1 It's like a double post within a post.  Or something.

2 This seems a bit shady.

^{Oh bollocks, not again.}

3 I'm feeling like our candidate has been chosen though nobody wants him... I'm feeling BOXED IN.

4 According to PPP, Rick Perry is now in third place...in Texas.  Romney leads with 24%, Newt at 23%, and Perry at 18%.  In a two man race, Romney still beats Perry, 46%-45%.

Yeah, it's over.

5 A belated Boxing Day card?

6 There are way to many debates and it has hit the point of diminishing returns and is only hurting all Republicans.

7 Stellar HTML day at the HQ.

8 Is this that new e-ink Kindle thingy Ace was talking about?

9

This is actually easier on the eyes.  Can we keep the blog like this?

10 Romney May Skip One or Both Florida Debates

Especially if he keeps getting his behind beat like a drum by Newt like he did yesterday.

11 $4M per week to run in Florida. Who will have the cash? 1. Romney 2. ?

12 He's ready to quit debates now because they are hitting him. Tough shit Mutt.

But there have been too many damn worthless debates.

13 Romney loses his first debate rather badly and we see more rope-a-dope - Willard needs to be careful, he may find hiself going one on one with Perry on super Tuesday

14 Can everyone agree to skip the debates until decent moderators are chosen?

15

@ 7 Stellar HTML day at the HQ.

So this is what it's like inside Ace's self-contained fact space?

16 6 There are way to many debates and it has hit the point of diminishing returns and is only hurting all Republicans.

Nah, I'm poised for a comeback.  Say, have you heard about my 9-9-9 plan?

17 Two blockquote tags enter, one tag leaves.

18

@ 13 he may find hiself going one on one with Perry on super Tuesday

Perry Mason got into the race?

19 It's kind of like a cruise that's gone on too long.

I know exactly how you feel.

20 Is He saying, "Romney is tired, campaigning is difficult and expensive, just give Him the candidacy already".

21
Or...

he thinks the only one left in FL will be Ron Paul.

22 @17 Threadwinner!

23 Speaking of boxing, that's what this reminds me of... you got a champion who is in the ring with a scrub who has no chance to beat him on the scorecards.  It's late in the fight, why not take a round or two off, dance around far enough away so as to not hit.  Why give the other guy who is throwing wild haymakers a free shot at your chin? 

24 Hell of an attitude to have now - they should all have agreed to cut the number back in October.  When Perry brought it up, he was laughed at.

Now it's ok that Mittens wants to cut back?

Eat it.  Each state gets two or three debates of their own.  Suck it, Trebek.

25
Oh, my, it's full grey!

26 Can everyone agree to skip the debates until decent moderators are chosen?

I'm (ung) tan, rested (ughn) and ready (grrumngh) baby!

27
Perry's gone on Sunday.
Noot, maybe, too. Or Santorum.

Two out of three will drop out on Sunday after SC.

28 All "Mitt is Feeling His Strength" posts should be done in grey.

29
So the only left for FL will be Ron Paul, Noot or Santorum, and Mitt Romney.

If that is indeed the case, then Mitt shouldn't bother with the debates.

Think about it^tm.

30 Damn, my cataracts are getting worse.

31 Is it true Ace has a Black Belt in HTML?

32 I LOVE what you've done to this place!

33
If Perry can't break double-digits in SC...

34 We've had WAY too many debates already.  The only thing they're accomplishing is leaving the field battle-scarred for the general.

35

"We haven't accepted FloridaÂ…It's kind of like a cruise that's gone on too long."

Let's see, will MMfA go after this on a "smacks of elitism" angle, or will they go for the "how callous a statement, while people have DIED ON A CRUISE recently?"

36 The debates are a great example of the tail wagging the dogs. Letting Facebook, CNN, etc. tell the candidates when they'll show up, what they'll talk about, how long they can speak (down to the second), etc. All of the candidates should've been saying No to these things from the get go. Half as many debates would've sufficed.

37 Is it too late to make a grey box joke?

38 Perry or Gingrich or Santorum may drop out by then
...........
Naah.. they're in it for a while, I believe.  Especially if Romney decides to skip debates.  They will look on it as an opportunity.

39 Hey everyone... grey box. Get it...?

40 No.  I Didn't get it.

41

I'm (ung) tan, rested (ughn) and ready (grrumngh) baby!
Posted by: John King at January 17, 2012 12:34 PM (SY2Kh)

Threadwin.

42 The only thing they're accomplishing is leaving the field battle-scarred for the general.

Disagree.  You may not get the candidate you prefer, but that doesn't mean the debates haven't served a purpose.  They have been a mechanism for testing and sorting out the field.  If it weren't for the debates, Herman Cain might still be on top. 

Nevertheless, there is a point of diminishing returns and we've reached it.  We've gone through the whole field, with everyone having a period at the top.  Well, except for providing more opportunities for Ron Paul to beclown himself.

43 He's joined up with Team Huntsman with the Superfriends of Meggie Mac, Davy Frum, and Brooksie, so why does he need debates now?

Time to make the hair look good for the Sunday morning yacker shows

44 Enough with the debates. All it's done is helped Obama....

45 Anyone got any ideas on how we can get the Republican Party to have closed primaries? I can't take another McCain and another loss in the general.

46 My wife said she wanted to go somewhere she'd never been before. I said grey box!

47 "It's kind of like a vacay at Martha's Vineyard that lasts too long."

48 *hic* I had a great time at the debatesssh.  Dunno what you guyssshh are on about.

49 Only one I can see dropping out after South Caroline might be Santorum. The Loon will go on to the bitter end, and the angry snorting boar will stay in just for spite. But in that case, I can't see too many people tuning in just to watch Newt wipe the floor with Paul, so maybe one debate might be skippable.

50 This is actually easier on the eyes. Can we keep the blog like this?

Posted by: imp at January 17, 2012 12:29 PM (UaxA0)

Speaking of easy on the eyes, am I the only person who didn't know about this?

51 Anyone got any ideas on how we can get the Republican Party to have closed primaries?

Maybe let ace post the primaries and then they'll be inside a grey box. Okay, I'm done now.

52 Well Romney has a point.  How many debates do we need? What is it now..about debate #67?  I don't watch them anymore because they add nothing to the vetting process for the GOP canidates. Need to concentrate on Obama's record and weakness. They P.O.S. is just sitting on the fence post watching the pigs play in the mud.....

53

Perry or Gingrich or Santorum may drop out by then, and the remaining candidates will get a bump from that.

Fixed that for you, Luscious. 

BAH-CLUCK!!!

54 I suspect that if we went back an looked, it was Romney people who jumped all over Perry when the idea was floated back at the beginning that he was going to skip a few debates.
In fact, I'd be floored if they weren't the ones leading the Bronx Cheer there.

55 As much as it may sting the Ewok, I have to put forth his own point of "better we find these things out early".  What if we had to find out in the general elections that Perry does as well in debates as a Broncos safety covering Rob Gronkowksi?

56 Apparently Mitt doesn't get that some people on the Right are thinking about skipping him.

57
That shithead race-monger Rep. Cleaver says: "A white president, frankly, could be pushed a great deal more than we would push President Obama because nobody would accuse him or her of having partiality towards African-Americans."

Lowering the bar for Obama because he's black.

58 Well Romney has a point.  How many debates do we need? What is it now..about debate #67?  I don't watch them anymore because they add nothing to the vetting process for the GOP canidates. Need to concentrate on Obama's record and weakness. They That P.O.S. is just sitting on the fence post watching the pigs play in the mud.....

59 I'll take more debates, in exchange for new candidates.

60 it was Romney people who jumped all over Perry when the idea was floated back at the beginning that he was going to skip a few debates.

True.  That's because that was the beginning of the process.  We've seen them now. 

61

Of course, there are too many debates.  But they have now replaced reality TV as cheap entertainment.  All that was missing from last night's debate was the crowd doing the Arsenio - woh woh woh arm chant.  Maybe next cycle the serious candidates can decide to hold their own serious debates that do not resemble a high school student-council debate.

That being said, the debates are a lot better now that there is a smaller number of candidates.  If they would just get rid of Paul, we could have a pretty good and serious debate.  Assuming they find some good moderators.  Last night's were pretty good, except for Juan, but he did allow Newt to shine - so having him ask questions wasn't a total loss.

 

62

These debates don't matter now, now that Perry is doing better at them.

Let's get these early primaries over with already! I can't have the Republican voters finding out what Obama's opposition research teams already know about me.

63

The only possible plus I see right now to this endless cavalcade of debates is that it will desensitize the country at-large to the discussion of these topics.  Granted, the political junkies (and those of us that genuinely care about the future of our country) will continue to pay attention, but all of the "I'm only political when it's cool" hipsters will have long since gotten bored.  Then, when the general election hits, and Barry shifts into Media Saturation Mode, it backfires, because everyone's already tired of hearing about Bain Capital, or Healthcare Reform, or 99 Weeks of Unemployment Bennies...

And let's face it, Barry will shift into Media Saturation Mode.  He can't not.  It's all he knows.  And by then, the media will likely be the only friends he's still got.

64

I expect he'll go to at least one.

Stuff like this is as much about warning moderators that if they want Mitt to show, they better give him some plums.  I suspect his campaign is fuming that Fox gave Newt the chance to rip Ron Paul for his Osama bin Laden stuff instead of Newt.

65 i'm in the who cares stage

66 These debates don't matter now, now that Perry is doing better at them.

Yes, that's it.  He fears Perry's mighty poll numbers. 

67 I want a debate with just Newt and Juan Williams, Diane Sawyer, and George Snuffaluffagus.

Pay per view...we'd solve that debt problem thingy.

68 TEHRAN — For the American government, the crash of the RQ-170 drone in Iran was an embarrassment. For the Iranian government, it was a propaganda victory. And for at least one company, according to state radio, it could be a windfall. An Iranian firm, seeking to capitalize on the frenzy that followed the crash of the drone — and American calls to have it returned — is now producing miniaturized toy versions of the craft. Most of the toys, which come in several colors and are made of Iranian plastic, have already been snapped up by Iranian government organizations, according to the group that manufactures them. At least one model — a pink one — has been reserved for President Obama. “He said he wanted it back, and we will send him one,” said Reza Kioumarsi, the head of cultural production at the Ayeh Art group. When the President of the United States becomes a joke and a punch line, you know we are in deep shit. G-D save us all

69 Ann Romney: Hey, Mitt, I was doing the laundry. Why is there $326,000 in singles in your pants pocket?

Mitt Romney: Oh, barnacles, err, I got that from a speaking engagement. Yep, that's where I got it. Just throw it in the "loose change" jar. Thanks.

Ann Romeny: Hey Mitt what are these brown stains on your shirt?

70

Never ending gotcha moments aka gifts to the democrat party. We need to pile on Obama, not each other.

71 Why would anyone drop out during the proportional primaries? It's like pre-season football, when its over everyone will be essentially tied.

72 Skip a debate or two, skip the tax disclosures, skip defending capitalism and Bain.
This guy is getting some piss poor advice.
Does Not Bode Well.

73

Mitt should skip the debates - they can only hurt him.  Contrary to conventional wisdom (or NRO wisdom), Mitt is a lousy debater.  He spews words without every taking a pause or considering that a one-word answer may be appropriate.  He uses all of his time as if this was a high school debate format where you get a point for every argument you make.  In the process he either makes no point at all, confuses the point, or completely overwhelms the audience to where it forgets the good point he made at the very beginning.  He could learn a lot form Newt.  Sounding coherent while spewing out words is not always the most effective way to build an argument.  Have you ever noticed that when people say Mitt won it is only because they say he didn't hurt himself.  He never wins on the actual debate - only in relative terms.  That is all fine and dandy, and is akin to the mantra that you can win in football with a QB who doesn't make mistake.  But it doesn't make you a good debater. 

74 Who cares?  Romney will never get my vote. . . .I wish he would skip running as a Republican altoghether (because he isn't one)!

75

 Who cares?  Romney will never get my vote. . . .I wish he would skip running as a Republican altogether (because he isn't one)!

Pssst!  Romney's a Democrat in RINO clothing!

76 Pssst!  Romney's a Democrat in RINO clothing!

Wow, what an original thought.  Nobody around here has ever said that before.

77 If you get an invitation to the same party every week for two months, you're allowed to decline once in a while. Especially when the host is a douche. I agree that Romney will probably attend at least one of them, the non-Romneys should take advantage of the other one.

78 62 it was Romney people who jumped all over Perry when the idea was floated back at the beginning that he was going to skip a few debates.

True.  That's because that was the beginning of the process.  We've seen them now. 

Posted by: pep at January 17, 2012 12:48 PM (YXmuI)

Right. Had we cut last night, we never would have gotten Romney's "I didn't flip-flop. I changed my mind. That's different. See?" moment.

We all know exactly what this is all about: People are landing punches on Romney and Bachmann isn't there to defend him anymore.

79 61 I'll take more debates, in exchange for new candidates.

Posted by: sandy burger

 

Who wouldn't?

80

When the President of the United States becomes a joke and a punch line, you know we are in deep shit.

IRONY, this was exactly why the Democrat Party peddled Barry as the Only Logical Successor to Dubya.

81 Why does Mitt get to skip two debates when I can only skip one?

82 He uses all of his time as if this was a high school debate format where you get a point for every argument you make. **** What's worse is he whines out loud about it- I didn't get all my time! My time isn't up yet! Anderson!!! (appeal to the moderator)

83
We have given the nudge, the plan must be followed, Romney will be nominee, you can't change fate, get on the super highway to serfdom.

84 C'mon people, get behind my throw jarts at them plan.  You know you want to.

85

OT

Anybody stupid enough to give money to HSUS should read this. They use pitiful animal pictures to get people to send them money, then they actually spend less than 1% on animal rescue/welfare. I'll bet the sons of bitches give a shitload more money to PETA than that.

86 Romney loses his first debate rather badly and we see more rope-a-dope - Willard needs to be careful, he may find hiself going one on one with Perry on super Tuesday

Perry has done a good job of setting expectations. By virtue of not shitting his pants during an epileptic seizure he is deemed to have "won" the debate.

87 We all know exactly what this is all about: People are landing punches on Romney and Bachmann isn't there to defend him anymore. **** Ha!

88

That's more Santorum, tasker.

I agree that Romney is not a great debater.  He has flashes, and long streaks of competence.  But his competence is unexciting and he gets rattled too easily.

Gingrich is the only great debater this go around, although last night he came off worse on substance when he sparred with Santorum on Social Security and with Romney on SuperPACs.  But given the substance he had to work with, he out-executed them both.

89 he's got Florida wrapped up and can afford to coast. Ah, yes, inevitability...

90 We all know

Read the comments.  I am hardly alone. 

91 shitting his pants during an epileptic seizure

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head

I'd watch that.

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

93 But...but...I have an endless list of racial grievances that I can pose as debate questions!

94 It's like a cruise that's gone on too long.  Or a butler who's overstayed his welcome.  Or a chauffeur that just insists on taking the long way around.  An opera that never seems to end in time for dinner reservations.  Or one of those interminable ski lifts that drags out an Aspen retreat....

Electability!

95

@70 - a pink one?  Man, they're gonna go there?

The LGBTQ community is gonna go ballistic.  They're gonna insist that we re-invade, and teach him a lesson on how hazing and bullying are completely unacceptable hate-crimes.

I sure hope Iran knows what kind of can of worms he's opening up now...

/sarc

96 All of these primaries should be moved up. This is taking too long. I can't keep paying off polsters. This is costing me a fortune.

97 C'mon people, get behind my throw jarts at them plan. Legalize Jarts!!

98 When do the shitbirds in WI have to deliver those petitions? COB

99 Debate we much!

100 Romney doesn't need to debate, he already has sown up the win. Watching Romney speak is harmful to me as my erection usually lasts longer than 4 hours.

101 That's more Santorum, tasker. **** True, if Santorum wasn't doing that-we'd all notice Romney doing it more. When Romney debates Obama--...it's not going to work. But his competence is unexciting and he gets rattled too easily. Oooh he's a death match in this department for Obama then. They're going to bore us to death in the general election debates. Tie goes to the incumbent.

102 C'mon people, get behind my throw jarts at them plan.

I really liked jarts, and even as 7-yr-olds, my friends and I never came close to killing each other.  I s'pose we could learn, though. 

103
More than two dozen gay sharks beached themselves on Cape Cod a few days ago.

Are they stupid? An "animal welfare organization" tried to rescue them meddle and managed to save a bunch of the stupid gay sharks.

"SCUSSET BEACH, Mass.—An animal welfare organization says up to 30 dolphins have been found stranded on five Cape Cod beaches, and only 11 were able to be released.

Kerry Branon of the International Fund for Animal Welfare says the common dolphins were found in Dennis, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet on Saturday. She says of the 28 to 30 dolphins found, 10 to 12 have died and eight were inaccessible to rescuers.

Branon told The Associated Press the surviving dolphins were given blood tests and evaluated to determine their health, then some were tagged and released at Scusset Beach.

The cause of the beaching could not immediately be determined."

104

@96 - it's like a Cuban cigar that just won't snuff out.  I mean, at some point, you simply can't possibly fit any more pate onto your water cracker.

Why, I'd bet money that we'd have nothing but debates from now 'til Election Day if somebody didn't stop this insanity!  Anyone wanna make it interesting?  Eh?  $10,000?

105 Its too bad Tebow has said he won't endorse anyone.  Would be interesting to see what would happen if he came out and endorsed someone prior to the Florida primary.  What if he endorsed Santorum?  The Tebow hatred would certainly step up a notch. 

106

When do the shitbirds in WI have to deliver those petitions? COB

Gov. Scott Walker on Rush's show right now.

107 It's like, after a couple of dozen of these things, those other guys finally figured out how to fuck up every other word- or sumptin.

108

My Newtie will be the nominee. He is the most electable anyway, because he is the best debater.

I am sure that the media will not talk about how I was fucking a married man. We are married now, so that doesn't matter. Women voters will love me. I have perfect hair.

109 This has been just nuts. When, in the history of presidential campaigns, have there ever been anywhere near as many debates as we've seen so far? It is getting tedious, and rather silly. The only thing holding me up, in this whole affair, is Ace's live streaming blog commentary.

110 not. fuck me,

111 112 not. fuck me, Posted by: Zit Romney at January 17, 2012 01:08 PM (E7yM+) Ok

112 Gingrich is the only great debater this go around, although last night he came off worse on substance when he sparred with Santorum on Social Security and with Romney on SuperPACs.  But given the substance he had to work with, he out-executed them both.

Also, he had a Gingrich Moment when he proposed dealing with one big government program (unemployment benefits) by adding a new big government program (job training).

113

Women voters will love me. I have perfect hairhelmet.

FIFY

114 lego hair

115

The cause of the beaching could not immediately be determined.

They heard that Dolphin-Lover guy was test-driving a new Ski-Doo.

116 I new I shoulda took typing instaed of calculus in high school.

117 This from the duplicitous asshole who has been running for president for five years.

118
you mean Weeble hair

119
Weeble's wobble.

120 It's kind of like a cruise that's gone on too long. ...said the Professor. I liked watching Mary Ann's questions from the WSJ, and first mate Ron Gilligan is a riot.

121

Legalize Jarts!!

Let the one eyed bastards play!

122 Who cares?  Romney will never get my vote. . . .I wish he would skip running as a Republican altoghether (because he isn't one)! Posted by: Pragmatic
........
Yeah.. because not voting for him guarantees Obama a victory.. and what could go wrong with another 4 years of the SCOAMF?  There's only the Bush tax cuts sunsetting and maybe a couple Supreme Court nominations.. that's all.. nothing important.

123

Let the one eyed bastards play!

It's all fun and games until someone loses a testicle!

124 Weeble's wobble.

But they don't fall down.

125 My first thought is that this is a trial balloon, but unless it is designed to get the other candidates to pull money from SC to put into FL in an attempt to make gains on Romney, I just don't see the percentage.

126 The cause of the beaching could not immediately be determined. I'm thinking "Failure To Stay In Water" had something to do with it.

127 Also, he had a Gingrich Moment when he proposed dealing with one big government program (unemployment benefits) by adding a new big government program (job training).

Posted by: Hollowpoint at January 17, 2012 01:09 PM (SY2Kh)

I think it's a good idea for the funemployed to learn how to barter for McNuggets.

128

I have perfect hairhelmet.

Mrs. Reason commented on that this past weekend, actually.

She had two points:
1.  Helmet hair.
2.  An uncanny overall resemblance to John McCain's wife

129 The cavalry has ridden in to help Scott Walker.  TEA Party Express volunteers rolls in to help verify hundreds of thousands of phony recall signatures.

130 Yeah, Willard vs Barry is gonna be a thrill-fest all right. The drinking game rules will be simple this time: Drink.

131

Who cares?  Romney will never get my vote. . . .I wish he would skip running as a Republican altoghether (because he isn't one)! Posted by: Pragmatic

I think you need to find a new name because you're not really "pragmatic."

Hrothgar had it right this morning.  It's very mathematical.

ABO > ABR

132 I new I shoulda took typing instaed of calculus in high school.
.........
Or spelling.. or, did your school teach that if the "k" was silent you didn't need it?

133 When, in the history of presidential campaigns, have there ever been anywhere near as many debates as we've seen so far? Romney was loving these debates when everyone just fought for cabinet positions in his administration. He was sooooo well-prepared, confident and above it all.

134

@ 44 If it weren't for the debates, Herman Cain might still be on top.

Shoot, if it weren't for the debates, Rick Perry might still be on top!

135 Prediction: When in Miami for a debate Romney gets arrested while picking up a transvestite hooker, thus confirming that he really is a closet democrat. Team Meteor goes on to win the nomination. Obama gets to make Morgan Freeman's concession speech from deep impact, and the Mayans get the last laugh (had they not gone extinct 800 years ago.

136

2.  An uncanny overall resemblance to John McCain's wife

She's the heiress to a beer distributorship fortune too!?!?!?

Well, that changes everything.

Calista, my darling, pour me a cold one.

 

137
I'm thinking "Failure To Stay In Water" had something to do with it.

I don't understand why this is an age old mystery. Maybe dolphins and whales do this because they're stupid and this is how nature thins the herd. Crazy, I know.

It's probably due to global warming. Because stuff like this never happened before.

138 It's all fun and games until someone loses a testicle! You're telling me!

139 Ooooooooh....these dolphins are so....smoooooooth.

140 I don't understand why this is an age old mystery. Maybe dolphins and whales do this because they're stupid and this is how nature thins the herd. Crazy, I know.

It's probably due to global warming. Because stuff like this never happened before.

Posted by: soothsayer at January 17, 2012 01:16 PM (sqkOB)

The only rational conclusion is that dolphins and whales are Democrats. 

141 Jimmy Crack-Corn and I don't care. I am voting Romney or whoever in November 2012. Voting Romney in the Florida Primary. Bite me.

Gingrich, who had my attention (briefly) is done for me. He is a whining, fat, malicious little twit, riding on the coat-tails of President Reagan (forgetting that he had to, um, resign, and many thought him a self-centered little blowhard during his reign). Perry? Love the guy, but he has blown several chances to win the hearts and minds of the voters. Santorum? I am ok with him, but in the one minute I watched the hazing last night he was whining about minutes given to Romney like a toddler whose Vanilla Wafer measures a few mm smaller. I don't like whiners, in the event you can't tell. Who is left? Oh, Ron Paul. One word: insane. That leaves me with Romney, keeping in mind I would vote for a baboon with swollen red hindquarters before I'd vote for Barry. Pragmatism, people.

These debates have turned into a "mean girls" sista sorority hazing. They are stupid. After each one, there is a Drudge vote and the Ron Paul people vote en mass. Then the conservative blogs, like Michelle Malkin, wail and shriek and pull out their eyelashes in mass trichotillomania, howling lamentations to the wind.  Or, if it makes the non-Romney people feel better, they vote for their pet candidate in polls here and there and threaten to not vote in November. Rinse. Vomit. Repeat.

If there was a candidate who could win the hearts and minds of all the conservatives in the country, where was he all this time since 2010? Huh?

The debates serve no purpose at this time, the sheer number of them (like riveting  reruns of a Discovery Channel examination of frog feces), except to provide late-night TV material to bash the GOP. Oh! And to fracture any type of unity going forward. Well done! Oh! And to make it much easier on the Obummer people's digging for information.

A great big, fat, flatulent "whatever." Is it over yet?

142 105:  A couple centuries from now, we're going to figure out they're sentient, and find a way to communicate with 'em.  Then we'll find out that these 'beachings' are cults trying to join with the mysterious 'dry gods'...

Which makes about as much sense as the rest of the theories I've heard.

143 My first thought is that this is a trial balloon, **** It's more of a sneaky way to push the number 1 factor Romney has going for him right now- inevitability.

144 Or spelling.. or, did your school teach that if the "k" was silent you didn't need it?

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at January 17, 2012 01:14 PM (f9c2L)

Man, I really need to go back to sckhool.

145

We were promised that the seas would have risen to that point by now.  Al Gore specifically told us that the ocean would have covered that beach by now!

What have you done to thwart our glorious plot for world domination through Dolphopogenic Global Warming?!??!?

Curse you for causing the tides to recede, Barack Obama!

146 when does Willard release his tax returns? hearing rumors he's already doing some damage control on the tax rates he pays...

147 What did Walker say on Rush?

148

Curse you for causing the tides to recede, Barack Obama!

Posted by: The Illumi-dolphi at January 17, 2012 01:20 PM (5npD/)

So guys are so boned. So long, and thanks for all the fish.

149 @124. Why are you do sure Romney will extend the bush tax rates or nominate conservative justices rather than more souter's? What in his past indicates that he will defend anything conservative in face of a democrat filibuster.

150

What in his past indicates that he will defend anything conservative in face of a democrat filibuster.

Electing a Tea Party-centered House and Senate along with him.

151 That's about the most enthusiastic argument that can be made for Romney right now... Man that Romney he's really going to take it to Obama on ObamaCare!! no... Romney is really going to stick it to the Dems on Social Security reform!!11 oops.. Romney He's Inevitable! Wooo hooo-the Romney campaign and pundits finds a principle they believe in!

152 What in his past indicates that he will defend anything conservative in face of a democrat filibuster strongly-worded letter?

FIFY

153 A couple centuries from now, we're going to figure out they're sentient, and find a way to communicate with 'em.  Then we'll find out that these 'beachings' are cults trying to join with the mysterious 'dry gods'...  attempts at illegal immigration.

FTFY.

154

What is that? Tremors. We don't like that. Whatever that was, it was scary.

Must get away. Must swim fast. Get away. Get far away. *shlooop* What is this? Land? Shit.

155

Team Meteor goes on to win the nomination.

Do not taunt Happy Fun Alex. 

156 Electing a Tea Party-centered House and Senate along with him. Posted by: Sean Bannion at January 17, 2012 01:24 PM (sbV1u) that's pissing in the wind if GOP leadership on the hill isn't dumped over board.

157
Or... this is how that wacky evolution works.

Dolphins and whales beach themselves until someday one of them can walk on land!

Yeah, that's the ticket!

158

that's pissing in the wind if GOP leadership on the hill isn't dumped over board.

Posted by: bannor, voting for NotRomney at January 17, 2012 01:26 PM (6AXh/)

Maybe.  Maybe not.

Only one way to find out though.

159 Leave my Mitt Romney ALONE!!! sob

160 when does Willard release his tax returns? hearing rumors he's already doing some damage control on the tax rates he pays...

It's only Jan 17, and I'm pretty sure that Romney's tax return isn't of the short form variety.

What's the next True Conservative Republican line of attack going to be?  That Romney isn't paying his "fair share" and that Romney's tax returns show that we need to increase taxes on the rich?

161 Electing a Tea Party-centered House and Senate along with him.

Stop that.  It's not going to happen (especially the Senate) so don't try to claim that we're going to have a Congress that will pull him to the right.  At best we'll get slightly more control in the House (and still not a majority with Tea Party ideals), and we'll have around 52 - 53 in the Senate.

If we don't have a President who is willing to fight (as in: use up political capital, and turn away so-called "moderates" fight) for Conservative Principles, then we're not slowing down (let alone stopping) the march toward socialism.

So instead of pointing to a fantasy, answer the question: In his record, what suggests that Mitt Romney will actually fight for conservative values/conservative justices?

162 Romney is a republican. We never raise taxes or nominate liberal justices. Trust us.

163 So instead of pointing to a fantasy, answer the question: In his record, what suggests that Mitt Romney will actually fight for conservative values/conservative justices?

Nothing.  Does that make Obama a better choice?

164 We're here to support Chris Christie.

165 Why are you do sure Romney will extend the bush tax rates or nominate conservative justices rather than more souter's? What in his past indicates that he will defend anything conservative in face of a democrat filibuster. Posted by: SH
..........
There are no guarantees with Romney.  But quite a lot is guaranteed with Obama.

So, go ahead and take your chances, ya jackwad.  But don't come around and bitch about it well into Obama's second term.

166 Obama 2012 - No More Debates. Just Orders.

167 So instead of pointing to a fantasy, answer the question: In his record, what suggests that Mitt Romney will actually fight for conservative values/conservative justices?
Posted by: AllenG
........
So yeah.. might as well re-elect Obama then according to your logic.

168
You know what's funny? This is what Mitt Romney gets for forgoing his governor's salary (roughly $140K/yr).

He coulda paid income taxes on that, but instead...

So, you got a guy like Obama who's income has been mainly from the public teat. Obama takes his teat money, pays taxes on it, and looks like a swell guy.

169

Stop that.  It's not going to happen (especially the Senate) so don't try to claim that we're going to have a Congress that will pull him to the right.

Might not happen.

But if you think that's a fantasy, I'll tell you that Rick Perry swearing in as the 45th President of the U.S. in 2013 is a bigger fantasy.

So stop that.

If you make Congress more conservative it's a check on the POTUS.  Not a perfect check, but one to force enough compromises to get more right, instead of whatever Mitch McConnell and John Boehner are defining as "the middle" these days.

What's in Romney's record that makes me think he's conservative?  Nothing.  He's also not my guy.

What's in Rick Perry's record that makes me think he can win a national election?  Nothing.

Rick Perry has proven he can win elections in a red state where more people than not see the world that way he does.

That's not de facto a winning formula for a national campaign.  It might be...but after 8 years of Bush, it's unlikely.

 

170 The debates serve no purpose at this time. Coronate me, you mouthbreathers. The issues are irrelevant -- repealing Obamacare, entitlement reform (I will just drop Paul Ryan's name), unemployment, the debt (GDP has increased by nearly 66% in four years; end of 2008--$10 Trillion; end of 2012--$16.6 Trillion, but "Obama is in over his head"), Iranian nukes, the Arab Spring. We don't need to talk about this. I'm electable.

171 Romney is a republican. We never raise taxes or nominate liberal justices. Trust us. That's my boy! How you liking Souter?

172 Chi-town. I won't bitch if you don't blame the conservatives when mitt is not as electable as you think come November. Now is the time to make the argument for the conservative candidate. That's what I'm doing. AllenG is right. There is no indication that mitt will risk any political capital. In fact based on last night he told us that he won't. He excuses all of his liberal votes with the argument that he had to deal with a very liberal legislature. Never making the conservative counter argument. You know what the next true conservative argument should be - hey he supported the individual mandate. He supported ethanol subsidies. I'm not going to give Romney a free pass because he has won five delegates and is leading in the polls.

173

@123 - You owe me a new keyboard. (I should know better than to eat/drink when I read the comments here.....)

174 Snubbing a swing state? 

175 If BO has a second term, there should be a lot of push back from the house and senate. Of course based on the past two years I'm not entirely confident. But I think they will offer more resistance. With Romney at the helm they will go along. Now Romney may very well be fight at least for some conservative things like nominating good justices. But I see no evidence of that in his past. So rather than simply get on the Romney train I'm going to ask that he convince me to vote for him. Perry may not be as electable as Romney. But maybe he is. One has never lost and one has wOn once. Sure Texas is redder than mass, but there are a lot more conservatives and republicans to beat. He beat a formidable and popular KBH after being way down in the polls. That may not convince others but it tells me he can still come back. Perry is a long shot but he is still entitled to make his case. As is mitt. Mitt will not simply get my vote for being not Obama. But I won't just not vote for him simply bc he wasn't my first choice.

176 Romney will be at every debate.  Bank on that.

It is too easy for everyone to make him, and by extension his absence, the main issue if he isn't there.  All he needs to do right now is keep showing up and he's very likely to be the nominee.

177

Posted by: SH at January 17, 2012 01:49 PM (ym/iP)

Don't disagree with 99% of what you said.

Except this...

Mitt will not simply get my vote for being not Obama.

Mitt won't get my vote in the primary for not being Obama.  But he will in the general if he is the nominee.

Beause Obama really is that much of an epic fucking disaster.

This is demonstrable fact.

178 SH - I wasn't talking about the primaries.  I thought you meant you would never vote for him in the general.

As far as the primaries go, I agree we should vote for the most conservative candidate.  Even if Romney gets the nomination, it would be more reason for him to toe the conservative line if he had solid conservative opposition in the primaries.

179 I'd love for him to skip the debates.  But it would be rather stupid of him to do so.  When he's on stage, he gets most of the attention.  If he's not there, everyone else gets a chance to shine (or to screw up, but "do ok" and "screw up" are pretty much the same at this point for anyone but Romney, because "doing ok" won't get them the nomination.

180 I never said I would never vote for Romney.  I just want Romney to convince me to vote for him.  And so long as the primaries are still going on, I will continue to defend and support those candidates that I think will govern more conservatively.  And I just think the arguments for Romney are fairly weak.  When people make arguments that who do you want nominating justices Romney or Obama - I think it is fair to argue whether there will be any difference?  Romney says he will repeal Obamacare - fine, that is much better than his first answer of granting waivers to every 50 state.  And as the architect of Romneycare, he needs to do more than simply say he will repeal it.  But it will not be so simple.  If he came out, and said he will repeal Obamacare at all costs, that will be his primary agenda - fine.  He has not said any of those things.  Jobs is his first agenda.  Again - fine.  But what if it is between a Romney jobs package v. repeal of Obamacare.  Which will he choose?  I think you know the answer.  And I think repealing Obamcare will do more for jobs than any federal program that Romney could come up with.  These are legitimate questions and doubts that I and others have about Mitt.  I am not foolish, I know he is likely to be the nominee.  But while it is likely it is not certain.  Until then, we argue for our candidate of choice.

181 I expect the Mittster to release his income tax returns once he is the incontrovertible winnah and it is too late to do anything about the contents.

182 What's the next True Conservative Republican line of attack going to be? That Romney isn't paying his "fair share" and that Romney's tax returns show that we need to increase taxes on the rich? Posted by: Hollowpoint at January 17, 2012 01:27 PM (SY2Kh) I think the point is that he should be vetted and be prepared to answer questions--and there will be questions from the left. It worries me that he was so nervous when asked about this last night. It wouldn't surprise anyone if he pays cap gains rate on most of his income, so what is he worried about? Better we find out now.

183 Good.  The debates will be 500% more conservative without Lord Milquetoast stammering through the lion's share of questions.

184 Of course he wants to skip the debates.  It's like wanting to skip target practice when you're the target.