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October 05, 2012

Romney: Hey, On That Whole 47% Thing? Yeah, My Bad
— Ace

I know conservatives want to argue about this but I'm not sure why. There's a kind of Won't Back Down ethic in us, a kind of reflexive stubborness, but the while 47% of the country does not pay income taxes, I don't think one can argue that that all of these folks have an "entitlement mentality." Obviously, a segment of the population does, but there's no perfect overlap with the percentage who pay no federal income taxes.

Plus, some people who do pay federal income taxes -- like Sandra Fluke -- do have an entitlement mentality.

So he was talking about two different things, and there is truth in both of the individual points, but to suggest there's perfect overlap between the 47% and the entitlement mentality is simply wrong. There is a difference between the entitled and the striving, after all, though many of both may be poor; and there's a whole lot of entitlement in the upper strata of income.

So why defend it? Just say "I got that wrong" and move on.

Which is what he's decided to do.

In an interview Thursday night with Fox News, Romney was asked what he would have said had the "47 percent" comments come up during his debate in Denver on Wednesday night with President Barack Obama.
"Well, clearly in a campaign, with hundreds if not thousands of speeches and question-and-answer sessions, now and then you're going to say something that doesn't come out right," Romney said. "In this case, I said something that's just completely wrong."
He added: "And I absolutely believe, however, that my life has shown that I care about 100 percent and that's been demonstrated throughout my life. And this whole campaign is about the 100 percent."

Eh. I think it's hard enough to defend the things we get right against a hostile liberal media; we do not have the luxury of excess time to defend the mistakes, too.

Posted by: Ace at 05:09 AM | Comments (230)
Post contains 343 words, total size 2 kb.

1 well good for him...in time for the town hall ordeal.

Posted by: jeanne at October 05, 2012 05:12 AM (aKfRL)

2 Obama's Mo Jo goes missing, reward offered.

http://tinyurl.com/99jjhee

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 05:12 AM (wR+pz)

3 Let him move on....

Posted by: fu52 at October 05, 2012 05:12 AM (NYXC6)

4 Mixed feelings here. I think he should have just stuck with "bungled" and not cave to "Completely wrong".

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 46% more DOOM! at October 05, 2012 05:12 AM (MrM2k)

5 Of course a town hall question would give him the chance to more eloquently make the point he was trying for: that a society is best run when costs are shared.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 46% more DOOM! at October 05, 2012 05:13 AM (MrM2k)

6 This won't win him any votes, but may dispirit some of his base.

Posted by: Joe Mama at October 05, 2012 05:13 AM (rlba9)

7 I the scope of this whole Presidential election, this is a big meh.

Posted by: lowandslow at October 05, 2012 05:13 AM (GZitp)

8 Govt costs*

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 46% more DOOM! at October 05, 2012 05:13 AM (MrM2k)

9 Dale Carnegie said when you are wrong admit it and admit if profusely.

Good move.

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 05:14 AM (wR+pz)

10 >>>This won't win him any votes, but may dispirit some of his base. a fair part of his base is in the category of working but not making much money -- and in the 47%. And probably do not like to be branded as having an "entitlement mentality."

Posted by: ace at October 05, 2012 05:14 AM (LCRYB)

11 I suppose he could have said he consulted the BLS and just adjusted the number down to 37%.

Posted by: lowandslow at October 05, 2012 05:15 AM (GZitp)

12 I agree with his 47% statements, but I can see how it is and will be used to bash him and his campaign. He's playing long ball here.

We know the truth. Let's give him this one, and we'll sneak the truth in to a few more people.

Posted by: Jay in Ames at October 05, 2012 05:15 AM (i2Lsf)

I always understood him to say that Obama's 47% was not exclusively made up of people with no income tax liability, but rather that a portion of those who pay no income taxes were one component of Obama's 47%. Romney was listing a few other categories besides those with no income tax liability too, including people who believe that Government exists to give them stuff.

Kind of bummed that Romney apologized since I don't think he needed too, but the silver lining is that the President wouldn't have apologized in similar circumstances so Obama's attack on Romney's character is also discredited.

Posted by: JohnTant at October 05, 2012 05:16 AM (eytER)

14 >>>I agree with his 47% statements you think the 47% that doesn't pay income taxes all have an entitlement mentality, dependent on government? Even the numerous low-income but working-full-time conservatives in that number?

Posted by: ace at October 05, 2012 05:17 AM (LCRYB)

15 The generalizations he made (entitlement mentality, don't take responsibility for themselves, etc.) were obviously not true about the whole 47%. But they were true about *the members of that 47% who are not now likely voters for Romney*. I think that was what he meant. I think that this was relatively clear from the context, since in context he was explaining why already he has all the votes he's going to get from among that group. This is a more reasonable thing to say, I think. But his statement that he was just wrong is probably the right way to go, since the idiotic electorate can't understand explanations that are longer than about four or five words.

Posted by: mr.midnight at October 05, 2012 05:17 AM (Kv/xV)

16 Ace....exactly, those folks do not have an entitlement mentality.....they are working to improve themselves and their families.

Posted by: fu52 at October 05, 2012 05:17 AM (NYXC6)

"It's probably true that I won't get 47% of the people to vote for me, but that doesn't mean I don't care about them"

Posted by: the real mitt at October 05, 2012 05:17 AM (EgM2N)

18 #10 Good point on the working poor, blue collar vote that TFG gave up on.

Posted by: Joe Mama at October 05, 2012 05:17 AM (rlba9)

19 Look, what happened was he was speaking extemporaneously and realized, off the cuff, that the fraction of dedicated Democrats (47%) was very similar to the percentage of people not paying income tax (47%) and went on a short riff about that, connecting them up. And there is some connection. Just nowhere near the perfect overlap he suggested. This was an off-the-cuff answer to "why can't you get more than 50%." He was trying to offer up an excuse why he wasn't doing better, and he came up with this extemporaneously.

Posted by: ace at October 05, 2012 05:19 AM (LCRYB)

20 Meh. I'm ok with it. It isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. And some people might be attracted by his humility and willingness to actually make a real apology, which is quite unpoliticianlike. At least he's not apologizing for America. We've had a great week, Obama sucks, so who cares. Anyone in the base who is so offended by this that they threaten not to vote or to no longer work for him (not sure there's anyone like that) needs to grow up.

Posted by: chique d'afrique on her phone at October 05, 2012 05:19 AM (6zgse)

21 Watching that debate, I am thinking, wow, how could the same guy who wrote Dreams from my Father just do so poorly? Waitaminute....

Posted by: Golan Globus at October 05, 2012 05:19 AM (/1U3u)

22 I agree with his statements that 47% of the people in question are not going to respond to him, and will not vote for him. He's not going to focus on them.

I never took it to mean that 47% of people don't pay income tax and therefore have an entitlement mentality.

Posted by: Jay in Ames at October 05, 2012 05:20 AM (i2Lsf)

23 Simply and not-so-apologetically put.

Good enough.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 05:20 AM (piMMO)

24 he was right to say it, he was right to say he was wrong.....he's being misinterpreted everywhere on it.....it's a distraction....and it's better than telling all the idiots out there that don't get it that they are idiots and they don't get it...not to mention, it takes if off of the table for the scoamf to talk about it

Posted by: phoenixgirl what did huma abedin know? team dagny at October 05, 2012 05:20 AM (Ho2rs)

25 Plus, some people who do pay federal income taxes -- like Sandra Fluke -- do have an entitlement mentality.

Let us not forget Obama's bundlers and cronies who pay tax on their personal income, but get hundreds and thousands of times that much money back for their businesses. Immelt pays some personal income tax, but GE pays nothing. The Pelosis pay some tax; their businesses get millions more. Etc.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ braucht ein Bier at October 05, 2012 05:21 AM (/kI1Q)

26 James Pethokoukis @JimPethokoukis 20m If labor force participation had just stayed steady all year, jobless rate would 8.4% vs. 8.3% in January. Progress?

Posted by: Evilpens at October 05, 2012 05:21 AM (ck76k)

27 17 "It's probably true that I won't get 47% of the people to vote for me, but that doesn't mean I don't care about them" Posted by: the real mitt at October 05, 2012 09:17 AM (EgM2N) And that's all that needed to be said... shit head. the only part of the clip they are going to play is Romney saying "I was completely wrong." And then they will go, oh hey look... 7.8%!!!!!!!! ROMNEY is teh lies... disregard the 350k that we magically found.

Posted by: cajun carrot at October 05, 2012 05:21 AM (UZQM8)

28 James Pethokoukis @JimPethokoukis 30m At a 114,000 jobs a month, jobs gap won't close until after 2025

Posted by: Evilpens at October 05, 2012 05:21 AM (ck76k)

29 If Barry posts a 47% on election day, the media will spasm.

Posted by: Jean at October 05, 2012 05:22 AM (6ziMD)

30 Sudeep Reddy @Reddy 19m Jobs under Obama: total payrolls down 61,000 since Jan 2009. Private payrolls: +514k. Govt payrolls: -575k. Jobless rate unchanged at 7.8%

Posted by: Evilpens at October 05, 2012 05:22 AM (ck76k)

31 Some battles are worth fighting; when the battle is over an edited tape where you misspoke, that's not one worth fighting over.

Posted by: Matt S. at October 05, 2012 05:22 AM (moRRg)

32 This hostile liberal media......... if only there was some way of having BIG GOVERNMENT control the media instead of allowing the free market to do its thing. Why should corporations be allowed to control the media when all they care about are profits and shareholder value.

Posted by: occam at October 05, 2012 05:23 AM (hgDJr)

33 I never took it to mean that 47% of people don't pay income tax and therefore have an entitlement mentality. Posted by: Jay in Ames at October 05, 2012 09:20 AM (i2Lsf) Unfortunately, that is what he actually said. It's a good turn on this thing - the rap is that he was saying that he didn't care about the 47% - which isn't what he actually said. So he says he cares about the 100%. That's a good thing for voters to hear.

Posted by: Golan Globus at October 05, 2012 05:23 AM (/1U3u)

34 Here is why it was stupid to say mea culpa on the whole 47% nothing burger.

Did Obama bring it up during the debate? NO!

Do you think Biden was going to bring it up in the debate? NO!

If Biden brought it up do you think Ryan couldn't have smacked it out of the
park? NO!

Unless you are backed into a rhetorical corner you never, ever admit to beign wrong. EVER!!!

Posted by: General Woundwort at October 05, 2012 05:23 AM (06lNq)

35 I'm sure Mrs. Obama paid some federal income tax on her $300K kickback from the hospital her husband directed millions in federal funds to. There's your fucking "feels entitled to live off the Americans who work and pay taxes."

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ braucht ein Bier at October 05, 2012 05:23 AM (/kI1Q)

36 The number I have heard is 50% that don't pay federal income tax. That number will change though at the end of this year when we have a massive tax increase thanks to the Dem Senate.

Posted by: Vic at October 05, 2012 05:24 AM (YdQQY)

37 There are TWO 47%'s really: 1) One that pays no income taxes. This includes elderly and poor. A smaller fraction are true freeloaders of course. 2) One that will NEVER vote for Mitt. This is what I think he was focusing on before the camera started rolling. He knows rightly that he can only sway a small number of people, and will focus on those and turning out his own base for Nov 6th.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 46% more DOOM! at October 05, 2012 05:24 AM (MrM2k)

38 MITT: STAY ON OFFENSE. Should never have apologized or even mentioned it because it sets up a grand slam dunk with the bitter clinger tapes. Grab 'em by the nose (ears) and kick him in the ass!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at October 05, 2012 05:24 AM (+tqYo)

I don't really like the "100%" part - why can't he just say "all Americans"? Frankly, I'm kind of tired of all the talk about percentages.

But, I'm not clear - he said was "just completely wrong." What was he wrong about? When he said that 47% of Americans will vote for Obama no matter what? When he said he wasn't worried about the people who won't vote for him anyway? When he said 47% of the population consider themselves as victims or won't take responsibility for their lives? Which part did he not mean? I think these are the kinds of questions that the press is going to ask him.

Posted by: sydney jane at October 05, 2012 05:24 AM (zYWPO)

40 Now when some dumb ass reporter asks about it, he can just say "Do you want me to get you a chicken?"

Posted by: Courtesy Flush at October 05, 2012 05:24 AM (tkbF8)

41 Yes, phoenixgirl. And if SCOAMF continues to bring it up he'll look petty. SCOAMF may not realize it but regular folks now think Romney is a good guy and Barry is no longer thought of as being l that. His shenanigans may no longer be effective.

Posted by: chique d'afrique on her phone at October 05, 2012 05:24 AM (6zgse)

42 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable tyrant.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at October 05, 2012 05:24 AM (8y9MW)

43 At a 114,000 jobs a month, jobs gap won't close until after 2025

They're not even going to wait for Romney to be inaugurated to paint him as a failure. Sweet Anubis' flea collar.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ braucht ein Bier at October 05, 2012 05:25 AM (/kI1Q)

44 *all* that. Stupid phone.

Posted by: chique d'afrique on her phone at October 05, 2012 05:25 AM (6zgse)

45 I would guess that each low-income voter associates with at least one deadbeat: a neighbor, a brother, etc.... I come from a very low-income childhood and know that the working poor ALSO refer to the deadbeats as deadbeats.

I'm guessing far fewer folks were offended by that comment that TFG ad the MSM would have you believe.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 05:25 AM (piMMO)

46 Yeah, it's best to do it this way. Now, if he's asked about it again he can point back to this and then go on and explain whatever he'd like to about the challenges presented by a growing entitlement mentality. So he's done it about as cleverly as he can, without compromising his sense of his own integrity. And that's probably important to him.

Posted by: Popcorn at October 05, 2012 05:25 AM (uIpSF)

47 It's a good turn on this thing - the rap is that he was saying that he didn't care about the 47% - which isn't what he actually said. So he says he cares about the 100%. That's a good thing for voters to hear. Posted by: Golan Globus at October 05, 2012 09:23 AM (/1U3u) He doesn't care about them when it comes to Nov 6th. That is what I think he meant. However, if you are explaining you are losing.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 46% more DOOM! at October 05, 2012 05:25 AM (MrM2k)

I dunno, sometimes conceding you did something wrong just makes things worse.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at October 05, 2012 05:25 AM (TpXEI)

49 "On the other hand, real unemployment is 200% higher than what it should be.

Posted by: @ParisParamus at October 05, 2012 05:26 AM (0oeTZ)

50 6 This won't win him any votes, but may dispirit some of his base. Posted by: Joe Mama at October 05, 2012 09:13 AM (rlba9) Yes, because the base doesn't like it when candidates are candid and admit they made a mistake. The 47% number is wrong. The idea is right but the facts of the numbers themselves are wrong as I know a number of people who are net takers (but not of SS/Medicare age) yet would never vote for a Democrat.

Posted by: blindside at October 05, 2012 05:26 AM (x7g7t)

51 Wise man. Mitt is a mensch.

Posted by: Tonawanda at October 05, 2012 05:26 AM (l62NP)

52 Then again, maybe it's good strategy. If he "admits" to making a mistake, then Team TFG may feel safe about using it as an attack. And then he can hit them with the bitter clinger stuff. A bit of 3 dimensional backgammon, but what the hell.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at October 05, 2012 05:26 AM (+tqYo)

53 Hey!

Don't you think Romney had a terrible week?

Posted by: MFM at October 05, 2012 05:27 AM (he2LC)

54 He should immediately suspend his campaign in order to focus his full attention on the 47% and then drop from sight. Trust me, I"m a professional.

Posted by: Steve Schmidt (well known political genius and HBO consultant) at October 05, 2012 05:27 AM (p4U6S)

55 50 Posted by: blindside at October 05, 2012 09:26 AM (x7g7t) If you think that all of a sudden I won't vote for Mitt because he said the remark was a mistake, you're nuts. And that goes for the rest of the base.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at October 05, 2012 05:27 AM (+tqYo)

56 "Here is why it was stupid to say mea culpa on the whole 47% nothing burger."

-- No, he had to answer it. Obama didn't bring it up in the debate so his surrogates could hammer it home and not let Romney defend himself. Look at the Politico piece this quote comes from:

"Indeed, by Thursday morning, Obama already was taking a different tack on the campaign trail, assailing Romney at a rally in Denver for misrepresenting his policy positions and not having shown the American people Â“the real RomneyÂ” in last nightÂ’s debate.

Â“Gov. Romney may dance around his positions. But if you want to be president, you owe the American people the truth,Â” Obama said."

In short, Obama is a coward and unwilling to challenge Romney face-to-face, but prefers to lie about his opponent when they cannot fight back. Something that Paul Ryan and the Supreme Court are intimately familiar with.

Politico is not going to be only media source trying to backfill answers for Obama for into the debates to try and hurt Romney. Note the list of things Politico wishes Obama had talked about, all of those are damaging that Romney could defend easily. Hence, he should get out there, defuse the bombs, to stop them from being thrown.

Posted by: Matt S. at October 05, 2012 05:27 AM (moRRg)

57 Tactical move - removes the "47% gaffe" as a line of attack from Obama/MSM coached questioners at the town hall debate.

Posted by: Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus at October 05, 2012 05:28 AM (+inic)

58 You know we give ace shit for getting up late, but now that he is on fire, it is hared to keep up.

Maybe he should lay off the meth today and let the comments fill up.

Posted by: Billy Bob, thread hopper at October 05, 2012 05:28 AM (wR+pz)

59 you think the 47% that doesn't pay income taxes all have an entitlement mentality, dependent on government?

The problem with the 47% comment, as ace encapsulates here, is that it was so widely misunderstood.

He was talking about Obama's voting base and nothing else. I don't remember the exact quote, but there were a lot of things in there besides "entitlement mentality."

He was saying (and was right) that Obama is going to have a core of about 47%, and it's useless to pursue that 47%. He gave reasons someone might be in that 47%.

Unfortunately, it was too easy to spin it as "he doesn't care about the 47%" and the explanation takes long enough to get through that it triggers most people's "tl;dr" response.

I don't like that he said it was "completely wrong," because I don't think it was. I do think it's smart not to try to defend it, though.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at October 05, 2012 05:29 AM (8y9MW)

60 I think I can safely say without any irony or sarcasm that this is not the hill to die on.

Posted by: chique d'afrique on her phone at October 05, 2012 05:30 AM (6zgse)

61 Now it would just be nice if the media would hold Obama's idiotic statements to the same standards of truth & decency.

Posted by: Shawn Smith at October 05, 2012 05:30 AM (eDY6o)

62 chique thread winner

Posted by: phoenixgirl what did huma abedin know? team dagny at October 05, 2012 05:30 AM (Ho2rs)

63 Well, if Mitt's doing a calculated total apology, I'm guessing it WAS hurting him. Mitt's not a dumbass.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 46% more DOOM! at October 05, 2012 05:31 AM (MrM2k)

"I'm guessing far fewer folks were offended by that comment that TFG ad the MSM would have you believe."

Did anyone else notice that it was AFTER that comment that Romney's numbers started ticking back up?

Posted by: Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus at October 05, 2012 05:31 AM (+inic)

65 Rasmussen Ohio. Obama 50-49. D+3 split. Romney favorability 54 in both OH and VA.

Posted by: VBJonny at October 05, 2012 05:31 AM (bED4B)

66 You guys still don't trust Mitt with his strategery... I've become a 95% believer that he knows what he is doing.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 46% more DOOM! at October 05, 2012 05:31 AM (MrM2k)

67 F.I.D.O.

Posted by: Joe Mama at October 05, 2012 05:32 AM (rlba9)

68 Oooooh. My first thread win. What do I get? What do I get?

Posted by: chique d'afrique on her phone at October 05, 2012 05:33 AM (6zgse)

Yeeesh....some of you people are never frickin' happy. People who were always going to vote for him knew what he meant. People who were never going to vote for him spun it for political advantage. And people who were undecided were probably going to be pushed away from him because of the spin.

After Wednesday's debate, do you really lack confidence that he'll be able to turn this to his advantage when/if he's asked about it?

Posted by: Lurking Canuck at October 05, 2012 05:33 AM (NF2Bf)

70 I want to see some post debate polls. Because, what is best in life?

http://tinyurl.com/yk7n7bv

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 05:34 AM (wR+pz)

71 69 Oooooh. My first thread win. What do I get? What do I get?

Platinum membership, with all the privileges that go with it.

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 05:35 AM (wR+pz)

72 Romney responds to UE: If not for all those who have dropped out, the rate would be closer to 11%. There are still 23M Americans out of work....

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 05:35 AM (piMMO)

73 69 Oooooh. My first thread win. What do I get? What do I get? Posted by: chique d'afrique on her phone at October 05, 2012 09:33 AM (6zgse) You win 350,000 internetz that I just found in the trunk of this totally non-government volt. Swearzies.

Posted by: cajun carrot at October 05, 2012 05:35 AM (UZQM8)

74 Oooooh. My first thread win. What do I get? What do I get?

***

A free lifetime membership to ace.mu.nu

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 05:36 AM (piMMO)

75 I think only the unemployment rate looks better as more people give up hope. That's your depressing thought for the day.

Posted by: Matt S. at October 05, 2012 05:36 AM (moRRg)

76 I am worried, the JEF is projecting, calling Romney a liar. They have fabricated a still anemic jobs number and more chicanery is in store.

Posted by: thunderb a conservative jew at October 05, 2012 05:36 AM (Dnbau)

77 Gah, *probably* should have been *possibly*

Posted by: Lurking Canuck at October 05, 2012 05:36 AM (NF2Bf)

78 Yeah fine I got no problem with him apologizing. If obama goes after him over it, Romney can pound him for all the mistakes he has made and not even acknowledged

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 05, 2012 05:36 AM (oSFWF)

79 57 Tactical move - removes the "47% gaffe" as a line of attack from Obama/MSM coached questioners at the town hall debate.

Posted by: Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus at October 05, 2012 09:28 AM (+inic)

Yeah , it's "old" now. Next.

Posted by: Temper Tantrum at October 05, 2012 05:37 AM (AWmfW)

80 Maybe he should lay off the meth today and let the comments fill up.

****

NOT meth. Coke.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 05:37 AM (piMMO)

81 So it's occurred to me that perhaps Mitt was waiting to blast the airwaves with ads after he had defined himself by himself at the debates, which would make the ads much more effective. I don't watch TV so I don't know how many ads were out there but I did hear a lot of complaining/whining about why Mitt's inept campaign wasn't showing ads.

Posted by: chique d'afrique on her phone at October 05, 2012 05:37 AM (6zgse)

82 Yeeesh....some of you people are never frickin' happy. Posted by: Lurking Canuck

How much of us? 47%?

Posted by: dogfish at October 05, 2012 05:37 AM (N2yhW)

83 I guess sometimes I could be accused of being a "purrrrity" conservative and I agree with ace here. now is not the time to have this discussion - when mitt's got the economy roaring and people paying taxes that's the time to have the discussion. let's focus and defeat the scoamf

Posted by: nora at October 05, 2012 05:38 AM (RGgMp)

84 69 Oooooh. My first thread win. What do I get? What do I get?

One "Get Out Of The Barrel Free" card

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 05, 2012 05:38 AM (da5Wo)

85 "Rasmussen Ohio. Obama 50-49. D+3 split. Romney favorability 54 in both OH and VA."

Boom.

Devastating numbers for Obama in VA and OH. VA is slipping out of reach for him. The best Obama can hope for in OH is a D+1 split.

Time for me to update my Ohio model.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at October 05, 2012 05:38 AM (dX4hn)

86 Liz Cheney is up early this morning.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 05:38 AM (piMMO)

87 Can we start a pick'em pool for Romney's admin yet?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 05:39 AM (piMMO)

88 "I want to see some post debate polls. Because, what is best in life?"

Link in my nic.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at October 05, 2012 05:39 AM (dX4hn)

89 76 I think only the unemployment rate looks better as more people give up hope. That's your depressing thought for the day.

Posted by: Matt S. at October 05, 2012 09:36 AM (moRRg)

That's a good line of attack ,numbers show people are giving up hope.

Posted by: Temper Tantrum at October 05, 2012 05:40 AM (AWmfW)

90 Martha MacCallum has great legs.

Count me envious.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 05:40 AM (piMMO)

91 I think at this point, it was a good move on Mitt's part.
Admit that there could have been better wording.
Recognize that there is a portion of the population who's vote can be purchased by a free phone, or Birth Control pills.

I have seen to many good things come out of Mitt's campaign to think that he doesn't know what he's doing.

Now on the other hand......watching the MSM spin the debate into a "Tie" has been beyond funny.

Only Stephonopilus (sp) has the guts to look the American people right in the eye, and basically say "That gut feeling that you had that Obama got his ass kicked just a few minutes ago? All wrong, and let me explain how Obama actually won the debate."

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 05, 2012 05:41 AM (MrzcL)

92 I don't understand why you all think this race is even close.
Everything that streams across your tv screen is a lie, this race was over back in June when that poll came out saying that 60 percent of the populace thinks the economy was off the rails.

Everything now is kabuki theater. Designed by the media in this country to hide the truth from us, and seperate campaign cash from politicians. There was over 5 billion dollars spent in the 2008 elections by all candidates. That is a lot of ad space, and commercials.

Don't get me wrong, absolutely get out and vote!
Just don't buy into the narrative that Obama is in the lead.

Posted by: Courtesy Flush at October 05, 2012 05:41 AM (tkbF8)

93 Those jobless numbers and the UE rate will never add up right. They aren't supposed to, because MATH IS BAD.

Posted by: Roy at October 05, 2012 05:42 AM (VndSC)

94 NOT meth. Coke.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 09:37 AM (piMMO)

I forgot ace is in NYC not TN.

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 05:42 AM (wR+pz)

95 So wait just a second. What Romney actually said he's completely wrong about is that he doesn't care about the 47%? Because that's very very very different than saying he's wrong about there being an entitlement mentality. Is is possible for the MFM to write a coherent sentence, let alone paragraph? What is the predicate for what is wrong? I truly want to chain some copy editors to school desks and ask them diagramming motherfuckers can you do it.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD the revelator at October 05, 2012 05:42 AM (VtjlW)

96 Two goals: repeal Obamacare and Miguel Estrada.

Mitt made a mistake and was man enough to admit it.

And he is smart enough to see how to win.

Posted by: Tonawanda at October 05, 2012 05:43 AM (l62NP)

97 Good move ... he had to say it was wrong since it was.

He could then expand to say, his real point was that too many are pushed toward a race for entitlements, more than a race for achievement. And many of those people make six figures, but still have the entitlement mentality.

That could be worked to include Fluke or high paid Chicago teachers that underperform but can't be fired. It could include the union bosses that made out well in Obama's GM union boss bailout, or the too big to fail bank bailouts.

This would be a good chance for him to champion the small business that does not have a lobbyist, fighting the entitlement crowd like GE, that paid no taxes. And Big Bird made $200 million a year (CEO made like a million including benefits), but people still think big bird needs subsidy.

Posted by: Illini bill at October 05, 2012 05:43 AM (IaK/H)

98 13 "Romney was listing a few other categories besides those with no income tax liability too, including people who believe that Government exists to give them stuff."

The absolute worst part of the 47% are the people who think the government exists to give them jobs taking from one group of people and giving to another, i.e. the redistributors in the whole "wealth redistribution" thing.

Mitt should make the connection between that part of the 47% and his "trickle-down government" idea because those fuckers are the ones doing the trickling.

You think "Obama phone woman" could come up with the concept of a Federal program to distribute low-cost phones to people meeting a certain income threshold? No, it takes a certain kind of meddling asshole to dream that shit up.

Posted by: BS Inc. at October 05, 2012 05:44 AM (P2Ufm)

Um, did you morons see the Washington Examiner article on Ohio early voting?

Full boner inducing link in my name.

Posted by: Jay at October 05, 2012 05:44 AM (3LaGb)

100 Tangentially, this is really good.

http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2012/10/04/i-want-to-hear-them-scream/

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ braucht ein Bier at October 05, 2012 05:44 AM (/kI1Q)

101 O/T

Read somewhere this morning, HA?, that defense department admits they are planning for a Libya air raid.

Dare I say the day before the Foreign Policy debate? Or even better, the night of the debate and Barry cancels because he is protecting the country?

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 05:45 AM (wR+pz)

102 I hope Juan Williams isn't being paid by the segment because that SOB is everywhere on FNC these days.

He and Beckel are the last remaining true believers over there and are in heavy rotation.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 05:45 AM (piMMO)

103 The Senate Committee on tax reform says 51% pay no taxes.

http://is.gd/Statby

The number changes when you talk all Americas vs those that are working.

Posted by: Vic at October 05, 2012 05:46 AM (YdQQY)

104

I'm a little meh on this. I tend to lean toward the "never admit you're wrong" camp. Can you ever imagine Brocko doing that? They've not only been wrong but fucking criminal and they get away with it. They simply stall until it goes out of the news cycle. Screw playing into the media's double standard.

It's not like the media is going to let up on this. By admitting he was completely wrong, they'll still be able to use that against him. They are going to do it no matter what. He should have taken a page from the Democrats' Little Blue playBook and used it to pivot on an attack when pressed on it.

He still can, and I hope he does.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at October 05, 2012 05:46 AM (eoedh)

105

Yeeesh....some of you people are never frickin'
happy.
Posted by: Lurking Canuck

How much of us? 47%?

12.2%

Posted by: Lurking Canuck at October 05, 2012 05:46 AM (NF2Bf)

106 Dare I say the day before the Foreign Policy debate? Or even better, the night of the debate and Barry cancels because he is protecting the country?

***

Presidntin' is convenient.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 05:46 AM (piMMO)

107 >Read somewhere this morning, HA?, that defense department admits they are planning for a Libya air raid.

let's kill some camels and blow up some tents

Posted by: Jones in CO at October 05, 2012 05:47 AM (8sCoq)

108 Matt Brooks @Mbrooksrjc 56m RT @alaskan: FLASHBACK June '04: Obama calls Bush's 112K jobs created, 5.6% #unemployment "dismal." is.gd/W7Kylb

Posted by: Evilpens at October 05, 2012 05:47 AM (ck76k)

109 And now for some more good news.
Little VIA (14 yo, 9th grader) was in his Government class yesterday, and they had a mini debate about the Presidential debates.

The topic slowly shifted to how the MSM attempts to manipulate public perception.
Little VIA started with "Can I use the computer and go to "Ace Of Spades"?"
Much hilarity ensued.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 05, 2012 05:47 AM (MrzcL)

110

"He and Beckel are the last remaining true believers over there and are in heavy rotation."

They're the only ones stupid enough.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at October 05, 2012 05:48 AM (eoedh)

111 I'm am for cutting Big Birds subsidies, and the fat ladys' occupying the Residence.

Posted by: sTevo at October 05, 2012 05:48 AM (AE8c1)

112 He and Beckel are the last remaining true believers over there and are in heavy rotation.

They are getting paid handsomely to go on Fox and spew their talking points.

Posted by: Jay in Ames at October 05, 2012 05:48 AM (i2Lsf)

113 @111

Well trained!

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 05:48 AM (wR+pz)

114 Argument the article failed to mention: "I want the poor to get into the middle class. So many have fallen into poverty by virtue of his policies."

Posted by: Miss80sBaby at October 05, 2012 05:49 AM (YjDyJ)

115 Martha MacCallum has great legs. Count me envious. Rest of her ain't to shabby either

Posted by: Evilpens at October 05, 2012 05:49 AM (ck76k)

116 Politicians are often criticized for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time thatÂ’s taken the wrong way. But state Representative Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia) is being criticized for what she refused to say. The drama unfolded at what was billed as a non-controversial House State Government Committee meeting Wednesday morning. Republican Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) asked Josephs to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance; a rather routine request that became anything but when Josephs refused. Â“Based on my First Amendment rights and based on the fact that I really think itÂ’s a prayer. I donÂ’t pray in public,Â” she said as lawmakers were standing to recite the Pledge. After an awkward moment, Metcalfe quickly called on another member to lead the group. Afterward, Josephs was unapologetic. She said she was about 14 years old when Congress inserted the words Â‘under GodÂ’ into the Pledge. She insists that makes it a prayer. Â“How many years ago was 1954? I have not said the Pledge of Allegiance since and I will not say it into the future unless they take those words out and make it less of a prayer,Â” Josephs said. Bitch and I have a feeling she is one of mine.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 05, 2012 05:49 AM (oSFWF)

117 114 He and Beckel are the last remaining true believers over there and are in heavy rotation

What about me? I dumber than they are, well maybe not.

Posted by: Alan Colmes at October 05, 2012 05:50 AM (wR+pz)

118

47% may have been an inaccurate number because as ace indicates, it is not a perfect overlay. What is certain though is that 95% of able bodied people who are on the government subsidies besides Social Security , ie; SSDI, food stamps,welfare, will not be voting for Romney.

Posted by: polynikes at October 05, 2012 05:50 AM (m2CN7)

119 "He and Beckel are the last remaining true believers over there and are in heavy rotation." They're the only ones stupid enough. Forgetting about Hippi drippi Trippi & that Bimbo from Chicago Tamara Holder

Posted by: Evilpens at October 05, 2012 05:50 AM (ck76k)

120 Martha MacCallum has great legs. Count me envious. Rest of her ain't to shabby either Posted by: Evilpens at October 05, 2012 09:49 AM (ck76k) She's a MILF ha

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 05, 2012 05:50 AM (oSFWF)

121 Burn the Witch and others, he apologized on Hannity. That may provide some context. After what we saw from Mitt on Wednesday, I think there's a good chance he knows what he's doing.

Posted by: chique d'afrique on her phone at October 05, 2012 05:51 AM (6zgse)

122 As someone said, he's pretty much daring Obama to mention it now. Because if they do, it's on for "so, you want to discuss old videotapes?" And that has no happy ending for TFG.

Posted by: Ian S. at October 05, 2012 05:52 AM (rPA5/)

123 Is is possible for the MFM to write a coherent sentence, let alone paragraph? What is the predicate for what is wrong? I truly want to chain some copy editors to school desks and ask them diagramming motherfuckers can you do it.

Pfffft. Stupid woman. Go back to focusing on your lady parts. We're changing the world over here.

Posted by: MSM at October 05, 2012 05:52 AM (da5Wo)

124 Politicians are often criticized for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time thatÂ’s taken the wrong way. But state Representative Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia) is being criticized for what she refused to say. The drama unfolded at what was billed as a non-controversial House State Government Committee meeting Wednesday morning. Republican Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) asked Josephs to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance; a rather routine request that became anything but when Josephs refused. Â“Based on my First Amendment rights and based on the fact that I really think itÂ’s a prayer. I donÂ’t pray in public,Â” she said as lawmakers were standing to recite the Pledge. After an awkward moment, Metcalfe quickly called on another member to lead the group. Afterward, Josephs was unapologetic. She said she was about 14 years old when Congress inserted the words Â‘under GodÂ’ into the Pledge. She insists that makes it a prayer. Â“How many years ago was 1954? I have not said the Pledge of Allegiance since and I will not say it into the future unless they take those words out and make it less of a prayer,Â” Josephs said. Bitch and I have a feeling she is one of mine. my simple point is if these CommunTARDS hate this country so Bad GET THE FUCK OUT!!! Cuba is Communist & Real Close

Posted by: Evilpens at October 05, 2012 05:52 AM (ck76k)

125 Little VIA started with "Can I use the computer and go to "Ace Of Spades"?"
Much hilarity ensued.

They made it past Net Nanny? I'm shocked!

Posted by: Jay in Ames at October 05, 2012 05:52 AM (i2Lsf)

126 Babette Josephs?

She's my Philly cousin from my second husband's brother's sister. or was his daughter's son's brother's mother?

Posted by: Peggy Joseph at October 05, 2012 05:53 AM (wR+pz)

127 Reince Priebus Too many Americans are still struggling for work in today's economy -- Americans cannot afford four more years like the last four years. President Obama promised unemployment would be below 5.5% by today Â– after 4 long yrs in office, unemploymentÂ’s still too high.

Posted by: Evilpens at October 05, 2012 05:53 AM (ck76k)

128 Bitch and I have a feeling she is one of mine.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 05, 2012 09:49 AM (oSFWF)

Is Babette a typical Jewish name?!

Posted by: Tami at October 05, 2012 05:53 AM (X6akg)

129 Romney mentioned the NFIB National Federation of Independent Businesses twice in the debate so I'm wondering if the audits have started yet.

Posted by: uterus cannon at October 05, 2012 05:53 AM (3ZtZW)

130 14>>> you think the 47% that doesn't pay income taxes all have an entitlement mentality, dependent on government?

No, I wouldn't concede that. But I do think it should be pointed out that, although worded awkwardly, it's important to understand that when Romney said he "wasn't concerned" about those people, he was actually referring to the fact that there already exists sufficient government welfare programs to take care of them, NOT that he -- being an eeeevil, plutocratic, white-spats-and-monocle millionaire -- just didn't give a shit about them. (Since apparently so many people in the electorate are concerned about electing a president who "cares" so much and "feels their pain.")

Posted by: Torch-Wielding Villager at October 05, 2012 05:54 AM (sTS/8)

131 VP Debate = 10/11 2nd Pres. Debate 10/16 3rd Pres Debate 10/22

Posted by: Redd at October 05, 2012 05:54 AM (guxHP)

132 NFIB is audited all the time because they are the only true group to stand up for small business and they do. I have watched them in the legislature kick ass.

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 05:55 AM (wR+pz)

133

"he apologized on Hannity... I think there's a good chance he knows what he's doing."

Maybe, maybe not. Imagine an apology coming from Brocko.

Tough, I know. And Mitt doesn't even have blood on his hands.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at October 05, 2012 05:56 AM (eoedh)

134 #127

I was surprised that it wasn't blocked as well.
And I'm thinking to myself......
"Self", I thought, "Now would not be a good time for the dancing and thrusting Ewok to be on the front page".
But, it was all good.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 05, 2012 05:56 AM (MrzcL)

135 I think between this and TFG pulling 350k jobs out of his ass... we are in for a serious document dump Friday. Gird... your... loins.

Posted by: cajun carrot at October 05, 2012 05:56 AM (UZQM8)

136 Randomness: Local uber-liberal State University just quietly (my wife works there, says it started this month) started selling Chick-Fil-A sandwiches at their coffee shop. I'm sure half the profs hate it, but my wife says nobody has made a protest peep as far as she knows. (Nearby Wake Forest has a full CFA concession on campus, which got a little heat this summer, but nobody wants to go without their waffle fries and Classic sandwiches long enough to boycott.)

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 05, 2012 05:56 AM (HethX)

137 >>>Little VIA started with "Can I use the computer and go to "Ace Of Spades"?" Much hilarity ensued. Yes. we need an AoShq for Tots version. Start 'em on the right path young.

Posted by: Redd at October 05, 2012 05:56 AM (guxHP)

138 How many years ago was 1954?

Somebody other than erg who can't do subtraction.

Posted by: Captain Hate (more dagny and less curious) at October 05, 2012 05:56 AM (ghr0T)

139 "we do not have the luxury of excess time to defend the mistakes, too" What fucking mistake? Fucking squishes.

Posted by: Ace's Anus at October 05, 2012 05:57 AM (ZJ/un)

140 Yes. we need an AoShq for Tots version. Start 'em on the right path young. Posted by: Redd at October 05, 2012 09:56 AM (guxHP) Daddy... what does NSFW mean?

Posted by: cajun carrot at October 05, 2012 05:57 AM (UZQM8)

141 @139

Yes. we need an AoShq for Tots version. Start 'em on the right path young.

Will they take a dead Big Bird well?

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 05:57 AM (wR+pz)

142

130

Babette Josephs is the one who called female Republican lawmakers "men with bras". I think her district had the choice between her and a less commie donk in their primary, so naturally, they picked her. She's a mental case.

Posted by: kallisto at October 05, 2012 05:58 AM (jm/9g)

143 Shit, I forgot, Mitt may not have blood on his hands, but he does have cancer. Forget I said anything.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at October 05, 2012 05:59 AM (eoedh)

144 Will they take a dead Big Bird well?

Probably better than they would an explanation on the Horde's fascination with pudding.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 05, 2012 05:59 AM (da5Wo)

145 Yes. we need an AoShq for Tots version. Start 'em on the right path young.

Posted by: Redd at October 05, 2012 09:56 AM (guxHP)

An edited version?...man would that be stale

Posted by: Red Shirt at October 05, 2012 05:59 AM (FIDMq)

146 Is Babette a typical Jewish name?! Posted by: Tami at October 05, 2012 09:53 AM (X6akg) No, at least not that I know of, but Josephs is

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 05, 2012 05:59 AM (oSFWF)

147

I LIKE IT!

Actually, when this first came out, I said he should apologize for it. I think his response here is both fair and appropriate. As Ace is admitting, the people who are never going to vote for Romney as the people who don't pay taxes are not one and the same, and it's insulting to the legitimately poor (people who are disabled, including those just old and living off social security). Romney was speaking too loosely to some conservatives that he knew would enjoy some red meat.

It shows character to admit when you're wrong.

All that being said, remember this is Romney's "bitter clinger" moment. But while Obama was deriding people for exercizing their Constitutional rights, Romney was deriding people for being parasites.

Posted by: Optimizer at October 05, 2012 05:59 AM (As94z)

148 AoShq Glossary for Tots: taint -- why you wipe front to back on the pottie funbags -- mommy's purses

Posted by: Redd at October 05, 2012 05:59 AM (guxHP)

149 No, at least not that I know of, but Josephs is

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 05, 2012 09:59 AM (oSFWF)

Shit I am Jew? Show me some money!

Posted by: Peggy Joseph at October 05, 2012 06:00 AM (wR+pz)

150 That's fine. Romney's full statement was more nuanced than the oh-so helpful media summary, especially within the context of where to focus his campaign efforts. He was more right than wrong. But given that the media will be redoubling their efforts now, post-debate, it's not worth getting hung up on. It's a politically savvy move for Romney to walk it back. Particularly since our helpful conservative media personalities are pretty useless when asked to defend anything that might make their pals angry.

Posted by: GalosGann at October 05, 2012 06:00 AM (T3KlW)

151 "Self", I thought, "Now would not be a good time for the dancing and thrusting Ewok to be on the front page".

It's always a good time for Thrusting Ewok.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ braucht ein Bier at October 05, 2012 06:01 AM (/kI1Q)

152

AOSHQ for Tots topics:

DON'T EAT THE PUDDING!!1!

The Babies get Shirts! How to Slice with a Plastic Hammer.

Posted by: uterus cannon at October 05, 2012 06:02 AM (3ZtZW)

153 No, at least not that I know of, but Josephs is

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 05, 2012 09:59 AM (oSFWF)

Well, you were right. Wiki says Jewish heritage

Posted by: Tami at October 05, 2012 06:02 AM (X6akg)

154 So why defend it? Just say "I got that wrong" and move on. Because, first of all, you need to understand the left. You win no brownie points from them. Dealing with the Western left is like dealing with arabs. Secondly, because the point of 47% not paying any federal income taxes is a serious point that should not be brushed aside. Sure, what's more important are those who are leeching off of un-Constitutional federal programs in addition to not paying income taxes, but that doesn't do away with the ultimate importance in getting across the obvious unfairness and perverted nature of federal income tax receipts. You give in on this only to strengthen the idiot left in wanting to steepen the tax rate curve. The Occupoopers through around a 99% number which was beyond ridiculous. And then they raped and pooped and pissed and were total barbarians and sub-humans. What did that get them? The Weeping Boner "understood them" and good press every single day without any one "backing down". Not even after every single dem piece of shit was backing them 3000%. And they were ALL WRONG. All of them. The Occupoopers and their supporters and the idiots in the GOP who gave them more respect than they ever gave the Tea Party (whom they were seriously embarrassed about). But, the 47% number was correct and the sentiment about it was essentially correct. And you want to apologize for that? Sheesh.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at October 05, 2012 06:02 AM (X3lox)

155 AoShq Glossary for Tots:

taint -- why you wipe front to back on the pottie
funbags -- mommy's purses

And so it begins....

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 05, 2012 06:02 AM (MrzcL)

156

I'm so sad none of you like my idea about replacing the chicken on the sidebar with a Big Bird pic.

Sigh.

Anywho, did you see at Legal Insurrection that no one has found any indication that Warren has done any pro bono work?

This is my shocked face.

Posted by: Mama AJ at October 05, 2012 06:03 AM (SUKHu)

157 156 ^ THIS +100

Posted by: Torch-Wielding Villager at October 05, 2012 06:03 AM (sTS/8)

158 Statement from Romney RE the jobs report- Â“This is not what a real recovery looks like. We created fewer jobs in September than in August, and fewer jobs in August than in July, and weÂ’ve lost over 600,000 manufacturing jobs since President Obama took office. If not for all the people who have simply dropped out of the labor force, the real unemployment rate would be closer to 11%...Â” The rest is here- bit.ly/Sy3I2L.

Posted by: Miss80sBaby at October 05, 2012 06:04 AM (YjDyJ)

159 If you think that all of a sudden I won't vote for Mitt because he said the remark was a mistake, you're nuts. And that goes for the rest of the base. Posted by: J.J. Sefton at October 05, 2012 09:27 AM (+tqYo) Why would I think that? I'm not the one that said this might dispirit the base.

Posted by: blindside at October 05, 2012 06:04 AM (x7g7t)

160 Yes. we need an AoShq for Tots version. Start 'em on the right path young.

Posted by: Redd at October 05, 2012 09:56 AM (guxHP)

I'd welcome having the kidzz being able to keep my profanity current with what's currently being used on the street. And they could learn from us so they don't get caught using terms they don't understand; although there is a certain humor to be found in hearing a tyke call somebody a dumb cunt-ass. I'm picturing a lot of upside so you can call me an optimist.

Posted by: Captain Hate (more dagny and less curious) at October 05, 2012 06:05 AM (ghr0T)

161 >>>>155 AOSHQ for Totstopics: DON'T EAT THE PUDDING!!1! The Babies get Shirts! How to Slice with a Plastic Hammer. Hahahaha!

Posted by: Redd at October 05, 2012 06:05 AM (guxHP)

162 Maybe Babette would say the pledge if it said one nation under Allah?

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 06:06 AM (wR+pz)

163

@156

It's not about "winning brownie points with the left." Nobody cares about them.

It's about not insulting people who are simply poor, and not parasites - some of whom are your supporters.

It's also about integrity. About not defending the undefendable - doing so is pointless, and just makes you look like a sleezy a-hole.

The point about too few paying in is NOT lost by simply admitting a mistake.

Posted by: Optimizer at October 05, 2012 06:08 AM (As94z)

164 He should have just said he got his numbers from BLS.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at October 05, 2012 06:08 AM (PHb2k)

165 Little VIA started with "Can I use the computer and go to "Ace Of Spades"?" Oh. Oh my stars and garters. Whilst I freely admit the average 9th grader probably has passing familiarity with the general contents of the threads, even including the ONT, still. On the other hand, it could be very educational indeed. "Ms. Teacher Lady, can you really use a cougar as a condom? Pfffft. Stupid woman. Go back to focusing on your lady parts. We're changing the world over here. I'd rather look at hers instead, tyvm. http://bit.ly/Wurg76

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD the revelator at October 05, 2012 06:09 AM (VtjlW)

166 Well, you were right. Wiki says Jewish heritage Posted by: Tami at October 05, 2012 10:02 AM (X6akg) Well I can spot a Heb a mile away

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 05, 2012 06:09 AM (oSFWF)

167 If not for all the people who have simply dropped out of the labor force, the real unemployment rate would be closer to 11%...Â”

The rest is here- bit.ly/Sy3I2L.

Posted by: Miss80sBaby at October 05, 2012 10:04 AM (YjDyJ)

U-6 is 14.7% and that includes people that have dropped out.

http://is.gd/z2lOjx

Posted by: Vic at October 05, 2012 06:09 AM (YdQQY)

168 What about me? I dumber than they are, well maybe not.

****

Ugh.

I think my brain blocked him out.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 06:10 AM (piMMO)

169

164

You know it's funny that that other crazy donk hag who did the "sexcast" about Republicans being uptight about sex had it exactly backwards. It's lack of any physical attention or intimacy (or maybe way too much intimacy with inanimate objects made in China) that turns donk women into bitter old nutcases with lots of wrinkles.

Posted by: kallisto at October 05, 2012 06:11 AM (jm/9g)

170 HA! Totally Stolen from the Interwebs: zh

Here's a peculiar statistical aberration:
Household Survey people employed: +873,000
Part-time jobs for economic reasons: +582,000

-> 582,000 divided by 873,000 = 0.666666666666*

Aka: precisely two thirds. Whatever are the odds... Goalseeking much

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at October 05, 2012 06:12 AM (PHb2k)

171 I'd rather look at hers instead, tyvm.

http://bit.ly/Wurg76

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD the revelator at October 05, 2012 10:09 AM (VtjlW)

Wouldn't we all?

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 05, 2012 06:12 AM (da5Wo)

172 Whatever. You better let Mitt be Mitt. He's going to be whether you let him or not. No surprise from his response to public response. Apologetic for mistaken perceptions; no apologies for dogma. Neat trick.

Just don't stay stuck on stupid, as if a 100% apology needs perpetual repetition. It doesn't. Water under the bridge that needs rebuilding: DOMESTIC jobs, jobs, jobs.

Posted by: Aesop at October 05, 2012 06:13 AM (BAnPT)

173 What this .03% drop means is that the number of unemployed people dropped by 456,000 when only 114k jobs were created--well below the monthly average, and below population growth. Where did 342k people go to lower the number so dramatically just 31 days before a presidential election? Did they retire, leave the planet, die of old age in the unemployment office? Moreover, just 30 days before the election, 342K people dropped off the unemployment rolls and lowered the unemployment rate to below 8%--a benchmark number vitally important to President Obama who promised his stimulus would ensure we wouldnÂ’t hit 8%. Finally, this is the second hinky looking report/revision from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in as many months. Just days ago, 400,000 jobs were "discovered"--almost the exact number Obama needed to have a record of creating more jobs on his watch than were lost.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at October 05, 2012 06:13 AM (oSFWF)

174

Yes. we need an AoShq for Tots version. Start 'em on the right path young.
Posted by: Redd at October 05, 2012 09:56 AM (guxHP)

Daddy... what does NSFW mean?

Daddy...can we have population yogurt for breakfast?

Posted by: Lurking Canuck at October 05, 2012 06:14 AM (NF2Bf)

175 It's about not insulting people who are simply poor, and not parasites - some of whom are your supporters. Posted by: Optimizer at October 05, 2012 10:08 AM (As94z) What was the "insult" in his original comment? You lost me, here? He was talking about people who wouldn't vote for him, no matter what, so what was "insulting" about that? And any conservative who is a drain on government surely feels rightly ashamed of that. Conservatives .. and normal, decent people aren't proud to be taken care of by someone else, especially not the government. I would rag on anyone who performs a "strategic default" on their home mortgage, too. Do you think I would be wrong because some GOP voters might be doing that? It's wrong, in every single way, and anyone who does it should be ashamed of himself.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at October 05, 2012 06:14 AM (X3lox)

176 The topic slowly shifted to how the MSM attempts to manipulate public perception.
Little VIA started with "Can I use the computer and go to "Ace Of Spades"?"
Much hilarity ensued.

--
Probably better than they would an explanation on the Horde's fascination with pudding.

--
On the other hand, it could be very educational indeed. "Ms. Teacher Lady, can you really use a cougar as a condom?

****

Multiple laughs this morning!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 06:15 AM (piMMO)

177 It will be interesting to see today which newsbite gets more traction. The 47% or the Unemployment Rate.

Posted by: Count de Monet at October 05, 2012 06:15 AM (BAS5M)

178 176 Yes. we need an AoShq for Tots version. Start 'em on the right path young. Posted by: Redd at October 05, 2012 09:56 AM (guxHP)
Daddy... what does NSFW mean?

Daddy...can we have population yogurt for breakfast?

Daddy, what's an Ewok? And why would he hump garbage? What does hump mean?

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 05, 2012 06:15 AM (da5Wo)

179 Watched the CNBC news cast where they were waiting the the Unemployment #. Also read Yahoo's article on it... I confess, that's were I get my "Reaction Index" from. Nobody is buying this bullshit. CNBC guy said it best... you can't tell people what it's like out there, they know better than anyone. "The number of people with part-time jobs who wanted full-time work rose 7.5 percent to 8.6 million." Fucking awesome. This bullshit is going to blow up in Obama's face.

Posted by: cajun carrot at October 05, 2012 06:16 AM (UZQM8)

180 Daddy, why should be hunt hobos?

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 06:16 AM (wR+pz)

181 -> 582,000 divided by 873,000 = 0.666666666666*

Aka: precisely two thirds. Whatever are the odds... Goalseeking much

****

Another marketing trick is to NEVER make the numbers that neat. Even when real, nobody believes them.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 06:18 AM (piMMO)

182 342K in one month, Pol Pot would be impressed.

Posted by: Jean at October 05, 2012 06:18 AM (CofEF)

183 I wonder if it would have been a big deal if Romney had said, "there's a certain percentage of Americans who won't vote for me and I can't worry about chasing those folks" if it would have been a big deal?

Posted by: Truman North at October 05, 2012 06:18 AM (0Fkmr)

184 Meanwhile in Benghazi, Libya. The FBI was on the ground for only 12 hours. From the Washington Post.

http://tinyurl.com/9lgqf95

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at October 05, 2012 06:18 AM (fLln5)

185 Daddy, what's a thundercunt?

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD the revelator at October 05, 2012 06:18 AM (VtjlW)

186 What will be really interesting will be the numbers that come out when Romney wins and in the first few months of his Presidency. Suddenly, the numbers will snap back to reality, plus the 'lost numbers' will be mysteriously' found. Look for unemployment in the 9-9.5 range for the first months after Romney takes office. And watch the media suddenly take an interest in the plight of the unemployed and high unemployment, not to mention 'OMG look how high gas prices and food prices are' will make their headline re-appearance.

Posted by: blindside at October 05, 2012 06:19 AM (x7g7t)

187 Daddy, why is May 3 the most important day of the year?

Posted by: The Robot Devil at October 05, 2012 06:19 AM (+hB3s)

188 Daddy, Ace didn't really go through Marco Rubio's garbage did he?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 06:19 AM (piMMO)

189 Yeah, this is fine, imho. >>Plus, some people who do pay federal income >>taxes -- like Sandra Fluke -- do have an >>entitlement mentality. I really think that's the point. Moreover, I just don't like US dividing people into groups based on some sort of single characteristic like this. That's THEIR schtick.

Posted by: Y-not at October 05, 2012 06:19 AM (5H6zj)

190 Dick Cheney's penis didn't really declare war, did it?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 06:20 AM (piMMO)

191

AoSHQ for Tots flamewar:

Kiddie Pool vs Sprinkler

Posted by: Lurking Canuck at October 05, 2012 06:20 AM (NF2Bf)

192 Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 05, 2012 09:47 AM (MrzcL)

***

All jokes aside, how did the youngsters receive it?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 06:21 AM (piMMO)

193 Daddy, why does "Average Joe" suck c*ck by choice?

Posted by: The Robot Devil at October 05, 2012 06:21 AM (+hB3s)

194 The full statement is below. Â“This is not what a real recovery looks like. We created fewer jobs in September than in August, and fewer jobs in August than in July, and weÂ’ve lost over 600,000 manufacturing jobs since President Obama took office. If not for all the people who have simply dropped out of the labor force, the real unemployment rate would be closer to 11 percent. The results of President ObamaÂ’s failed policies are staggering Â– 23 million Americans struggling for work, nearly one in six living in poverty and 47 million people dependent on food stamps to feed themselves and their families. The choice in this election is clear. Under President Obama, weÂ’ll get another four years like the last four years. If IÂ’m elected, we will have a real recovery with pro-growth policies that will create 12 million new jobs and rising incomes for everyone.Â” Romney on Wa Po, even there they aren't buying the 7.8% number.

Posted by: cajun carrot at October 05, 2012 06:21 AM (UZQM8)

195

AtC

I got into trouble because I was stompy in my boots in the house. You people are morons. Thats what my teacher said.

Posted by: TOT at October 05, 2012 06:22 AM (3ZtZW)

196 Daddy, what didn't just happen in someone's mouth?

Posted by: BCochran1981 at October 05, 2012 06:22 AM (da5Wo)

197 193 AoSHQ for Tots flamewar: Kiddie Pool vs Sprinkler Posted by: Lurking Canuck at October 05, 2012 10:20 AM (NF2Bf) AoSHQ for Tots flamewar: Nerf versus Airsoft

Posted by: The Robot Devil at October 05, 2012 06:22 AM (+hB3s)

198 "AoSHQ for Tots flamewar:

Kiddie Pool vs Sprinkler"

Now that's funny right there!
I don't care who you are.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 05, 2012 06:22 AM (MrzcL)

199 What will be really interesting will be the numbers that come out when Romney wins and in the first few months of his Presidency. Suddenly, the numbers will snap back to reality, plus the 'lost numbers' will be mysteriously' found. Posted by: blindside at October 05, 2012 10:19 AM (x7g7t) And the "price of oil" will go back to being North Sea Brent, rather than West Texas, adding a quick $22/bbl overnight. Right now the headlines quote oil as being "$90/bbl" when North Sea Brent (the oil used to quote prices for Bush) is at $112/bbl.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at October 05, 2012 06:22 AM (X3lox)

200 Looking at the comments above, I know understand what ex-lurkers say about it taking a while to catch on to the inside jokes.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 06:22 AM (piMMO)

201 I'm glad Romney saw that an unstable idiot was holding a .47 in his hand and said "hand me the gun, son". Sure, I know it was only a squirt gun, but the metaphor stands.
(could have said "water pistol" but thought squirt gun was more salacious")

Posted by: 56 and loving RR at October 05, 2012 06:23 AM (9zugO)

202 Daddy, why do they have to "keep f**king that chicken"?

Posted by: The Robot Devil at October 05, 2012 06:24 AM (+hB3s)

203 Daddy, why does "Average Joe" suck c*ck by choice?

****

Oh hell.

I can't imagine what the teacher must have thought!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 06:24 AM (piMMO)

204

Joe Biden is funny.

Harry Reid scares me.

Posted by: TOT at October 05, 2012 06:24 AM (3ZtZW)

205 new UE thread up

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 05, 2012 06:25 AM (piMMO)

206 I'm a life-long Democrat who lives in Ohio. I voted for Obama in 2008, and was going to do so again this year until Romney changed my mind with his debate performance. I happen to have 1,600,000 great-great-great-grandchildren -- I'm 186 years old -- and the all emailed me to say they're doing the same. Since they are spread evenly in eight of thr swing states (200,000 in each) their votes might have swung the election. Sadly, Romney's flip-flop on the 47% has changed our minds. While we strenuously disagree that so many of our fellow citizens are parasites, we respected him for expressing his cruel and misinformed opinion. But now he just looks spineless. Also, Romney murdered a lady with cancer after Bain looted her husband's company, beat up a gay kid in prep school, inflamed the middle east with premature comments, tied a dog to his car roof with magic Mormon underwear, and owns horses who dance in their own private elevators while the black children of the garbageman he won't hug starve in the ghettos

Posted by: Howard at October 05, 2012 06:26 AM (bN5ZU)

207 Daddy, why are you smiling about steak and blowjob day?

Posted by: Count de Monet at October 05, 2012 06:26 AM (BAS5M)

208 Good news, everyone! The Atlantic explains the math behind the debate. Obama spoke for four minutes longer than Romney, but Romney got in 541 more words. Because why? Because of Obama's "intellectual stammer". So just make note of this:

Out: "Retarded mumbling"

In: "Intellectual stammering"

I'm too lazy to provide a link...but check Lucianne for the story.

Posted by: Sticky Wicket at October 05, 2012 06:27 AM (L7hol)

209 "All jokes aside, how did the youngsters receive it?"

Let me try to sum it up in as close to his own words as I can.
With no attempt to "Smarten it up" for the horde, as I think it gives some insight into his thinking.

Dad: So, how did it go?
Son: Some of the class actually took the time to listen, and a few of them seemed to catch on to how the media tries to change things.
The liberals?
Dad, you can't change their minds with facts. Some of them still think that the Government actually makes money, instead of getting it from taxes.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at October 05, 2012 06:27 AM (MrzcL)

210 Moreover, I just don't like US dividing people into groups based on some sort of single characteristic like this. That's THEIR schtick.

Their schtick is defining groups based on race, gender, parents' marital status--things you can't control--and then requiring everyone in the group to think/act the same way. That's stupid.

Classifying people by how they act--which you CAN control--is different altogether and should be done. Career criminals are not treated the same as people who have committed no offense. Kids who show up to school every day and respect their teachers should be treated differently than the kids who show up occasionally and spend the day acting out. Adult women taking care of their own business should be treated differently than adult women bitching that the free birth control pills aren't the new name-brand from the TV ads.

When we pussy around with "oh, we don't want to offend the widow who had to go back to work to support her kids by saying mean things about the scrunts with five kids by six fathers who's never worked a day in her life", we lose.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ braucht ein Bier at October 05, 2012 06:29 AM (/kI1Q)

211 Careful now, too much of this will get Big Sis to declare this site a kiddie pron site.

I really am not kidding. These Nazi's are everywhere.

Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at October 05, 2012 06:30 AM (wR+pz)

212 And the "price of oil" will go back to being North Sea Brent, rather than West Texas, adding a quick $22/bbl overnight.

Right now the headlines quote oil as being "$90/bbl" when North Sea Brent (the oil used to quote prices for Bush) is at $112/bbl.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at October 05, 2012 10:22 AM (X3lox)

And they add energy and food back to the cost of living calculations. OMG Inflation through the fucking roof!!!!11!

Posted by: Captain Hate (more dagny and less curious) at October 05, 2012 06:33 AM (ghr0T)

213 And the "price of oil" will go back to being North Sea Brent, rather than West Texas, adding a quick $22/bbl overnight. Right now the headlines quote oil as being "$90/bbl" when North Sea Brent (the oil used to quote prices for Bush) is at $112/bbl. Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at October 05, 2012 10:22 AM (X3lox) I had no idea this was going on; I kept wondering how gas could be at record highs, yet crude wasn't. That explains it. Fucking bastards. The first ones to get kicked back to the zombies are members of the MFM.

Posted by: blindside at October 05, 2012 06:36 AM (x7g7t)

214 yeah smart move, not worth fighting over. ace is right there is not a perfect overlap so just admit it was wrong and move on. stay on message about the big picture.

Posted by: exceller at October 05, 2012 06:40 AM (ROGMG)

215 VIA, he's already an official moron.

Posted by: stourma at October 05, 2012 06:42 AM (JSetw)

216 Someone who knows deep down that they have their good-paying, secure job due to anti-White job discrimination is going to have an "entitlement mentality" regardless of the taxes they pay.

Posted by: Daybreaker at October 05, 2012 06:48 AM (cXmHT)

217 I'm a lifelong stutterer, and thus a genius now according to the MSM? Awesome!

Note: Although I stutter, I am not a clusterfuck of a miserable failure. Unlike some people.

210 Good news, everyone! The Atlantic explains the math behind the debate. Obama spoke for four minutes longer than Romney, but Romney got in 541 more words. Because why? Because of Obama's "intellectual stammer". So just make note of this:

Out: "Retarded mumbling"

In: "Intellectual stammering"

I'm too lazy to provide a link...but check Lucianne for the story.

Posted by: Sticky Wicket at October 05, 2012 10:27 AM (L7hol)

Posted by: Pyrocles at October 05, 2012 06:49 AM (cv5Iw)

218 I don't want him to stand by 47% but I do want him to stand by our concerns about the entitlement state and personal responsibility and the conservative fear that when 51% of the population is dependent (something the Democrats sometimes seemingly desire) it will mark a no turning back point for the U.S. Yes, describing 47% of Americans a certain way was wrong. But there is also a discussion there that we can't be afraid to have.

Posted by: Tommy V at October 05, 2012 07:20 AM (ZYlKz)

219 What is completely missed is that Romney was speaking at a closed-door meeting and some Dem flunky videoed him, possibly illegally. But obviously that horse has left the barn.

Posted by: Damn Sockpuppet at October 05, 2012 07:24 AM (YmPwQ)

220 >>> a fair part of his base is in the category of working but not making much money -- and in the 47%. And probably do not like to be branded as having an "entitlement mentality." Precisely!

Posted by: Random at October 05, 2012 07:42 AM (u8eBQ)

221

I wish they had come up with this in the first place... I saw nothing wrong with what Romney actually said... but of course that isn't what the media did with it. I actually liked it.

I think that is the way to go.

At the debate the answer then becomes, "You must missed the interview where I apologize for the convoluted way I mistated campaign stategy, which was understandably misunderstood. And I again apologize for sounding uncaring. I will represent every American regardless of how they vote."

And then should some how mention the $50,000,000 he has given to charity over the past 20 years as proof that he has put very much time and energy into helping the poor.

Posted by: petunia at October 05, 2012 07:51 AM (DAcBA)

222 "And some people might be attracted by his humility and willingness to actually make a real apology, which is quite unpoliticianlike. At least he's not apologizing for America." This exactly. Whether or not he made an actual mistake is almost irrelevant, because it further sets him apart from President Hubris. Obama is anything but a humble man, in spite of his glaring lack of genuine achievement, and many Americans are sick of his undeserved snobbery. Even some liberals are sick of it.

Posted by: The Ghost of Flannery O'Connor at October 05, 2012 08:18 AM (mMtFx)

223 Man, we better back that the fuck up. Otherwise the media and the independents won't like us. Nevermind that's NOT AT ALL WHAT HE SAID. But we here in RINOland have to accept the media's premise and be REALLY careful not to offend 5% of the electorate. I mean, it's not like we're running against a STUTTERING BUFFOON and a PATHOLOGICAL LIAR. I used to really love the HQ, but stopped reading for a while because of ridiculousness such as this. I since have come back occasionally, and here is another reminder why I stopped.

Posted by: EV at October 05, 2012 08:28 AM (JtkMz)

224 Romney should have stuck to that (47%) gun...

...I think this country could use a little class-warfare reversal; turn the hostility on those who aren't productive and live off the hard work and earnings of others.

Posted by: Sgt. York at October 05, 2012 08:46 AM (Rjwo8)

225

The problem with him stating he was wrong now is that instead of the newspapers discussing real news, they can bring up the whole 47% topic again as my local newspaper did this morning.

Posted by: Wendi at October 05, 2012 10:12 AM (ua5IM)

226 Seriously, we should admit that R-Money dodged a bullet on Wednesday night -- a bullet Obama never fired. This whole 47% was easily rebuttable, but 0 didn't even raise it. Now R-Money just got his vaccination. 0 can't raise it now, unless he wants Mitt to do something on live television that 0 has never done and never could do, admit a mistake.

Posted by: Chipperoo at October 05, 2012 10:56 AM (6c62F)

227 Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a miserable failure.

Posted by: steevy at October 05, 2012 11:17 AM (6o4Fb)

228 I think it's a good move in the long run, and as others have said, it sets him apart from Obama. To admit one was wrong about something is a sign of honesty and humility. (In contrast, the only mistake Obama has ever admitted to is not paying enough attention to the "stories" the stupid American people apparently need to be fed to recognize the absolute 100% brilliance and rightness of all his policies and actions.)

Also NB he said this on his own volition, on his own initiative, to a friendly interviewer. Much, much better to do this on his own terms, and be able to point back to this already made acknowledgement, than be cornered at a future debate by a *hostile* interviewer (or the enemy, Obama) and be forced to backtrack or apologize (or say something that sounds like a backtrack/ apology) *then*. This way, he's conceding something to the American people; the other way, he's conceding something to the enemy.

Doing it this way, it's about honesty/ humility, admitting a mistake up front; the other way, it's about an enemy "getting" you and unmasking you as (making you look before an audience like) a liar/ hypocrite.

As Chipperoo says, it's like a "vaccination" before the town hall debates. And it takes it off the table-- or at least blunts its force-- as a media meme. NB That even though Obama didn't bring it up at the debate, where Romney could defend himself and counterattack, almost every single talking head and pundit brought it up in Obama's place afterward. Obama has always depended on the kindness of the MSM.

Posted by: lael at October 05, 2012 11:27 AM (QSB5R)

229 good post, ace! a few of us were making the points in the comments secsh that, while not really an outright "gaffe", it was a bit insensitive for the future president to denigrate a subset of the population that surely includes some of his own voters as thinking they are owed something because they are not currently in the financial position to subject to taxation! there are a lot of folks who don't necessarily think it's a badge of honour to have to ask for handouts when all of the local community service organisations have been bled dry in the obamaconomy!

Posted by: jimi ray at October 05, 2012 01:27 PM (79EF9)

230 >>There's a kind of Won't Back Down ethic in us, a kind of reflexive stubborness,<< Really? All I've been seeing from the GOP since Lee Atwater is acquiescence in the rhetorical arena. Mitch McConnell is a milquetoast. The GOP has been bending over for years not to give offence. I don't see any 'reflexive stubbornness' at all--quite the contrary. In fact, I've made the point here and elsewhere that what the GOP needs is some hard men, some ball-cutters who'll do for us what Rahm does for them.

Posted by: General Zod at October 05, 2012 01:29 PM (2+bRt)

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