I wonder if many of the old and new media conservative Republican pundits who lambasted Barack Obama for his immigration order will give Republican nominee Mitt Romney a pass on this one? How much of the past ringing declarations and anger were part of the (tiresome) political chest-beating ritual and how much involved principles that don't evaporate as soon as you really need … [Read more...] about Romney Moves Center: Says He Won’t Overturn Obama’s Immigration Order
The Silliest Political Ad of the Campaign: A Union’s Anti-Romney Ad
In a way, I feel a sense of relief. I had begun to doubt my own reaction as an independent voter since I had started to conclude that silliness and grasping at straws to try and find negatives about candidates was almost only happening on the GOP side. But, no, my faith that silliness and all-encompassing frenzy of partisans and groups to grab onto anything to strain and … [Read more...] about The Silliest Political Ad of the Campaign: A Union’s Anti-Romney Ad
Debate Attack Obama Should Make But Won’t
The President is poor-mouthing his prospects in tomorrow night’s debate. “Governor Romney is a good debater,” he tells a Las Vegas crowd. “I’m just okay.” Sadly, behind the fake modesty is an unexpressed truth: Barack Obama, with characteristic caution, will almost certainly skirt the heart of darkness underlying this election. Let me do it for him. Either before the … [Read more...] about Debate Attack Obama Should Make But Won’t
Will Maine Get a Truly Independent Senator (Revisited)?
In April I wrote this nationally syndicated Cagle column "Will The senate Soon Get a Truly Independent Senator?" in reference to the prospects that independent Angus King could win Maine's Senate seat. And John Avlon wrote this column in The Daily Beast. Now the answer increasingly seems to be (a resounding) "YES. … [Read more...] about Will Maine Get a Truly Independent Senator (Revisited)?
The Kitchen Debate Revisited (Guest Voice)
The Kitchen Debate Revisited by Tina Dupuy In the summer of 1959, then-Vice President Richard Nixon flew to Moscow to speak at the opening of the American National Exhibition. The exhibit was intended to showcase the advantages of American capitalism to the Soviets. Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, accompanied by an army of reporters, toured the life-sized model … [Read more...] about The Kitchen Debate Revisited (Guest Voice)
As Far as Worldwide Threats, Israel Tops Iran By a Wide Margin (La Jornada, Mexico)
Is it fair to say that if one had to choose between Iran or Israel - that Israel is more of a danger to global peace and security? This La Jornada editorial examines the recent volley of criticism launched against Iran at the United Nations by Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu, and charges President Obama with carrying on with Washington's traditional policy of double standards … [Read more...] about As Far as Worldwide Threats, Israel Tops Iran By a Wide Margin (La Jornada, Mexico)
Which Mitt Will Show Up?
WASHINGTON -- Wednesday's presidential debate promises sharp contrasts. One candidate wants to repeal Obamacare, one candidate invented it. One opposed the auto industry bailout, one takes credit for it. One doubts the scientific consensus about climate change, one believes in it. One wants to "voucherize" Medicare, one wants to save it. One dismisses nearly half of Americans … [Read more...] about Which Mitt Will Show Up?
Romney Ready for Obama’s ’47 Percent’ Attacks: Aide
Romney ready for Obama's '47 percent' attacks: aide (via AFP) Mitt Romney is prepared to fend off attacks during Wednesday's debate by President Barack Obama on the Republican's derisory remarks about the 47 percent of Americans who pay no federal income tax, a Romney aide said. Romney has been hounded over a video secretly recorded at a May fundraiser in … [Read more...] about Romney Ready for Obama’s ’47 Percent’ Attacks: Aide
Polls Show the Obama Romney Race Steadily Tightens: Back to Pre-Convention Levels
Several new polls show President Barack Obama's post-convention "bounce" is starting to wear off -- as is the impact of some of Republican challenger Mitt Romney's terrible September of fumbles and gaffes. The race is now back to a real horse race again -- right in time for the high-stakes debate Wednesday night which has almost been obscured by partisan expectations games … [Read more...] about Polls Show the Obama Romney Race Steadily Tightens: Back to Pre-Convention Levels
Media Look At The Election And The Supreme Court
As many of you know I am not one to buy in to the whole media conspiracy theory but sometimes I do see stories that make me wonder. An article up today on Yahoo paints a quasi horrified picture of the US Supreme Court should Mitt Romney wins the Presidency. Now you certainly cannot deny that there is a good chance that the next President will appoint one or more justices … [Read more...] about Media Look At The Election And The Supreme Court
The Inordinate Power of the Swing States to Decide the Presidency
It seems obscene; the presidency of the United States decided by a small group of states and a small segment of the population because of the Electoral College system. For those of us living in Connecticut, the presidential race appears to be occurring in another country that we can follow on the TV news or read about in the papers. Aside from visits for fund-raising, Obama … [Read more...] about The Inordinate Power of the Swing States to Decide the Presidency
Romney and Foreign Policy Plattitudes
Romney goes to The Wall Street Journal to present us with a foreign policy statement. Like all Romney policy statements it is devoid of substance and loaded with neoconservative platitudes and talking points. In this period of uncertainty, we need to apply a coherent strategy of supporting our partners in the Middle East—that is, both governments and individuals who share our … [Read more...] about Romney and Foreign Policy Plattitudes
Afghanistan: ‘It Should Be Over…’ (UPDATES)
Richard Hayes, Mitt Romney’s Trash Collector, Featured in New Ad Slamming 47 Percent Remark
Even Mitt Romney's garbage man, Richard Hayes, is taking offense to his 47 percent insult. Yeah, Richard Hayes is the dude who picks up trash at Romney's ocean-front mansion in La Jolla, Calif. Labor union AFSCME is out with a new spot, featuring Hayes saying how hard he works in his job everyday and that "we're kind of the invisible people:" My name is Richard Hayes, and I … [Read more...] about Richard Hayes, Mitt Romney’s Trash Collector, Featured in New Ad Slamming 47 Percent Remark
Women at the polls 2012
A lot of the political discourse and speculation in the 2012 election season is about the women's vote. There seem to be a lot of questions about why women tend to favor the Democratic Party over the Republican Party by large margins. I'll give you a clue. Women are humans and have the same penchant for genius and foibles that male humans have. Unfortunately they also still … [Read more...] about Women at the polls 2012
Gallup Poll: Obama Beats Romney as Better for Middle-Income Americans
A new Gallup Poll finds that more Americans by a wide margin think middle class earners will be in better shape after four years of Barack Obama than four years of Romney -- a poll that underscores Romney's task when he participates in a 90 minute debate Monday night: More Americans believe middle-income earners would be better off in four years if President Barack Obama … [Read more...] about Gallup Poll: Obama Beats Romney as Better for Middle-Income Americans
China Must ‘Strive to Influence’ American Presidential Elections (Huanqiu, People’s Republic of China)
There are times when the work we do makes me sit back and wipe my eyes. When it comes to foreign governments commenting on U.S. elections, this article from Beijing's state-run media is as unusual as it is brash. And given the ease with which anonymous money can be injected into U.S. elections since Citizens United, it should give all of us pause. So - with all of the … [Read more...] about China Must ‘Strive to Influence’ American Presidential Elections (Huanqiu, People’s Republic of China)
President Paul Ryan? Think About it
There were many reasons a majority of Americans (including this writer) voted for Barack Obama rather than John McCain in 2008. But one big one was McCain's choice of a running mate — Sarah Palin. The Alaska governor was so obviously, so manifestly unqualified to be President of the United States in the event President McCain died or became incapacitated, that the very thought … [Read more...] about President Paul Ryan? Think About it
Obama Throws Down Gauntlet to Romney on Debate
Obama throws down gauntlet to Romney on debate (via AFP) US President Barack Obama prepared Monday for his first debate with Mitt Romney, saying the clash was about security for hard-working Americans, not rhetorical "zingers." Obama heaped pressure on his foe, who is angling for a dramatic turnaround for his ailing campaign in Wednesday's showdown, before… … [Read more...] about Obama Throws Down Gauntlet to Romney on Debate
Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez: “If I Was from The United States, I Would Vote for Obama”
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I hope this doesn't harm Obama, but if I was from the United States, I'd vote for Obama." -- Venezuela's Hugo Chavez. Chavez also told Reuters: "Obama is a good guy ... I think that if Obama was from Barlovento or some Caracas neighborhood, he'd vote for Chavez," the president told state TV, referring to a poor coastal town known for the African roots of … [Read more...] about Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez: “If I Was from The United States, I Would Vote for Obama”