-waste (sic).

Bruno| 9.10.11 @ 10:32PM

Of course it is a challenge sissy neolib boy. You can take a brave man's name but you're still a sissy boy.

General Smedley Butler| 9.11.11 @ 11:34PM

You are obviously a sexually confused child. I initially thought you were just another wannabe-conservative neocon skum-bag. But, that's impossible, since you're obviously too young to vote. So, buzz of, kid. I don't wanna get accused of child abuse of gay bashing.

Bruno| 9.11.11 @ 11:51PM

That is wise of you neolib. You must follow all liberal conventions. You are the one suffering from confused man love for what it is worth. I am not the slightest confused. We are both Ron Paul supporters so we should be friendly in a Ron Paul sort of way.

General Smedley Butler| 9.12.11 @ 12:58AM

Look, kid, if you're having ... sexual ... feelings toward grown men, maybe you should talk to your rabbi, minister, priest, or boyscout leader.

On the other hand, maybe you should just talk to your parents. I'm not interested, and I can't help you.

Good luck, kid.

Clint| 9.10.11 @ 5:56PM

You're A Real Pussy, Brunella.

Bruno| 9.10.11 @ 10:33PM

Maybe but I got your main man Ronny in a hotel room. Get over it.

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 9:15AM

You can have Romney, ObamaBoy.

Bruno| 9.11.11 @ 9:55AM

We tried Romney but it was Paul who went to the motel room. Get over it.

Clint | 9.11.11 @ 3:56PM

You Talk Very Queer.

Bruno| 9.11.11 @ 8:54PM

My love for Ronny Paul isn't as strong as yours but he went to the motel with me. Get over it.

KJ| 9.11.11 @ 1:40PM

Ron Paul supported Reagan. He ran against a guy who initially ran against Reagan. Remember 'Read my lips, no new taxes'? The guy who deemed Reaganomics to be Voodoo economics? THAT is when Ron Paul left the party briefly to run to Bush's right and make a point about conservativism which is back on the front burner today.

Bernard Lindstrom| 9.11.11 @ 3:19PM

“Just hours after Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in January 1981, the hostages were finally released by the Iranians, evidently because they feared that the hawkish new President might actually launch a military strike against them. Yet if they had foreseen what was coming under Reagan, they would not have been so fearful. In April 1983, Hizbullah – an Islamic terrorist organization nourished by Iran and Syria – sent a suicide bomber to explode his truck in front of the American embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. Sixty-three employees, among them the Middle East CIA director, were killed and another 120 wounded. But Reagan sat still.

“Six months later, in October 1983, another Hizbullah suicide bomber blew up an American barracks in the Beirut airport, killing 241 U.S. Marines in their sleep and wounding another 81. This time Reagan signed off on plans for a retaliatory blow, but he then allowed his Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinberger, to cancel it (because it might damage our relations with the Arab world, of which Weinberger was always tenderly solicitous). Shortly thereafter, the President pulled the Marines out of Lebanon.

“Having cut and run in Lebanon in October, Reagan again remained passive in December, when the American embassy in Kuwait was bombed. Nor did he hit back when, hard upon the withdrawal of the American Marines from Beirut, the CIA station chief there, William Buckley, was kidnapped by Hizbullah and then murdered. Buckley was the fourth American to be kidnapped in Beirut, and many more suffered the same fate between 1982 and 1992 (though not all died or were killed in captivity).”

The above was written by Norman Podhoretz, about Ronald Reagan. Nor-Pod, in fact, once described President Reagan's Soviet policy as "appeasement by any other name."

According to Goldstein's reasoning, the above is proof-positive that A) Norman Podhoretz was anti-Reagan, and B) that Norman Podhoretz's political philosophy and worldview - what was called by Irving Kristol "neoconservatism" - is distinct from and opposed to Reagan-style political conservatism.

Also I would ask Mr. Goldstein an either/or question:

Was Reagan a "cut and run", pro-"appeasement" President (vis a vis Islamic terrorism and the Soviet Empire respectively), or was Norman Podhoretz an anti-Reagan liar?

yisong| 10.27.11 @ 2:16AM

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