-
Dismantling Networks, Preventing Footholds
May 23, 2013 | 2 comments
-
I Agree With Andy McCarthy: No Special Counsel
May 23, 2013 | 5 comments
-
Issa Recovers
May 22, 2013 | 4 comments
-
Colorado Governor Gives “Reprieve” to Murderer
May 22, 2013 | 1 comment
-
Steven Crowder: Jesus vs. Muhammad
May 22, 2013 | 2 comments
The Spectacle Blog
Those of you who want to read my thoughts on all the candidates’ performances in last night’s Bloomberg/Washington Post Republican presidential debate (transcript) can find them at this link. For now, however, I’d like to focus on the three front-running candidates:
Rick Perry needed a great performance and didn’t have one. Between mismatching verbs and nouns, stumbling in his speech (though less than last time), and returning time after time after time to his plan to expand domestic energy exploration, he seemed like a man with few ideas and not a very good grasp of those. For a guy who needed a home run, Perry didn’t even get on base.
Herman Cain was energetic and charismatic, but is beginning to fall into the “one trick pony” category. No matter what the question was about, Cain kept returning to his 9-9-9 plan. It’s one thing to focus, but another thing for that focus to keep a candidate from demonstrating understanding of a wider range of issues. Cain showed that he could hold his own, but his signature plan was almost the only thing he talked about and that plan finally came under some substantive attack, with Rick Santorum effectively asking the audience for a show of hands to show a lack of enthusiasm for a national sales tax and a lack of belief that the tax rates would be kept at 9 percent. While Mr. Cain certainly benefited from receiving more air time and attention than any other candidate, I would venture that the net impact of the debate was fairly neutral for him.
Mitt Romney was, as usual, well prepared and presidential. And as usual, I think he won the debate on style points while leaving me cold on a couple of big policy issues.
First, his aggressiveness versus China is, in my view, populist economic nonsense designed for little more than to get the votes of Midwest “Reagan Democrats” and taking serious risk to do so. While Romney is right that China would not relish a trade war, that doesn’t mean that they won’t participate in one if pushed. Furthermore, Romney’s bluster betrays a serious misunderstanding of Asian politics generally, in which “face” is extremely important. Dealing with the Chinese is not like dealing with the Russians or western Europeans; negotiating with tough language in public is a recipe for failure. Romney’s position is probably a political winner, but it’s economically insane.
Second, I hated his answer to Gingrich’s question about offering capital gains relief only to those earning below $200,000 a year. In short, Romney argued that those people are the ones most hurt by the current economic downturn, adding that “I’m not worried about rich people”…again more pandering, far too similar to something Obama would say. However, as Gingrich pointed out, “you actually lose economic effectiveness if you limit capital gains tax cuts only to people who don’t get capital gains.” Romney’s position here is unwise economically, and probably not as good politically as he believes. The Republican Party and economic realists in general desperately need a political leader who understands economics and isn’t afraid to champion smart policies even if the explanation to the economically uneducated public is not easy. The point of capital gains tax cuts is not simply tax relief. It is that the pro-growth follow-on effects of the cuts benefit everyone, as proven during the second half of the Clinton presidency following that president’s reluctant approval of capital gains tax cuts. Again, Romney is choosing populism over both principle and sound economics.
Other than these issues, Romney did a very good job, particularly in explaining how Romneycare is not like Obamacare. (I’ll leave it to you to decide whether you believe him; my point is that he’s become quite proficient at distancing himself from Obamacare, including reiterating his intent to repeal Obamacare.)
Romney also did a good job reminding people that he has been a job creator and a leader, and has worked most of his life in the real economy. He was effective in explaining how the Obama administration’s regulations are choking off credit to small business via community banks, showing a level of real-world understanding that Cain’s focus on 9-9-9 missed.
Romney was less clear when it came to the issue of TARP and bank bailouts. Basically he said (and Herman Cain agreed) that the bank bailout was necessary to save our entire financial system and the currency, arguing that it was the plan’s implementation and bailout of particular institutions which was the problem. However, it’s hard to understand what the difference is between bailing out banks and bailing out “a bank.” For the average viewer who hasn’t spent much time thinking about these issues, Romney’s answer was probably convincing. For me, not so much.
One other interesting point: During the time when the candidates were allowed to question each other, Romney asked Michele Bachmann a complete softball question, unlike the pointed questions asked by every other candidate of someone else at the table. Again makes me think they’ve talked about her being his running mate.
Romney also routinely shows a sense of humor, something voters certainly like to see — particularly in comparison to our famously “cool” and humorless current president.
Overall, Mitt Romney won yet another debate. He comes across as presidential and electable, as well as likeable, and yet I still struggle greatly with some of his major policy positions which strike me as so political to not even have considered principle or good economics. Unfortunately, Romney will not back away from any of these, not least because he knows that “flip-flopper” is already a charge that will come at him during a general election and he’d rather stick with an unsound position than add fuel to that fire.
Romney’s performances continue to make me wish Newt Gingrich were electable. If we put Gingrich’s brain with Romney’s more affable personality (and great hair), we’d have someone who not only could win, but would truly deserve to be president.
********
In political betting at Intrade.com, Rick Perry has dropped from about 19 percent to 12 percent since the debate. Mitt Romney jumped from 61 percent to 68 percent. And despite all the media attention to him, political bettors are not convinced that Herman Cain can go the distance: he is trading just over 9 percent, up less than one percent from before the debate.
View all comments (66) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Ross Kaminsky
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/10/12/debate-thoughts
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Waltdo| 10.12.11 @ 1:04PM
In political betting at Intrade.com, Rick Perry has dropped from about 19 percent to 12 percent since the debate. Mitt Romney jumped from 61 percent to 68 percent. And despite all the media attention to him, political bettors are not convinced that Herman Cain can go the distance: he is trading just over 9 percent, up less than one percent from before the debate.
Meanwhile, Ron Paul is at 2.5%. But there are 317 shares on Ron Paul for sale at 30 cents each, so maybe Paul's supporters here can pool their money and push him up over the 3% mark!
Clint| 10.12.11 @ 1:20PM
"Recent polls and last night’s debate in New Hampshire indicate that there is in fact a new top tier among Republican primary contenders: former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Godfather Pizza CEO Herman Cain, and Texas Congressman Ron Paul (left). It’s clear that despite the best efforts of the Establishment and the mainstream media, Paul steadfastly remains a top-tier candidate in New Hampshire. A recent Harvard University Institute of Politics and New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College poll shows that Paul remains in third place with 13 percent of the vote."
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Waltdo| 10.12.11 @ 1:50PM
Let's see if google can help us figure out where that snippet of text came from ... ah, yes. Here it is.
If you can't trust the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, who can you trust?
In other news, a poll people might have actually heard of has Cain in the lead, followed by Romney, then Newt, then Perry. The big news being that Perry has done so poorly that even Newt is polling better than him.
Then looking down in the single digits we have Bachmann, Paul, and Huntsman. Paul lost more than half his support, down 6 points from the same poll a month ago.
Flipping to page two ... ooh, this is bad. Paul's "unfavorable" number, 54%, is higher than every other candidate. Every one. And it's not even close.
Page three ... sorry Clint. He's hardly anyone's first choice and he's hardly anyone's second choice either. Only Santorum, Huntsman and Johnson do worse there.
http://www.publicpolicypolling.....121122.pdf
Clint| 10.12.11 @ 6:06PM
" IBOPE Zogby Poll: Cain Expands Lead Over GOP Field & Leads Obama, 46%-44%
Obama Approval Steady at 41%
UTICA, NY--Herman Cain has opened up a 20 percentage point lead among likely Republican primary voters in the race for the Presidential nomination, and also holds a narrow lead among all likely voters over President Barack Obama.
Cains share of the GOP primary has jumped 10 percentage points since Sept. 26 and is now at 38%. Mitt Romney is second with 18%, followed by both Rick Perry and Ron Paul, at 12% each."
Clint| 10.12.11 @ 6:21PM
PPP is a Democrat Polling Organization & The Poll Was Taken Before Last Night's New Hampshire Debate,Where Cain Got Exposed On The FED, 9-9-9, TARP, Etc.
Like Our Tea Party Co-Favorite Sarah Palin Said, Cain's "The Flavor Of The Week".
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Clint| 10.12.11 @ 1:27PM
Romney Supported TARP & His RomneyCare Aids Met With The ObamCare Apparatchiks.
"Romney holds a commanding lead in the Granite State, with a recent NBC News/Marist poll showing that Romney enjoyed 45 percent support compared with 13 percent for Cain and Ron Paul. Perry, for his part, only had 7 percent support. "
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Solo| 10.12.11 @ 2:00PM
Well Clint....I would suggest that your "evidence", as quoted, doesn't support your conclusion: "The Tea Party Rebellion is here".
It would appear as though, as far as New Hampshire is concerned, the "Moderate, Establishment Rebellion is here".
Cut and Paste all you want but, the fact is...Ron Paul will finish this run just about where he finished the last one: At about 2% nationally.
Perry, warts and all, is about as close to a conservative as we're going to get to defeat Obama. Pity!
I am beginning to agree with skeptics who disparage our republican field as ....'wanting'.
It's beginning to look pretty pathetic.
Frankly....it's actually beginning to look to me as though Santorum and Gingrich are the two remaining conservative "policy" guys left in the race.
Clint| 10.12.11 @ 6:03PM
" Harris Poll: Ron Paul, Mitt Romney Would Top President Obama
Released on Tuesday, September 27, the latest Harris Poll surveyed 2,462 adults and was conducted between September 12 and 19. According to the poll, if Texas Congressman Ron Paul wins the Republican presidential nomination he would beat Obama by 51 percent to 49 percent in the general election."
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Ron Paul| 10.12.11 @ 7:10PM
C'mon, Clint; even I don't believe that shit...
Bibi Netanyahu | 10.13.11 @ 12:03AM
I'm Scared Of The Tea Party & Their Co-Favorite Presidential Candidate Dr. Ron Paul.
They Might Take Away Israel's Rice Bowl.
Steve A| 10.12.11 @ 1:34PM
Ross, You are absolutely correct on Gingrich. What are your thoughts on Gingrich as a possible VP? He brings a ton to the table in terms of his ability to voice conservative cause & navigate the morass of DC policy making. Of course, he will be painted as Cheney on steroids but, what the heck, they all will so may as well go for quality ideas & the ability to implement.
Ross Kaminsky | 10.12.11 @ 5:15PM
Steve,
I just think that Gingrich is poison in a general election, and I say that with no happiness.
Occam's Tool| 10.12.11 @ 1:42PM
Gingrich might be very useful as head of the NSA.
David T| 10.12.11 @ 2:05PM
Gingrich may not be out of the running. When Perry finally collapses and Cain runs out of steam, who's the best alternative to Romney?
JP| 10.12.11 @ 2:27PM
Rank and file conservatives do not like nor trust Mitt Romney. However, he has the support of the RNC, the Beltway, and the Chamber of Commerce types. And those people will see to it that primary voters turn out for thier man.
Mitt Romney will find himself in the exact same place McCain did 3 years ago. He may have captured the nomination, but he will lack significant conservative support. Everything from Global Warming (which he supports) to perhaps a trade war with Asia (which he is leaning towards) show a man at odds with his own party.
The question on my mind is this: will he just turn out to be another GOP caretaker of our beomouth federal government? Like Mitch Daniels, Romney touts his executive and managerical expertise. But, what our nation needs is a radical departure from the 70 year status quo. Is Mitt the man to do that? I don't think so.
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 2:25PM
"Romney's performances continue to make me wish Newt Gingrich were electable."
Took the words right out of my mouth... Gingrich repeatedly demonstrates that he is the adult in the room; he's serious, knowledgable (not superficially knowledgable, but with a broad and deep understanding of the issues and an appreciation for nuance not demonstrated by other candidates), articulate, confident, and (perhaps most refreshing of all) doesn't really give a shit about what the media think about him (too bad this last one has and will continue to work to his detriment).
Clint| 10.12.11 @ 3:43PM
" Dr. Ron Paul served in the United States Air Force as a flight surgeon for several years (1963-1965). While in the air force, Paul reached the rank of Captain. Directly after his service in the air force, Paul worked again as a flight surgeon for the United States Air National Guard (1965-1968)."
" Overall, 71 percent of military donations for the 2012 presidential race have gone to Ron Paul, while Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann received five percent, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney eight percent, and Cain 13 percent. All other candidates combined have received three percent of the military donations. "
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 3:58PM
Congratulations! The good Dr. Paul got 71% of the donations from 0.4% of the population. What percent of the donations did he get from the other 99.6%?
Rebellion, indeed...
Clint| 10.12.11 @ 5:51PM
Indeed A Rebellion.
" Ron Paul reports raising more than $8 million in third quarter.
October 05, 2011:
Rep. Ron Paul raised more than $8 million for his presidential campaign in the last three months, the Texas congressman announced Wednesday.
Paul touted the grass-roots nature of his haul, noting that more than 100,000 individual donors "
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Here.
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 7:12PM
Proving the old addage, "A fool is soon parted from his money."
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 7:12PM
adage...(crap)
Clint| 10.13.11 @ 12:05AM
You're Bein' Kinda Crappy, Trina.
Matt| 10.12.11 @ 2:26PM
You still consider Perry a front-runner? How did you even get this job? I don't care if you like Ron Paul or not the guy has had consistenly growing support from the beginning, and unlike those other dopes once someone is a Ron Paul supporter they don't go back, write all the negative you like about RP, we'll see who shows up on election day, or are you guys planning to rig that too?
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 2:54PM
So now the American Spectator is rigging elections? Really? All this time I thought it was Paul's demonstrably foolish and shockingly naive foreign policy positions that were dragging him down - now I find out that it's been a nefarious plot engineered by AS that has kept him in the bottom tier all along. I need to get out more...
tonypal| 10.12.11 @ 7:06PM
Yeah, but didn't you know he created the Tea Party?
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 7:13PM
I tought he discovered fire...
Clint| 10.13.11 @ 12:14AM
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. "
Casey Abell| 10.12.11 @ 2:32PM
Yeah, agree on Gingrich. Hope he hangs around in the debates even though he has no shot at the nomination. He makes things fun. Complete command of every issue, and the occasional rhetorical flourish. Barney Frank in jail? Okay, over the top but it's an, uh, interesting image.
As for my guy Rick Perry, well, if he could only keep his centuries straight, he would make a good frat house speaker. Not so good in debates, though, I'm afraid.
Casey Abell| 10.12.11 @ 2:42PM
Oh, I've had my say on Cain elsewhere, to much disagreement. But I think Ross' "fairly neutral" evaluation is generous, to say the least. Santorum got in a very effective attack on that national sales tax. And since Cain doesn't have much of anything else, it was a very effective attack on Cain, period.
Ross Kaminsky | 10.12.11 @ 5:16PM
Casey, in my note on my web site at http://rossputin.com I made the same point about Santorum. I just needed to keep this note shorter so really only focused on the three people highest in the polls at the moment.
elmo| 10.12.11 @ 2:42PM
I doubt Romney can beat O'blamer. He is too moderate, been around too long, and offers no excitement to bring out the vote. If he does somehow pull out a win, conservatives will still lose with his Scott Brown's policies and actions.
Casey Abell| 10.12.11 @ 2:54PM
By the way, the PPP poll mentioned earlier in the thread is a big outlier. See the RCP averages...
http://realclearpolitics.com/e.....-1452.html
But I still take Cain seriously for the GOP nom, unlike some pundits who are already writing him off as a sales-tax-snake-oil salesman. We'll see if PPP's numbers are confirmed by other pollsters.
If Cain somehow gets the nom, Barry can start ordering the new curtains for the second term. That national sales tax will take the GOP out big.
Waltdo| 10.12.11 @ 3:43PM
The RCP averages don't change the picture for Paul, but it doesn't look as good for Cain. On the other hand some of those polls in the average are from a week to ten days ago, and a lot of Cain's gains and Perry's losses have been that recent.
I agree with you that Cain wouldn't do well in the general election, but not because of a national sales tax proposal. Most people who pay income tax now would pay less tax overall. That's going to appeal to many conservatives. The corporate tax rate would go down which is good for business, and another appeal to conservatives. And a lot of conservatives point out that 49% of the population doesn't pay any tax at all, but under Cain's plan they'd finally have some skin in the game to the tune of 9%. There's a lot about the plan that conservatives will like once they understand it.
1blumutt| 10.12.11 @ 3:10PM
Wish you had highlighted M. Bachmann's response to Tumulty's "gotcha" question about the cause financial meltdown. I do not support Bachmann for president, but she absolutely nailed the problem. I wish you had highlighted PBS's soppy old Rose's question to Gingrich, 'Clearly, you're not saying they should go to jail.' I ask, "Is there something somewhere stating Democrats cannot be jailed?"
Ross Kaminsky | 10.12.11 @ 5:17PM
Again, on my own web site I did address this, but I wanted to keep the blog posting here shorter. Check out my site at http://rossputin.com if you're so inclined.
RJ| 10.12.11 @ 3:22PM
While Romney is smooth, he again convinced me that he would say whatever he thought was the popular answer. We are in a crisis and need a real leader to reform a corrupt, dysfunctional government. Romney is not up to the job. He is an executive version of John Boehner.
With no candidate (Perry, Bachmann, Cain et. al.) really stepping up to overtake Romney, I am reconsidering Newt. I dismissed his chances when he entered the race, but he makes a powerful statement almost every time he speaks. His statement about the Wall Street protestors and the media was the highlight of the debate for me. I have watched that clip several times. No doubt he has baggage. So did Winston Churchill before he became Prime Minister.
If none of the other candidates rise up to overcome Romney, Newt may have a Churchillian opportunity. I am still looking for a candidate, but with Bachmann, Perry and Cain falling short, Newt may by the man who will seize the moment. God knows, we need one.
Simon Templar| 10.12.11 @ 4:27PM
What really infuriates me is the whiny, weak, constant complaining, navel gazing, self defeating attitude that seems to pervade this web magazine and much of the bloggers here.
No one seems to be able to keep focus no more than 20 seconds. Every comment and article here for the most part, with a few exceptions, is negative and whiny and much of it is based more on conjecture, personal whims and bias, and self defeating attitudes.
To make matters even worse, I constantly hear the parroting of liberal talking points and smears against these candidates and this is not from the trolls.
Let alone the contradictions that seem endless. We bark all day about how we want a real person, a person of character, consistency, and a true conservative who can offer more than than the establishment beltway, smooth talking, nice hair, good in a debate candidate, RINO and then find that RINO leading the pack. It is nice to see the liberal progressive media and the establishment GOP agreeing on a candidate. To hell with what the rest of us want and the general public at large.
The weird thing is the conservative candidates participate in this charade as well. Romney has not been vetted and he has remained essentially uncriticized. The candidates spent most of their energy attacking each other with the complicity of the media both liberal and conservative while Romney stood there combing his great hair.
Hey, if you really believe that a true conservative can not ever be elected and this march to socialism stopped, then let us be at least honest about. Is that too much to ask? This is exactly what I see going down here.
Then let us knock off this nonsense about this being a center to right nation and stop all this drumbeating about small government, the founding fathers, how great the Tea Party is, and all the rest.
If conservatives keep thinking of themselves as a minority, weak, and accomodating, then you WILL lose this war.
Take the comment above, no offense RJ, I agree with you, but it mentions the baggage of Newt as a decisive factor and impediment. Why?
What democratic candidate in the history of this country has not HAD BAGGAGE. This does not seem to stop them! Why do we bow down to these double standards and the narratives written by the opposition?
If we lose then we lose but do we not owe it to ourselves, our principles, and our dignity to fight back with all the hell and fury we can muster?
Are we so truly helpless?
Cain comes out with an idea that explodes and resonates with the public and what do you do? Tear it to shreads and shit on it. Who does this serve?
My god, is it any wonder why the vast independent voters always lean left when it comes down to the wire. You JUST DO NOT GET! It is about controlling the image and the message and presenting leadership and direction and unity and positiveness.
Where the hell is the other plans for reforming the tax code? Instead of destroying the whole idea of reform, which is what you ultimately did, the other candidates should have been up there proposing their own and saying why their plans were even better than Cains.
Is this too hard to grasp? Just listen to the talking heads. Out of one mouth they complain how this election system is corrupt and out of the other how the guy with the most money is the only real choice. If that was not bad enough, they support this by ignoring the other candidates.
Odd thing is this. Ross, you come to mind in this aspect. You probably are a very nice guy in person. Someone to have a beer with and chew the fat. Someone that loves his family and community. However, like so many of us, you really do not know what fire exactly you are playing with and the extent to which this nation is at stake here. I am sure I sound to your ears like an alarmist and probably a little nuts. And that is what we all seem to suffer from...this myopic belief that all will just be fine, we are somehow special here as Americans, most of everything is just exaggerated rhetoric, it will all work out, and at the very least, I will muddle through and be OK.
This is what all people tell themselves in all eras and civilizations on the precipice of collaspe.
This Republic is in your hands..let's see if you and we can keep it.
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 4:34PM
I got lost in Chapter 13...
Simon Templar| 10.12.11 @ 4:39PM
You are exactly what I am talking about. Thanks for making my point. You really need to practice increasing your attention span a little beyond that of a chimpanzee. Get lost troll.
Simon Templar| 10.12.11 @ 4:40PM
Oh, was that not short enough? Too many big words and concepts to digest?
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 6:39PM
My dear friend,
It's not that I find your words and "concepts" (ah, what the hell, I'll be generous and accord them the status of concepts) too big; on the contrary, I find them rather small and utterly lacking in any original insight. By way of example, consider the following statement, written with the laughably self-important professorial tone that one encounters so frequently among armchair blog philosophers:
"It is about controlling the image and the message and presenting leadership and direction and unity and positiveness."
Really? So what your revealing to us is that in the context of a national election, it generally redounds to the benefit of a party to have a clear, concise, and compelling message, and ensure that the message is delivered in a consistent and positive manner by candidates who project an image of leadership and unity?
EUREKA! Honey - get Rove and Carville on the phone! We're about to revolutionize the way campaigns are run in this country! God damnit, this boy is a genius!
You see, sport, it's not that we can't comprehend what your saying, it's just that we've heard it before and therefore don't find it particularly novel or interesting. I know this might come as a shock to you, as it's clear that you find yourself to be exceptionally bright and incredibly insightful. Regrettably, by all available evidence, you're neither.
By the way, it's MR. Chimpanzee to you.
Vigilant Patriot| 10.12.11 @ 8:56PM
You are an asshole.
Simon Templar| 10.12.11 @ 9:25PM
Thank you, Vigilant Patriot, I could have not said it better.
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 10:40PM
Concise, eloquent, on point...I like it; well done, sport (I can tell you really put some thought into it). Bravo!
Simon Templar| 10.12.11 @ 9:56PM
I am not really interested in having a pissing match with someone that is obviously a cynic and can not even see his own sense of self absorbed overblow sense of importance and snarkiness.
Your original response was typical of most immature and self absorbed trolls. Nothing of substance but just a little inconsequential and meaningless smarmy remark about the length of my comment.
Now, if the statement that you chose to criticize, "It is about controlling the image and the message and presenting leadership and direction and unity and positiveness." is so obvious and unoriginal then why is it not being followed or practiced? The fact is it is not and most people in politics today do not really get it, understand it, or accept it.
This is why people like Trump, Cain, Gingrich, and even Ron Paul resonate with people and are so few and far and between in the total political landscape. People are starving for exactly what I described. They are out there dying of thirst and hunger for this kind of message, attitude, and leadership. The kind of message that the Left has been quite well at spinning from time to time and has mastered despite the fact that their message is so full of deception and is often focused on defining and controlling the narratives about their opposition. They get it. This is why they took over the universities first then the media and schools of journalism. If our side started using this approach and became fully aware of its complexity, power, and how to marshal it and our public began to demand it, you would see a revolution..a conservative revolution.
The consept of the 'narrative' is a great example. This is quite a new idea for many conservatives as it is a post modern concept essentially developed by the Left.
So, you do not find it novel and interesting.
So, what. Apparently, quite a few people here do and do appreciate my point of view and know EXACTLY what I am talking about and the importance that we conservatives begin to look more closely at these concepts.
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 10:51PM
Tell the truth, Simon - you sprout wood reading your own posts, don't you?
Look, you have every right to labor under the perception that your observations are profound; indeed, it's no skin off my ass if you want to revel in what you perceive to be the fragrant and intoxicating aroma of your own flatulence. Be advised, however, that I intend to exercise my right to disagree. Don't like it? Don't have to; that's the way it works. Ain't it beautiful?
By the way, what are you, 12? "Quite a few people here find what I have to say novel and interesting.". Really, I'm embarrassed for you.
Simon Templar| 10.13.11 @ 3:43PM
They do in fact..you are the one that accussed me of being non interesting and unoriginal. I was addressing that accusation. You really know how to project. If you have nothing to say but call names and talk about flatulence then maybe you should take a walk. You can disagree all you want. I do not expect you to do anything one way or another. What I do find of value is an intelligent conversation and something to offer, besides smarmy remarks and put downs, which you seem incapable of providing.
You did not address a single point I made.
You remind me of that OWS idiot inteviewed by the British reporter who told him, "Because it is my opinion," when asked why he tought he should have his schooling paid for by someone else. See he did not have to have a reason or an argument, he just needed to state his worthless opinion cause all opinions are all equal and that is good enough; they do not need to be backed up with anything.
As far as I can see other than disliking and hating what I said, you do not have anything else.
Stay on your island and talk to yourself.
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 7:06PM
Well done, Simon; well done! What a remarkably eloquent and profoundly elegant retort. You've acquitted yourself well, my friend.
Pardon me for asking, but was "get lost troll" your own creation? I must say it's eerily reminiscent of a line I've heard before; I just can't seem to place it (Churchill? Cicero? Shakespeare? Virgil? I give up...).
Simon Templar| 10.12.11 @ 10:25PM
We could always go with my favorite for people like you, "you are an asshole" and leave it at that.
I am not sure you rise to even that level.
Or we could just ignore you and you just might go away on your own like a hemorrhoid.
Trinacria| 10.12.11 @ 10:56PM
That's Mr. Asshole to you(I'm not going to tell you again). Really, sport, even your insults are boring and uninspired.
You keep at it though; there are "quite a few people here" who think you're interesting...
Simon Templar| 10.13.11 @ 3:49PM
You can keep on making your lame smarmy remarks like a childish bore. You do not deserve an intelligent response because you ignore them and return volley about flatulence, sporting events, and sprouting wood. Got any ideas in your own head about the matter discussed here?
If Mr. Asshole is what you would like then so be it, Mr. Asshole.
Ross Kaminsky | 10.12.11 @ 5:20PM
Simon,
I think I do understand the ramifications of this election cycle.
I keep coming back, not only in writing but in my own mind, to the question of whether I would rather support Romney if I think he's 53-47 over Obama or a more principled candidate who I think is 50/50.
In 2008, I was definitely on the latter page. But I don't think this country can afford 4 more years of Obama so I'm tempted to go with the most conservative electable Republican. At the moment, fully understanding that Mitt Romney is barely conservative, he might still be the most conservative ELECTABLE Republican.
I'm not saying I know that for sure, and I have not committed to anyone (despite a lot of pressure from local friends who are supporting Romney.)
tonypal| 10.12.11 @ 7:13PM
Ross, what many people here are forgetting is that if Romney becomes president, he will be dealing with an ideologically conservative Congress that will not be in the mood for half measures. Romney is a problem if he's dealing with democrat majorities or limp wristed republicans. I have many problems with the man, but I'm quite certain I'll be running at top speed to the polling booth on election day if he's our nominee. The alternative is almost incomprehensibly terrifying.
Simon Templar| 10.12.11 @ 10:12PM
Tonypal, an excellent and astute observation.
Simon Templar| 10.12.11 @ 10:11PM
Ross, thank you for taking the time to reply and explaining where you are coming from on such an important issue and election cycle.
I think your comment really has given me a better understanding of not only how you actually think about these matters but the predicament that we all are facing here. I stand corrected. It is difficult sometimes to get a real sense of an author's position by these articles alone and sometimes it is easy to make assumptions about them.
I hope you do understand where I am coming from on the other points that I was attempting to make. There is so much at stake here and we really need to be more cognizant of our message, how this election is being conducted, how we tend to be played by the Left and the media, and what we can do to turn these situations to our advantages. The conventional wisdoms may not be the best thing to follow at this point as well. I hate to use a cliche but we have to start thinking out of the box.
Butch| 10.12.11 @ 5:35PM
I agree with you, Simon. This is absolutely no way for people to make up their minds: a six-or-seven person "debate" wherein everybody gets one minute to live or die. The second and third of this fiasco chain destroyed Rick Perry in the minds of almost all here, despite the fact that they were six-on-one and nobody touched Romney on his "baggage"--socialized medicine, global warming, lifelong flip-flopping, but hey, he is a good "debater." Obama will destroy him because Romney can't touch him--he's vulnerable himself on issues most important to the base, and he won't dare touch Obama's general idiology. Of this group, only Romney is sure to lose to Obama.
People are making up their minds on these stupid "debates." Ability to energize the base, ability to raise money, willingness to go for Obama's jugular, well, forget about those things. It's who is the best seven-way "debater" that matters.
RJ| 10.12.11 @ 6:36PM
Hi Simon,
I sincerely hope Newt's "baggage" is not a decisive factor, because we need to focus on more substantive matters and Newt is looking more and more like the right man for the times. (and I think he would be happy being compared to Churchill.)
Unfortunately, some of his history is an impediment to his chances. There are women I speak with who constantly mention his divorces, as if being a good spouse is the primary qualification for President. Other baggage is based on him agreeing with Al Gore on climate change, as well as siding with liberals on some other issues.
Nonetheless, I believe that the crisis we are facing may lead to voters to put aside Newt's "baggage" and consider him on the merits. He may turn out to be America's Churchill.
You are right. We need to be tough and smart in the fight against statism. I don't see Romney ever being politically courageous. Newt is and I hope Perry is.
Kingofthenet| 10.12.11 @ 5:52PM
My take only two there can take on the President in debates without looking like fools, (Well actually a couple more but they won't get that far) either Cain or Mittens. Cain has to fill out his policy ideas, but otherwise thinks well on his feet.(Not to mention the President won't get all snarky like Michelle). Mittens is pretty slick, but is going to have a hard time distancing and DIFFERENTIATING himself from the President.
Clint| 10.12.11 @ 6:33PM
President Obama's job approval rating for the month of September averaged 41%, matching the low point of his term achieved in August, reports the Gallup Poll.
Nite| 10.12.11 @ 7:01PM
These so called debates were moderated pretty much by liberals and the goal was to knock off Perry. Bachmann and Santorum attacked over essentially non-issues. Perry did not say much last night, and I can't say I blame him. I will say it looked pretty much in the various debates that Bachmann and Santorum were carrying water for Romney. Has he promised them something if he is the nominee? Perry just got into the race and still does not have everything up and running. It is still early, and I prefer to cut him some slack. Perry was heavily attacked by WaPo with a non-story, then Cain attacked him, and the various conservative web sites have also been vicious with constant attacks by supportors of Bachmann, Cain, Romney, and Paul. The ugly comments have been beyond the pale. Uninformed voters will read these comments and believe them. Republicans for the most part want anyone but Mitt. The liberal media and GOP establishment want liberal Mitt. Conservative Republicans have trashed and destroyed a staunch conservative candidate in Governor Perry. At the rate we are going, Obama will be re-elected.
RJ| 10.12.11 @ 9:55PM
Don't worry, it is still early in the race and there is plenty of time for Perry to make a move to the top of the field if he gets better at stating his positions. Frankly, I admired him to sticking to his unpopular position regarding in-state tuition for illegals. It showed he wouldn't blow in the wind to get votes, like Romney does.
Whoever the Republican nominee is, that person is going to be subjected to a relentless stream of unfair attacks by the media. We need a contested primary season to select the right warrior who can withstand such attacks and make a persuasive case for limited government. If a candidate cannot rise to this level in the primaries, he/she will have no chance in the finals. And we really need to win this one.
Simon Templar| 10.12.11 @ 10:17PM
Butch, RJ, and Nite..thank you very much for your replies. You fellows are why I still come here to blog. Excellent points. I have learned a great deal from your comments. Excellent discussion.
Ken (Old Texican)| 10.13.11 @ 8:00AM
Simon,
your comments are much appreciated. I do have one request; in your longer blogs...PLEASE make more paragraph breaks.
My old eyes have a hard time . Thanking you in advance.
Simon Templar| 10.13.11 @ 3:51PM
Thanks, Ken. I will try to remember to make more paragraph breaks.
GodNCountryWestern| 10.13.11 @ 7:37PM
I'm getting pretty tired of Country Club Republicans trashing Rick Perry. You can laugh all you want at us folks in Texas and all over Dixie, you can look down on us. We laugh at you. We control the GOP now. If you don't like how we talk, get out of our Party.
yisong| 10.25.11 @ 12:42AM
Slewing bearings manufactured by Yisong Precision Bearing can be used in radar tracking
system production, high precision machine tools turntable, medical equipment etc. http://www.1stbearing.com