October 01, 2012

Romney's Debate Plan: Zingers?
— Ace

I don't know about this -- I can't say it's a bad idea. I also can't say it's a good one. It will depend on actual execution. As I don't know the zingers, I just can't say much of anything.

But I will anyway, after the quote.

Mr. ObamaÂ’s team records his practices to sharpen his responses so that they connect on a more visceral level with the television audience. One of Mr. RomneyÂ’s aides calculated his words-per-minute rate in the primary campaign debates to break him of the habit of feeling that he needs to rattle off the most statistics.

Mr. RomneyÂ’s team has concluded that debates are about creating moments and has equipped him with a series of zingers that he has memorized and has been practicing on aides since August. His strategy includes luring the president into appearing smug or evasive about his responsibility for the economy.

So here's what I think happened. I think Romney imposed his own idea of what a Convention should be about on the RNC. I think his team gave the order that speeches were to be substantive and serious, but also seeking a human connection by telling stories about life history and grandparent coal miners.

Almost the entire convention was like that. Only the major speakers got to pop off any kind of fireworks -- and the guy most expected to be a Human Fireworks Show, Chris Christie, instead turned in a sober call for personal responsibility in a time of national crisis. (Mike Huckabee got a bunch in, and Condi Rice a couple, and Paul Ryan got in not quite zingers but deadly criticisms.)

I noted at the time the convention was lacking zingers. Now, zingers may be dumb, they may be cheap, but you miss them when they're not there. Although we'd all like to pretend we are nothing but Patriots Seeking Substance, we have to admit that there is a real entertainment aspect to these things -- or there should be, at least.

Now, I think the time for the most zingers is the Convention, but that's water under the bridge now.

Can Romney gain some appeal, and reduce Obama's, by some funny, but cutting, lines?

I will say that it is the zingers that most people remember, isn't it?

Romney, though, is not a natural-seeming public speaker. If this were Christie or Ryan, I'd say zing away. My problem is that I'm not sure Romney can manage to be funny and cutting and likable and serious all at once. I do not knock the guy for not being a great, naturally charismatic presence -- that's a gift from God, and no one can fault a man too much for not being blessed by God.

But I do worry that anything outside Romney's comfort zone of being a diligent, homework-doing, test-acing technocratic wonk will come off false and cloying. Trying too hard.

I noted much earlier in the primaries that "Romney can't get away with anything." Some politicians are teflon coated; gaffes and even falsehoods won't stick to them. They have some kind of charisma or charming self-deprecation that makes it hard to stick them with something.

Well, Romney doesn't have that. Romney can't get away with anything. Everything seems to stick to him.

The media makes sure of this, of course, but I think even without the media, people judge Romney more harshly, because he just seems to be trying to hard. All politicians are trying to convince you to give them something. But Romney seems like he's doing that, whereas other politicians -- who are doing the same damn thing -- do not.

So I'm not against the zingers per se. But I do think this is outside Romney's metier, and I'm worried he even struggles to be authentic when he's authentically being himself.

I guess I'm saying: I sure hope his aides are not bullshitting him and telling him "You nailed that, sounded perfectly natural and charming" if his zingers aren't actually working.

Oh: I do love when Romney uses sort of old-fashioned country type sarcasm like "Bless his heart" and "Isn't that remarkable?" The last one deployed like so: "This is a president who came into office claiming he would cut the deficit in half, fix the economy in three years, and even lower the oceans. And now, as his second term approaches, he tells us he can't change Washington from the inside. Isn't that remarkable?"

I love when he does that.

That seems (from what I've seen so far) his best sort of zinger.


Posted by: Ace at 12:03 PM | Comments (307)
Post contains 769 words, total size 5 kb.

1 Bazinga

Posted by: Mitt Romney at October 01, 2012 12:05 PM (tf9Ne)

2 first again

Posted by: mallfly at October 01, 2012 12:06 PM (bJm7W)

3 rats

Posted by: mallfly at October 01, 2012 12:06 PM (bJm7W)

4 He should try this one:  "Mr. President, if you weren't so full of yourself, I'd think you were full of something else."

Posted by: Dr. P at October 01, 2012 12:06 PM (dX1zq)

5 Will he have an instantrimshot application on an iphone in his pocket?

Posted by: lorien1973 at October 01, 2012 12:07 PM (mcWHD)

6 Mockery is good.

Posted by: soothsayer at October 01, 2012 12:07 PM (jUytm)

7 zinger = gaffe (MSM)

Posted by: mallfly at October 01, 2012 12:07 PM (bJm7W)

8 No love for me?

Posted by: The Empty Chair Routine at October 01, 2012 12:07 PM (FcR7P)

9 Going to re-post, since rapid posting by Ace. Other then some of the tragic stories in world events, on the domestic homefront, one story that Romney could use to point out pretty much everything that is wrong with Obama and his policies is the: Bribe defense contractors to Break the Law while Using/Wasting Taxpayer Money to Cover Up Massive Layoffs It's all there. Pretty much every single Chicagoan thug tactic sans violence.

Posted by: seriously at October 01, 2012 12:07 PM (LpQbZ)

10 Ridicule is an art form, after all.

Posted by: soothsayer at October 01, 2012 12:07 PM (jUytm)

11 And Romey's team could be saying that to create disinformation.  We'll see what the plan is when this unfolds.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Aghast in his own head. at October 01, 2012 12:07 PM (hLRSq)

12 My free zinger: "Mr President, can you honestly say that anyone except your mother would have voted for you if you were named Guido Carboni..?

Posted by: mallfly at October 01, 2012 12:08 PM (bJm7W)

13 I am afraid to the MSM, zinger = condescending.

Therefore RAAAYYYCYSTS.

Posted by: CUS at October 01, 2012 12:08 PM (84pE9)

14 I wonder if Clooney and Spielberg are giving Obama Hollywood pointers on presenting himself for the debates, like they were doing early in his presidency? The Hollywood President.

Posted by: Pyrocles at October 01, 2012 12:08 PM (cv5Iw)

15 Eh. Mitt's not a zinger guy. Unless he's worked up it will look false. He's got to get himself psyched up like a linebacker before a big game, then he can zing with passion.

Posted by: joncelli at October 01, 2012 12:08 PM (RD7QR)

16 "So a Communist, a Kenyan and a Stoner walk into a debate...just messin' with ya' Barry...."

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 01, 2012 12:09 PM (HethX)

17 "metier"?  Is this a SAT prep essay or what?  I was told there would be no English.  Or was that math?

Posted by: OSUsux at October 01, 2012 12:09 PM (DFXmi)

18 Clearly, ace is doing a Moron-Call for us to write up "Cool Facts ..." style Zingers for Mitt.

_

He just doesn't know it yet.    

I expect the "oh yeah, this could drive traffic" edit to be made to add a contest in 3-2-1 ....

_

Posted by: BumperStickerist at October 01, 2012 12:09 PM (RuUvx)

19 But I do think this is outside Romney's metier, and I'm worried he even struggles to be authentic when he's authentically being himself.

=======


Agree.  I'm not sure Mitt's comedic timing is anything to write home about.


If he is going to do this, he needs to do it sparingly and well or not do it at all.

Posted by: Tami at October 01, 2012 12:09 PM (X6akg)

20 Is brutal honesty and truth a zinger? If so, yes please, Mitt!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at October 01, 2012 12:09 PM (+tqYo)

21 There has been thousands of zingers to my wallet and to my Liberty in the past four years, what's a few more?

Posted by: dfbaskwill at October 01, 2012 12:09 PM (71LDo)

22 Oscar Levant-style witticisms could work.
_

Posted by: BumperStickerist at October 01, 2012 12:10 PM (RuUvx)

23 My chief concern is that Romney will be so overcoached that he seems stiff and unrelatable.  He will try so hard to set up his zingers that it feels unnatural.

Best to be armed with the facts and let him run.

Posted by: Bill Mitchell at October 01, 2012 12:10 PM (hlUJY)

24 BTW - Mitt Romney is not Ferris Bueller.  Just pointing that out.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Aghast in his own head. at October 01, 2012 12:10 PM (hLRSq)

25 I hope he brings enough for Michelle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zingers

Posted by: Joe Mama at October 01, 2012 12:10 PM (rlba9)

26 Reagan used zingers, but he also used a *lot* of facts... zingers are the sizzle to the factual steak.

Romney sure seems to have studied Reagan's 1976 / 1980 runs...  there is some space between the two, Reagan ran a much more public anti-Carter campaign than Romney for one, but there are a *lot* of parallels.

I'm quite sure Romney understands both "There you go again" and "not holding my opponent's youth and inexperience against him" .. as well as "I paid for this microphone".

I'm hoping Romney's aides stole a play from Gingrich (who was rumored to be involved in debate prep at one point ...) and have taught Romney to appreciate moderator-livers.

Mew

Posted by: acat at October 01, 2012 12:10 PM (4UkCP)

27 Mr. President, your mother -- and may God rest her soul -- was so fat -- well, not really fat -- what was I saying?

Posted by: Mitt Romney, zingmeister at October 01, 2012 12:10 PM (RD7QR)

28 President Eye Candy must be mocked during the debates, but it must be brief, sharp, and natural.  Humor always wins the day, but not in a snarky Daily Show kinda way

Posted by: Teds of Beverly Hills at October 01, 2012 12:10 PM (U84nT)

29 "metier"? Is this a SAT prep essay or what? I was told there would be no English. Or was that math?

Somebody's lyin' to you. There's math every time we break out one of those stupid poll posts.

Posted by: Meiczyslaw at October 01, 2012 12:11 PM (4+LTj)

30 A NY Times article?

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at October 01, 2012 12:11 PM (9eDbm)

31 "So a Communist, a Kenyan and a Stoner walk into a debate...just messin' with ya' Barry...." Posted by: Lincolntf at October 01, 2012 04:09 PM (HethX) I LOL'd!

Posted by: ErikW at October 01, 2012 12:11 PM (NLAh2)

32 I heard that Mitt does a great Redd Foxx impression, he should definitely roll that out during the debate.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at October 01, 2012 12:11 PM (+lsX1)

33 Is this going to be an Obama roast?  I hope Don Rickles is there.

Posted by: WalrusRex at October 01, 2012 12:11 PM (XUKZU)

34 Mitt Romney's Zingers:

I've demonstrated competence at every thing I've turned my hand at during my entire adult life.

_

Posted by: BumperStickerist at October 01, 2012 12:11 PM (RuUvx)

35
No win situation.

If he connects, his words will be spun as well rehearsed empty applause lines,  If he misses, as gaffes.



Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 01, 2012 12:12 PM (kdS6q)

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

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at October 01, 2012 12:12 PM (8y9MW)

37 A. Hopefully, his aides are asskissers then. which would speak to the type of exec that he is. B. I think he can just coast along on the whole, I'll bet you $10,000 thing he did with Perry, amirite? C. I think Romney is going to be flustered by how bad Obama is, and how bad he's going to lie, that he's going to be in serious jeopardy of patting SCAOMF on the head mid-debate and saying you po'r chil'.

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:13 PM (QxSug)

38 Zingers are stupid at this stage of the game.

Romney has got to educate voters about the litany of failures of the Obama administration and the impact it will have on the lives of voters and their children.

MSM won't do it, it's all up to Romney.  He needs to be dramatic about how bad our situation is without scaring everyone to death, and convince people he has the guts and intelligence to turn the country around.

Posted by: Mr. Peabody at October 01, 2012 12:13 PM (uGiHE)

39 Has a pool been started yet on what the debate questions are going to be for Romney? Why do you hate gay people? What can you do to convince the 47% and poor people that you don't hate them? (Conversely, the question to TFG will be "President Obama, why does Mitt Romney hate poor people?") How can you possibly hate Obamacare since it was based on Romneycare? Are you racist? Why do you and Paul Ryan hate old people? Why did you want to kill the auto industry, since they are now a Great American Success Story? How many foreign bank accounts do you have, and where are they located?

Posted by: jakeman at October 01, 2012 12:13 PM (96M6e)

40 The media makes sure of this, of course, but I think even without the media, people judge Romney more harshly, because he just seems to be trying to hard.


I think it is entirely the MFM and the only people taking it seriously are the hardcore yellow dog Democrats like my stupid SIL.

Posted by: Vic at October 01, 2012 12:14 PM (YdQQY)

41 I think this debate is more important than the other three put together.
He must be confident, competent and self-deprecating.  Get under Owe-bama's skin at all costs!!

Posted by: Teds of Beverly Hills at October 01, 2012 12:14 PM (U84nT)

42 Mr. President, your mother -- and may she rest in peace -- was such a promiscuous woman that she greeted troopships. And it's good that she supported the troops. Uh, so there.

Posted by: Mitt Romney, zingmeister at October 01, 2012 12:14 PM (RD7QR)

43 I do not see zingers going well for Mitt. All I can picture in my head is in the primaries when Hunstman kept trying to make those cute little comments and just ended up looking like an asshole. I like Mitt, really I do. With all we've learned about him he is obviously a really great, generous, kind, and caring person. But he just doesn't seem to have the personality to pull off quips and zingers. I know this is probably against all current political wisdom, but I think it may actually go well for him if he does manage to rattle off all those facts and figures his people want him to avoid. I mean, this will be the first time most of the folks watching will ever have even heard of the stuff in the plethora of Obama craptasticness he could go off on. It might be a good idea to use the forum to get some of this stuff out there.

Posted by: Mandy P., long time lurker at October 01, 2012 12:14 PM (qFpRI)

44 ace, will you be live blogging the debate Wednesday?

Posted by: Tami at October 01, 2012 12:14 PM (X6akg)

45 Oooh, Zingers.  I need the chocolate ones.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™, winner of the belching contest at October 01, 2012 12:14 PM (/kI1Q)

46 You probably also don't want to tell people you are about to deliver a "zinger". It's like telling people you are about to tell them a hilarious joke. Never works out.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at October 01, 2012 12:14 PM (ZPrif)

47 And by ceding all the culture war shit to Obama, that there's no war on Catholics or creating a culture of dependency, it just comes down to ... what? personality, obama's record, fielder's choice? luckily, Romney's winning, so it doesn't matter.

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:15 PM (QxSug)

48

#34:

 

Wow.  That's pithy.  And true.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Aghast in his own head. at October 01, 2012 12:15 PM (hLRSq)

49 Much better than verbal zingers would be facial expressions, which Mitt doesn't do unfortunately.

Posted by: Joe Mama at October 01, 2012 12:15 PM (rlba9)

50 Mitt should use the My Cousin Vinny rebutal..."All that stuff the other guy just said is bullsh!t".

Posted by: Havedash at October 01, 2012 12:16 PM (F0WNa)

51 Yep if he hits, he's "mean," and if he misses he's a failure.  I hope to God this is just a misdirection leak.  Plus, the leak itself torpedoes the strategy.  All O has to do is have perfect timing on a "I'm not here to be a target for your joke writers, I'm here to run the country" riposte and Romney is left with nothing but his dick in his hand.

Posted by: arminius at October 01, 2012 12:16 PM (cDnhR)

52 Zingers are necessary because most people (the ones under about 45, anyway) think only in soundbites now.

Posted by: Mary in LA at October 01, 2012 12:17 PM (9wOfB)

53

Fact based zingers pointing out lies in progress by TFG during the debate could be useful.  Every word out of TFG's mouth is a lie afterall.

 

 

Posted by: Boots at October 01, 2012 12:17 PM (neKzn)

54 Given the source (NYT), I question the reporting.  Their choice of the word "zingers" is probably meant to induce you into believing Romney is planning what, in older days, might have been called "put-downs" or "burns."  They would be one-liners like, "Well I've certainly never doubled the debt of the government over which I was the chief executive, but..."

I don't think we should expect a lot of those.

On the other hand, "zinger" is a nice vague word so they can use it just about whenever they want.  I find it more likely that Romney is planning something on the lines of "Stinging Rebuke."

So, to get the same point across as that above, Romney might say, "We've run up trillion dollar deficits, and doubled our national debt.  That's just not working."

I don't know how well that would work, either, but I don't think you should look too hard for Romney to be "calling out" TFG.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at October 01, 2012 12:17 PM (8y9MW)

55 I've always assumed Obama's strategy would be to make Romney angry and get under his skin.  The MSM can comply right off the bat by giving SCOAMF a loaded question that he can use to that effect and have it look all innocent (the ahh you mad? expression would soon follow)

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at October 01, 2012 12:17 PM (9eDbm)

56 I'd like to see Romney ask Obama how his brother George is doing, and how much support he's given him lately. 

Posted by: Insomniac at October 01, 2012 12:17 PM (v+QvA)

57 I hope most of Romney's debate zingers are dick jokes. You can never go wrong with a good dick joke.

Posted by: Ben at October 01, 2012 12:17 PM (C2Y4l)

58 This has got to be, what'sitcalled?, ah yes, misinformation. Zingers? I mean, we all know that Obama's got serious charafcter, credibility, and brain issues so we all have yelled at the TV at times, "no, you have'nt said that, you lying ass fucker," but that's not a zing. And we saw how W in 2004 tried to zing Kerry a few times. It went flat. Romney's probably going to "you lie" Obama to death.

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:17 PM (QxSug)

59 The problem with pre-planning for this kind of stuff, especially if it is not natural is --- he will be waiting for the right time to use it, and will be obvious. It's ridiculous that Mitt has to reduce himself to a reality tv show host or false comic, just to please the nitwits in the audience. The fact that Romney is a calm, non-emo, intelligent, and deliberate leader should be enough to convince people, but we are living in the age of stupid.

Posted by: seriously at October 01, 2012 12:18 PM (LpQbZ)

60 Most of you who are unfamiliar with Mitt Romney are worried about two things: 1. Does Mitt Romney have it in him to stand up for himself? 2. Can Mitt Romney recognize when the media is not doing their jobs and will he call them out on it? Watch this 51 second clip of Gov Romney from 6 years ago. Listen to it carefully and watch as Mitt politely puts a media-twit in her place. http://tinyurl.com/wk64m

Posted by: soothsayer at October 01, 2012 12:18 PM (jUytm)

61 Popcorn on Wednesday nite.  And beer.  F yeah.

Posted by: Pipe Holder at October 01, 2012 12:18 PM (VTeUD)

62 Mr. President, when the First Lady -- who is a lovely woman, by the way -- sits around the house, she sits around. The. House. Goodness, I just love that one.

Posted by: Mitt Romney, zingmeister at October 01, 2012 12:18 PM (RD7QR)

63

Once again I believe our side and especially those who were not Romney supporters, have accepted the inaccurate meme that Romney has the personality of a robot.  Its in the same vein as the Bush can't speak meme.  He who probably gave some of the finest speeches by a President in decades.  

Its also similar to ace's favorite theory of the hearing what you are being told to hear. 

Humans definitely have a mob mentality.

Posted by: polynikes at October 01, 2012 12:18 PM (m2CN7)

64

Given the press environment I think the only thing Romney can do is avoid gaffes.   And if one does not exist one will be created out of graphics for him. 

Posted by: Beagle at October 01, 2012 12:18 PM (sOtz/)

65 Zingers?

I want Romney to jump over the lectern and rip Obamas still beating heart from his chest and hold up to those assembled at the University of Colorado as a light warning to what happens to a SCOAMF!

Posted by: General Woundwort at October 01, 2012 12:18 PM (06lNq)

66 Romney will do just fine.

Posted by: toby928© for TB at October 01, 2012 12:19 PM (QupBk)

67

I've got an idea. Why not just substantively kick his ass on every issue that comes up. Why not bury him under his own lies, broken promises and failures.

I fear "zinger overreach" as a compensation for not doing the above.

 

 

Posted by: rrpjr at October 01, 2012 12:19 PM (fZxep)

68 Much better than verbal zingers would be facial expressions, which Mitt doesn't do unfortunately.

Wait until he downloads Mittens ver. 4.1.7.  It has some bug fixes and it supports enhanced facial expressions.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at October 01, 2012 12:19 PM (QKKT0)

69 I hope most of Romney's debate zingers are dick jokes. You can never go wrong with a good dick joke.

Posted by: Ben at October 01, 2012 04:17 PM (C2Y4l)

 

 

Hey Barry, your raging hard-on for getting Mexicans and border agents killed has lasted for months.  You should really get that looked at!

Posted by: Mitt Romney at October 01, 2012 12:19 PM (v+QvA)

70

Its not entertainment for me Ace. It's serious business. This is a fight for the soul of the country. Will we become a socialist fucking hellhole where the lame assed government controls us from cradle to grave? Or we be AMERICA; home of the free?

Entertainment doesn't enter into the equation for me.

Posted by: maddogg at October 01, 2012 12:19 PM (OlN4e)

71 O/T esscuse mee good Morons but I'm trying to edumacate a fellow worker.

What was the name of the two dudes that came to America to spread communism, they started a school or some shit...

Franklin & something or other???






Posted by: dananjcon at October 01, 2012 12:19 PM (eavT+)

72 does "zinger" mean "disemboweling with a spork" in Mormonese?

Posted by: BlackBlackOrchidMissesDagny at October 01, 2012 12:19 PM (J6kXj)

73 Zinger= Sound bite

Posted by: tasker at October 01, 2012 12:19 PM (r2PLg)

74 So, in one of my many lives, I know some of the people involved in both political conventions- in the design aspects. The R's focused on making it look like a town hall, having a feeling of warmth and lots of specific video content. The D's (who complained incessantly about budget, but would not let that be published) concentrated on a cool business meeting look with one central message. FYI, the D's are also really, really upset about the bad content.

Posted by: shibumi at October 01, 2012 12:20 PM (z63Tr)

75 I'm with joeinDC on this. Misinformation/disinformation, trying to get in their tiny widdle heads, or OODA loop, as it were.

Posted by: jakeman at October 01, 2012 12:20 PM (96M6e)

76 And we saw how W in 2004 tried to zing Kerry a few times. It went flat. One of Pres Bush's zingers probably won him the election. He called John Kerry and John Edwards "the lawyer ticket."

Posted by: soothsayer at October 01, 2012 12:20 PM (jUytm)

77 soothy, you know the funny thing is, Mitts splitting atoms with his mind, he knows what he wants to say, he's prepared, and he really can light into someone, he just feels that it's more executive stylish to be cool. Who knows

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:20 PM (QxSug)

78

I posted this in the earlier debate thread:

 

The best way to hit Obama in these debates (and really as an overriding message during the rest of the campaign), is to remind everyonethat the things Obama's saying he's going to do now are the same things he's been saying for the last four years. Point to specific times where Obama's said "I'm going to add jobs" or whatever and then note where we are now. Running ads like this would be great as well. Don't just remind people of Obama's record, remind people of what he was promising prior to his record of failure.

Posted by: Uncle Milty at October 01, 2012 12:20 PM (8J5Ck)

79 Lefty Twatters tried their best with a hashtag last week of #MittZingers

Tedium ensued.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at October 01, 2012 12:20 PM (vY2x+)

80 Cannibal jokes are always a hit at the club roasts.

Posted by: toby928© for TB at October 01, 2012 12:20 PM (QupBk)

81

Romney's convention speech had one memorable zinger, something about the best you've ever felt about this president shouldn't be the day you cast your vote for him.

 

Artur Davis delivered a really good zinger-ish speech as well. He is a natural public speaker.

 

Romney was really good on Cavuto's show, (I think it was), when discussing economic growth. I think he does better places he believes are a natural fit, you know, like a conservative-hosted finance show, or his home state of Michigan campaign rally. I hope at this stage in the campaign game he has developed some "appearing in hostile territory" chops.

Posted by: kallisto at October 01, 2012 12:20 PM (jm/9g)

82 Bless his Heart. (Hint)

Posted by: mallfly at October 01, 2012 12:20 PM (bJm7W)

83 Popcorn on Wednesday nite. And beer. F yeah. Posted by: Pipe Holder at October 01, 2012 04:18 PM (VTeUD) Fuck popcorn! Cocaine, bitches!

Posted by: President Earflaps at October 01, 2012 12:21 PM (NLAh2)

84 Mr Burns was shot at the very time Smithers was at home watching "Pardon My Zinger". So, you see, he couldn't have done it.

Posted by: Sideshow Mel at October 01, 2012 12:21 PM (POGCP)

85 Zingers will be spun back on him... I'd head straight for the put downs and make them defend and get Obama agitated.

Posted by: Former Mass. Resident at October 01, 2012 12:21 PM (hrAg/)

86 Also, I think this whole "zingers" thing might be misdirection.  What purpose would it serve to leak this?  So that when he lands one everyone can go "Oh, there's one of those zingers Romney must have been working on."

Posted by: Uncle Milty at October 01, 2012 12:21 PM (8J5Ck)

87 When I read these stories, I always wonder who are these people leaking this information and why are they a part of the campaign?

Posted by: zippy at October 01, 2012 12:21 PM (nR8Ca)

88 Romney should bring a group of scantily clad cheerleaders and position them opposite the moderator. Then when asked say I thought it only fair since you brought your cheerleaders too.

Posted by: Buzzsaw at October 01, 2012 12:21 PM (tf9Ne)

89 You know what, Wednesday might be a perfect Pizza and (Root)beer night.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at October 01, 2012 12:22 PM (8y9MW)

90 Let's see if it were a boxing match-- Obama would dance around. Romney would try to get some jabs in- and then- The Ref would call time and clock Romney.

Posted by: tasker at October 01, 2012 12:22 PM (r2PLg)

91 I remember Nikki Haley popping off some good zingers, too.  Nonetheless, I think there's a fine line to zingers.  They do serve a good purpose, but delivery and timing are of utmost importance at a time like this.  Maybe zingers are better suited in the months that have gone by when "Obama is a good husband and father in over his head."  Romney doesn't need to be coming off like a late night comic who delivers a line followed by a cymbal clashing.  He needs to come across as a serious, strong leader.  If anything he needs to be determined to tell the truth about these past 4 years.  Hard hitting truth.  I don't know if zingers will do it.  {cringing}

Posted by: Lady in Black at October 01, 2012 12:22 PM (lTVJy)

92 I don't read "zinger' to mean cute and witty necessarily. But something short and sweet that sticks, a punchline that is good enough to be repeated over and over. It could be deadly serious, like "No offense to the ladies of the View but I don't think I"ll have time for talk show appearances when I'm President, especially not in the middle of a national security crisis." OR "I've been fortunate and don't need the government salary so I pledge to donate my salary as President to an organization that supports wounded veterans."

Posted by: TD at October 01, 2012 12:22 PM (DQMcq)

93 LEAKED:
MODERATOR QUESTIONS!

Mr. Romney: What about your gaffes?
President Obama: Do you realize how awesome you are?
Mr. Romney: Is it true that mormons are polygamists?
President Obama: Can I kiss your feet?
Mr. Romney: What is your plan for taxing the poor and middle class?
President Obama: Did I do a good job?

Posted by: WheelmanForHire at October 01, 2012 12:22 PM (l8nIR)

94 Bill Mitchell, 4:10 - well said. "[his team] has equipped him with a series of zingers that he has memorized and has been practicing on aides since August." Great. Mr. Romney, if you want to pull away, you need to show that you can be spontaneous. So here's some spontaneity for all the contingencies we've thought of. Start practicing. My other worry is that even if he does superbly, the media will repeat the mantra that he came in below expectations, whereas the president, too busy to practice much, really surprised us. Kind of how they turned the RNC convention into a bust, and declared of the DNC's, "Wow! Bill Clinton really reminded us all why he's the master (and made a great case for why no one could have turned Bush's mess around yet)."

Posted by: JPS at October 01, 2012 12:22 PM (LmCDF)

95 the coal miner grandfather stories may serve to reengage the brain from the visceral dislike of the rich to the thought, hey, I'm poor but but my kid may one day succeed they way I hope they do..
Wish there was a better way to do it.

Posted by: yerro at October 01, 2012 12:22 PM (hThFD)

96 When I read these stories, I always wonder who are these people leaking this information and why are they a part of the campaign? I'd guess they're either young ladies or gay males at the PR firm. loose lipped liberals in every - EVERY - case

Posted by: BlackBlackOrchidMissesDagny at October 01, 2012 12:22 PM (J6kXj)

97 Good point up there on can't manufacture zingers.  Zingers have to come from a set-up comment, a great example of hypocrisy, or some whopper.  

Posted by: Beagle at October 01, 2012 12:22 PM (sOtz/)

98 I smell tragedy. In the words of Wizard the Lizard, "Be what you is, not what you is not. Folks that do this, are the happiest lot.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Wonders what Dagny thinks at October 01, 2012 12:22 PM (9TTOe)

99 I have to chuckle at this little bit of editorializing, too: "luring the president into appearing smug or evasive about his responsibility for the economy." Like luring a fish into being wet, as if that's not his natural state of existence.

Posted by: jakeman at October 01, 2012 12:23 PM (96M6e)

100 I will donate 10,000 bucks to his campaign if he calls the JEF a cocksucker and knocks at least two teeth out during the debate THAT would be teh Awesome

Posted by: Navycopjoe (iphone5 snob) at October 01, 2012 12:23 PM (OApiq)

101 I remember Nikki Haley popping off

/bunk

Posted by: Waterhouse at October 01, 2012 12:23 PM (POGCP)

102 I doubt there will be much opportunity for zingers, because you know most of the questions will be hostile towards Romney and run the gamut from 'hey, so how do you convince the 47% of Americans you derided at the fundraiser that you'll be their President as well' to 'independent fact checkers have looked at your plan and say it hurts Medicare' crap. Meanwhile, Obama will skate by on softballs. Romney ought to be used to the hostility, so hopefully he handles it well, but that's what I'm most concerned about.

Posted by: Chris at October 01, 2012 12:24 PM (gI9Bk)

103 #72  Frankfurt School

Posted by: polynikes at October 01, 2012 12:24 PM (m2CN7)

104 uncle M, yep. If you're a good extemporaneous speaker, and you're prepared, when someone as dumb, boring, and as lazy as obama starts lying, like he did in 2008, you should be able to say, "isn't that interesting ... you said X, did Y, and now you're here talking about Z. which is it?" So, you can be that the debate format will be set so as to prevent anything like that from happening.

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:24 PM (QxSug)

105 Further to my post at 4:17 pm above:

http://tinyurl.com/look-squirrel


----------


New research finds that the average political sound bite—defined as any footage of a candidate speaking uninterrupted—has dropped to just eight seconds. ... during the 1968 presidential election, the average sound bite was a full 43 seconds. ...

... this modern clipped sound bite dovetails perfectly with a culture growing less and less able to pay attention.

... In England, one study said the average attention span amongst university students was 10 minutes. In other words, in the lightning-fast, multimedia society we’ve become, where you’re only as good as your last YouTube video/tweet/Tumblr update, the attention span may be an endangered species—and we've got the barely there sound bites to prove it.


----------




Posted by: Mary in LA at October 01, 2012 12:24 PM (9wOfB)

106 Romney is Stewped!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pres Obama gaves me a chance to talks to other idiots on his sell phone you gives me. Wonder wears he gets all his money from ????????????

Posted by: The Obama Phone Person of Color at October 01, 2012 12:24 PM (48wze)

107 Zingers are also racist. Every white wasp knows that-- Zingers are a chocolate frosted treat with a white creamy center.

Posted by: Chris Pastry Puff Matthews at October 01, 2012 12:24 PM (r2PLg)

108 @82 It still riles me that the MFM embargoed coverage of the speakers of color at the RNC.  What I saw was a well run, effective convention, with maybe the exception of the out-of-left-field, impromptu appearance of Clint.  Just knowing all those screens tuned in at gyms and airports around the country never showed people like Artur Davis or Mia Love giving great speaches during the event demonstrates that the MFM still has the power to sway the opinions of the general public.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at October 01, 2012 12:24 PM (9eDbm)

109
Cannibal jokes are always a hit at the club roasts.
Posted by: toby928©




Picture Romney telling "The Aristocrats" joke during the debate....

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 01, 2012 12:25 PM (kdS6q)

110 The debate format for Mitt is simple really: 1) Let Obama spew some bullshit, accompanied by I's, Me's, and ummms. 2) Contrast that to what is really going on. 3) ???? 4) ZINGA!!!

Posted by: Cajun Carrot at October 01, 2012 12:25 PM (UZQM8)

111 White board mitt with some dry humor here and there , could work.

He needs to show it's just a matter of fact that he's an executive, and Obama is "the owners son" just being in the way and fucking things up.

Posted by: Temper Tantrum at October 01, 2012 12:25 PM (AWmfW)

112 Weren't "There you go again" and the "youth and inexperience" both practiced and canned lines from Reagan, ones he'd used before?

Posted by: RoyalOil at October 01, 2012 12:25 PM (imtbm)

113 First, why are we reading anything about the intended tactical approach to begin with, unless it is all disinformation.  Second, if by zingers they mean humorous jabs I agree whole-heartedly with the other commenters that this would be disastrous for Romney.  If, on the other hand, it is more along the lines of sharp, to-the-point criticisms, I can see Romney pulling that off especially if he gets a little worked up.  Set Obama back on his heels and keep him there!

Posted by: Formerly known as Skeptic at October 01, 2012 12:25 PM (91XRk)

114 Zingers are delicious and completely devoid of any nutritional content. Take that, Michelle!

Posted by: Andy at October 01, 2012 12:25 PM (5Rurq)

115 Romney has not only executive experience but Chief Executive experience.  He needs to act like an executive and not a Chicago thug-pol and I think that he'll do really well.  I think people are hungering for someone who looks, acts, and talks like he knows whats going on.  I'll bet you that it will be the SCOAMF who will try and pull some shit and will come out looking worse for it.

Posted by: Cheri at October 01, 2012 12:25 PM (G+Wff)

116 Could not agree more Ace,  surely there are some natural zingers a skilled executive type like Romney could deploy quite well.  Yea the Huckabee or Christie type things are best.

His get out of Jail free card should be, sounds good but, I think ill take advice from someone who didn't choose Joe Biden to be his Vice President..... TWICE!!!

Posted by: Shiggz RoketSturgeon at October 01, 2012 12:26 PM (RfvTE)

117 Mitts should be ready if the debate turns into a "what about yourrrr gaaaffeeess, abortion, gays, poor people," weep a thon, he should get testy, and bite back. he'll be sandbagged if he comes in thinking that moderators are moderate. Attack the premise, as rush would say.

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:26 PM (QxSug)

118 This site blows.

Posted by: Kelly at October 01, 2012 12:26 PM (y9fNc)

119 Listen to it carefully and watch as Mitt politely puts a media-twit in her place. http://tinyurl.com/wk64m Posted by: soothsayer at October 01, 2012 04:18 PM (jUytm) Thanks, that was a good clip. And, that was natural. He needs to just be himself. He is comfortable with knowledge. So, use it. Like he did in the clip you linked.

Posted by: seriously at October 01, 2012 12:26 PM (LpQbZ)

120 Went to the St. Louis County GOP HQ today to pick up some yard signs and a "Women for Romney/Ryan" bumper sticker. They were doing pretty huge business for a Monday--they had several workers and I still had to wait in line to pick up my gear. The plural of anecdote may not be "data," but things are looking pretty good, I think, and will get better.

Also convinced both of my folks to vote for the horrific Todd Akin over the horrifying Claire McCaskill by uttering two magic words--Supreme Court. That makes four Akin votes in my family...

Posted by: Palandine at October 01, 2012 12:26 PM (g7D8V)

121 please just don't say "worst recovery" since the Depression

Posted by: soothsayer at October 01, 2012 12:26 PM (jUytm)

122 I want to see Mitt Unshackled! *denounces self for racism*

Posted by: jakeman at October 01, 2012 12:26 PM (96M6e)

123 If Mitt does manage to get a zinger in, the media will go on offense pointing out that he is mean for picking on a girl.

Posted by: Joe Mama at October 01, 2012 12:26 PM (rlba9)

124 104 #72 Frankfurt School

Posted by: polynikes at October 01, 2012 04:24 PM (m2CN7)

**

Thank you!

 



Posted by: dananjcon at October 01, 2012 12:27 PM (eavT+)

125

A great zinger line from 1988's VP debate was Lloyd Bentsen's, when Dan Quayle made a comment about JFK, and Bentsen shot back with the famous, "I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine, and you are no Jack Kennedy"

 

On the other hand, Bush/Quayle still won the election, even tho Bentsen got in a great zinger.

 

 

 

 

Posted by: Boots at October 01, 2012 12:27 PM (neKzn)

126 "Hey, Mr. President, you look great.  You obviously didn't drive in with Ted Kennedy or Uncle Onyango."

Posted by: The Big Book of Debate Mitticisms, vol 2 at October 01, 2012 12:27 PM (QKKT0)

127 Now is not the time for serving Obama a bill of incompetence and malfeasance, now is the time for memorable quips.

Wonderful!

Posted by: General Woundwort at October 01, 2012 12:27 PM (06lNq)

128 Posted by: Lady in Black at October 01, 2012 04:22 PM (lTVJy)


Good point.  Talk about a hostile press environment. The State does what I call the "Daily Haley" in which they do a shitty little hit piece just about every day. The Charleston paper isn't much better.  But she manages to get past them. Hell, she even blasted a reporter who she says didn't deserve an interview. Can't remember exactly what she told her but it was good and of course the paper thought that was outrageous.

Posted by: Vic at October 01, 2012 12:27 PM (YdQQY)

129

"Unlike my opponent, when I'm waxing that ass I don't have to stop for a smoke break every ten minutes! Boom....am I right, people? Yeah, I went there..." 

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 01, 2012 12:28 PM (HethX)

130 Never underestimate the power of snack cakes. NEVER.

Posted by: The Political Hat at October 01, 2012 12:28 PM (XvHmy)

131 Posted by: Mary in LA at October 01, 2012 04:24 PM (9wOfB)

ld;dr

jk


Posted by: HeatherRadish™, winner of the belching contest at October 01, 2012 12:28 PM (/kI1Q)

132 @94 LEAKED:
MODERATOR QUESTIONS!

Mr. Romney: What about your gaffes?
President Obama: Do you realize how awesome you are?
Mr. Romney: Is it true that mormons are polygamists?
President Obama: Can I kiss your feet?
Mr. Romney: What is your plan for taxing the poor and middle class?
President Obama: Did I do a good job?
...
Mr. Romney: How does it feel to be the 2nd most interesting person in the room?

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at October 01, 2012 12:28 PM (9eDbm)

133 BAMA PHO!

Zing!

Posted by: mediumheadboy at October 01, 2012 12:28 PM (aHR5E)

134

OT

Saw a Prius with a "Mitt" sticker on it today. There is hope.

Posted by: maddogg at October 01, 2012 12:28 PM (OlN4e)

135 I've got a match. Your face, my balls.

Posted by: Romney's Zinger at October 01, 2012 12:28 PM (LCRYB)

136 #72: Frankfurt School. Critcal Theory was the name of their philosophy.

Posted by: Eddie Willers at October 01, 2012 12:28 PM (bRdb3)

137 The key word for Mitt is: Worse. You made everything worse, Obama. Everything is worse because of you, Obama. You spent yet-to-be-born-generations into debt, Obama, and you made everything worse.

Posted by: soothsayer at October 01, 2012 12:29 PM (jUytm)

138 All Romney ( or any debater).needs to do is turn to Obama and ask "why?" People have little scripts for themselves, but asking "why".immediately gets them off script. Even well reasoned and accurate arguments are hard to succinctly reexplain without sounding.like a rambling idiot. So Obama says "Taxing the highest income earners will jumpstart the economy" Romeny response "Why do you say that, Mr President? All historical data has shown that revenues fall when taxes go up." Rinse and repeat.

Posted by: Lauren at October 01, 2012 12:29 PM (wsGWu)

139 No need for Romney to do a thing except remind people that... "He says their plan worked."

Posted by: t-bird at October 01, 2012 12:29 PM (FcR7P)

140 correction "Yea the Huckabee or Christie type things are best... left to those of that personality type."

Posted by: Shiggz RoketSturgeon at October 01, 2012 12:29 PM (RfvTE)

141

I remember my first time being in charge...

 

ZING!

Posted by: Uncle Milty at October 01, 2012 12:29 PM (8J5Ck)

142 I'll contribute $200 to the Romney campaign if Mitt calls Bambi "A scrawny little pecksniff." $250 if he spits afterwards.

Posted by: joncelli at October 01, 2012 12:29 PM (RD7QR)

143 The key word for Mitt is: Worse.

"Miserable failure."

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at October 01, 2012 12:29 PM (8y9MW)

144 Not "Bless his heart".  That's (for want of a better term)  better suited for a woman's voice.

Let Romney be Romney (sigh).  People will forgive a lot if the speaker is authentic.  The moment he/she goes out of character, the needle on the TroubleMeter starts to quiver, and if the voice shifts upwards, it pegs.

Posted by: mrp at October 01, 2012 12:30 PM (HjPtV)

145 135 OT Saw a Prius with a "Mitt" sticker on it today. There is hope. Posted by: maddogg at October 01, 2012 04:28 PM (OlN4e) That's Prius speak for, "I got suckered into buying this POS, please let the economy pick up so I can sell this POS!!!!!" Or something like that.

Posted by: Cajun Carrot at October 01, 2012 12:30 PM (UZQM8)

146 Boots- yes, but veep zingers don't win the election, else Palin's brutal gutting-and-field-dressing of Joe "plugs" Biden would have won it for McCain.

Mew

Posted by: acat at October 01, 2012 12:30 PM (4UkCP)

147 119 This site blows.

Posted by: Kelly at October 01, 2012 04:26 PM (y9fNc)

**

Ave. Joe? Is that you??

Posted by: dananjcon at October 01, 2012 12:30 PM (eavT+)

148 I'd rather Mitt did disgust, honest from the heart disgust. "oh, you say you're going to cut the budget to end deficits, you miserable POS, then why didn't you force Harry Reid to cut spending, no you've done nothing to cut spending in 4 years, why would we believe you now? You lied about line by line review, you gave billions to donors like solyndra. My fellow americas, we can't afford to trust him again."

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:30 PM (QxSug)

149 please just don't say "worst recovery" since the Depression Sooth, it would work if he put a different spin on it, to the effect of: "You know, I want to admit that in the past few months I've been very, very wrong about something. *pregnant pause* I'd said this was the worst recovery since the Great Depression. It turns out, based on the newest GDP numbers, that it hasn't been a recovery at all. FYNQ."

Posted by: jakeman at October 01, 2012 12:30 PM (96M6e)

150

Republican zinger..... "Green shoots????  Yeah....I had those in my moo goo gai pan."

Democat zinger...... "You want to poison the air, water and land."


Republican zinger..... "Focused like a lazer????  Yeah the seventies called and want their disco ball back..."

Democratic Zinger..... "RAAAAAAAACIST!!!!!!"

Posted by: fixerupper at October 01, 2012 12:31 PM (C8hzL)

151 NASCAR race in Vegas-- Hummer with Obama sticker. Could have been a reverse gainer with a double wide....

Posted by: tasker at October 01, 2012 12:31 PM (r2PLg)

152 No it should be "I would say its the worst recovery since the great depression, but there has been no recovery".

Posted by: Vic at October 01, 2012 12:31 PM (YdQQY)

153 "Your brother George sent a message wishing you luck.  He also said he'll watch the debate on TV if he can find a ride to the appliance store."

Posted by: The Big Book of Debate Mitticisms, vol 2 at October 01, 2012 12:31 PM (QKKT0)

154 Ave. Joe? Is that you??

---

Joe know blow.

Posted by: mediumheadboy at October 01, 2012 12:31 PM (aHR5E)

155 Beat ya to it, Vic. Heh.

Posted by: jakeman at October 01, 2012 12:32 PM (96M6e)

156 Romney spoke in front of the NAACP convention, about as hostile as territory gets. He probably didn't change any votes but he consensus was that he did very well. Zwero, on the other hand, couldn't be bothered to show up. Maybe he'll send Biden or Bill Clinton to debate in his place.

Posted by: Damn Sockpuppet at October 01, 2012 12:32 PM (YmPwQ)

157 Posted by: jakeman at October 01, 2012 04:30 PM (96M6e)



LOL, thinking the same damn thing, must be a scientific fact.

Posted by: Vic at October 01, 2012 12:32 PM (YdQQY)

158

""Sorry, Mr. Moderator. I was distracted by looking for pictures of my opponents mother in "Beaver Hunt" magazine, could you repeat the question...?"

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 01, 2012 12:32 PM (HethX)

159 The best "zinger" I remember was during a 1994 California GOP Senate primary where Sony Bono was asked what his position on illegal immigration was. His response? "It's illegal, right? Just enforce the law!"

Posted by: The Political Hat at October 01, 2012 12:33 PM (XvHmy)

160 Boots- yes, but veep zingers don't win the election, else Palin's brutal gutting-and-field-dressing of Joe "plugs" Biden would have won it for McCain.

And "I served with Jack Kennedy; I knew Jack Kennedy.  Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine.  Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy." would have won the election for the Dems in 88.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at October 01, 2012 12:33 PM (8y9MW)

161 Best zinger (and this is wishful thinking):  President Obama, YOU'RE FIRED!!

Posted by: Soona at October 01, 2012 12:33 PM (raNhT)

162 Hi - It's mostly forgotten but Abe Lincoln was v. funny - politics without humor is leftism

Posted by: NVA Patriot at October 01, 2012 12:33 PM (urZQf)

163 We know the moderators are going to be lefty shills like Gweyn Ifill etc was. Romney is literally going to be debating both Obama and the moderator.  (Dust off Newt Gingrich to help him out!)  Mitts other get out of jail free card should be something to the extent of.

"Mr Obama, Miss Moderator... should the rest of us leave you two alone, or would you rather get a room... hey my treat."

Obviously a more professional version,  Like, pointing out that Obama could have stayed home since the moderator is saying all the same things. ya know something to slide the dagger in.

Posted by: Shiggz RoketSturgeon at October 01, 2012 12:33 PM (RfvTE)

164 Zingers?  I very much prefer Twinkies, particularly of the cheerleader variety.

Posted by: Fritz at October 01, 2012 12:34 PM (vm7ot)

165 @158, right, he did. he can handle hostile I guess. The thing is, SCAOMF can't handle anything negative.

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:34 PM (QxSug)

166 The biggest "zinger" will be the  BLS  jobs report on Friday.

Posted by: Roy at October 01, 2012 12:34 PM (VndSC)

167

Any of my recommended 'zingers' would relate to all of Obama's gaffes against regular citizens.  They would also be counter punches.

Obama:  You don't care about the working man.

Romney:  I've never called the working man a bitter clinger of his bible and guns. 

 

Posted by: polynikes at October 01, 2012 12:34 PM (m2CN7)

168 Romney zinger remember-- Nice try.

Posted by: tasker at October 01, 2012 12:34 PM (r2PLg)

169 @59  Anybody else picturing George Costanza flying off to Cleveland to deliver a moderately awful putdown?

Posted by: WaitingForMartel at October 01, 2012 12:34 PM (BYSrJ)

170 My personal fav: My dog has created more shovel ready projects than Obama. But they won't use it with all the dog references previously in this campaign.

Posted by: pointsnfigures at October 01, 2012 12:34 PM (EBPRt)

171 "President Carter seems to...sorry Obama, seems to think that..."

Posted by: @PurpAv at October 01, 2012 12:34 PM (LPHGB)

172 Hey, any Romney campaign lurkers, you owes me and Vic a beer if you use that line of attack. *silently hoping maybe they've got something even more nuclear*

Posted by: jakeman at October 01, 2012 12:35 PM (96M6e)

173 Well, we are into October now so you can look for those unemployment numbers to start dropping every week now.

Posted by: Vic at October 01, 2012 12:35 PM (YdQQY)

174 Awww-geez! This means Romney will lose the debates, his only chance to reboot his campaign. I guess I might as well sit home on November 6th.

Posted by: Ed Anger at October 01, 2012 12:35 PM (tOkJB)

175 Romney should let it slip that he's the inspiration for 50 Shades of Grey.

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:35 PM (QxSug)

176
Romney: I've never called the working man a bitter clinger of his bible and guns.

---

niiiiice

Posted by: fixerupper at October 01, 2012 12:35 PM (C8hzL)

177 I just pray Mitt can keep his inner RINO under wraps.

Posted by: maddogg at October 01, 2012 12:36 PM (OlN4e)

178 Another Mitt, get out of jail free card.

"I don't think a guy that fights for laws to stop nurses from assisting babies that survive abortion attempts should be lecturing anyone about morality or compassion."

Really Mitts team needs to go back and scour the Hillary archives, about half through that campaign (after the media declared it over of course) Hillary finally found her line of attack and it really turned the tables.

Posted by: Shiggz RoketSturgeon at October 01, 2012 12:36 PM (RfvTE)

179 CNN out with a new poll - has Obama up by 3 (50-47), with a Dem +8 advantage.  Romney leads by 8 among independents, and leads in the suburbs by 4.  Previous CNN poll had Obama up by 6.

Posted by: tofer732 at October 01, 2012 12:36 PM (2zM0P)

180 Worrywarts worry

Posted by: runninrebel at October 01, 2012 12:36 PM (jKE+l)

181 Dude, this is all a psyche game. Anyone who believes any of these leaks are suckers. Romney probably just wants Obama to prepare for zingers and get nervous just to waste his time and nerves.

Posted by: Psyche at October 01, 2012 12:36 PM (HBFFN)

182 89 Romney should bring a group of scantily clad cheerleaders and position
them opposite the moderator. Then when asked say I thought it only fair
since you brought your cheerleaders too.

Posted by: Buzzsaw at October 01, 2012 04:21 PM (tf9Ne)

Lol, though he should bring crack whores.

Posted by: Temper Tantrum at October 01, 2012 12:36 PM (AWmfW)

183

I think this is all bullshit.  I have not seen a single credible source cited in these stories.  I think the stories are being planted so when Romney does NOT spout any "zingers," but other wise destrays Obama in the debate, the MSM will hammer him for more "failure" and "incompetence" in his campaign.  "Where were the memorable phrases???" they will bleat.  They will make this into another "gaffe."  Especially if Obama lands a few of his usual unfunny zingers.

 

Chris Christie, as much as we love him now, never landed a zinger on Jon Corzine in the entire campaign in 2009.  He didn't even talk a lot of substance as far as his plans.  He just waited for people to realize they were really sick of Corzine and couldn't stomach another four years of failure.

Posted by: rockmom at October 01, 2012 12:36 PM (aBlZ1)

184 @62
Mr President, your wife is so fat that when she sits around the house- well actually I guess we have no idea, since she's always off in Spain, or Africa, or somewhere...

Posted by: WaitingForMartel at October 01, 2012 12:36 PM (BYSrJ)

185 179 I just pray Mitt can keep his inner RINO under wraps. Posted by: maddogg at October 01, 2012 04:36 PM (OlN4e) What, you gonna saw off his horn?

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Wonders what Dagny thinks at October 01, 2012 12:36 PM (9TTOe)

186 Shiggz, a good point. He may need to be training with Newt to get good at skull fucking the moderators like Newt does.

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:36 PM (QxSug)

187 The truth is most likely the scoamf is practicing zingers and then they'll say something like romney was said to have been practicing zingers but president owebama turned the tides with his one liners.

Posted by: yerro at October 01, 2012 12:37 PM (hThFD)

188 OT Saw a Prius with a "Mitt" sticker on it today. There is hope. Posted by: maddogg at October 01, 2012 04:28 PM (OlN4e) the liberal parking officer will be confused for a second when handing out tickets to cars with Romney/Ryan stickers (see the blaze if you didn't read this story)

Posted by: seriously at October 01, 2012 12:38 PM (LpQbZ)

189 @165

President Obama, it looks like you didn't have to skip the 101st round of golf to come all the way to Colorado, which by the way has no golf courses of any renown, to debate me, your proxy Mr. Lehrer is doing an admirable job making your case.

Posted by: General Woundwort at October 01, 2012 12:38 PM (06lNq)

190 "I don't think a guy that fights for laws to stop nurses from assisting babies that survive abortion attempts should be lecturing anyone about morality or compassion." yup, when the moderators go all abortions all the time, he should point out that SCAOMF is a fucking child killer, he's so extreme.

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:38 PM (QxSug)

191 Reagan zingers: There you go again. I paid for this microphone.

Posted by: tasker at October 01, 2012 12:38 PM (r2PLg)

192 Romney responds to a tough question silent looking downward, then seen holding up his smartphone, sorry Mr. President, you'll need to repeat the question, I was looking at these naked pictures of your Mom on the internet.

Posted by: Shiggz RoketSturgeon at October 01, 2012 12:38 PM (RfvTE)

193 Well, we are into October now so you can look for those unemployment numbers to start dropping every week now. Posted by: Vic

Unemp numbers come out Friday.

I'll wager 7.9%

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at October 01, 2012 12:39 PM (vY2x+)

194 Mmm. Zingers.

Posted by: Meghan McCain at October 01, 2012 12:39 PM (QKKT0)

195

Screw the zingers. Call him out on failure directly to his face.

 

[Romney,looking directly at Barry]:  You're foreign policy is a failure Mr. President.  You misreprented the nature of this premeditated attack on our Libian embassy, and went to Las Vegas the very day the our embassador was killed and dragged through the streets on Sept 11th. 

Posted by: Wisrich at October 01, 2012 12:39 PM (hdpay)

196

Mr President, I read this blog from time to time called AoSHQ.

Do you know what SCOAMF means ?

Maybe you should read this blog as well

 

Posted by: The Jackhole at October 01, 2012 12:39 PM (nTgAI)

197

Every time Obama says "green energy" Mitt needs to remind him that it's impossible to buy an American-made solar panel in the private market after billions in subsidies already.  I shopped a home solar system.  Nobody sells American panels of the three I checked.  China and Germany were popular.  

Posted by: Beagle at October 01, 2012 12:39 PM (sOtz/)

198 @181 Aw yeah, gotta love the polls when you know how to read 'em.

Posted by: JDTAY at October 01, 2012 12:39 PM (a0nis)

199

Romney should just "zing" Zero with the truth.

Posted by: Damn Sockpuppet at October 01, 2012 12:40 PM (YmPwQ)

200 Posted by: HeatherRadish™, winner of the belching contest at October 01, 2012 04:28 PM (/kI1Q)


----------


[sad little sniffle, followed by hearty chuckle] 


:-)

Posted by: Mary in LA at October 01, 2012 12:40 PM (9wOfB)

201 MSM: You know who else used zingers? Hitler.

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 01, 2012 12:40 PM (HethX)

202 I think he should also get made up like an Oompa Loompa, sigh frequently to show his disdain, and get in Obama's personal space.  That pretty much clinched the 2000 election for President Gore.

Posted by: ZBBMcFate at October 01, 2012 12:40 PM (Hj9yW)

203 194 Romney responds to a tough question silent looking downward, then seen holding up his smartphone, sorry Mr. President, you'll need to repeat the question, I was looking at these naked pictures of your Mom on the internet. Posted by: Shiggz RoketSturgeon at October 01, 2012 04:38 PM (RfvTE) LOL, all you would hear is the clicking of the smart phones while everyone else was trying to find them too.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Wonders what Dagny thinks at October 01, 2012 12:40 PM (9TTOe)

204 You're foreign policy is a failure Mr. President. You misreprented the nature of this premeditated attack on our Libianembassy, and went to Las Vegas the very day theourembassador was killed anddragged through the streets on Sept 11th.

Wait.  That's supposed to be funny?  I don't get it.

Posted by: Joe Biden at October 01, 2012 12:40 PM (QKKT0)

205 "Some politicians are teflon coated; gaffes and even falsehoods won't stick to them. They have some kind of charisma or charming self-deprecation that makes it hard to stick them with something." Or it may have something to do with the (D) after their name.

Posted by: SamIam at October 01, 2012 12:40 PM (VDpzM)

206 Romney should bring a group of scantily clad cheerleaders and position them opposite the moderator. Then when asked say I thought it only fair since you brought your cheerleaders too. Posted by: Buzzsaw at October 01, 2012 04:21 PM (tf9Ne) Lol, though he should bring crack whores. Posted by: Temper Tantrum at October 01, 2012 04:36 PM (AWmfW) Nah, Romney should bring out cute little puppies with bows around their neck, on silver platters. Would you like a fork?

Posted by: seriously at October 01, 2012 12:40 PM (LpQbZ)

207 Well, we are into October now so you can look for those unemployment numbers to start dropping every week now. Posted by: Vic

Unemp numbers come out Friday.

I'll wager 7.9%

Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 01, 2012 04:39 PM (vY2x+)

 

Unfortunately you are probably right. They will figure out how to sneak it down to 7.9999999999999999999999999999999999% 

Posted by: The Jackhole at October 01, 2012 12:41 PM (nTgAI)

208 "What about your gaffes Mr Romney,  "What can I say, I just don't have the smooth polish of a celebrity."

Posted by: Shiggz RoketSturgeon at October 01, 2012 12:41 PM (RfvTE)

209 lolz, SCOAMF practicing zingers. He's going to walk into a "I don't love dogs as much as you do, dog eater." because libs have no counter reflective ego. "What? people think I eat dogs? where did that come from"

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:41 PM (QxSug)

210 the liberal parking officer will be confused for a second when handing out tickets to cars with Romney/Ryan stickers

Only confused if you're not familiar with actual sales data. As much as we make fun of a Prius as a "green" car, the fiscally conservative buy them.

The difference is that liberals will replace perfectly good cars with Priuses, while the conservative will be replacing a 20-year-old beater that they can't get spare parts for anymore.

A Honda Fit, on the other hand ...

Posted by: Meiczyslaw at October 01, 2012 12:41 PM (4+LTj)

211 Romney: "Your wife is correct, you DO stink!"

Posted by: ChristyBlinky, unbanned, ready to get this done at October 01, 2012 12:41 PM (baL2B)

212 I'll wager 7.9%

To be massively revised in a couple of weeks when no one's looking.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™, winner of the belching contest at October 01, 2012 12:41 PM (/kI1Q)

213 I went to a rally last week in Ohio. Romney is a good speaker .. and he was impassioned. Memorable moments are zingers.. who can forget 'There you go again"... by Reagan.

Posted by: Jumbo Shrimp at October 01, 2012 12:41 PM (DGIjM)

214 Unemp numbers come out Friday.

I'll wager 7.9%

Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 01, 2012 04:39 PM (vY2x+)


----


Yup.   Oh ..... and another reminder to the moron hordes.


When the early results start coming in on Election Day.... DO NOT take them at face value.   Remember the "exit polling" reporting Bush losing all up and down the East coast????   Yeah..... they'll be pulling that card out too.

Posted by: fixerupper at October 01, 2012 12:42 PM (C8hzL)

215 or a zinger like, "the president likes to brag that he's kept UE down, but all he's done is cherry pick the data to make it look that way, the real number is closer to 20%, rather than 7.999%" zing, eh?

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:42 PM (QxSug)

216 Mitt has always been very good with Zingers.  They are just the good side of corny; Tonight Show-level funny.  I think it's a good idea since it will throw Obama off.  The combo of humor and wonk works well together.

Posted by: @ParisParamus at October 01, 2012 12:43 PM (7SkSw)

217 See?  I told you.

Mitt is going to lose if he wastes his time making jokes instead of answering every question with "Depression depression depression we're in a depressiony depressionary depression."

Posted by: Insanity Check at October 01, 2012 12:43 PM (SY2Kh)

218 Remember the "exit polling" reporting Bush losing all up and down the East coast???? Yeah..... they'll be pulling that card out too. Posted by: fixerupper at October 01, 2012 04:42 PM (C8hzL) YEP! In Bush's book he describes getting off marine one.. and trying to smile as he was just told he lost Ohio in 2004.

Posted by: Jumbo Shrimp at October 01, 2012 12:43 PM (DGIjM)

219 The Diplomad has a great post with sage debate advice for Romney:

http://tinyurl.com/debate-advice

Then commenter KellyJ offered this gem:

"While the POTUS debates look to be lively (and I am expecting a touch of
bias coming from the Moderat...errr...Lefterators) I am really waiting
for the Ryan-Biden debate.

I expect Ryan will be arrested after that debate for elder-abuse."

Stay turgid, morons

Posted by: SnakePlizzken at October 01, 2012 12:43 PM (b01zK)

220 the only way the "headline" unemployment number drops below 8% is if another 400,000 or so "dropped" out of the labor force in September.

Posted by: tofer732 at October 01, 2012 12:44 PM (2zM0P)

221

Are those your ears, Mr. President, or are you standing in front of an amphitheater?

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 01, 2012 12:44 PM (HethX)

222 So it has come to this...the future of the free world hangs on a handful of "zingers"?

Posted by: BobHope at October 01, 2012 12:44 PM (f/qE7)

223 Romney needs to stay focused and continue to hammer JEF on all of his failures and the corruption of his administration. Go for the cumulative effect. The JEF can't take a punch, let alone three debates worth. Eventually if Mitt stays on message, JEF will screw up and say something way off script.

Posted by: Love Reggie at October 01, 2012 12:44 PM (aKkNH)

224 >>>LOL, all you would hear is the clicking of the smart phones while everyone else was trying to find them too.

I think everyone who wanted to see the naked pics of Stanley, have seen them by now. It's not like they are a big secret.

Posted by: MikeTheMoose Regular! With Full Stomping Power! at October 01, 2012 12:44 PM (0q2P7)

225 Personally, I would like Mitt to pull out a large rubber band and pull it to max extendion and shoot Zero right in the face with it during one of his responses.

Posted by: maddogg at October 01, 2012 12:44 PM (OlN4e)

226 Mitt has always been very good with Zingers. They are just the good side of corny; Tonight Show-level funny. I think it's a good idea since it will throw Obama off. The combo of humor and wonk works well together.

Posted by: @ParisParamus at October 01, 2012 04:43 PM (7SkSw)

 

Mock teh one

Posted by: The Jackhole at October 01, 2012 12:44 PM (nTgAI)

227 Zinger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B3TN2rEckQ

Posted by: Underground Vulgarian at October 01, 2012 12:44 PM (6Us3p)

228 If the stories about Boston's debate prep methods are accurate, I think they are running the risk of over-prepping Romney and Ryan. They (Boston) need to remember that while it is essential to review policy and prepare for potential landmines, programming the candidates can cause the very thing(s) you are trying to avoid. That and both men are fully capable of winning without all these debate sessions.

Posted by: Miss80sBaby at October 01, 2012 12:44 PM (YjDyJ)

229 It seems to me that these debates are going to favor Obama. Mitt is the smarter and better debater, but he also has much higher expectations. The base will be expecting him to hammer Obama - Newt's success in the campaign was in large part because conservatives want to see their candidate up-end Soetero and put his head in the toilet. But that's actually very hard for somebody to do, even to a vacillating sexual submissive like Barry. Independents want to see fireworks and get bored by the "get on message" nonsense of modern televised debates. Mitt needs to win the soundbyte war against Barry and make him look like either a) the lecturing professor or b) an empty teleprompter reading failure. If he can get Barry off his game, he'll revert to his base programming of spewing Marxist goodthink. I think if he gets that, he wins the debates and the presidency. But in spite of his legendary thin skin, This is going to be hard to do. Barry's going to play for a draw and a bland, uninteresting debate which gets people to change channels and makes the GOP base frustrated that yet again Barry has skated through without the verbal pantsing he deserves. But the god-king does have his delusions. He may actually think he can vanquish Mitt with his soaring rhetoric. If he believes this, we should rejoice.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at October 01, 2012 12:44 PM (uhAkr)

230 Personally, I would like Mitt to pull out a large rubber band and pull it to max extendion and shoot Zero right in the face with it during one of his responses.

Posted by: maddogg at October 01, 2012 04:44 PM (OlN4e)

 

Now this I could go with !!!!!

Posted by: The Jackhole at October 01, 2012 12:45 PM (nTgAI)

231 Ultimately it doesn't matter. The only people who care about debates are politicians, news media, and political junkies. There's no data showing that debate performances make any noticeable difference to elections.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at October 01, 2012 12:45 PM (r4wIV)

232 Recession is when your neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours. And recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his." --Reagan.

Posted by: tasker at October 01, 2012 12:45 PM (r2PLg)

233 Romney ought to come out on the stage with garlic cloves strung around his neck and big Cross that he can lift when either the media helps poor Bambi, or Bambi lies. Or, hell, better yet, toss down the yellow and red NFL flags. LOL That would be awesome.

Posted by: Bloodsucking MSM at October 01, 2012 12:45 PM (LpQbZ)

234 I think everyone who wanted to see the naked pics of Stanley, have seen them by now. It's not like they are a big secret. Posted by: MikeTheMoose Regular! With Full Stomping Power! at October 01, 2012 04:44 PM (0q2P7) They were big on the blogs but the average Joe? Prolly not. The MFM never said anything.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Wonders what Dagny thinks at October 01, 2012 12:45 PM (9TTOe)

235
BTW - looks like the tickets to the debate went mostly to U Denver students, so only The O's zingers will get laughs.or applause.

For Romney, jeers or *crickets*.


Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 01, 2012 12:46 PM (kdS6q)

236 It doesn't matter one little bit what Romney actually does in these debates. The media has already written the articles, tweets, blog posts, texts, scripts, etc., that say that Obama was awesome at these debates -- ALL OF THEM -- and all they have to do is choose the agreed upon meme when they "go to press" as to why Romney lost. Pick any or all of these: Romney was unprepared/over-prepared, too formal/too casual, too verbose/didn't say enough, provided no details/got bogged down in details, was mean to Obama/was wimpy, was too tall/was too short, smiled too much/looked too serious . . . The fix is in.

Posted by: natasha at October 01, 2012 12:47 PM (pyYXJ)

237

From the Diplomad:

The number one thing to be aware of is the people running the debate. The moderators and the questioners will be mainstream media; they want Obama to win; they are working to get Obama re-elected. They will want to focus on stupid issues such as contraception and gay marriage, not on our collapsing economy and our disintegrating foreign policy. Don't answer stupid questions. Do a Newt. Zero in on the absurd assumptions that underlie many of those questions.

"Contraception? You can buy it for next to nothing at WalMart. Is that the issue that really concerns Americans at a time when gas prices have doubled, the real unemployment rate is in double digits, our credit rating is being downgraded, our embassies are flying Al Qaeda flags and our diplomats being dragged through the streets? Is that the issue for women when they can't find jobs, make their car and mortgage payments, pay their student loans, and see their kids in substandard schools?"

"Marriage? I have the same position that President Obama had until a few weeks ago when he flipped for electoral reasons."

"My tax returns? The issue is what Obama is doing with all of our tax money. Giving it to his friends at Solyndra and paying interest to the Chinese, I guess. The issue is how do we get more Americans working and earning so that they can pay taxes and feed their kids. This President has no idea how to do that."

"Foreign policy? A Romney administration would not lie to the American people as we have seen this administration do re the Benghazi attack. A Romney administration would never allow a Fast and Furious Operation which murdered hundreds of Mexicans and killed at least one US agent, Brian Terry. A Romney administration would never consider the legitimate security concerns of Israel to be 'just noise.' A Romney administration would make sure that Iran understands that there will not be another Holocaust. A Romney administration would never apologize for our adherence to freedom. A Romney administration would make sure that we are respected by friend and foe, not ridiculed and ignored."

Posted by: SnakePlizzken at October 01, 2012 12:47 PM (b01zK)

238 Or, hell, better yet, toss down the yellow and red NFL flags. LOL That would be awesome.

He can have my October beer money if he challenges the shitty biased questions by the moderator.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™, winner of the belching contest at October 01, 2012 12:47 PM (/kI1Q)

239 I'm shocked frankly.  Dead mexican kids.  Dead American ambassadors.  De facto sharia law being installed.  Trillions vaporized in blatant corporate and political thievery.  A complicit, enabling media and entertainment industry.  A government that demonstrates its untouchable lawlessness over and over and over again.  And we're wondering about how to skillfully joke about it?  Good fucking luck people.  You're going to need it.  (I'll be watching the embers glow from a long way away.)

Posted by: Is what JQ Public is thinking... at October 01, 2012 12:47 PM (NBj0d)

240 Your wife's ass is so big, when she jogs she leaves a trail of potholes.

Posted by: Shecky Romney at October 01, 2012 12:47 PM (vm7ot)

241 234 Ultimately it doesn't matter. The only people who care about debates are politicians, news media, and political junkies. There's no data showing that debate performances make any noticeable difference to elections. Posted by: Christopher Taylor at October 01, 2012 04:45 PM (r4wIV) ______________________ So the way to get over that hurdle could be with zingers which equal-- sound bites. In the limited attention span arena--that probably wins.

Posted by: tasker at October 01, 2012 12:47 PM (r2PLg)

242 BTW - looks like the tickets to the debate went mostly to U Denver students, so only The O's zingers will get laughs.or applause. For Romney, jeers or *crickets*. Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 01, 2012 04:46 PM (kdS6q) I am still in complete FKN shock the the RNC was stupid enough to put all debates in enemy territory.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Wonders what Dagny thinks at October 01, 2012 12:47 PM (9TTOe)

243

In reality all Romney has to do to put Obama off his game is to have a ton of numerical facts and throw some economic jargon at Obama. 

With Obama's fifth grade level economic IQ, he won't know what to do.

Posted by: polynikes at October 01, 2012 12:48 PM (m2CN7)

244 Lowering expectations? The obamabots think that he's a god-king!!! They expect him to leave a michelle obama sized hole in Mitt. And then lower the oceans even more!

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:48 PM (QxSug)

245 I've been waiting for Ann Romney to say she's always been proud of her country.

Posted by: Havedash at October 01, 2012 12:48 PM (F0WNa)

246 Having been given the questions in advance, Chicago Jesus will accidentally demonstrate his omniscience by answering a question before it's asked, Barack the Magnificent!  Or at some point he gets flustered and cries out, "You're asking the questions out of order!"  An awestruck Chris Matthews declares, "He's a God!"   All media present fall to their knees.

Posted by: Habitually Cynical at October 01, 2012 12:49 PM (aniAj)

247 40 "I think this debate is more important than the other three put together.
He must be confident, competent and self-deprecating. Get under Owe-bama's skin at all costs!!"

Mormons tend to be really good at self deprecating humor; I'm not worried about that. Mitt has a weird sense of humor though, that has been used against him in the past. Like the windows in the airplane joke used to diffuse the drama of his wife being in danger (which the media instead tried to use to prove he is stupid), and the joke about the vets milking cows. But when he is fired up and confident he is great. We'll see which version of funny Mitt we got on Wednesday, I guess; God bless him and the country that he kills it.

Posted by: LizLem at October 01, 2012 12:49 PM (8wqqE)

248 242 I'm shocked frankly. Dead mexican kids. Dead American ambassadors. De facto sharia law being installed. Trillions vaporized in blatant corporate and political thievery. A complicit, enabling media and entertainment industry. A government that demonstrates its untouchable lawlessness over and over and over again. And we're wondering about how to skillfully joke about it? Good fucking luck people. You're going to need it. (I'll be watching the embers glow from a long way away.) Posted by: Is what JQ Public is thinking... at October 01, 2012 04:47 PM (NBj0d) __________________ Romney should already have your vote--correct? And hell Reagan worked it. Carterville was pretty bad.

Posted by: tasker at October 01, 2012 12:49 PM (r2PLg)

249 At least Romney can speak off the cuff. Obama spends half the time sayin uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, let me be clear, uh, uh, uh

Posted by: The Jackhole at October 01, 2012 12:49 PM (nTgAI)

250 I am still in complete FKN shock the the RNC was stupid enough to put all debates in enemy territory.

I'm not.  There's a reason they're called "The Stupid Party." 

I'm angry about it, but not shocked.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at October 01, 2012 12:50 PM (8y9MW)

251 So the way to get over that hurdle could be with zingers which equal-- sound bites. In the limited attention span arena--that probably wins.
That's my guess. These guys in Romney's team are terrifyingly precise and strategic, they probably have the way a candidate's pocket handkerchief folds down to a carefully studied science.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at October 01, 2012 12:50 PM (r4wIV)

252 In reality all Romney has to do to put Obama off his game is to have a ton of numerical facts and throw some economic jargon at Obama.

----

THIS.

As example.... Obama is ALWAYS using the terms "debt" and "deficit" interchangeably.

Mitt should scold and school him on his lack of economic grasp when that happens.

Posted by: fixerupper at October 01, 2012 12:50 PM (C8hzL)

253 If the stories about Boston's debate prep methods are accurate, I think they are running the risk of over-prepping Romney and Ryan.

Maybe, but compare Mitt's early primary debates with the later one in Florida.  Everybody noticed the improvement that came after better debate prep.

Left to his own devices in the past he's come off as robotic.

Posted by: Hollowpoint at October 01, 2012 12:51 PM (SY2Kh)

254 PS dumbasses - this 'zingers' thing is being floated to panic the RR team and keep Romney from dropping any line that might be remotely memorable - i.e. - 'zingers.'  HELLFUCKINGO!?!?!?  Gah.  Thanks for playing though.  Rubes.

Posted by: Is what JQ Public is thinking... at October 01, 2012 12:51 PM (NBj0d)

255

By zingers, do you mean something that is meant to be funny?  Then please don't do it Mitt.  If you mean canned answers that can be turned into quick soundbites, then yes.

 

How about "Mr. President, stop lying to the American people and quit blaming your economic failures on your predecessor, Congress, tsunamis, and anything else.  You sir must take the blame for a this disastrous economy.  You, with the help of Pelosi and Reid, pushed through a massive trillion dollar stimulus that was nothing more than a payoff to government beaurocrates, you pushed through a government takeover of healthcare that no one wanted, you have failed to bring stability to the tax code, you have doubled the size of the national debt in 3 years.  The American people deserve better than this.  The buck stops with you."

Posted by: SH at October 01, 2012 12:51 PM (gmeXX)

256 OT but my son is part of the young republicans ... they are deploying to Ohio this month to help Romney.. tonight is a conference call to fire them up by none other than RICK PERRY!

Posted by: Jumbo Shrimp at October 01, 2012 12:51 PM (DGIjM)

257 BTW - looks like the tickets to the debate went mostly to U Denver students, so only The O's zingers will get laughs.or applause. For Romney, jeers or *crickets*. Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at October 01, 2012 04:46 PM (kdS6q) ______________________ I read somewhere that they held a *lottery* and it was for mostly students and faculty members. It actually really blows--I think most of the debates will be in Dem territory and all will be held at campuses.

Posted by: tasker at October 01, 2012 12:52 PM (r2PLg)

258 >>>Ultimately it doesn't matter. The only people who care about debates are politicians, news media, and political junkies. There's no data showing that debate performances make any noticeable difference to elections.

Well, I'll say we haven't had an election decided by them since Reagan/Carter. I will say I think they are critical this time. Why? Undecideds. If Obama doesn't have them now, they are looking for a way to vote against him. They will watch at least the first debate because that's what makes them feel like they are keeping themselves informed. They will be looking for a permission slip to vote against Obama, Romney just has to give it to them.

Posted by: MikeTheMoose Regular! With Full Stomping Power! at October 01, 2012 12:53 PM (0q2P7)

259 The best zingers, weren't zingers per se, but they were masterful strokes of displaying some righteous indignation about the buffonery of your opponent.  The time to smile is when you are being introduced and at the end.  But during the debate, it should be serious. 

Posted by: SH at October 01, 2012 12:53 PM (gmeXX)

260 NY Times, effin' bath house liars.  That said, I like....

"The preezy should have used those big ass ears to listen to someone in the real world and not his elitist sycophants."

Posted by: eureka! at October 01, 2012 12:54 PM (cTjRR)

261 Just one "There you go again" Regan like zinger will put Obama on his heels ...  a second one will push him over the edge ...

Posted by: JeffC at October 01, 2012 12:54 PM (A3tpD)

262

When Barry says he's created 4 million jobs.

 

[Mitt, looking directly at Obama]:  No you didn't Mr. President.  During your term, this country has had a net loss of jobs.  While and your friends in the press may like to think you get to decide when you term starts and when get to start taking credit Mr. President, the responsiblities start day one and this nation can't afford to start lowering the bar of expectations from our President just because was a community organizer with no executive experience.

Posted by: Wisrich at October 01, 2012 12:55 PM (hdpay)

263 Yes Tasker - RR has my vote and then some.  Working purple phone banks this time around.  Not a Mitt fan but am a MASSIVE ABO fan.  That fucking guy should leave office the same way Saddam Hussein did as far as I'm concerned.

Posted by: Is what JQ Public is thinking... at October 01, 2012 12:55 PM (NBj0d)

264 Am I the only one who noticed that all of these "Romney aides" cited with the "zinger" line of attack are unnamed?  Or that the only named sources from Romney's side are quoted with innocuous "the debates are important because Romney gets to make his case directly the the American people" type quotes (in addition to one direct quote from Romney at a recent rally in Ohio where he said that Portman does such a good job "playing" Obama he wants to kick him out of the room after practice)?

This story seems designed to get out how "professorial" (not long-winded) Obama is, how his busy schedule presidentin' has kept him from practicing enough (especially compared to Romney) and to get the Right worried about "zingers" from Romney, IMO.

Posted by: angienc at October 01, 2012 12:56 PM (w3JGl)

265 Posted by: Is what JQ Public is thinking... at October 01, 2012 04:55 PM (NBj0d) Gee Whiz, that almost borders on threatening the president. You're not real bright are you?

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Wonders what Dagny thinks at October 01, 2012 12:57 PM (9TTOe)

266 What he should tell him is: "Oh yeah, well I slept with your wife!" There's no coming back from that.

Posted by: Kramer at October 01, 2012 12:57 PM (lHTEq)

267 Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at October 01, 2012 04:44 PM (uhAkr)

Think you hit that right on the head.

Posted by: Shiggz RoketSturgeon at October 01, 2012 12:57 PM (RfvTE)

268 Ya call them balls?  Ya couldn't make a roulette wheel fer a pissant with them balls, mister gutzguy.

Posted by: zinger at October 01, 2012 12:59 PM (0It32)

269 As hugh hewitt points out, SCAOMF will let you know when he's about to lie.

Posted by: joeindc44 at October 01, 2012 12:59 PM (QxSug)

270

Hussein received a trial OSP.  You can untwist your oh so sensitive panties now.

Posted by: Is what JQ Public is thinking... at October 01, 2012 12:59 PM (NBj0d)

271

Not a "zinger," per se, but it would be very cool to hear Romney say "George Lakoff says Hi" at some point.  People at home might say What the Fuck??  but Obama would know excatyly what he meant and it would fluster the hell out of him.  Plus send everyone to Google to find out who the hell George Lakoff is while Obama is trying to give his rebuttal.

Posted by: rockmom at October 01, 2012 01:00 PM (aBlZ1)

272 Romney spent alot of years around wall street financial types and they tend to excell at "cut fights" on the trading desk ...  I'm sure Romney has been in his fair share of zinger wars, in fact much more than The One has ...  could be interesting ...

Posted by: JeffC at October 01, 2012 01:00 PM (A3tpD)

273 #262 Exactly.  Like saying. "wow, that was a nice bunch of focus-grouped slogans strung together by the President, but they're not a real plan to get 20 million Americans back to work.  The time for slogans is over, we need a President with a real plan who knows how jobs get created."

Posted by: rockmom at October 01, 2012 01:02 PM (aBlZ1)

274

Mr. Obama, your Mideast foreign policy reminds me of that famous red-headed Chinese baby: Sum Ting Wong

 

Stay turgid, morons.

Posted by: SnakePlizzken at October 01, 2012 01:03 PM (b01zK)

275 You know how in "Old School" they brought out James Carville as a ringer?  I keep imagining this here except replace James Carville with Andrew Dice Clay.

Posted by: Uncle Milty at October 01, 2012 01:05 PM (8J5Ck)

276 232 If he can get Barry off his game, he'll revert to his base programming of spewing Marxist goodthink. I think if he gets that, he wins the debates and the presidency. The best way to do that is to directly challenge him. As long as Romney avoids being snappish, it ought to work.

Posted by: Miss80sBaby at October 01, 2012 01:06 PM (YjDyJ)

277

Posted by: SnakePlizzken at October 01, 2012 04:47 PM (b01zK)

 

 

-------------------------------------------

 

 

 

Remember.  The paragraph is your friend.

Posted by: Soona at October 01, 2012 01:08 PM (raNhT)

278

Haven't read the comments upthread (an AoS tradition), but even one zinger from Romney may not help Romney personally with the voters but might push Barry into doing his full Captain Queeg impression.

 

And that would help Romney.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at October 01, 2012 01:09 PM (U+DUu)

279 278 You know how in "Old School" they brought out James Carville as a ringer? I keep imagining this here except replace James Carville with Andrew Dice Clay.

I fear that the more likely scenario is the debate scene from "Billy Madison" - and then Romney has a meltdown when required to discuss "business ethics".

Posted by: wooga, finger banging Ms. Lippy at October 01, 2012 01:09 PM (vjyZP)

280 Cleanup on aisle 266.

Posted by: jakeman at October 01, 2012 01:11 PM (96M6e)

281 It didn't really take all that much to push Obama into Queeg during the budget fight. "Don't call my bluff!!"

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at October 01, 2012 01:12 PM (r4wIV)

282 I would like to see Romney use Obama's verbal ticks first.  "As I'm sure the President has said before...", "As the President has made perfectly clear...", etc.

Posted by: Joe at October 01, 2012 01:12 PM (7pOq5)

283 He should do "Who let the dogs out".  That worked really well for him in the past.

Posted by: pep at October 01, 2012 01:13 PM (6TB1Z)

284 When Barry says he's created 4 million jobs.

[Mitt, looking directly at Obama]:No you didn't Mr. President. During your term, this country has had a net loss of jobs. ...

Posted by: Wisrich at October 01, 2012 04:55 PM (hdpay)

 

 

I like the sentiment, but the statement is too long. Romney should say something like "No you didn't Mr. President. And the American people know it. [looking into the camera] Americans are hurting, Mr. President, hurting badly, and they're hurting because of your policies. It's that simple."

Posted by: Jay Guevara at October 01, 2012 01:14 PM (U+DUu)

285

It didn't really take all that much to push Obama into Queeg during the budget fight. "Don't call my bluff!!"

 

 

Exactly. Romney may not have the personality to get in gibes without looking like an asshole, but he probably doesn't have to get in many to make Barry blow up on the launch pad.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at October 01, 2012 01:15 PM (U+DUu)

286

The thing is. Obama is going to be indignant on all kinds of things like "The Rich", "Wall tree", "Bain"

Romney has to push it right back in his face.

Posted by: Wisrich at October 01, 2012 01:17 PM (hdpay)

287

When Barry says he's created 4 million jobs.

 

 

Or, alternatively, Romney could sigh and say, "If only that were true, Mr. President. [again looking into the camera] I ask the American people, do you want four more years of this?"

Posted by: Jay Guevara at October 01, 2012 01:17 PM (U+DUu)

288 I mean "Wall Street"

Posted by: Wisrich at October 01, 2012 01:18 PM (hdpay)

289

My favorite line: "Mr. President, the national debt (not deficit) in your term has grown to 16 trillion dollars.

 

... Mr. President, how many zeroes are there in a trillion?"

Posted by: Jay Guevara at October 01, 2012 01:19 PM (U+DUu)

290 Romney: "Hell, Barack.  If you think the economy you inherited from Bush was bad, what will you do with the one you created?"

Posted by: bacadog at October 01, 2012 01:22 PM (p9+4t)

291

Mr. Obama, in the business world, we use words like honor, code, loyalty...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent creating and defending something. You use 'em as a punchline on the View.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom and prosperity successful businessmen provide, then questions the manner in which they provide it!

I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you put away your golf clubs and go to an intelligence briefing. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!

Stay turgid, morons.

Posted by: SnakePlizzken at October 01, 2012 01:26 PM (b01zK)

292 "Are you better off now than you were eight TRILLION dollars ago?"

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at October 01, 2012 01:26 PM (r4wIV)

293 "No win situation. If he connects, his words will be spun as well rehearsed empty applause lines, If he misses, as gaffes." No win? That makes it an easy decision, then. Zing away, and at least you've got a chance to connect with those people who are not taken in by the spin spin. As the saying goes, might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb.

Posted by: GalosGann at October 01, 2012 01:28 PM (T3KlW)

294

Not recommending this, but it would be fun to dance around some of Barry's hot buttons without actually hitting them, so if/when he blows up the audience may not make the connection.

 

For example, lots of tangential dog references. "Your Administration has been dogged by high unemployment, while you've been bowing to foreign leaders and wowing them. While you've been dogged in your pursuit of campaign donations, the American people have been in the economic dog house for the past four years, and the Middle East is blowing up because AQ thinks your bark is worse than bite. Mr. President, you've just not been up to the job, doggone it."

Posted by: Jay Guevara at October 01, 2012 01:28 PM (U+DUu)

295 I can;t believe I'm losing to this    asshole

Posted by: jay lovitz dukakis at October 01, 2012 01:29 PM (7fLDW)

296 Watergate didn't have a birthday party body count - ZING!

Posted by: Schwalbe: The Me-262© at October 01, 2012 01:29 PM (UU0OF)

297

When Barry says he's created 4 million jobs.

 

How about jobs outside the SEIU, Mr. President?

Posted by: Jay Guevara at October 01, 2012 01:31 PM (U+DUu)

298

The NY Times talking about the zingers in advance is a way to downplay any that strike a nerve and creat a buzz.

 

 

Posted by: CJ at October 01, 2012 01:32 PM (9KqcB)

299 Mr. President, America needs someone who can lead, not just play at being eye candy.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at October 01, 2012 01:33 PM (xKC/c)

300
When Barry says he's created 4 million jobs.

-----

Your Czars don't count...... Mr President.

Posted by: fixerupper at October 01, 2012 01:33 PM (C8hzL)

301 Zinger: Mitt hides a remote control fart machine under Capt. Useless' podium.

Posted by: Yojimbo at October 01, 2012 01:41 PM (c9F8a)

302 The amazing thing about these debate expectations is that all a challenger needs to do against a SCoaMF when it costs $50 to fill your gas tank and more than 60% of Americans think the country is "going in the wrong direction" is just present himself as a reasonable alternative. However, given the low bar Team Obama/MSM has set with all their outrageous attacks (cancer-causing vampire felon gaffe-machine), all Romney is going to need to do is present himself as better than a cold-blooded murder. Hence, the TeamObama/MSM hysteria saying this first debate is *vital* to Romney, which Romney *must* win in the first 90 seconds or "it's OVER!" (I shit you not, I saw a talking head saying that Romney must win the debate in the first 90 seconds!). It has slowly dawned on TeamObama/MSM that their aggressive slander against Romney and their "What about your GAAAFFEES!" pretense is getting ready to back fire on them once the public gets their first, unfiltered look at Romney standing next to TFG. Thus, these ridiculous expectations game about the debates, when we all know that even if Romney is the second-coming of Cicero the best the MSM will say is that it was a "draw" and that he didn't "do enough" to turn the momentum in his favor.
I'm not worried -- the MSM narrative has already been set regardless of how the debate actually goes-- and  on 11/6/12 -- the only poll the MSM can't spin -- Obama's going to lose anyway.

Posted by: angienc at October 01, 2012 01:47 PM (w3JGl)

303 Oh yeah Mr. President?  Well the Jerk Store called, and they're all out of you!

Posted by: Dudley Smith at October 01, 2012 01:48 PM (p2NXJ)

304 The point I would make if I were Romney:

"You made a lot of promises in the debates in 2008 that you never followed through on, why should anyone believe what you are saying this time?"

Then maybe go through a list of the lies he told last time ... starting with going through the budget "line by line" and cutting it.


Posted by: crosspatch at October 01, 2012 01:52 PM (ZbLJZ)

305 I think smiling insults are probably better than any joke, which has more of an opportunity to backfire if not executed properly. Any joke about golf will probably be met with a joke about dressage, cricket or something like that which will be funny and damaging to Romney. He could say something along the lines of, "Well, I'm not a golfer and promise that I won't miss any security briefings because of it." etc, etc...if you tie it into Obama failing at his job, you've effectively neutralized any comeback.

Posted by: Rich C at October 01, 2012 02:20 PM (2zcHU)

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

Posted by: steevy at October 01, 2012 02:21 PM (6o4Fb)

307 I'm not sure I agree with the premise. One of his best retorts EVER occurred when Brian Williams asked Romney if he was going to pick some boring white guy as his running mate. Spontaneous and HILARIOUS.

Posted by: Moonbeam at October 01, 2012 08:15 PM (1k4dd)

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