November 05, 2012
— Monty I am not -- to put it mildly -- a fan of Mitt Romney. To me, he is, in blood and bone, simply another statist technocrat who will do little or nothing to stop the growth of Leviathan. I fully concur with the estimable and wise Richard Epstein in most of the particulars regarding Mr. Romney.
Romney has wooed conservatives assiduously, even to the extent of taking on Paul Ryan as his running-mate. I have remained immune to Romney's blandishments (I know his record), yet his choice of Paul Ryan kindled a spark of hope in the dead black cinder of my heart. This is why I shall cast my vote for Mitt Romney tomorrow. I find myself once again, as I did in 2008, voting for a Vice President rather than a President. Once again faith must trump bitter experience.
Paul Ryan understands the true dimensions of our fiscal peril. That's rare enough in the precincts of Washington, D.C. But it's not all dollars and cents to him: he understands the role of culture and religion in the American character, and how those things have contributed to the fiscal abyss we now face. The entitlement state says some good things about us as a people: we are caring, kind, generous, and optimistic. But it also says some bad things: we are spendthrift, needy, gullible, and more willing to accept the benefits of a democratic republic than we are the burdens of it. Paul Ryan will need to be the spokesman for a fundamental reform of America's entitlement state, and we could not have asked for a better one. (And let us not forget that should the Senate split 50/50, Ryan will cast the tie-breaking vote.)
As for Mitt Romney.... He gives every indication of being personally a decent and honorable man. But this is true of many men who turned out to be utter villains while in public office. I deplore his record as Governor in Massachusetts, and can only pray that he will live up to the faith small-government conservatives are placing in him. If he wins, his mandate will be to shrink government and not be a custodian of the bloated monster we have now. It will be to fundamentally reform the tax code. It will be to use all his power to repeal the abomination that is ObamaCare. It will be to once and for all explain to Americans why the entitlement state we have now is untenable, and why it must be completely reformed. (I was going to say "abolished" but a libertarian heart does not beat in Mitt's breast -- or Paul Ryan's, for that matter; the most we can hope for is slow and incremental reform.) If he fails in this, he is sounding the death knell of the GOP as far as I'm concerned. This is the last time I will be played for a fool.
I was, I admit, tempted to either sit out this election or to vote for the Libertarian candidate. Bill Whittle convinced me otherwise. Like him, I am tired of being played for a sucker by the milquetoast GOP all these years... but also like him, I am terrified of what four more years of Obama will bring.
Mitt Romney is an unpalatable choice, but only taken in isolation and on his own terms. Compared with Barack Obama, he is the only possible choice. This is not an occasion for the grand, doomed gesture. I know what I want: a nation that is sober, thoughtful, thrifty, proud, culturally strong, and confident both within and without. With a President Mitt Romney, I at least have the hope of seeing such a thing come to pass. Under a second Barack Obama term, that hope would be snuffed out. I cast a vote for Mitt Romney not on his record, which I hate; but rather on the hopes that he will behave differently as President.
We can choose to be free citizens who control our own government, or we can be dependent vassals to an increasingly-overbearing federal government. Citizen, or subject. We must choose.
And we must remember that our children will bear the consequences of the choice we make.
If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide. -- Abraham Lincoln
---
UPDATE: For those who think I'm being too downbeat, you might want to read this piece by Paul Rahe over at Ricochet. Professor Rahe has been predicting a Romney avalanche since August, and is seeing nothing at this late stage to change his opinion. Michael Barone likewise predicts a substantial Romney victory. The preference cascade may be in full swing.
Posted by: Monty at
03:17 PM
| Comments (382)
Post contains 806 words, total size 5 kb.
Screw Barack Obama.
I'm no fan of Mittens but I'll crawl accross broken flaming glass to vote for him.
Posted by: Gmac - who despises the SCoaMF and his minions at November 05, 2012 03:20 PM (IanLz)
Posted by: Rich C at November 05, 2012 03:20 PM (eB0I6)
Posted by: grease monkey at November 05, 2012 03:20 PM (VSWPU)
Mitt could surprise us and be Reaganesque.
Even if Mitt lets us down, nothing is so far down than the corruption of the modern democrat party.
Posted by: Fresh at November 05, 2012 03:20 PM (O7ksG)
If he loses, I'm moving to Costa Rica.
Posted by: Jason M at November 05, 2012 03:21 PM (Be0fb)
Posted by: Gmac - who despises the SCoaMF and his minions at November 05, 2012 03:21 PM (IanLz)
Posted by: LASue at November 05, 2012 03:21 PM (gjIQF)
Posted by: Augustus Caesar at November 05, 2012 03:22 PM (QKKT0)
Posted by: Serious Cat at November 05, 2012 03:22 PM (zrpqj)
Posted by: Evilpens at November 05, 2012 03:22 PM (ck76k)
WE ARE GONNA WIN!
I GOT A D+ELEVENTY IN MAH PANTS!
Has that little bitch Samwise Clamcheese been eeyoring all day?
Posted by: jeremiah GOD Bless America with a Mitt Romney Presidency wright at November 05, 2012 03:23 PM (ovpNn)
Posted by: Travis at November 05, 2012 03:23 PM (9WkMB)
Posted by: AmishDude at November 05, 2012 03:23 PM (T0NGe)
Posted by: slug at November 05, 2012 03:25 PM (vVv3V)
Posted by: Sideways Pineapple at November 05, 2012 03:25 PM (48wze)
What was your purpose in writing that screed? You were trying to impress us with your stupidity?
Posted by: lowandslow at November 05, 2012 03:25 PM (GZitp)
Posted by: Travis at November 05, 2012 07:23 PM (9WkMB)"
That's what Monty said.
Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at November 05, 2012 03:25 PM (0pEXw)
Posted by: Y-not at November 05, 2012 03:26 PM (5H6zj)
Posted by: Pre-Mature Mitt Victory Celebration at November 05, 2012 03:26 PM (F6KtL)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 05, 2012 03:26 PM (jkDqy)
Posted by: Boomer Redneque voted for Romney/Ryan on Nov 1 at November 05, 2012 03:27 PM (eQnzo)
Monty Moriarty....
Mitt Wasn't my first choice either but he's light years ahead of our 2008 choice...
Posted by: AmericanDawg at November 05, 2012 03:27 PM (XIsD/)
Posted by: Y-not at November 05, 2012 03:27 PM (5H6zj)
Posted by: JackStraw at November 05, 2012 03:27 PM (TMB3S)
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at November 05, 2012 03:28 PM (QKKT0)
Posted by: Mr. Feverhead at November 05, 2012 03:28 PM (SzAZ7)
Posted by: George Orwell what knows Obama committed treason at November 05, 2012 03:28 PM (AZGON)
His one appearance i saw in the republican debates, he looked like an ill informed deer in the deadlights with about as much magnetism as a semi digested piece of carrot in dog vomit.
Then we have that Ron Paul...fuck me but he is just such a fail on every level.
No offence but seriously, are you libertarians such pussies that you cant find a real man in your party to support?
For fuck sake, find a candidate with some balls.
Posted by: jeremiah GOD Bless America with a Mitt Romney Presidency wright at November 05, 2012 03:28 PM (ovpNn)
Posted by: ET at November 05, 2012 03:28 PM (s72/N)
Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 05, 2012 03:28 PM (GEICT)
Posted by: Hello, it's me Donna not greg/gerg at November 05, 2012 03:28 PM (9+ccr)
Posted by: Y-not at November 05, 2012 03:28 PM (5H6zj)
Posted by: mugiwara at November 05, 2012 03:28 PM (JxXAE)
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 05, 2012 03:29 PM (4nG/u)
Posted by: Saar at November 05, 2012 03:29 PM (VGOSV)
Posted by: Truman North, 315-223 at November 05, 2012 03:30 PM (I2LwF)
Also, not to be accused of voting with my vagina, when you see this picture of Romney and his grandson, you can see that he is a good man who loves his family - http://bit.ly/SKYnUn . This is not an insignificant point. How a person treats his/her family speaks volumes about how they will treat others.
Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. We're not worthy. at November 05, 2012 03:30 PM (Gk3SS)
Posted by: Evilpens at November 05, 2012 03:30 PM (ck76k)
Posted by: lowandslow at November 05, 2012 03:30 PM (GZitp)
Posted by: WAGOPinTX at November 05, 2012 03:30 PM (fXInK)
Of course I am also over the moon about Paul Ryan, but that secret's been out of the bag for a while.
Posted by: mama winger votes for love at November 05, 2012 03:31 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: My name is Mitt Romney and I aprrove this message at November 05, 2012 03:31 PM (F6KtL)
Posted by: HoboJerky, profit of DOOM! at November 05, 2012 03:31 PM (fCMdQ)
Posted by: Jmel at November 05, 2012 03:31 PM (c+D8V)
---------------------------------------------------------
All therapists will tell you to write your feelings,
to work out personal issues...
Posted by: AmericanDawg at November 05, 2012 03:32 PM (XIsD/)
Posted by: Sassy at November 05, 2012 03:32 PM (VlKT6)
Posted by: Mr. Feverhead at November 05, 2012 07:28 PM (SzAZ7)
---------------
AMEN
Posted by: mama winger votes for love at November 05, 2012 03:32 PM (P6QsQ)
Take care bud.Posted by: teej says go K-State at November 05, 2012 03:32 PM (/BwGa)
Posted by: Jumbo Shrimp at November 05, 2012 03:32 PM (DGIjM)
Johnson 2016, eh? When you see him, ask which Democrat front group is funding his anti-Romney direct mail campaign. I'm curious if the cash comes directly from Soros or does it get laundered first. Does he get a bonus for delivering a state to Obama?
Posted by: Fritz (but not Fritz) at November 05, 2012 03:32 PM (U0t2o)
Posted by: t-bird at November 05, 2012 03:32 PM (FcR7P)
Then I thought about it, and I realized that forgoing voting for my party's nominee wasn't worth losing my country over. So, I reluctantly decided to vote Romney.
Then Romney chose Ryan for VP. That, to me, was a nod towards conservatism. I felt better about voting Romney, but was still mostly voting for Ryan as VP.
Then I watched the convention. I watched as all the people told personal stories about the kind of man Mitt Romney is. About how caring and smart and real he is. I watched Romney give his speech. I was in tears, I was uplifted and I was excited to vote for this guy.
That excitement hasn't left. Last week I cast my vote for Romney/Ryan and Ted Cruz here in TX. I felt great about it. Yeah, Romney may piss us off...maybe...we don't know until we put him in there. But regardless of what the man does in office, I know for a fact he loves this country and her people. He loves being an American and he understands what it means to be proud to be an American.
This is something Barack Obama doesn't and will never have and for that reason alone, it is paramount that we all vote for Romney/Ryan 2012.
Posted by: DangerGirl (@deadlyestrogen) at November 05, 2012 03:33 PM (GrtrJ)
Posted by: George Orwell what knows Obama committed treason at November 05, 2012 03:33 PM (AZGON)
Posted by: Jose/ningrim at November 05, 2012 03:33 PM (srIqv)
Posted by: Iblis at November 05, 2012 03:33 PM (9221z)
I'd like to herd up the "undecideds" and waterboard them. They are to stupid to vote.
#ChristyBlinkyReadyToRiotAtSlightestProvacation
Pray.Vote.Pray.Repeat (hey, if the Dems can vote more than once we should try it).
Posted by: ChristyBlinky, raving lunatic about Benghazi at November 05, 2012 03:33 PM (baL2B)
Posted by: Travis at November 05, 2012 03:33 PM (9WkMB)
Posted by: LASue at November 05, 2012 03:33 PM (gjIQF)
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 05, 2012 03:33 PM (4nG/u)
Posted by: soothsayer vindictus at November 05, 2012 03:33 PM (40pJN)
Posted by: mpthompson at November 05, 2012 03:34 PM (2PxWY)
Posted by: Jmel at November 05, 2012 07:31 PM (c+D8V)
------------
I believe he's always slept in his office, not just when he was working on his budget. He's frugal. He buys used vans.
Posted by: mama winger votes for love at November 05, 2012 03:34 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: JackStraw at November 05, 2012 03:34 PM (TMB3S)
CBS News: "Obama is doing his final speech in Iowa, ...because it is the battleground state that he is most confident of winning."
Does this statement actually make sense to liberals?
Posted by: Icedog at November 05, 2012 03:34 PM (PTS+l)
Posted by: Arboc Rednammoc at November 05, 2012 03:35 PM (53Nsb)
Posted by: steevy at November 05, 2012 03:35 PM (9XBK2)
They'd be an improvement over Obama and do exactly what they'd say they'd do - which is to go at each other with a double dildo on pay-per-view.
Other than that - I think Mitt will perform better than expected, or at least do the very best he can. We're fucked 8 ways to Sunday, and have the rest of the globe to drag us down. There's an awful lot that's out of our control - and things are going to get a lot shittier regardless of who's in office. But they'll be a lot less shitty with Mitt.
Posted by: Clutch Cargo at November 05, 2012 03:35 PM (Qxdfp)
Loved all your other stuff......this, not so much.
Posted by: Tami at November 05, 2012 03:35 PM (X6akg)
Posted by: HoboJerky, profit of DOOM! at November 05, 2012 03:35 PM (fCMdQ)
Posted by: Monty at November 05, 2012 03:35 PM (G8OwX)
I am nervous about him as well, but next to Obama?
There is no choice.
Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at November 05, 2012 03:35 PM (wR+pz)
It was about as backhanded an endorsement of the only man who can beat Barack Obama as you can get.
Posted by: WAGOPinTX at November 05, 2012 03:35 PM (fXInK)
We absolutely need to dismantle what amounts to a huge handicap against our side. It's been with us forever, and it almost killed us this time.
Posted by: hannitys_hybrid at November 05, 2012 03:36 PM (zpqa2)
Posted by: Jean at November 05, 2012 03:36 PM (elbGQ)
Then a President Ryan can build on that foundation and begin to do great things.
Posted by: Buddy at November 05, 2012 03:36 PM (lpAEc)
Posted by: C. at November 05, 2012 03:36 PM (nJBN4)
Posted by: Brad at November 05, 2012 03:37 PM (4wewJ)
Sassy @ 58:
I was going to say the same thing...though with more cuss words. I've had enough of the concern trolls, and eeyores, and doubters to last me a life time. Let's put that bs behind us, please, and get that jug eared c*ck smoker out of office.
Posted by: Sticky Wicket at November 05, 2012 03:37 PM (L7hol)
Posted by: Y-not at November 05, 2012 03:37 PM (5H6zj)
Posted by: doc at November 05, 2012 03:37 PM (+Vcxr)
Posted by: JackStraw at November 05, 2012 07:34 PM (TMB3S)
-------
Thin ice, JackStraw. Yer onnit.
Posted by: mama winger votes for love at November 05, 2012 03:37 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: MaxMBJ at November 05, 2012 03:37 PM (lOlyY)
Posted by: Zac at November 05, 2012 03:37 PM (F6KtL)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 05, 2012 03:37 PM (jkDqy)
Posted by: Ian S. at November 05, 2012 03:38 PM (OevbG)
It probably means nothing. I'm not into psychic mumbo-jumbo, and even if I were, I'd probably suck at any skill requiring perceptive ability, being fairly clueless by nature. :-)
But I wonder...? If Romney wins (*when* he wins, Lord willing!), will the thwarted forces of Soros & Co. bring down economic collapse on all our heads? If (Lord forbid) Obagman steals another one, will we get that economic collapse anyway? Or a "violet rebel loo shun"? Or will Zero be impeached? Or will something leak that is so scandalous that we get that Constitutional crisis we probably should have had by now?
I dunno. But I do know that I'm taking off work tomorrow to GOTV.
Music to read by: Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Who'll Stop the Rain?"
Posted by: Mary in LA at November 05, 2012 03:38 PM (48wze)
Mitt constrained by a conservative house is a perfectly fine outcome for me given the alternatives.
Posted by: California Red at November 05, 2012 03:38 PM (Ho3p+)
Posted by: Y-not at November 05, 2012 03:38 PM (5H6zj)
I think Romney is a smart, thoughtful, sincere, probably introspective man. I think he's grown not just as a candidate but maybe also in his appreciation and understanding of what differentiates him from Obama and what Obama did wrong, not just what he did but also the way he did it. I don't think he's interested in being a better Obama. I'm very hopeful for him, and I genuinely think he'll earn a place with Reagan in the pantheon of conservatism and not because of the inevitable comparison with Obama. Definitely the most-conservative, electable candidate this go round.
Posted by: Dirks Strewn at November 05, 2012 03:39 PM (Rrc6j)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at November 05, 2012 03:39 PM (r4wIV)
Posted by: t-bird at November 05, 2012 03:39 PM (FcR7P)
Posted by: Boston12GS at November 05, 2012 03:39 PM (AxE3L)
Posted by: Jason M at November 05, 2012 07:21 PM (Be0fb)
Good choice, go to west coast. Land is cheap and the hookers are too.
I read about that last point, yeah, that's my story and I am sticking to it.
Posted by: Billy Bob, pseudo intellectual at November 05, 2012 03:39 PM (wR+pz)
Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. We're not worthy. at November 05, 2012 03:39 PM (Gk3SS)
Exactly. 24, assuredly less socially conservative than most here, but willing to pull the trigger for a McLame or an Akin.
Posted by: WAGOPinTX at November 05, 2012 03:39 PM (fXInK)
wow
I thought we were past this a longtime ago.
Posted by: soothsayer vindictus at November 05, 2012 07:33 PM (40pJN)
Yeah do did i. Apparently self destructive naval gazing on the eve of the election to depress the vote from your own party is what libertarians think makes a winning campaign.
Fuck it i am going to go vote again 5 times for obama to negate my one vote for romney. This country is too full of winey fucking bitches who arent happy unless its 100% there way.
Maybe four more years of Obama totally fucking them and this country in the ass is exactly what we need to get rid of this fucking mental disorder that seems to plague rhinos and libertarians and beltway republicans.
WHen there is NO FUCKING AMERICA LEFT THAT THEY RECOGNIZE, then they can elect their mother fucking ron pauls to run their little piece of a great country that no longer exists.
fucking insane unicorn fart socialists global warmopologists on one side and fucking winey bitch perfectionist right wing nutjobs on the other...
This post should have gone up on Daily Kos to boost the spirit of the Dems.
Posted by: jeremiah GOD Bless America with a Mitt Romney Presidency wright at November 05, 2012 03:39 PM (ovpNn)
Posted by: JackStraw at November 05, 2012 03:40 PM (TMB3S)
Posted by: Travis at November 05, 2012 03:40 PM (9WkMB)
LASue.........
I am participating in Project ORCA here in CO. Just got back from the Colorado Victory Center picking up my poll watching credentials.
Posted by: westminsterdogshow at November 05, 2012 03:40 PM (W3UHW)
Mitt ain't perfect in any way, but he'll probably be much better than Bush and he will at least give this country some time to come to its senses.
Posted by: mpthompson at November 05, 2012 03:40 PM (2PxWY)
Meanwhile over at Reason Magazine, Free Minds and Free Markets*, the staff writers of Team Libertarian put up their picks:
2012: 25 total Responses
Mitt Romney: 0
Gary Johnson: 15
Nobody/not voting: 8
Who's Getting Our Votes: Reason Writers' 2012 Presidential Picks
http://tinyurl.com/8sp8uvj
Breaking Down the Reason Staff's Vote Disclosures From 2012, 2008, and 2004
http://tinyurl.com/b37bx76
*Actually it seems more like Acid, Atheism and Aberrant Sex
Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at November 05, 2012 03:40 PM (kdS6q)
Posted by: Y-not at November 05, 2012 03:41 PM (5H6zj)
- Up to 2:30 in Bill Whittle's appeal, that is linked here, I like this appeal a sight more than I liked the earlier appeal (which he recanted) that said I'd be voting for Obama if I sat this one out. That earlier comment put my back up.
- Also I value your opinion, Monty. I was saying you should have a top-posting gig here even when you were just a random moron commenting here.
So now I gotta think things over.
Posted by: boulder hobo at November 05, 2012 03:41 PM (QTHTd)
Just saw this internet ad on hotmail:
----------------------------
"ELECTION DAY
IS TOMORROW
(picture of Barack staring you down)
CONFIRM WHERE YOU VOTE"
----------------------------
Posted by: bitchka at November 05, 2012 03:41 PM (xXhWA)
Posted by: Serious Cat at November 05, 2012 03:41 PM (zrpqj)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 05, 2012 03:41 PM (jkDqy)
Posted by: mama winger votes for love at November 05, 2012 03:42 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 03:42 PM (ZIkmx)
AtC: "How a person treats his/her family speaks volume about how they will treat others."
Mr. President, you have a call on Line 3 from Kenya. It's your brother.
Posted by: The Poster Formerly Known as Mr. Barky at November 05, 2012 03:42 PM (qwK3S)
Let's see....
The Nightmare continues, and gets worse.
Vs.
Some hope that things will get better.
Ooo...that's a tough one.
/s
Posted by: wheatie at November 05, 2012 03:42 PM (ICEh3)
Posted by: soothsayer vindictus at November 05, 2012 03:42 PM (40pJN)
-----
Are there people reading AoSHQ on election eve who are looking for an endorsement?
Isn't it useful to consider where we are, how we got here, and keep an eye on where we're headed?
-----
Why did it have to be so long? Is it useful? Perhaps to some, but "where we are, how we got here" and "where we're headed" would seem more relevant Wednesday morning.
Posted by: WAGOPinTX at November 05, 2012 03:42 PM (fXInK)
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 05, 2012 03:42 PM (BHwC8)
Mary -- that feeling is telling you to make sure your Earthquake kit is fully stocked.
Posted by: Meiczyslaw at November 05, 2012 03:42 PM (4+LTj)
Posted by: Stuff Winston Churchill Didn't Say, vol. 3, chap. 6 at November 05, 2012 03:43 PM (QKKT0)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 03:43 PM (ZIkmx)
Stupid night to post this crap.
Posted by: JackStraw at November 05, 2012 07:40 PM (TMB3S)
THIS!^
Posted by: jeremiah GOD Bless America with a Mitt Romney Presidency wright at November 05, 2012 03:43 PM (ovpNn)
Posted by: Sideways Pineapple at November 05, 2012 07:25 PM (48wze)
First prize for this thread.. Please step up to the window and collect your winnings.
Posted by: Pete Best at November 05, 2012 03:43 PM (9GaPd)
Posted by: The Poster Formerly Known as Mr. Barky at November 05, 2012 07:42 PM (qwK3S)
Bingo.
Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. We're not worthy. at November 05, 2012 03:43 PM (Gk3SS)
Posted by: The Political Hat at November 05, 2012 03:43 PM (XvHmy)
Posted by: mallfly at November 05, 2012 03:44 PM (bJm7W)
Big deal. I sleep in my office all the fucking time.
Oh. And hi, there, sugar tits!
Posted by: joe 'super genius' biden at November 05, 2012 03:44 PM (nkiQM)
Posted by: Meiczyslaw at November 05, 2012 03:44 PM (4+LTj)
"98 If the Romney super fans would STFU it'd be far more palatable to vote for him. I'm just saying."
Don't vote for him if so upsetting to your Libertarian or purist conservative ideology. WTF, the day before we have a chance to stop this destructive liberal agenda and were supposed to be worried about upsetting a few fringe people on a blog.
Posted by: lowandslow at November 05, 2012 03:44 PM (GZitp)
Posted by: Cricket at November 05, 2012 03:44 PM (2ArJQ)
Posted by: The Poster Formerly Known as Mr. Barky at November 05, 2012 03:45 PM (qwK3S)
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at November 05, 2012 03:45 PM (QKKT0)
Posted by: Sticky Wicket at November 05, 2012 03:45 PM (L7hol)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 05, 2012 03:45 PM (jkDqy)
It didn't just seem that way, it was that way. Even Reagan could not stop it. Read the book "Never Enough" - but have a puke bucket nearby.
Posted by: hannitys_hybrid at November 05, 2012 03:45 PM (zpqa2)
Posted by: Hello, it's me Donna not greg/gerg at November 05, 2012 03:45 PM (9+ccr)
Posted by: Travis at November 05, 2012 03:45 PM (9WkMB)
The ads Johnson has been running in California are aimed at utter cretins who think only in terms of slogans and love to brag about how much smarter they are than everyone else.
Johnson bravely offers up retarded straw men and then poisons the well, and his supporters cheer at how honest and principled he is.
Amazing.
Posted by: Llarry at November 05, 2012 03:45 PM (Qj/8S)
WE NEED A NEW POST TO BUMP THIS ILL TIMED ILL CONCEIVED I AM SO SPECIAL EEYORE SHIT DOWN
Fucking Ron Paul can fuck himself in the fucking ass with barack obamas dick for all I care.
Posted by: jeremiah GOD Bless America with a Mitt Romney Presidency wright at November 05, 2012 03:45 PM (ovpNn)
Fuck it i am going to go vote again 5 times for obama to negate my one vote for romney. This country is too full of winey fucking bitches who arent happy unless its 100% there way.
Maybe four more years of Obama totally fucking them and this country in the ass is exactly what we need to get rid of this fucking mental disorder that seems to plague rhinos and libertarians and beltway republicans.WHen there is NO FUCKING AMERICA LEFT THAT THEY RECOGNIZE, then they can elect their mother fucking ron pauls to run their little piece of a great country that no longer exists.
fucking insane unicorn fart socialists global warmopologists on one side and fucking winey bitch perfectionist right wing nutjobs on the other...
This post should have gone up on Daily Kos to boost the spirit of the Dems. Right on brother
Posted by: Doug at November 05, 2012 03:46 PM (GSfWX)
New Guy here.
I was for Romney last month (and would have been for any of the Red presumptive nominees), simply because he is not TFG the JEF.
But since then, he's honed the craft, and I love the way he and his Anne look at each other, and from what I hear, the way he treats "lesser beings'.
He may not be the hard-assed Tea-party Conservative that I wanted. But, God-willing he is the new Potus-elect tommorow about 11:00 EST. And he appears to be a "real" good dude (even when nobody's looking), that will do the right things -- to begin a turnaround...
Posted by: Semi-New Moron. at November 05, 2012 03:46 PM (mkb9H)
Posted by: chique d'afrique (the artist formerly known as african chick) at November 05, 2012 03:46 PM (6zgse)
Posted by: Y-not at November 05, 2012 07:38 PM (5H6zj)
-----------
Probably. At a later date when we can afford the time and luxury of scholarly reflections. Not in the heat of battle. Soldiers didn't sit and talk about the geo-political forces that brought them to Fallujah when they were in the line of fire.
Posted by: mama winger votes for love at November 05, 2012 03:46 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Sassy at November 05, 2012 03:46 PM (DNOOe)
Posted by: the Butcher at November 05, 2012 03:46 PM (8g9qq)
Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 05, 2012 03:46 PM (GEICT)
Would it be a fun time to discuss what other Republican primary nominees we would rather have on the ticket at this point?
Cuz as much as Romney wasn't my guy, I'm sure thankful he is now.
Posted by: California Red at November 05, 2012 03:47 PM (Ho3p+)
Posted by: Mountainturtle at November 05, 2012 03:47 PM (g9xzH)
Posted by: Hello, it's me Donna not greg/gerg at November 05, 2012 03:47 PM (9+ccr)
138
Stupid night to post this crap.
Posted by: JackStraw at November 05, 2012 07:40 PM (TMB3S)
THIS!^
THIS THIS ^^
Posted by: spypeach at November 05, 2012 03:47 PM (pwTow)
Posted by: Warden at November 05, 2012 03:48 PM (HzhBE)
Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at November 05, 2012 03:48 PM (aSf5o)
We can share a pudding flavored of Engorged Leviathan tomorrow night if all goes well.
Posted by: WAGOPinTX at November 05, 2012 03:48 PM (fXInK)
Posted by: Evilpens at November 05, 2012 03:48 PM (ck76k)
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at November 05, 2012 03:48 PM (QKKT0)
Will you morons knock it off. You disgrace Reagan's legacy.
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 05, 2012 03:48 PM (4nG/u)
Posted by: Warden at November 05, 2012 03:49 PM (HzhBE)
Posted by: Choom Gang at November 05, 2012 03:49 PM (ypzqs)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 03:49 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: Saar at November 05, 2012 03:49 PM (VGOSV)
Paul Ryan is no friend of small government.
Posted by: Tommy TitTwister at November 05, 2012 03:49 PM (XoyFB)
Posted by: Ian S. at November 05, 2012 03:49 PM (OevbG)
Posted by: slug at November 05, 2012 03:49 PM (vVv3V)
I would like to see a change to the way we vote.... soooo....
Each name will have TWO check boxes after it... Vote FOR... and Vote AGAINST.
If you vote AGAINST a candidate, it cancels out One vote of someone who voted FOR said candidate.
And if NO ONE gets any votes because of this? You start over with a new slate of candidates...
For I am truley, not voting FOR the Republican candidate.... as much as I'd crawl through hell, carrying old style non stable dynamite.... to vote AGAINST the Tyrant Obama.
Posted by: Romeo13 at November 05, 2012 03:50 PM (lZBBB)
Posted by: Hello, it's me Donna not greg/gerg at November 05, 2012 03:50 PM (9+ccr)
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 05, 2012 03:50 PM (4nG/u)
Apparently your love for Romney must meet some kind of purity test to vote for him.
Posted by: Ian S. at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (OevbG)
Posted by: Ronster at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (BvzwK)
Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (aSf5o)
"Hopefully"? He knows. He's seen the internal polls.
Posted by: AmishDude at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (T0NGe)
Posted by: runninrebel at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (J4gw3)
Posted by: hannitys_hybrid at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (zpqa2)
A vote here and a vote there and soon you're talking 10's of millions of votes and Mitt win.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (PHb2k)
Vote for me because I believe in limited government...oh, for Christ sake's I'M Gary Johnson...the two-term governor of New Mexico...whadda mean you never heard of...
Posted by: I'm Gary Johnson and I approve this message at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (F6KtL)
It's not Monty whom I want to stomp. Not even remotely.
I mean, why on earth would we want to spend a night getting ready for a huge day? Encouraging each other? Talking about what we're each doing to help? Nay, that's crazy talk.
I'm just going to go back to watching tennis for the plot.
Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Coming for this thread. at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (Gk3SS)
Posted by: mama winger votes for love at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: spypeach at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (pwTow)
AtC, Chique, and BCochrane-
Glad to "see" you.
Thank you for your kind welcome and instruction Sat. PM.
I love this blog.
Posted by: Semi-New Moron. at November 05, 2012 03:51 PM (mkb9H)
Fucking idiot stepping on their dicks on the dance floor and they wonder why nobody wants to dance with them.
Fuck Gary Johnson. He is a fucking idiot.
Posted by: jeremiah GOD Bless America with a Mitt Romney Presidency wright at November 05, 2012 03:52 PM (ovpNn)
Posted by: LASue at November 05, 2012 03:52 PM (gjIQF)
What candidate was goin to singlehandedly destroy the leviathian? Nobody. Its taken the progressives nearly 100 years to get to this point. Its going to take some time and measured steps to scale it back.
Posted by: California Red at November 05, 2012 03:52 PM (Ho3p+)
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 05, 2012 03:52 PM (4nG/u)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 05, 2012 03:52 PM (jkDqy)
Churchillian. Heh.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at November 05, 2012 03:52 PM (QKKT0)
Posted by: slug at November 05, 2012 07:49 PM (vVv3V)
But they DID force BOTH parties to finally balance the budget... which I don't believe they would have done without a viable threat to the two party stranglehold on power.
Note, as soon as the threat was gone? No more balanced budgets.... what a... coincidence....
Posted by: Romeo13 at November 05, 2012 03:52 PM (lZBBB)
Posted by: MJ at November 05, 2012 03:52 PM (TR60b)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 03:52 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at November 05, 2012 03:53 PM (r4wIV)
Posted by: Limp Obama Supporter at November 05, 2012 03:53 PM (F6KtL)
Posted by: toby928© at November 05, 2012 03:53 PM (QupBk)
Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at November 05, 2012 03:53 PM (aSf5o)
True, but libertarians can't resist announcing at every opportunity that theirs is the only way.
Like leftists, libertarians actually believe that libertarianism is the default setting, and those who don't agree with them are defective in some way. Or perverse.
Ironic, isn't it, that the libertarian credo of "live and let live" never applies to their politics. They simply can't help heaping invective all over those who disagree with them.
Posted by: Llarry at November 05, 2012 03:53 PM (Qj/8S)
I mean Huh?
Posted by: Hello, it's me Donna not greg/gerg at November 05, 2012 07:39 PM (9+ccr)
I just fell prey to a weird feeling, that's all. Came here for a little Moron comfort, or abuse, which around here is sometimes the same thing. :-) I don't normally post about stuff like that, and I'm sorry if I didn't make sense.
Mary -- that feeling is telling you to make sure your Earthquake kit is fully stocked.
Posted by: Meiczyslaw at November 05, 2012 07:42 PM (4+LTj)
Yeah, that could be it. Warm days are often earthquake days. (the Northridge quake of '94 was in the middle of January, tho...) Not to worry -- I've got plenty of bottled water, canned and dried food, blankets, flashlights with batteries, tools, a camp stove, etc.
Posted by: Mary in LA at November 05, 2012 03:53 PM (48wze)
Posted by: Ken Royall at November 05, 2012 03:53 PM (x0g8a)
That would round out the night, good fuck'n grief.
Posted by: lowandslow at November 05, 2012 03:53 PM (GZitp)
re the Paul Ryan sleeping in his office thingy -- So did my 9 term ex-congresscritter Gene Taylor, a BlueDog MS Dem. Yet that prick voted for OTaxCare, and lost his job in 2010.
I'm paraphrasing here, but a wise man once said that it is impossible to always elect the right men; what is possible is to create the conditions that make the wrong men do the right thing.
Posted by: GnuBreed at November 05, 2012 03:54 PM (ccXZP)
Posted by: Ian S. at November 05, 2012 03:54 PM (OevbG)
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 05, 2012 03:54 PM (4nG/u)
Well, on the upside, I've been looking at some of the other less-political forums, it it sure appears this time the Libertarian inclined are voting 3rd party or sitting out the election.
Four years ago a good portion of them pulled the lever for The O because of lifestyle issues like drugs and their general love of technocratic solutions. So that's at least some votes off his tote.
Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at November 05, 2012 03:54 PM (kdS6q)
Posted by: Tonic Dog at November 05, 2012 03:54 PM (X/+QT)
Posted by: soothsayer vindictus at November 05, 2012 03:54 PM (40pJN)
But, as I hoped, I think it made him a better candidate for the general.
Is he perfect? No.
Is he better than the JEF? Yup.
And in my shallow way of thinking at this point,,,,,that's all I need to know.
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at November 05, 2012 03:55 PM (BPyqV)
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at November 05, 2012 03:55 PM (9eDbm)
Then stop pissing all over yourself and go vote for Gary Johnson..
A little late in the game for this, n'est-ce pas?
Posted by: TexasJew at November 05, 2012 03:55 PM (6/bOE)
Posted by: Tonic Dog at November 05, 2012 03:55 PM (X/+QT)
Posted by: Travis at November 05, 2012 03:55 PM (9WkMB)
We really do not need Admiral Scott going out over the TBS screaming "Check fire!" as the enemy fleet is being engaged.
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 05, 2012 03:55 PM (4nG/u)
Posted by: mastour at November 05, 2012 03:56 PM (Xf0bG)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 03:56 PM (ZIkmx)
The First Romney Administration Concern Trolls or the Last Romney Campaign Concern Trolls
Posted by: WAGOPinTX at November 05, 2012 03:56 PM (fXInK)
You have far too high an opinion of yourself.
Heres a clue. Your fucking candidate gary johnson couldn't win a dick suckin contest in a fucking gay bar if you hooked up a hoover canister to his ass and played donna summer remixes all night long.
Deal With Mitt or put a cork in your bleeding principlegina until after the mother fucking election. Its 24 fucking hours!
Posted by: jeremiah GOD Bless America with a Mitt Romney Presidency wright at November 05, 2012 03:56 PM (ovpNn)
Glad to "see" you.
Thank you for your kind welcome and instruction Sat. PM.
I love this blog.
*waves*
I'm just glad you came back. Did we scar Dave #19802398327 for life?
In the spirit of comity, I give you Milla Jovovich singing. http://youtu.be/fQ_I_aWsaRM
Of course, every time I watch this now, I hear Beavis and Butthead in my head.
Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Coming for this thread. at November 05, 2012 03:56 PM (Gk3SS)
Posted by: Brad at November 05, 2012 03:56 PM (4wewJ)
Posted by: chique d'afrique (the artist formerly known as african chick) at November 05, 2012 03:56 PM (6zgse)
I'm voting Romneyt because I be;lieve He has knowledge of how economics work, He will have resources (folks like him that also Know how economics work).
I'm voting Romney because He don't believe He will spend His time As the Leader of The Free world heckling half the country, He won't think splitting us into groups of enemies lists, He won't encourage bigotry and division He will take his job and spend energy on a Recovery.
economic recovery, Jobs , walking back Obamacre and the intrusion of govt into our most intimate being. but especially he wouldn't use tactics to divide as race, religion, gender.
annd he wouldn't reduce women to a vagina as a tool to be fought over in public life.
Posted by: willow at November 05, 2012 03:57 PM (hX8cq)
I'm sorry Monty's vote for Romney doesn't meet your purity criteria. Would you rather he decided to go another way?
Posted by: Ian S. at November 05, 2012 03:57 PM (OevbG)
Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at November 05, 2012 03:57 PM (aSf5o)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 03:57 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: St. Crispian's Day Speech, First Draft at November 05, 2012 03:57 PM (QKKT0)
Posted by: toby928© at November 05, 2012 03:57 PM (QupBk)
Posted by: Travis at November 05, 2012 03:57 PM (9WkMB)
Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at November 05, 2012 03:58 PM (aSf5o)
Posted by: Amelia Earhart at November 05, 2012 03:58 PM (SzAZ7)
Posted by: mama winger votes for love at November 05, 2012 03:58 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at November 05, 2012 03:58 PM (4nG/u)
Posted by: Hrothgar at November 05, 2012 03:58 PM (Cnqmv)
Posted by: WAGOPinTX at November 05, 2012 03:58 PM (fXInK)
Posted by: USS Diversity at November 05, 2012 03:58 PM (9ghZ6)
Apparently your love for Romney must meet some kind of purity test to vote for him.
Posted by: Ian S.
1. How far have you gone with Mitt Romney?
a. Above the waist, over the sweater
b. Above the waist, under the sweater
c...
Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at November 05, 2012 03:58 PM (kdS6q)
Posted by: Cricket at November 05, 2012 03:59 PM (2ArJQ)
Posted by: rickl at November 05, 2012 03:59 PM (sdi6R)
Posted by: Cricket at November 05, 2012 03:59 PM (2ArJQ)
Posted by: BCochran1981 at November 05, 2012 03:59 PM (GEICT)
A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do, without whining, bet-hedging or lamentations.
Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at November 05, 2012 03:59 PM (IlZPo)
Vote for prosperity and freedom!
Posted by: Deli LLama at November 05, 2012 03:59 PM (lGu1O)
Posted by: OregonMuse at November 05, 2012 03:59 PM (9GaPd)
Posted by: soothsayer vindictus at November 05, 2012 07:56 PM (40pJN)
I don't know. He's been MIA for about a month at least....and I miss him. Funny guy!
Posted by: Tami at November 05, 2012 04:00 PM (X6akg)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:00 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: jewells45 says Romney wins in a landslide at November 05, 2012 04:00 PM (1hNQS)
No, we're trying to put O in the wall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuYf1o41yK0&feature=related
Posted by: LC LaWedgie at November 05, 2012 04:00 PM (rzTDZ)
Posted by: willow at November 05, 2012 04:01 PM (hX8cq)
Posted by: jeremiah GOD Bless America with a Mitt Romney Presidency wright at November 05, 2012 04:01 PM (ovpNn)
In the spirit of comity, I give you Milla Jovovich singing. http://youtu.be/fQ_I_aWsaRM
Of course, every time I watch this now, I hear Beavis and Butthead in my head.
Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Coming for this thread. at November 05, 2012 07:56 PM (Gk3SS)
I can't really see the feet. Is she wearing "stompies"!
Posted by: Semi-New Moron. at November 05, 2012 04:01 PM (mkb9H)
Posted by: Boomer Redneque voted for Romney/Ryan on Nov 1 at November 05, 2012 04:01 PM (eQnzo)
Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at November 05, 2012 04:02 PM (IlZPo)
Posted by: Fritz at November 05, 2012 04:02 PM (vm7ot)
Posted by: chique d'afrique (the artist formerly known as african chick) at November 05, 2012 04:03 PM (6zgse)
Holy crap. That's beyond inspired. It has the inevitability of the best compositions by Gil Mellé.
Like this one, which Mellé wrote in twenty minutes.
http://tinyurl.com/ndqvuy
Posted by: Llarry at November 05, 2012 04:03 PM (Qj/8S)
shut the fuck up dick shit. I am not interested in eeyorebaiting with a dickless wonder like you.
Posted by: jeremiah GOD Bless America with a Mitt Romney Presidency wright at November 05, 2012 04:04 PM (ovpNn)
Romney has played the ultimate "strategy of ambiguity." See Anthony Downs's Economic Theory of Democracy to understand this. Basically, though, he has fuzzed up his position or "me too'd" nearly everything that Hussein stands for. Nearly is the crucial word. He simply finds an issue or two--or a emotionally laden trope--and floats it over to us. This is not tough to do, with the hindsight of polling on what is popular and what isn't.
Ah, but the problem with the "strategy of ambiguity" is that it requires that it not be identified as such by most of the electorate. That has always been Romney's problem. So what to do? Why, bring on Ryan. That is why Ryan is on the ticket: to make it look like Romney is not playing the strategy he surely is. It was a startlingly brilliant move. I only wish I know who thought of it.
Every four years we conservatives are placed in a nasty chicken game where, if we do not abide by some elite choice, we will get even a nastier result than the elite choice. Over time, our behavior has facilitated a shift to ever-worse "Republican" candidates. But I suggest that, while this is a chicken game, it is an "iterated" one. I do not think the country will really be destroyed by Barky. He will want to do so, but he will not be able to. However, it will be destroyed (and is well on the way to being destroyed) by alternations between Bushes, Clintons, and SCOAMFs, and Romneys.
That's why I will not vote tomorrow. I know that my failure to vote in the election will be tabulated, and since I voted in the primary, the logical inference will be made: I reject the choices given. ONLY by refusing to turn out can one make one's opinion about this sorry state of affairs clear. Otherwise, if you vote for the Libertarian, no one will be able to track your decision and understand it. I prefer to be individually tracked.
Finally, the idea that we are obligated to vote if doing so reinforces processes that are destroying this country is absurd. The Founding Fathers did not create the system that we have now. We are far from original intent. We may not be able to go back there--it may not even be sensible to go back completely--but we surely can and should go halfway back. Refusing to vote is the first step.
If we are lucky, the various "conservative" clowns who sold us out will NOT get their little luncheons with the new prez. They won't get their internships or parties. They do NOT care about our values. They just want the perks that come with power. I, personally, do not care about perks I will not receive.
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 04:04 PM (FG/pH)
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 04:06 PM (FG/pH)
Another concern was Mitts foreign policy, if he would take the moose-limb bro'hood world wide growth seriously. Felt better on that aspect after Rick Santorum had a sit down with Romney, then endorsed.
Posted by: Deli LLama at November 05, 2012 04:06 PM (lGu1O)
Posted by: Tim at November 05, 2012 04:06 PM (GkMRb)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:07 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: Carl at November 05, 2012 04:07 PM (OeUnr)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:08 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:10 PM (ZIkmx)
Ok start on me. I hate Mitt's record. It is the record of a big government, statist, very left of center, progressive.
I am not voting for Mitt, I am voting against barky. You don't like it. Fuck off.
Posted by: GMB sub assult group leader. Vegatable Liberation Front. at November 05, 2012 04:11 PM (kPe9l)
Without the shackle of needing to be reelected Obama will go full Commie complete with the gulags. He does not need face the people again and with all the flexibility that comes. And after an election the Media will have no problem saying the punishment and revenge was justified.
Posted by: Trevor (@TJexcite) at November 05, 2012 04:11 PM (Ea64Y)
I'm not sure who this Whittle guy is, but I don't find him persuasive. He says nothing that hasn't been said before.
Romney has played the ultimate "strategy of ambiguity." See Anthony Downs's Economic Theory of Democracy to understand this. Basically, though, he has fuzzed up his position or "me too'd" nearly everything that Hussein stands for. Nearly is the crucial word. He simply finds an issue or two--or a emotionally laden trope--and floats it over to us. This is not tough to do, with the hindsight of polling on what has been popular and what hasn't been.
Ah, but the problem with the "strategy of ambiguity" is that it requires that it not be identified as such by most of the electorate. That has always been Romney's problem. So what to do? Why, bring on Ryan. That is why Ryan is on the ticket: to make it look like Romney is not playing the strategy he surely is. It was a startlingly brilliant move. I only wish I know who thought of it.
Every four years we conservatives are placed in a nasty chicken game where, if we do not abide by some elite choice, we will get even a nastier result than the elite choice. Over time, our behavior has facilitated a shift to ever-worse "Republican" candidates.But I suggest that, while this is a chicken game, it is an "iterated" one. I do not think the country will really be destroyed by Barky. He will want to do so, but he will not be able to. However, it will be destroyed (and is well on the way to being destroyed) by alternations between Bushes, Clintons, and SCOAMFs, and Romneys.
That's why I will not vote tomorrow. I know that my failure to vote in the election will be tabulated, and since I voted in the primary, the logical inference will be made: I reject the choices given. ONLY by refusing to turn out can one make one's opinion about this sorry state of affairs clear. Otherwise, if you vote for the Libertarian, no one will be able to track your decision and understand it. I prefer to be individually tracked.Finally, the idea that we are obligated to vote if doing so reinforces processes that are destroying this country is absurd. The Founding Fathers did not create the system that we have now. We are far from original intent. We may not be able to go back there--it may not even be sensible to go back completely--but we surely can and should go halfway back. Refusing to vote is the first step.
If we are lucky, the various "conservative" clowns who sold us out will NOT get their little luncheons with the new prez. They won't get their internships or parties. They do NOT care about our values. They just want the perks that come with power. I, personally, do not care about perks I will not receive.
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 04:12 PM (FG/pH)
Posted by: Lilly Lurksalot at November 05, 2012 04:12 PM (9JxIc)
Oh, right: the last word from Libertarians, who deign every four years to vote Republican because, for some reason they can't quite fathom, no one seems to take them seriously. Well, here's a clue: idolizing Ron Paul, a man who once starred in an Alex Jones documentary warning of a secret Bildersburger Group conspiracy funded by a cabal of Jewish Bankers, whose evil plot is to turn us all into slaves ruled by our near-immortal, genetically enhanced Illuminati Overlords, and whose evil scientists are even now working in secret laboratories, conducting genetic experiments involving spider-goat hybrids, is an indication that your underlying Libertarian beliefs might be a bit fucked in the head, which is why nobody takes you seriously.
Posted by: troyriser at November 05, 2012 04:12 PM (vtiE6)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 05, 2012 04:13 PM (jkDqy)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:14 PM (ZIkmx)
Loved all your other stuff......this, not so much.
Posted by: Tami at November 05, 2012 07:35 PM (X6akg)
This is what I feel, too.
Posted by: lael at November 05, 2012 04:15 PM (tUcg9)
A campaign collects votes from the flotsam and jetsam of America. That's why we see candidates with celebrities, posing with children, talking about sports teams, and all the rest. It's the America that we live in, where some voters make decisions based on strange reasoning, or none at all.
I was a Perry supporter. While I still think he would be a good president, he cannot get elected if he cannot speak well in debates. This is a reflection of the emphasis modern media has placed on words rather than deeds.
Romney LEARNED this as the campaign went along. I have grown to really admire him and have a fondness for him which quite surprises me. He has campaigned his heart out. And Ann has been out there as well, even though she has MS and this has to be exhausting her.
Besides fiscal policies, the value of having a pro-American, dignified president who will stand up for our nation cannot be discounted. We NEED this man as president.
So welcome aboard, Monty, for whatever reason you have decided to join us.
Posted by: Miss Marple at November 05, 2012 04:15 PM (GoIUi)
Posted by: Red Shirt at November 05, 2012 04:16 PM (3p2TP)
Posted by: Some Guy in Wisconsin at November 05, 2012 04:16 PM (+Md9P)
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 04:17 PM (FG/pH)
perks I will not receive.
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 08:12 PM (FG/pH)
Nice to know. Oh, and yeah: you know that dancer at the club you like so much? The little blonde number? Candi? Brandi? Something like that? Yeah. Her. She's not really into you, man. Sorry, but somebody had to say it. She's nice to everybody like that. It's her job.
Posted by: troyriser at November 05, 2012 04:17 PM (vtiE6)
Posted by: teej says go K-State at November 05, 2012 04:17 PM (HEWhR)
Posted by: waelse1 at November 05, 2012 04:18 PM (jWM0L)
Posted by: Miss Marple at November 05, 2012 04:18 PM (GoIUi)
Posted by: Mary in LA at November 05, 2012 04:19 PM (48wze)
Posted by: rdbrewer at November 05, 2012 04:19 PM (Iyg03)
Posted by: rdbrewer at November 05, 2012 08:19 PM (Iyg03)
Hey, why not? This thread's hosed already. ;-)
Posted by: Mary in LA at November 05, 2012 04:20 PM (48wze)
Hey, I'm happy for anyone out there to point out where my analysis fails. But I'm not happy to get involved in a flame war. I skimmed the responses (and I am an occasional silent visitor here). I thought it worthwhile to share my very different approach.
Thanks.
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 04:20 PM (FG/pH)
Posted by: rukiddingme? at November 05, 2012 04:22 PM (MbeEN)
Posted by: Some Guy in Wisconsin at November 05, 2012 08:16 PM (+Md9P)
You are so right. The stress is wearing everyone down, I think. I'm amazed at how energetic Mitt is, coming down to the wire!
Posted by: Mary in LA at November 05, 2012 04:22 PM (48wze)
Voting for the VP choice again this cycle, eh Monty? Well, if you are going to vote for the guy who voted yes on the auto bailout, yes on TARP, yes on a massive government intrusion into health care, yes on pork-laden infrastructure bills, and yes on raising the debt ceiling, why bother with that punk, Ryan? Vote for me, I'm already the President!
Posted by: Barack Obama at November 05, 2012 04:23 PM (IZWJt)
You mean a Republican in blue-as-blue-can-be Massachusetts couldn't govern like the hard-core right-winger you'd prefer? Unbelievable!
Posted by: Punahou Death Stare at November 05, 2012 04:23 PM (sTS/8)
Posted by: Firing the SCOAMF tomorrow at November 05, 2012 04:24 PM (3QbfC)
Posted by: Mike at November 05, 2012 04:24 PM (IZWJt)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:24 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: Reverend Morrison at November 05, 2012 04:27 PM (MVGKx)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:28 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: teej says go K-State at November 05, 2012 04:29 PM (M7Cfv)
Posted by: toby928© for TB at November 05, 2012 04:30 PM (QupBk)
If, however, we refuse to vote, perhaps next time the Republican Powers that Be will calculate our willingness to refuse to vote for their candidate this time. Given all the conservatives in this country, we CAN get a modestly economically conservative Republican candidate.
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 04:32 PM (FG/pH)
Posted by: Semi-New Moron. at November 05, 2012 04:35 PM (mkb9H)
Posted by: JonathanG at November 05, 2012 04:36 PM (aYOnh)
Posted by: toby928© for TB at November 05, 2012 04:36 PM (QupBk)
-----------------
No.
The time for this is past. The primaries were your chance to push your candidate. There is no one to stop Obama now but Mitt. It is on you to decide if that is a worthwhile goal or not. Sitting home to make a point makes no point at all.
How do they know you just didn't die?
Posted by: mama winger votes for love at November 05, 2012 04:37 PM (P6QsQ)
I can't believe we're even still talking about this.
On the one hand, we have a lying socialist thug, whose uniqueness revolves around how many accolades he has been showered with in life, while having few ACTUAL accomplishments to speak of (and that's being kind).
On the other hand, we have a guy of extraordinary personal character, who is both presidential in demeanor and unashamedly pro-American, who has been legendary for turning around financially-troubled organizations, of multiple types. The only criticisms people can throw at him revolve around how ACCOMPLISHED he is!
This is about as much of a "no-brainer" as you could imagine.
Posted by: Optimizer at November 05, 2012 04:39 PM (Mxt9o)
I have met the man and I believe in his character.
Posted by: Dave in Fla at November 05, 2012 04:40 PM (dX4hn)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:40 PM (ZIkmx)
And if you disliked his policies in his first term, what do you imagine his second term will be like without the brake of re-election to curb him?
Posted by: Retread at November 05, 2012 04:42 PM (zxitI)
Thank you for reminding me of Mr. Lincoln's most memorable quote:
paraphrased "none of the Army's of Europe, Asia or Africa combined, could take a drink from the Ohio or set a foot in the Blue Ridge in a trial of a thousand years...but if destruction be our lot, we ourselves must be the author and finisher..."
Posted by: The Moomintroll at November 05, 2012 04:42 PM (Q/5uf)
"330 ... If, however, we refuse to vote, perhaps next time the Republican Powers that Be will calculate our willingness to refuse to vote for their candidate this time. Given all the conservatives in this country, we CAN get a modestly economically conservative Republican candidate."
You have got to be some sort of Obama plant. No Republican with a pulse could possibly have failed to learn their lesson about this, after the last 4 years.
Posted by: Optimizer at November 05, 2012 04:42 PM (Mxt9o)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:42 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: Old Glazier at November 05, 2012 04:42 PM (YGHl3)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:44 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: Sassy at November 05, 2012 04:45 PM (detCI)
If, however, we refuse to vote, perhaps next time the Republican Powers that Be will calculate our willingness to refuse to vote for their candidate this time. ...
No, they won't. You'll become part of the 47% that Mitt calculated he couldn't get (correctly, IMO). Or you'll fall off the voter rolls.
Given all the conservatives in this country, we CAN get a modestly economically conservative Republican candidate.
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 08:32 PM (FG/pH)
Yes, we can -- if, and only if, we do it in the primaries. The general election is not the time to withhold your vote. Do you think that it's possible that Mitt might give you even 10% of what you want? Well, Obagman is sure to give you 0% of what you want. My mother used to say, "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face."
Posted by: Mary in LA at November 05, 2012 04:45 PM (48wze)
There is a whole literature on the importance of controlling agendas and timing, of restricting participation via procedural shenanigans, and so forth. Check out Arrow's Theorem for some examples. The Republican Party elites implemented many of these principles. For example, their Selected Son was substantially more liberal than any other candidate. Thus, early on, the other candidates kept splitting the "conservative" vote, leading to a candidate no majority of Republicans would prefer if given the option of Romney vs. The Other.
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 04:46 PM (FG/pH)
Posted by: Boomer Redneque voted for Romney/Ryan on Nov 1 at November 05, 2012 04:47 PM (eQnzo)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:47 PM (ZIkmx)
How can that be even close to anything remotely libertarian?
I'm voting for Romney because in the last six months, the full-bore Stalinism out of the Obama/Media complex totally took all other political considerations OFF the board. Every. Freaking. One.
Posted by: K~Bob at November 05, 2012 04:48 PM (9pKaM)
Sorry- I went cross thread awhile.
Ace is giving away a Christine Hendricks look-alike pudding girl, as a reward for best GotV'er.
And, yes, Chique d', I'm enjoying myself immensly.
Tim- Yes for Conservatism, Capitalism, and love of the 'American Way'.
And BCochrane - I can take an elbow or two.. Aint skeered.
I just wish I'd found the AoS earlier. Oh well. Glad to be hear now.
I am actually kinda' giddy for tommorow. Mrs. Semi-new is positive of a landslide. She says 285-290, but she is fuzzy on the math.
Posted by: Semi-New Moron. at November 05, 2012 04:49 PM (mkb9H)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 04:51 PM (ZIkmx)
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 04:53 PM (FG/pH)
Posted by: sinmi at November 05, 2012 04:54 PM (WLoOJ)
Posted by: gary gulrud at November 05, 2012 04:56 PM (uv0Aw)
Well, the last time we voted for McCain; before that, for W twice. That's why we have Romney to "choose" in this iteration. How many iterations of Ws, Barkys, Clintons, and Romneys will it take for our system to become so deranged that it can no longer be righted?
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 04:59 PM (FG/pH)
Posted by: toby928© for TB at November 05, 2012 05:00 PM (QupBk)
Posted by: toby928© for TB at November 05, 2012 05:01 PM (QupBk)
Posted by: Bathhouse Barry at November 05, 2012 05:04 PM (ygAKx)
Well, Samwise, if the elites picked such a good candidate, why, during the course of the primary season, did candidate after candidate, after becoming the un-Mitt of the moment, suddenly look so appealing to Republican voters? Each of those candidates was mainly a stand-in, a protest, of Mitt, who had extremely strong elite support early on. And the candidates, with the exception of Newt, were not exactly a brilliant bunch.
I'm not arguing for a conspiracy theory. I'm saying that politicos play political games!
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 05:07 PM (FG/pH)
Posted by: Dave in Texas at November 05, 2012 05:09 PM (pUqSw)
Posted by: trickamsterdam at November 05, 2012 05:12 PM (uTBHY)
Posted by: Chris Balsz at November 05, 2012 05:15 PM (3GtyG)
Posted by: Vince the optimist at November 05, 2012 05:17 PM (OKgOW)
Toby, I'm not sure how Libertarianism got into the conversation. Political elites bargain and make assessments about what advantages them. Not all Republican elites make the same assessments. But Romney came into the primaries with support that could not be justified by his past accomplishments. Furthermore, reasonably economically conservative candidates who might be more appealing did not enter the race. I cannot be sure why such things happened. What I can say, however, is that if party elites know that they risk a nontrivial refusal to turn out if a candidate is bad enough, they will not risk such a bad candidate. They are rational creatures, after all.
So long as we vote for the lesser of two evils without regard for the degree of evil in "our" candidate, we permit Republican candidates to become progressively more evil over time. We also end up with someone who, by not being reasonably conservative, does not faithfully reflect the values, and will not implement the policies, that will really improve things.
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 05:20 PM (FG/pH)
Picking Paul Ryan as VP was HUGE. Let us recall for a moment the political reality not too long ago: Paul Ryan was PUBLIC ENEMY #1 for Dems/MSM. Politically toxic. The guy Newt himself accused of engaging in "right-wing social engineering." Dems were giddy at the thought they would run against him.
Romney had the guts and insight to pick Ryan, despite the risks. That told me a lot about his priorities, and how he envisions the role of his presidency. The tasks at hand. Tasks for which you would want a Paul Ryan at your side.
I honestly am hard pressed to think of any conceivable (politically viable) candidate better suited for the present circumstances, challenges, problems facing this country than Romney. Whose greatest expertise and success is in the private sector, not in government-- and precisely in dealing with corporations/ entities that are bankrupt, debt-ridden, in-urgent-almost-fatal-financial-condition. Has shown he has what it takes in both the public and private sector to be an effective and competent chief executive. Loves America. And goddamn, the guy has worked hard to win, to deserve, our (all our) votes. He didn't take the GOP base, or conservatives, or the election, for granted. In retrospect, I'm grateful that Santorum and Newt (and their supporters) gave Romney such a tough time, put up such a tough fight-- they didn't let him off easy, set a high bar he would have to meet.
OMG, that first debate. Whoever wins the election, whatever you think of Romney, that first debate was a historical political high point for Republicans and conservatives. It was epic. I will always be grateful to Romney for that (and he made that achievement look much easier than it actually was).
I think many would agree (even those initially against him) that he's done a great job-- as much as is possible in a campaign-- to meet the expectations, skepticism, demands of conservatives who supported other primary candidates. And may I say, I'm impressed, grateful, humbled by the support many anti-Romney conservatives eventually gave to his campaign. Oddly enough, some of the most stalwart Romney supporters now are the very same people who were the most stalwart Palin supporters in 2008. Tea Partiers and others, who recognize what's really at stake, beyond ego bullshit and pundit jackassery. And appreciate what's good and great about the R/R campaign.
I'm voting against Obama, of course. That's like saying, I'm against cancer.
But I'm voting, very enthusiastically, FOR Romney/ Ryan too. Fuck yeah!
Posted by: lael at November 05, 2012 05:27 PM (tUcg9)
If you're willing to live as a slave, and hand slavery down for your children to inherit, there is no saving you.
Posted by: Chris Balsz at November 05, 2012 09:15 PM (3GtyG)"
What do you mean by that statement? What's your idea of 'non-submission'? Just curious.
Here's the thing: in this country, we abide by the results of a free and fair election. If we win, we gloat and savor the tears of our opponents and the lamentations of their women. If we lose, we endure and somehow muddle through. In four years, we vote again. That's how it works. Not perfect, but the best around--and it's certainly better than shooting each other.
Posted by: troyriser at November 05, 2012 05:29 PM (vtiE6)
Posted by: skzion at November 05, 2012 09:20 PM (FG/pH)
The logic doesn't follow anywhere in that argument. Define evil. Define 'reasonably conservative'. Define 'our values'. Define policies 'that will really improve things'.
If your idea of 'reasonable conservativism' is one where you refrain from participating in the electoral process out of pique, then it isn't 'reasonable conservativism'.
Posted by: troyriser at November 05, 2012 05:33 PM (vtiE6)
Posted by: Samwise Gamgee the 3rd at November 05, 2012 05:34 PM (OwV/b)
Thanks for sharing that. I know several people who had difficulty, but ultimately decided to turn out for R/R because they hate what TFG is doing, more than they hate the Two Party System. Lesser of evils.
(And then there's the quote I've been using on 'em:
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.")
Glad you worked it out.
Posted by: JeanQueenie at November 05, 2012 05:40 PM (Gmp2Z)
But denigrating him as "unpalatable" or with a record worthy of "hate"-- the night before the 2012 election against Obama!-- seems... cuckoo to me. For lack of a better word (and because I like Monty and am in total sympathy with his larger concerns about our country's future, I'm holding back).
Some third-party-voting purists remind me of guys who reject any relationship with a real-world actual woman because their expectations/requirements correspond to Playboy/ porn star fantasies. (Or the equivalent analogy for women dreaming of the perfect Prince Charming.)
Such unrealistic fantasy standards (which bear little to no relation to actual real world reality) seem as unwise when it comes to your love life as they do in politics.
Posted by: lael at November 05, 2012 05:45 PM (tUcg9)
Extremely well written, Monty.
I, of course, don't share your assessment that Mitt Romney is a statist technocrat. But I can see how one would fairly scrutinize his record as Governor of Massachusetts and reach that conclusion.
I would only proffer the familiar counterargument that Romney's governance was significantly (but not entirely) a product of his constituency. (I think that he actually showed some rightward tendencies as Governor.)
However I would also add that Romney himself grew up in a well-to-do North Eastern culture. He attended elite, North Eastern universities. His national perspective was in all likelihood influenced by these intellectually toxic environs. I suggest that he even through his late 40's through early 50's that he literally saw the world (and our very nation) with a different set of eyes than he has now.
But in the last five years or so, I believe that Mitt Romney has been won over by America's Heartland. Running for the presidency since before 2008 required Mitt to tour the Red States and conservative venues of our country. - Because he had to win us over. He reached out and got to know us. He interacted with and engaged us. And learned from us.
He got to know us, and I think he genuinely likes us. It would at least appear that he generally and sincerely agrees with us.
I'm not saying he's a died in the wool Reagan Conservative.
But I do believe that he is a recent convert to conservatism.
If we're lucky enough to have him as president, and yet he fails to cut the deficit by an average of at least a third by the end of his first term, I seriously doubt I'd turn out for him in 2016. Because then I'd seriously doubt that he was the conservative (at least in the fiscal sense) that I now believe him to be.
Posted by: _Dave_ at November 05, 2012 05:50 PM (J+Q+d)
Hey JeanQueenie @371, I really like your Permanent Waves lyric reference.
Let's remember that throughout this experience:
"Changes aren't permanent. But change is."
Posted by: _Dave_ at November 05, 2012 05:54 PM (J+Q+d)
Posted by: Moonbeam at November 05, 2012 06:09 PM (1k4dd)
Posted by: trickamsterdam at November 05, 2012 06:55 PM (uTBHY)
Posted by: roald Dahl Paul at November 05, 2012 07:11 PM (Kd6lF)
Posted by: Chris Balsz at November 05, 2012 07:25 PM (D9ZkV)
Posted by: Chris Balsz at November 05, 2012 07:28 PM (D9ZkV)
Posted by: roald Dahl Paul at November 05, 2012 08:39 PM (Kd6lF)
Thanks.
Please don't post at AoSHQ any more. Thank you for your contributions, but if your last act is "It's okay to not vote for Romney because you are way too pure to vote for anything less than [fantasy candidate], then don't!" Well...good luck to you.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at November 05, 2012 08:44 PM (i0App)
Romney is a statist. Romney thinks government is the solution to problems and not the cause of them. However, I believe Romney loves this country and would do his best to keep us safe and strong. Obama neither loves this country nor is willing to keep us safe and strong.
I'm voting for Romney for the sake of this country, not because I think he's a good candidate, because he isn't.
Posted by: cranky-d at November 05, 2012 09:10 PM (GR8Ie)
We've been willing to cooperate peaceably when the WRITTEN contract has been respected. If not, not.
Posted by: Chris Balsz at November 05, 2012 11:25 PM (D9ZkV)
I agree this is an important election. However, that doesn't mean I grab my SKS and join the local militia if the election doesn't go our way. And what's this 'we' shit, anyway, as in, 'We've been willing to cooperate peacefully...'? Mouse in your pocket or have you and a few of your ITG buddies been sitting around, thinking all those thousands of hours devoted to first-person shooter video games have prepared you for Le Resistance? Grow the hell up.
Posted by: troyriser at November 06, 2012 06:01 AM (vtiE6)
roald Dahl Paul, I expect that if Romney can't win a "sure thing" election like this, the elite stratum we have in the Republican party may well be dead. If not dead in this election, then dead shortly.
My hope is that these elites decide that they have to select someone who is reasonably economically conservative (I won't bother to define this--we both know that we will not get an ideal conservative, given the median voter).
I don't know how many times I've read some version of "I'll vote for X this time, but if he stabs me in the back, I won't vote next time." But next time never seems to come.
Anyway, thanks for your polite and thoughtful comment.
Posted by: skzion at November 06, 2012 08:22 AM (FG/pH)
roald Dahl Paul, I expect that if Romney can't win a "sure thing" election like this, the elite stratum we have in the Republican party may well be dead.
Posted by: skzion at November 06, 2012 12:22 PM (FG/pH)
A 'sure thing'? We're taking on an incumbent with a billion-dollar war chest and the full support of the MSM, with a ground game fueled by unions, monied special interests, and scores of urban political machines. And your response to all this? Advocating non-participation.
Yeah, sitting in front of your computer screen and congratulating yourself on the purity of your convictions, that'll do it.
Posted by: troyriser at November 06, 2012 08:34 AM (vtiE6)
Posted by: Chris Balsz at November 06, 2012 09:49 AM (3GtyG)
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Btw - I miss your doom threads.
Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at November 05, 2012 03:20 PM (0pEXw)