1
6.8% in MA

2
of course the D governor is taking credit

but this is just part of that whole funky-December numbers thing

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

4
the UE rate *should* snap back to reality by the end of the 1st Qtr

5 But, sooth is right- Don't put too much stock in these numbers: it's all December stuff.

Let's see what happens at the end of January.

6 I may be forced to get a job someday soon.  Damn it.

7
To call this a jobless revovery is an understatement.

As said before, this is indeed a jobLOSS recovery.

8 I'm almost to Acceptance. That's good. But, first, you will blow me. _

9

It doesnÂ’t matter what the unemployment rate is in Texas or Massachusetts.  We already know who they are going to vote for.

10
speaking of polls...

Some polls, as you surely have heard, show Newt now in the lead in SC.
Those polls are fresh, but they don't reflect the impact of Marianne.

Newt will not win SC. He'll lose by a c-hair whisker.

11 It'd be a lot lower if blue state refugees would quit coming here.

12 9

It doesnÂ’t matter what the unemployment rate is in Texas or Massachusetts.  We already know who they are going to vote for.

Posted by: jwest at January 20, 2012 12:42 PM (FdndL)

The unemployment rate in Cali is 11.3%, yet we already know who they are going to vote for, too.

13 So I missed out on anger?

14 People still live in Massachusetts? Why?

15
Anyone know how accurate Intrade is as a predictor?

16

Fl is down to 9.9%. Rick Scott made an announcement today, I think it was. Not one word was said about seasonal jobs that I heard.

Yeah, wait for January's figures. And if gasoline continues to rise in price, expect UE to increase.

17 How does this help Romney?

18 I think the "Look, a squirrel!" thing might work really well in California.

19 I'm with Ace on the whole Perry thing. Perry made gaffes during the debates but I never understood how candidates like Gingrich, Santorum, Cain, and Bachmann -- all of whom have had their share of gaffes during the campaign, too -- have been resonating with conservatives more than Perry, whose track record of governance is by far superior to everyone else who has been or currently is in the GOP race.

If I have to vote for Romney in the general election, I'll probably do it, but that will be a second presidential election in which I have little to no enthusiasm for my vote in the general election. It really sucks.

20 We already know everything we need to know about the enemies of the economy and why we find ourselves at the edge of a cliff.
I will view all polls and government statistics lies between now and November with the appropriate level of contempt and disinterest.

21 Fl is down to 9.9%. Rick Scott made an announcement today, I think it was. Not one word was said about seasonal jobs that I heard. I just realized I haven't seen anyone out on the medians selling bottled water out of a cooler in a few months here. Not sure if it's because the weather is milder (Although I'd think it'd make sitting out there all day more bearable) or things really have gotten just a little better. Just a small observation.

22 Perry suffered from the Al Gore thing and from being from Texas.  Those two things were in the back of people's minds.

23 Hate to say it, ace, but you've got to get by depression too. We'll send some hobo pron to cheer you up.

24 Is Anger before or after Bargaining?  Anger is the most productive stage because you can get away with a lot of stuff.  Why did he smash that car windshield for the car with Romney sticker? Well he is in the anger stage.  Oh.  I hope he comes to acceptance soon.

25 There there ace, look forward to next years draft. You are one first round QB choice away from the playoffs

26 Anyone know how accurate Intrade is as a predictor?

100% accurate at the end.

27 News:  Newt's ex doesn't like him.

Not news:  US attorney takes the fifth on Gunwalker.

28 5.7% in Iowa.

29 Should we start a pool on what will finally win ace over to Romney - what metaphor/aspect of Mitt will be the straw that broke the ewok's back and won his heart? -

30
Intrade has Newt winning SC at 65% chance to Mitt's 35%.

We'll see who's right this Sunday.

Soothsayer or Intrade.

31 Not news:  US attorney takes the fifth on Gunwalker.

Watergate did not have a body count.

32

The unemployment rate in Cali is 11.3%, yet we already know who they are going to vote for, too.

Posted by: kathysaysso at January 20, 2012 12:45 PM (ZtwUX)

 

Where the unemployment rate will matter are states like Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina etc.

33 DABDA:
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

34 The Supreme Court just smacked down the Democrats decision to mess with Texas.

35 Anyone that would dislike Perry because he was from Texas is an ignorant dumbass. I don't even want their fucking vote if his being a Texan somehow bothers them. This anti-Texas thing, anti-south thing really annoys the crap out of me. I can't believe that these douchebags who wildly proclaim their political correctness actually bash people due to their state affiliation.

36

Not news:  US attorney takes the fifth on Gunwalker.

Waterboard him.

37

"I'm with Ace on the whole Perry thing. Perry made gaffes during the debates but I never understood how candidates like Gingrich, Santorum, Cain, and Bachmann -- all of whom have had their share of gaffes during the campaign, too -- have been resonating with conservatives more than Perry, whose track record of governance is by far superior to everyone else who has been or currently is in the GOP race."

 

because Perry is and has always been a dumber, thinner-skinned G.W. Bush, who looks way more conservative than he is due to a very conservative Texas State Legislature?

 

but that's just a guess...

38 28 5.7% in Iowa.

Posted by: HeatherRadish at January 20, 2012 12:52 PM (ZKzrr)

That's also the temperature, so you have part of the explanation.

(I'm not kidding, the temp is about 6 degress Farenheit right now.)

39

Remember when we had 5.4% UE and gas was around $1.75, groceries cost about half what they do today and the MFM said we we were on the cusp of a recession and Bushitler McChimpy was killing the economy with his right wing fascism?

*sigh* I miss the good old days...

40 Should we start a pool on what will finally win ace over to Romney - what metaphor/aspect of Mitt will be the straw that broke the ewok's back and won his heart?

Least wormy apple in the bushel?

41
Gov McDonnell of VA endorsed Mitt.

42 It is 6.4 in Utah, but no one wanted Huntsman.  (Kind of a meaningless metric, init?)

43

because Perry is and has always been a dumber, thinner-skinned G.W. Bush, who looks way more conservative than he is due to a very conservative Texas State Legislature?

 but that's just a guess...

Then it's a wrong guess.  We have to fight our Legislature almost as much as we fight the US Congress.  We're just closer to them so we win more often.

44 Shoey - that is a stupid as fuck guess.

45 Remember when we had 5.4% UE and gas was around $1.75, groceries cost about half what they do today and the MFM said we we were on the cusp of a recession and Bushitler McChimpy was killing the economy with his right wing fascism?

Sounds like someone needs a montage (montage!)

46 don't you fool see? This is all SCOAMF's doing as he's finally fixing the economy from Boooooosh!

47 Gov McDonnell of VA endorsed Mitt.

That's the Veep, by the way.

48 42 It is 6.4 in Utah, but no one wanted Huntsman.

Not even Utahns. 

49 I found a good job in the middle of this depression-- from an Eeeevil global corporation based in Texas.  But I think I'll quit to go find a green collar job in California.

50

Ace,

I am still in Perry camp with you, but being from TX I have found a silver lining in that we get to keep Perry here creating jobs and fighting Washington. And most importantly we don't get stuck with Dewhurst for Gov.  Hopefully Cruz will be able to beat Dewhurst to replace KBH.

51

Should we start a pool on what will finally win ace over to Romney - what metaphor/aspect of Mitt will be the straw that broke the ewok's back and won his heart?

The First Blood style shower and time spent in 'the box' on the roof should have been enough. 

52 I can't believe that these douchebags who wildly proclaim their political correctness actually bash people due to their state affiliation.

Posted by: dagny at January 20, 2012 12:54 PM (Ke2m6)

Oh, but they are the most bigoted people on earth.  Where did you go to school, who were your parents, etc.  Even in matters of race, they are fully cognizant of it.  But they'll never judge a person based on merit or objective criteria.

This is what "social justice" is all about. "Justice" is socialized.  That is, you get yourself in your little group, the group gets some sort of consideration or benefit and you get your piece from that.

53 Ace is right, Mittens was a douchenozzle for slamming Perry on his Ponzi scheme comments. But Perry, ah, he just had the wrong last name, you know? Where's Paul Ryan?

54 It is 6.4 in Utah, but no one wanted Huntsman.

We didn't like Huntsman because he didn't like us.

55

Should we start a pool on what will finally win ace over to Romney - what metaphor/aspect of Mitt will be the straw that broke the ewok's back and won his heart?

SCoaMT the only other one on the ballot?

56 I'm with Ace on the whole Perry thing. Perry made gaffes during the debates but I never understood how candidates like Gingrich, Santorum, Cain, and Bachmann -- all of whom have had their share of gaffes during the campaign, too -- have been resonating with conservatives more than Perry, whose track record of governance is by far superior to everyone else who has been or currently is in the GOP race.

It's because continuous debate flubs meant he could never escape the C-minus stupid meme.

57 53 I am still bummed about Perry.

Same here. 

58 I am still bummed about Perry.

Same here.

Ditto.

59 Ace - Perry may be gone, but time to start promoting Cruz.  He needs all the help/promotion he can get. 

60 All that matters are congressional races. All that matters are congressional races. All that matters are congressional races.

61

Not even Utahns. 

I thought it was The Utish?  Or Utes?

62 me too

63
Newt did have some damn good moments last night, though.

For instance: Elect us and your kids can get a job and move out.

Heh

64 Sean Bielat is running again. And he has a good chance to win this time.  Better district lines.

65 Posted by: AmishDude at January 20, 2012 12:58 PM (T0NGe) Yeah, I know, I just thought it was "curious" that the comment was made that Perry did badly because he was from Texas as opposed to say, New York.

66 Dropped to 8.1 here in OH as well. It was 8.5 in Nov. Biggest jump for one month in 30 years.

67 But what about Wisconsin's working families (i.e., teachers making 6 figures, working 9 months a year), you bitches should be taxed inside out to pay for their pensions which they are qualified for after 5 years of their no-show bullshit public sector union thug gig. The economy will only take off when everyone is either on welfare or double dipping on their public sector job. Signed XXOO, Super-Smart Economist Susan Feinberg

68

Just a small observation.

FWIW, I'm no longer funemployed after three years. My costs have gone up more with the gas I have to buy now.

But I'm making less than I was when I was drawing UE, so there's that.

69

Perry spent what seemed like two hours preparing for what Mitt and Newt have been gunning for their entire lives.  He simply was not ready either in detail or in delivery.

I'm resigning myself to Romney and giving cash to some congressional elections and Walker's defense up in Wisconsin.

Sigh.

70 No, Ace. Keep hammering on this. A good, decent man with a stellar record was sent home.

71 Two Utes. 

72 When is the Guam primary? I want to know which candidate the Guami bears prefer.

73 Priceline to kill off Shatner.

74 If I have to vote for Romney in the general election, I'll probably do it, but that will be a second presidential election in which I have little to no enthusiasm for my vote in the general election. It really sucks.

Only the second?  Consider yourself lucky.  For many of us, it's the the sixth.

75
Gov McDonnell of VA endorsed Mitt.

That's the Veep, by the way.
----------------------------------------

Will you bet your leftnut on it?

76

What are you bummed at re: Perry?

The guy had an awful showing. 

If Herman Cain and Michele Bachmann hadn't have been there to take the heat off of him, he never would have lasted as long as he did.

77

I'm resigning myself to Romney and giving cash to some congressional elections and Walker's defense up in Wisconsin.

Sigh.

Should have joined me on the Huntsman band wagon for a time. Going to Newt or Mittens feels like trading up.

78 Perry may be gone, but time to start promoting Cruz.  He needs all the help/promotion he can get.

Cruz really hasn't gotten any traction.  It doesn't help that this is the first state-wide race he's running in, and he's running against the very popular David Dewhurst.

Honestly, though, I'm not sure who I support in that race.  Cruz and Dewhurst are both lawyers, and I think we've got too many lawyers in congress anyway, but Leppert was liberal enough to get voted into office in Dallas, which is probably too liberal for me.

Though I am looking forward to my congressional race- (Roger) Williams vs (Michael) Williams.  That should be a Conservative Smack-Down.

79 I think it's my 5th

80 ⁵⁶

^{Should we start a pool on what will finally win ace over to Romney - what metaphor/aspect of Mitt will be the straw that broke the ewok's back and won his heart?}

^{SCoaMT the only other one on the ballot?}

^{Posted by: Julie at January 20, 2012 12:59 PM (O/fK}

+10+++ = !!!!ELEVENTY!!1!111!111111

81

I am still bummed about Perry.

Same here.

Ditto.

Likewise.

82 For any who haven't seen it, K-Hammer's column about how Newt and Perry's attacks on Romney screwed us big time, it is interesting.

83 I hope Ron Paul does go 3rd party.

84 Not even Utahns.

True 'dat.  I have lived in Utah for most of my life, and the only thing we ever really know about Huntsman was who his dad is, and that he signed whatever the legislature put on his desk.  I have said it before;  it is kind of hard to screw up here when you have the most conservative congress in the nation.

85

All that matters are congressional races.

This, by the way, is not true.  If you know who gets four more years, he will rule by executive order and litigation.  We need to win the whole thing...even if it is Romney.

86 My SC prediction is pretty boring.
Romney 35%
Gingrich 35%
Santorum 15%
Paul 15%

If Gingrich beats Romney by 5-10 pts, then he could build on that in Florida. I hate having Paul in there at all.

87
Damn!

What a great name for a TV show.

Will You Bet Your Left Nut On It?

88 Poor ace.

89 22 Perry suffered from the Al Gore thing and from being from Texas.  Those two things were in the back of people's minds.

Posted by: c. up at January 20, 2012 12:50 PM (oZfic)

I understood the comparisons to Bush and a significant portion of the country not being enthused about another Texas governor becoming POTUS right now, but the Al Gore thing was always ridiculous. Not only was the Gore of the '80s a different type of candidate ideologically, Perry was in his last days as a Democrat. Reagan switched from the Democratic to Republican Party and ran as a GOP presidential candidate only six years later (1962-6 , while Perry switched from the Democratic to Republican Party and ran as a GOP presidential candidate over 20 years later (1989-2012).

90 60Ace - Perry may be gone, but time to start promoting Cruz. He needs all the help/promotion he can get.

Posted by: SH at January 20, 2012 01:00 PM (gmeXX)

Agreed!

91 Thank you for fighting what I saw as the good fight re Perry, Ace.

92 Anyone heard about this??

Meanwhile...

93 McDonnell went to the same small high school that my sons go to. The school begged and borrowed equipment so they could march in McDonnell's inauguation parade. All the teachers that were still there, cheerleaders, the admin and a few band people went. McDonnell was incredibly gracious and was super nice to them. It was really sweet.

94 Meanwhile, gas prices have risen 20 cents in the last two weeks. I see a bad moon rising...

95

I wouldn't bet a nut, but I also believe McDonnell will be Romney's VP pick.  He'll deliver VA.  He's got some fairly good conservative bona fides.  He's clean and articulate. 

Yeah, it'll either be McDonnell or Palin :-)

96

truth hurts, and your pain fills me with joy.

knee-jerk Republicans are as bad as knee-jerk Democraps.

 

Romney will lose to Obama, therefor a vote for Romney is a vote for Obama.

Newt will be destroyed by the MSM, they have it out for him and he isn't any different than Romney on politics &policy anyway.

i've gone full "burn the m-f'er down! and vote Ron Paul" crazy.

Why?

because none of the GOP (canidates or Party Leaders) are serious about cutting spending/reducing the size and power of the central government.

 

just as the Repubs replaced the Whigs, the Repubs can be replaced with something new, and don't even try to trot out the "but there's no time!" lame-ass bullshit, that's just Bernise/Alinsky hyperboyle.

97 Only the second?  Consider yourself lucky.  For many of us, it's the the sixth.

Posted by: Hollowpoint at January 20, 2012 01:02 PM (SY2Kh)

I had no problem voting for Bush in '88, but grudgingly did so in '92. I also voted unethusiastically for Dole in '96, but had no problem voting for Bush in '00 and '04. So, the 2012 will be the fourth for me overall.

98 Ace, maybe a post about the US Attorney for AZ taking the Fifth before the House?

99 McDonnell has also done a lot of good for Va. He cut got a surplus and then reapplied it to decent projects. Cuchinelli makes McDonnell look really moderate even though he's no squish.

100

This, by the way, is not true. If you know who gets four more years, he will rule by executive order and litigation. We need to win the whole thing...even if it is Romney.

I'm not so sure. If enough conservative Pubbies get elected like they did in the last midterms and we manage to take the Senate, depose Boehner and McConnell and start pushing back against the SCOAMF, there might be a chance to save the Republic. They could always start defunding agencies and take away some of the power they've given to the president over the past few years.

I know, I know, but a Boy can fap, can't he?

101
Meanwhile...

I figured he sing I Fought the Law and I Won.

102
Another possibility is Pawlenty.

Why did he bow out so soon? Why did he never attack Mitt? Perhaps he made an early deal with Mitt.

Pawlenty brings something to the table in that he's articulate, likable, and has a good record. Plus he's from the midwest.

103 That's okay, Shoey--if voting for Mitt is like voting for Obama, voting for Paul is like voting for a bucket of shit that can talk.

104 Posted by: Hollowpoint at January 20, 2012 01:02 PM (SY2Kh)

Screw you, joo lover.

I'll get you if it's the last thing I do!

105 @laceyunderalls~ The "Rev" Al Green? Sheeeeeeeesh! From here on out, I shall be The High Priestess Jypsea Rose~AoSHQ Graveyard Shift

106 Newt will be destroyed by the MSM, they have it out for him . . . .

I'd say the jury is still out on who is going to destroy whom.

107 Voting for Romney is nothing like voting for Obama. I'm really tired of hearing this stupid drivel.

108 VP candidate will be Kasich, whether its Romney or Newt.

109 If Herman Cain and Michele Bachmann hadn't have been there to take the heat off of him, he never would have lasted as long as he did.

Take the heat off him?  When they weren't constantly attacking him you mean?

Hell, I think Cain still carries around a little Perry doll that he sticks pins into while muttering "from Hell's heart I stab at thee".

110
Kasich is a lousy pick. He might even help to lose Ohio.

111

VP candidate will be Kasich, whether its Romney or Newt.

Nope.  I like Kasich, always have, but his numbers in Ohio are not good right now.

112 Newt will be destroyed by the MSM Jury is still out, my friend.

113 I've been wondering what happened to Al Green. He of the action figure fame. Obama should put him in as VP

114 Another possibility is Pawlenty.

That would be awesome. </sarc>

Valium / Ambien 2012.

115 The "Rev" Al Green? Sheeeeeeeesh!

I thought it was just the next step in political correctness.  All blacks are now to be addressed as "The Reverend" and if you don't do it, you're racist.

116 Hell, I think Cain still carries around a little Perry doll that he sticks pins into while muttering "from Hell's heart I stab at thee".

I thought that was jwest. Hmm, perhaps they got them at the same store.

117 who is Kasich?

118 I'd love to know the back story on Herman's hatred for Perry. 

119

 who is Kasich?

Ohio Guv, I'm pretty sure.

120

who is Kasich?

John Kasich, Governor of Ohio (also former congressman).

121
of course Pawlenty won't deliver MN
but he can put Indianans and Iowans more at ease

122 I thought it was just the next step in political correctness. All blacks are now to be addressed as "The Reverend" and if you don't do it, you're racist. Right, that's what the online application process advised in big, black, bold lettering at the top of the form. Just like it would be sexist to not refer to me as The High Priestess. According to the rules that I just made up.

123 truth hurts, and your pain fills me with joy.

That won't keep our beer cold when SCOAMF keeps closing power plants.

124 121 I'd love to know the back story on Herman's hatred for Perry. Posted by: Y-not at January 20, 2012 01:14 PM (5H6zj) I think Perry has a rock in his yard that says, "Groper"

125 I had no problem voting for Bush in '88, but grudgingly did so in '92. I also voted unethusiastically for Dole in '96, but had no problem voting for Bush in '00 and '04. So, the 2012 will be the fourth for me overall.

I didn't have a problem voting for HWB or GWB, but I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about it either.

None were "Hey I really really like this guy" so much as "Meh, I guess he'll do".

126 but he can put Indianans and Iowans more at ease

How?  If "Mr Moderate" Mitt Romney can't put them at ease, why would T-Paw?

127 I must say Newt is quick witted and can think on his feet. His snappy answer#42968 was a nice comeback to Santorums 'grandiose' charge. The entertainment value alone is worth my vote. 4 years of MFM heads exploding would be quite entertaining.

128 What we need is tor each out to the middle.  Milktoast / Spaghettispine 2012 for the win!

129 Cali almost 1 in 8 officially unemployed, with another 1 in 8 cooling their jets in Unemployment Limbo.  Another 1 in 8 growing weed or working various scams.  Roads falling apart; bridges taking many years to build.

Welcome, everyone to Thunderdome 2012:  Two candidates enter, one candidate gets elected

130

We just keep blocking until we get to a brokered convention.

Then we start with a brand-new candidate, all fresh and clean with the party united behind him (or her).

131 who is Kasich? John Kasich, Governor of Ohio (also former congressman). Can he deliver Ohio? (I've never heard of him--is he hot?)

132 Milktoast

Milktoastie!!

133
noods

134 Rush pointed out earlier that there are no more brokers and no more smoke filled rooms.

135

Can he deliver Ohio?

Less than 50/50 probability.

136 It's Milquetoast

137
If Perry had just arrived on the scene, looking all craggy faced and handsome, and good hair--and not opened his mouth--he might just be in the lead now.

138 Poor Kasich.

He still has some negatives here thanks to the 3:1 spending the union scum did to repeal SB5.

Brutal. 

I still can't talk about that.

139 Hubby says Newt has a thousand ideas, five of which are good...

140

Hubby says Newt has a thousand ideas, five of which are good...

Daily.

141 Gee... I dont know whats not to like about him.

Posted by: Jumbo Jogging Shrimp at January 20, 2012 01:05 PM (qjUnn)

 

You don't have to like or dislike him to recognize that he made a series of awful appearances and squandered the tremendous momentum he carried after entering the race.

From that point on, he was flailing in rough seas...I am glad to see it come to an end.  Not because I thought he'd be a bad President, but because I thought he'd be eviscerated on the campaign trail should he achieve the nomination.

142 I think Perry has a rock in his yard that says, "Groper"

Posted by: dagny at January 20, 2012 01:16 PM (Ke2m6)

Benissimo, Signora.  Bravo

143

I really wanted Perry to get nominated. How could he have been such a bad candidate? All his wounds were self-inflicted.

He's like that model who walked into the propeller. "STOP," the pilot told her.

"There's a PROPELLER there.  Walk  BEHIND the plane." So what does she do?

She walks directly into the propeller.

Same with Perry. Given the opportunity to run and win as a conservative, he chose to alternate between liberal populism and general dipshittery. He never ONCE recaptured the essence of the day he announced:  getting government out of the way.

144 We just keep blocking until we get to a brokered convention.

Then we start with a brand-new candidate, all fresh and clean with the party united behind him (or her).

You keep on riding the Crazy Train, jwest.  Your insane fantasy of a brokered convention Palin nomination isn't going to dream itself.

Just don't complain when they insist you keep the hockey helmet on. It's for your own good.

145 It's Texas. It runs itself. It had little to nothing to do with Perry, beyond him not being so incompetent as to screw it up like he did the campaign.

146 109 Voting for Romney is nothing like voting for Obama. I'm really tired of hearing this stupid drivel.

Posted by: dagny at January 20, 2012 01:12 PM (Ke2m6)

True, but voting for Romney is nothing like voting for a conservative either. Considering the situation the country is in right now, Romney managing the decline of the country, which is what I think he will do, is not exactly providing me with a lot of enthusiasm to vote for him in the general election, if he's the nominee. With a President Romney, everyone opposed to ObamaCare can pretty much forget about that program getting derailed, too, unless the Supreme Court stops it in its track (which, to me, is about a 50/50 proposition right now) because Romney has already hinted at tweaking the program (i.e., keepin the "good" and getting rid of the "bad") instead of trying to get rid of it. This is a similar path to the one Europe took over the years, with conservatives simply giving up reducing the size of the federal government and campaigning on their ability to manage the continually expanding federal government better than their political opposition.

147 Rush pointed out earlier that there are no more brokers and no more smoke filled rooms.

Personally, I wonder if there shouldn't be.

148 Newt is advertising heavily on WMAL which is the conservative/talk radio station for DC and Northern Va.(Maryland too but who gives a shit). It's pro-Newty and anti-Romney. He's not on the ballot in Virginia and there's no point in advertising in DC land of the crackwhore politican. Therefore, Newty is attempting to advertise to the Republican establishment or the media?

149

True, but voting for Romney is nothing like voting for a conservative either.

Hey, everyone raise your hand if you have ever said on this blog that Mitt Romney is a dreamy conservative.

...

...

...

Damn, that's a shitload of crickets.

150 149 OK. If there were a conservative running then I would vote for him. There isn't. He is still better than Obama. My local feces covered crack whore is better than Obama.

151

Personally, I wonder if there shouldn't be.

This.

The primary schedule is too front loaded.  Back when, it would still be possible for someone to jump in here in late January.

152

I really wanted Perry to get nominated. How could he have been such a bad candidate? All his wounds were self-inflicted.

 

..and a Prsidential run would have solved this prdiliction? 

153 148 It's Texas. It runs itself. It had little to nothing to do with Perry, beyond him not being so incompetent as to screw it up like he did the campaign.

Posted by: CrankyTrex at January 20, 2012 01:23 PM (08O0O)

Doesn't that laissez-faire management style pretty much describe the approach that conservatives want at the federal level?

154

predilection...

iSpellgud.

155

..and a Prsidential run would have solved this prdiliction? 

'Zactly.

"Governor Perry, why are you racist?"

"Governor Perry, why are you a warmonger?"

"Governor Perry, why are you exactly like George W. Bush and Adolf Hitler?"

 

156 Ace,  this is where people with a little faith,  like me,  take this type of thing in stride.

Sometimes God's ways are not our ways.  Quite often in fact.

Here is an example:  When Clinton was impeached but the Senate refused to convict him,  I was completely bummed out.   I wanted Gore (who wasn't as insane then) to assume office and end the constant soap opera in the White House.  The answer for our country was "No."

Then Bush beat Gore and was the president when those planes flew into the Twin Towers.  I have always been grateful that Gore wasn't in charge at that time.

So maybe sometimes we don't get the outcome we want,  but maybe we get the outcome we NEED.  Maybe Romney will surprise us.  At any rate,  I would suggest patience and watching.

157

@garrett

No. I liked the idea of Perry. The reality of Perry did not measure up.

158 152

Hey, everyone raise your hand if you have ever said on this blog that Mitt Romney is a dreamy conservative.

...

...

...

Damn, that's a shitload of crickets.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 20, 2012 01:26 PM (B+qrE)

I don't recall writing that anyone on this blog called Romney "a dreamy conservative". I was just reiterating a point that I learned when I lived in NH and watched Romney run against Ted Kennedy in '94 and then serve as Massachusetts governor.

Romney's not a conservative nor will he govern as one unless forced to by a Congress with large Republican majorities (and large numbers of conservatives) in both the House and Senate. Here's to hoping if Romney is the nominee and somehow beats Obama in the general election that the Republicans end up with those large congressional majorities, including large numbers of conservatives. Because if not, get ready to spend a lot of time over the following four years rationalizing why you voted for the guy.

159

No. I liked the idea of Perry. The reality of Perry did not measure up.

 

agreed

160 Doesn't that laissez-faire management style pretty much describe the approach that conservatives want at the federal level? Posted by: Slappy at January 20, 2012 01:28 PM (LTbLf) ---- If everything were already running smoothly, yes. But at this point in history things have to be turned completely around and pointed in the other direction. We need someone who can see the broken mess, figure out a way to fix it, and then convince people to go along with the fix even if they might not like it. Perry's pretty much the only governor in the country who never has to do that because Texas takes care of itself. He just has to not actively work to screw the state up. He could spend all day every day doing absolutely nothing and the state would run fine. If one looks at his campaigning, he clearly sucks at leading. He had no real solutions beyond the usual platitudes and/or he is absolutely terrible at even describing them. That doesn't even get to the part about convincing people to follow his lead, and if "you don't have a heart" is any indication, he can't do that either.

161 Perry vulturin' jobs from other states?

162 Perry vulturin' jobs from other states?

You should hear the head of the Carl's Jr. company talk about the difference in conducting business in TX v CA. Just astounding,

163

 jwest at January 20, 2012 01:17 PM

Won't be Palin. No guts for the big chair.

164 163

If everything were already running smoothly, yes. But at this point in history things have to be turned completely around and pointed in the other direction.

We need someone who can see the broken mess, figure out a way to fix it, and then convince people to go along with the fix even if they might not like it.

Perry's pretty much the only governor in the country who never has to do that because Texas takes care of itself. He just has to not actively work to screw the state up. He could spend all day every day doing absolutely nothing and the state would run fine.

If one looks at his campaigning, he clearly sucks at leading. He had no real solutions beyond the usual platitudes and/or he is absolutely terrible at even describing them. That doesn't even get to the part about convincing people to follow his lead, and if "you don't have a heart" is any indication, he can't do that either.

Posted by: CrankyTrex at January 20, 2012 01:39 PM (08O0O)

Fair enough. You make a persuasive point. I just question why so many Republicans think that some of the other conservative darlings, like Santorum, Bachmann, Cain, et al., would be superior to Perry in regards to fixing the "broken mess." This is potentially one of Romney's selling points, but I'm reasonably sure his "fixes" will not be conservative in nature (unless, as I already mentioned, he's dragged to conservative solutions by Congress).

As for the Perry campaign, there is no doubt that he was weak as a candidate, though I think the "you don't have a heart" comment was overplayed. It came across to me like he was grasping for a persuasive retort since he was being attacked from multiple sides on the issue of immigration, which, in Texas, needs to be dealt with differently than in most other states (especially considering that the federal government has the authority and power to deal with the issue more than the state). It was a bad response by Perry and it happened in one of the first presidential debates he took part in, but, once again, my overall view of the guy's stint as governor is more positive than those of the other GOP candidates. He may not be the perfect conservative but I still believe he was the best in the primary field.

For the record, I was far more upset with Perry moving to the Left of Romney by bashing him for his work with Bain. That, to me, was a bigger mistake than any of the others he made during his time in the race.

165 Please don't move here, you worthless unemployed morons. Well, OK, as long as you promise to punch a hippie periodically.

166 Don't forget that Texas is still adding some 1300 people each and every day.

167

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Has Joined Team Meteor at January 20, 2012 01:03 PM (8y9MW)

tom leppert is the reason i moved to flower mound.

168

Posted by: CrankyTrex at January 20, 2012 01:39 PM (08O0O)

 

actually the easiest, quickest and best way to fix what ails american is to stop doing things. govt needs to just quit and that is what perry was proposing. to stop doing things, to get out of the way, to roll back what has been done the last 20ish years. none of the others are even talking like that. they want to provide govt solutions, and even a conservative govt solution is the wrong way to go.

169 Fair enough. You make a persuasive point. I just question why so many Republicans think that some of the other conservative darlings, like Santorum, Bachmann, Cain, et al., would be superior to Perry in regards to fixing the "broken mess." This is potentially one of Romney's selling points, but I'm reasonably sure his "fixes" will not be conservative in nature (unless, as I already mentioned, he's dragged to conservative solutions by Congress). As for the Perry campaign, there is no doubt that he was weak as a candidate, though I think the "you don't have a heart" comment was overplayed. It came across to me like he was grasping for a persuasive retort since he was being attacked from multiple sides on the issue of immigration, which, in Texas, needs to be dealt with differently than in most other states (especially considering that the federal government has the authority and power to deal with the issue more than the state). It was a bad response by Perry and it happened in one of the first presidential debates he took part in, but, once again, my overall view of the guy's stint as governor is more positive than those of the other GOP candidates. He may not be the perfect conservative but I still believe he was the best in the primary field. For the record, I was far more upset with Perry moving to the Left of Romney by bashing him for his work with Bain. That, to me, was a bigger mistake than any of the others he made during his time in the race. Posted by: Slappy at January 20, 2012 02:02 PM (LTbLf) Well in the case of Cain, we know he can turn failing enterprises around because he has done it, and he did demonstrate the ability to lead since he turned the entire national discussion to tax reform and his solution of 999. Whether or not 999 was a good plan is debatable of course. I agree in terms of the rest of them. Hell Romney made a state worse and is still proud of that. I also think the Bain thing just highlights further that Perry is not a leader. Newt started that, and Perry in his desperation jumped on board and then tried to take it to the next level to seem like he was stronger at it than Newt. And I know I don't want someone whose answer to a problem is to jump on board with someone doing something stupid and try to out-stupid them. Ultimately though, if none of them are leaders then it comes down to who is the best communicator, and Perry is quite obviously not that either.

170

CrankyTrex at January 20, 2012 02:31 PM (08O0O)

 

cain may have done some good work at godfather's but there is no chance in hell he could replicate taht to this country. as a ceo he had much more power to get things done. as president he has to convince approx 270 other people his way is the way to do things. and that aint easy when all 535 of those people have their own ideas and agendas. business succes in no way translates to political success. of course perry worked w/ the legislature here in texas and got lots of things down, medical tort reform and loser pays lawsuits are 2 of the more recent successes.

171

CrankyTrex at January 20, 2012 02:31 PM (08O0O)

 

and how timely is it that you bring up herb cain. just as he is about join in w/ colbert to trash repubs in the SC primary!! damn shame we didnt elect that guy

172 actually the easiest, quickest and best way to fix what ails american is to stop doing things. govt needs to just quit and that is what perry was proposing. to stop doing things, to get out of the way, to roll back what has been done the last 20ish years. none of the others are even talking like that. they want to provide govt solutions, and even a conservative govt solution is the wrong way to go. Posted by: chas at January 20, 2012 02:23 PM (xAq1C) ----- Perry wasn't proposing *anything* specific or simply was too terrible at proposing things to get the specifics across. As far as your description, at best you're talking about just taking our foot off the gas, not putting the car in reverse. And all of them have propose repealing Obamacare, DoddFrank, et. al. so everybody's ready to just do nothing. The only specific proposal that ever came across clearly was his (really Steve Forbes') "flat" tax, which wasn't even flat. And it's on top of the existing tax code, thereby further complicating an existing problem rather than fixing it.

173 cain may have done some good work at godfather's but there is no chance in hell he could replicate taht to this country. as a ceo he had much more power to get things done. as president he has to convince approx 270 other people his way is the way to do things. and that aint easy when all 535 of those people have their own ideas and agendas. business succes in no way translates to political success. of course perry worked w/ the legislature here in texas and got lots of things down, medical tort reform and loser pays lawsuits are 2 of the more recent successes. Posted by: chas at January 20, 2012 02:38 PM (xAq1C) Well, as Cain was fond of pointing out, look where political success got us. I'd argue Perry has it at least as easy as a CEO, if not more so. The entire state is conservative and generally like-minded when it comes to government. There's nobody to convince.

174 **156 148 It's Texas. It runs itself. It had little to nothing to do with Perry, beyond him not being so incompetent as to screw it up like he did the campaign.*** Duh. The whole economy of the whole nation works that way. We need an executive smart enough to not get involved instead of a SCOAMF dumb enough to think he's smart enough to get involved in everything.

175 and how timely is it that you bring up herb cain. just as he is about join in w/ colbert to trash repubs in the SC primary!! damn shame we didnt elect that guy Posted by: chas at January 20, 2012 02:40 PM (xAq1C) After watching this primary, and looking at the guys left standing, I can totally understand trashing Republicans. Right now our front-runners are the guy who created the prototype for Obamacare, the guy who thinks we should go completely isolationist, and the guy who got tossed out of the Speakership for being a total asshole.

176 I miss my man, Perry, but I will vote for Newt...why?  Just somethin about Mittens that really bothers me...same thing I felt about Obama 3.5 years ago.  Why not Santy, you ask?  Seriously?

177 Governor Good Hair has spooked a lot of 'republicans'.

I don't care.

Making the federal government inconsequential was some powerful speechifying.

You rombots, paulbots, and gingrenches can KISS MY ASS.

178

Posted by: Shoey at January 20, 2012 12:54 PM (jdOk/)

Go read the article at the link, dumbass; then read the comments.  Especially note the second comment.  Written just for you, it seems.

179 59 I am still bummed about Perry.

Same here.

Ditto.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Has Joined Team Meteor at January 20, 2012 01:00 PM (8y9MW)

Double ditto.

180 Perry vulturin' jobs from other states? engadget free classifieds