love it bob! i’ve thought about how much money being spent by the corporate rethugs on r-money’s ads is going right back into the corporate pockets, because they own the big media which charge big bucks to air the ads. but there’s a slim hope some of the technicians and designers are getting a paycheck–and if they’re in the usa, that would be an incidence of trickle-down! yes, we can hope! 🙂
Quick note: On the news break just now on Current, they played a clip of Huckabee talking about money in the Cayman Islands……think he used $12 million….and how much having that money in America and working for everyone would help our economy. THAT clip needs to go viral!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t know. I think it was from the primary campaign of ’08. I was doing things in the kitchen so not paying real close attention when it first started.
On fox news this Morning, Robney says it’s obamas fault, when asked about Bain.
Then, he invokes Teresa Heinz Kerry.
So, why does Robney hate Heinz Ketchup?
Donald Trump argued Monday the Republican party needs to get tougher against the “lies” and “deceit” of President Barack Obama’s campaign and said the reason Mitt Romney has held back so far is because the GOP nominee is a “nice man.” “They’re trying to make a man who’s done a good job look very bad,” Trump said on “Fox and Friends.” “They are using deceit. They’re using lies. And I think Mitt is going to fight back very hard.”
I was without internet most of the weekend, so I admit to being out of the loop — but has anyone compiled a list of Mitt’s lies at speeches and in ads about PBO for which we demand an apology? I know Steve Benen’s excellent work, but a nice, targeted list of the lies he’s told would be so nice.
Oh, and The Donald — Mitt’s done nothing nice his entire, miserable, entitled, spoiled life. If he was ‘nice’ he wouldn’t have the net worth he has without starting literacy programs and opening businesses of made in the USA merchandise in middle class neighborhoods.
hmmmm…..maybe he’s reminding us that miss ann’s taxes would be very interesting, too. you know, mittens put some of his ugly business in her name, to hide it while he was governor. maybe we should just say, thanks to the donald, we have another wonderful inroad to explore!
Huh! How desperate do you have to be to hark back to a former presidential candidate’s wife? He can’t justify himself so he’s randomly picking on any rich person he can think of. What a coward!!
Emily Friedman@EmilyABC
“Bain Capital” is one of the top ten Google searches this morning.
16 Jul 12 ReplyRetweetFavorite
Fallows thinks Obama is “Swiftboating” Romney, but “without the falsehoods”:
The effect of this kind of ‘Swiftboating’ is, as I pointed out, to change a candidate’s presumed strength into his weakness, or vulnerability. … Mitt Romney’s business background is not only his “presumed strength”; it is the entire basis of his campaign. His argument against Obama, which he presents with admirable discipline and clarity on the campaign trail, is:
I think Romney may choose Thune has his VP. If that’s the case, here’s some very basic info on him for your back pocket:
Thune is the junior United States Senator from South Dakota. He defeated Tom Daschle in 2004. He also served in the House from 1997-2003.
He is as an evangelical Christian and a member of The Family, a secretive and controversial tax-exempt, quasi-religious and international political influence group AKA The Fellowship.
He has been called one of the worst GOP earmark offenders in the Senate. In 2008, he requested $252,490,000 in earmarks and received $240,081,050.
In 2002, Rep. Thune was instrumental in creating the $750,000,000 Livestock Compensation Program, $50,000,000 of which went to South Dakota
Before taking his seat in government, Thune was appointed Railroad Director of South Dakota, serving from 1991 to 1993. Soon after arriving in the Senate, Thune wrote language into a transportation bill expanding federal loan money for small railroads, enabling his former client to apply for $2.5 billion in government financing.
Thune calls himself a fiscal conservative. He voted against economic recovery and stimulus spending bills in 2008 and early 2009. However, he voted for the 2008 bank bailout and voted in favor of the bill creating the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).
Thune supported the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and he voted for their continuation in 2010. In 2008, Thune opposed giving tax breaks to first-time home buyers and home builders.
Thune voted against the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which would have provided free medical treatment and compensation to first responders of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. Thune said that preserving the Bush tax cuts was more of a priority.
Thune voted against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in December 2009 and he voted against the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
Thune also opposes federal spending on infrastructure.
He also introduced a bill that would allow a resident of a state to follow their home state gun laws when visiting another state. In promoting the bill he said he would be afraid to enter Central Park in New York without a gun. The bill went nowhere.
So, this would be a move to shore up the far right religious vote……but it wouldn’t bring a new state into Romney’s column. About as influential as choosing comeone from Alaska.
This is interesting. What are your reasons for thinking this? I imagine Romney would be comfortable with him……they’re both religious fanatics, white, rich, hard right males……..
It is helpful always to remind yourself that, in the mind of Willard Romney, there are only two kinds of people — himself and his family, and The Help. Throughout his career, and especially throughout his brief political career, Romney has treated The Help with a kind of lordly disdain.
snip/
The Help has no right to go pawing through the family books, giggling at the obvious loopholes and tax dodges, running amok through all the tax shelters, and probably getting their chocolate-y fingerprints all over the pages of the Romney family ledger. And, certainly, those members of The Help in the employ of the president of the United States, who is also part of The Help, have no right to use the nearly comically ostentatious wealth of the Romney as some sort of scrimey political weapon. He does not have to answer to The Help. I mean, jeepers, he’s running for office.
This isn’t stubbornness. That’s often an acquired trait. What this is, fundamentally, is contempt. Contempt for the process, and contempt for the people who make their living in that process, and contempt for the people whose lives depend on that process. There are rules for The Help with which Willard Romney never has had to abide, and he has no intention of starting now. My dear young fellow, this simply is not done.
Charles Pierce and Paul Krugman are so on the same page. Romney has contempt for the news media and the voters.
The Mendacity Is The Message
By Paul Krugman
———————————
And whaddya know, several of the news reports I’ve seen make the mendacity, not the original claim, the centerpiece of the story.
The core of Romney’s campaign strategy seems to be contempt for the news media (and the voters), the belief that he can say anything and pay no price — which was the way things worked for Bush. But maybe, just maybe, his calculation was wrong, and serial dishonesty will become, justifiably, part of the narrative.
It sure looks like the Republicans have left themselves stuck with a really bad candidate. He’s damned if he doesn’t release his tax returns and he’s damned if he does. (either way is fine with me). Do you suppose Ron Paul will try to depose Romney at the Rep. Convention? That’d be fun to watch……
i don’t. ron paul is spineless. notice how quickly he fell in line with mittbot even during the repub primaries? the paul boys and 95% of their followers have an entire ideology based upon logical pretzels, and i think deep down in their subconscious they know it. when the time is right, they’ll all come together in their hatred for the dark-skinned president.
I agree. Paul won’t do shit.
It’s quite perplexing to me why many feel there will be fights on the convention floor and all that. There won’t be. There is too much money already involved and no way will the higher ups allow that money to be wasted. Besides, that’s the same shit that was said when it was Hillary vs Obama. Party unity trumps all.
I read that the NE delegate count did not favor Ron Paul supporters this last week so the battle at the GOP Convention would be less likely. I also think the article mentioned another Paul Convention near the GOP site like before.
man if I wasn’t here in Cincy to take care of my moms I’d so try to at least be along the motorcade. I would watch it on her hospital tv, but it only shows fox news and CNN. aw well.
Lamh, please give your mother a gentle kiss and hug from me. From my energy space to hers. I am thinking of good thoughts to surround you and your precious mother during this time. I do understand the good energy that is so important to come our way for those of us we are holding our own to help ward off the pain and the discomforts of our illness. However, when loving arms, beautiful spoken words come our way, these are the things that will keep us helping our doctors help us to move to a beautiful place in our healing space.
((((((((((((((( Lots of hugs to you lamh35 and Mom)))))))))))) HZ
Seven Tea Party Freshmen Spent More Than $100,000 In Taxpayer Money On Personal Cars
Here’s what the seven Republican freshmen’s congressional offices have spent on cars in the past year and a half:
Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-MN): $25,580.84
Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI): $24,525.00
Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX): $10,997.45
Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO): $20,978.07
Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH): $4,889.76
Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS): $8,848.00
Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR): $10,746.59
Total: $106,643
Not illegal…but the hypocrisy is stunning coming from people that SAY that the deficit is just a HUGE problem!! Not for them!
ROMNEY CAMPAIGN CAUGHT FLAT-FOOTED ON LATEST ATTACK
A weak conversational detour
By Steve Benen
————————————–
But perhaps the most striking angle to this is the one the Romney campaign didn’t see coming: the accusations against Obama are made possible by Obama’s willingness to disclose his campaign bundlers. Romney, however, apparently keeps his list of bundlers with his hidden tax returns — they’re both kept secret from voters.
How Team Romney was caught flat-footed by this amazes me.
An NBC reporter followed up with the obvious question: How should Americans judge the Romney administration on the same count if he takes over? Unlike Obama, Romney does not release a public list of his biggest fundraisers, or “bundlers,” as they are commonly known, meaning it’s difficult to tell just who the administration would owe a favor to in the first place.
Gillespie offered only that Romney’s individual contributors — who are capped by a max donation limit, making bundlers who can package hundreds of donations from wealthy supporters so valuable — are legally required to be made available.
So remind me again who’s going to be tough on China. That’s right, President Obama gets the job done. Mitt Romney is a paper tiger. I rest my case. Check please.
Well, well, well. TeaNN never disappoints! Admission from David Gergen, Mr. TeaNN talking head:
“Let me acknowledge upfront what I have said several times on CNN: I have a past relationship with the top partners at Bain that is both personal and financial. I have worked with them in support of nonprofit organizations such as City Year. I have given a couple of paid speeches for Bain dinners, as I have for many other groups. I was on the board of a for-profit child care company, Bright Horizons, that was purchased by Bain Capital. It was a transaction with financial benefits for all board members and shareholders, including me.
So, yes, I have a bias.”
of course he won’t and will be in tv incessantly through the entire campaign. he “covered his ass” here, about 1% of the viewing audience will hear or remember this disclosure, and gergan will keep playing his “look, i’m a liberal” schtick to try to divide democrats and their support for PBO, all while helping his friends (literal) at places like bain. it’s what he’s paid to do, as his quote explains. the media is our main hurdle.
At least he’s honest….I’m waiting to hear from the others…like Morning Junk, Chuckles Toad, etc…
I note that Chuck Todd has been quiet on Twitter since Friday. And he has not tweeted anything original since Wednesday. That is highly unusual considering the campaigns are now heating up with ads from both sides, and considering he was extremely vocal and active on Twitter during the same-sex marriage and Supreme Ct ACA decision controversies.
But they are trying to use the fact that President Obama names his bundlers to make unfounded charges. As Steve Benen said, the hypocrisy is just breathtaking. But true to form. Amazing…..
To use your own term, Ms. Gagner is absent because she has nothing to contribute. She’s one of those overpaid, under-qualified hacks who is in the position because of nepotism and cronyism.
TRUTHTELLING vs SWIFTBOATING (Sorry media, there’s a big difference.)
Swiftboating, Mitt Romney, and Incentivizing Bad Behavior
By Jamison Foser
———————————————
If the use of the term “Swiftboating” in this context was merely an imprecise analogy designed to grab attention, few would care. Most of us use ill-fitting metaphors and analogies from time to time, with little harm done. But in this case there is harm done. Actual Swiftboating involved some of the most unconscionable lies ever to have been widely deployed in American politics. If we define it instead merely as a “jiujutsu technique,” we remove some of the disincentive for people to engage in similar lies in the future — and, indeed, may even encourage it. If there isn’t a stigma attached to telling vile lies, if it’s portrayed as just another political technique without value judgements attached, we give tremendous advantage to people who tell vile lies: They reap the benefits without paying any price.
I totally agree..and, thank you, Jamison Foser, for making the distinction between what was done to Senator John Kerry and what is now happening with the exposing of willard romney’s lies.
It’s lazy and unreal to call it “swiftboating”. If anyone is swiftboating it’s willard and the lies he’s been spewing about PObama every time someone gives him a mic. He’s pathological.
From the Obama campaign, Vice President Biden will do outreach to a major police conference in Florida: “On July 23, Vice President Biden will address the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) 34th Annual Convention in Palm Beach County, Florida. Throughout his career, the Vice President has fought to ensure police officers and first responders across the country have the resources they need to do their jobs protecting Americans and their families and keeping our communities safe.”
While the United States already provides an incentive for companies to store profits in offshore tax havens instead of investing those profits at home, Romney’s plan to shift the U.S. to a territorial tax system would make the situation even worse, Hanlon wrote in a report published today:
Gov. Romney’s proposed exemption for foreign profits would exacerbate the worst features of our current tax system. It would:
– Enhance the tax code’s rewards for moving jobs and investments overseas
– Provide a gratuitous windfall to some of the very companies that have already shifted jobs and profits overseas
– Further invite the offshore tax haven abuse that deprives the U.S. Treasury of tens of billions of dollars in revenue every year
MITT DESERVES A PERFECT 10 AND A GOLD MEDAL FOR BEING A LIAR.
More Questions And Lies About Romney And The Olympics
By Lisa Longo
—————————————–
It would seem the real hero of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics was President Bill Clinton and the Federal government, at least according to Senator Bill Bennett (R-UT), “In fact, most of the federal money was already in place before Mitt came on,“ said Senator Bob Bennett, “The Clinton Administration was completely supportive in saying these are ‘America’s Games,’ we will do whatever we can to make sure they are successful. The one concern I had was whether we would get the same degree of support from the Bush administration, which we did.”
.
.
It would seem that this successful CEO used his private position to gain a public position to further his political aspirations, using his position to leverage favors and seemingly, coerce cooperation and contributions. Not quite the white knight or business leader we have been told about.
I don’t know about you, but in my mind, Mitt has earned himself a perfect 10, and he deserves a gold medal for being a liar.
These GOP are lairs so is the media. I am so sick of the media always taking the GOP talking point as a narrative since this President was sworn in. On jan 20 2009 night the GOP leaders and their co horts were meeting to plan a game plan to make this President a one time president by saying NO. Now instead of the media demanding Willard release his tax return like any candidate since his father, the media is doing GOP talking point. We have never seen a candidate have accounts in 5 foreign nations to avoid taxes, again the media is doing the GOP talking points again for them. We should all do our best to spread tha word out to co-workers, friends, neighours and communties on the facts.
Just got to work and wanted to comment on a segment of the CBS This Morning show – about the return of Anthony Weiner and the examples they used. Could they have used someone like David Vitter, who I think is the ultimate example of someone able to return to Congress, instead of all Democrats. This is exactly why I avoid watching these shows, even when our President is on.
I got a email from the First Lady about President Obama birthday, they will be having a celebration at there home in Chicago, if you donate $3 dollars are more you can win a chance to attend the birthday gathering for the President. The President birthday is August 4th, or am I wrong.
Morning TOD Family. Thanks for your thoughts, good energy and prayers in meditations for my recovery. I am still pushing. I try to come on and catch up and help with the RTs as well. I need this beautiful place, my Chips and all of you so much. You all lift my spirits. I have the permission to use the computer as long as I get the naps with the meds. I am being good.
I have anxieties about my fundraiser page. I never like to flop at in those things that I put my hands to. Since this is the first for me this little senior, I really hope that I will be a success. So please do visit my page when you have a little to get me over the top please. Thank you so much. I am a little scared. I wanted $1244.00 but I settled for $1000 because I did not want to be a pest. Thank you so much.
barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/2012/HZ
I was thinking of year 2012 and for #44. I like to do things in symbolic ways. I am going for it. My gut can’t hurt any more than it already is at presently. Let’s go for it. Love you all very much for caring about me.(((((Really Do))))HZ
WELL ISN’T THAT SPECIAL? THERE ARE TRUTHS AND THERE ARE “HALF” TRUTHS” (Who knew?)
Politifact: Mitt Romney’s companies sent jobs overseas
By Greg Sargent
———————————————-
But Politifact agreed that it’s fair game to describe these as “Romney’s companies.”
.
.
It’s a good question. This is what I was getting at on Friday, when I wrote that the question of whether Romney himself personally approved the deals in question is an overly narrow way of framing the debate. In a way this gets at one of the ways that fact checking is an inexact science that depends heavily on what statement is actually being fact checked. The argument needn’t be only focused on whether Romney personally signed off on each controversial deal. The larger point here is that Romney’s business background was about creating wealth — regardless of the impact it had on American jobs — and that in so doing, his company invested in firms that outsourced and ultimately moved jobs overseas, even as Romney remained listed as CEO and sole shareholder.
The Obama Diary 
Flowers for me on my birthday! Thanks 😀
Happy Bday, CTGirl!
TY! Allison 🙂
Happy Birthday!! (and congratulations on first!)
Hee! Hee! Nice birthday treat theo! 🙂
A very, very Happy Birthday wish for you, CTGirl. Hope it’s a great day!
Happy Birthday! Hope you eat lots of cake and wear a silly party hat! 😀
Hey CTGirl. Happy Birthday and may you be blessed with many more.
And Congrats on 1st!
Have a PERFECT day CTGirl!!!!!!
Oh! Look at that smile! Thanks Chips! You made my day! 😀
You’re welcome birthday girl! 😉
Happy Birthday CTGirl!!! 🙂
Hope you have a wonderful day CTGirl. Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday, and 1st, way to go! Enjoy your cake!
TY! Pugeretto.
Very Happy Birthday, CTGirl:)
Thanks DF! It’s a beautiful CT day 😀
Happy Happy Birthday CTGirl!!
Happy Happy Birthday! Roses, even!
Have a great day, CTGirl. Hope all your wishes come true.
GM, Chips!
Morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrning Allison, morning everyone 😉
Buon Giorno a tutti!
Buon Giorno mi amico!! 🙂
Good day everyone!
Remember #ADollarADayToOFA …. It’s the 99% Way … #FORWARD 🙂
love it bob! i’ve thought about how much money being spent by the corporate rethugs on r-money’s ads is going right back into the corporate pockets, because they own the big media which charge big bucks to air the ads. but there’s a slim hope some of the technicians and designers are getting a paycheck–and if they’re in the usa, that would be an incidence of trickle-down! yes, we can hope! 🙂
Good morning!
Quick note: On the news break just now on Current, they played a clip of Huckabee talking about money in the Cayman Islands……think he used $12 million….and how much having that money in America and working for everyone would help our economy. THAT clip needs to go viral!!!!!!!!!!!!
Interesting…wonder if that clip is on YouTube?
I don’t know. I think it was from the primary campaign of ’08. I was doing things in the kitchen so not paying real close attention when it first started.
Here, love:)
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2012/07/16/video-mike-huckabee-08-money-in-offshore-bank-accounts-could-take-us-out-of-recession-if-it-wasnt-parked-offshore/
More Huckabee:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/mike-huckabee-is-no-fan-of-offshore-cayman-island
yikes! there’s another ad for pbo, compliments of the rethugs.
Happy Birthday to CT Girl and congratulations on #1!
My President looks rather chipper today. He’s READY for whatever this week may bring.
Thanks,hopefruit! 🙂
Happy Birthday CTGirl. Treat yourself to many moments of pure joy and celebration. Enjoy your day.HZ
The Picture at the top shows just how far this nation has come. The juxtaposition of the President and the gardener is striking in its simplicity.
Good eye Don. I didn’t catch that at first. Had to scroll back up to take that in. You’re soooo right!
Streaming now: PBO arriving – http://www.wlwt.com/news/local-news/cincinnati/Live-Video-President-Obama-visits-Cincinnati-again/-/13549970/15528378/-/hbk4bm/-/index.html
Thanks JER! PBO now shaking hands with supporters at the airport 🙂
On fox news this Morning, Robney says it’s obamas fault, when asked about Bain.
Then, he invokes Teresa Heinz Kerry.
So, why does Robney hate Heinz Ketchup?
And here is what Trump said on Fox this morning-
Donald Trump argued Monday the Republican party needs to get tougher against the “lies” and “deceit” of President Barack Obama’s campaign and said the reason Mitt Romney has held back so far is because the GOP nominee is a “nice man.” “They’re trying to make a man who’s done a good job look very bad,” Trump said on “Fox and Friends.” “They are using deceit. They’re using lies. And I think Mitt is going to fight back very hard.”
Wahhhh!
So the lying racists birther is back……Donald Trump.
Trump got the names confused, right?
I was without internet most of the weekend, so I admit to being out of the loop — but has anyone compiled a list of Mitt’s lies at speeches and in ads about PBO for which we demand an apology? I know Steve Benen’s excellent work, but a nice, targeted list of the lies he’s told would be so nice.
Oh, and The Donald — Mitt’s done nothing nice his entire, miserable, entitled, spoiled life. If he was ‘nice’ he wouldn’t have the net worth he has without starting literacy programs and opening businesses of made in the USA merchandise in middle class neighborhoods.
What in the world does he have to say about Kerry’s wife? She was hounded into releasing her tax returns!
Specifically, why is he comparing himself to a candidate’s wife?
hmmmm…..maybe he’s reminding us that miss ann’s taxes would be very interesting, too. you know, mittens put some of his ugly business in her name, to hide it while he was governor. maybe we should just say, thanks to the donald, we have another wonderful inroad to explore!
Is Teresa Heinz Kerry running for President?
Huh! How desperate do you have to be to hark back to a former presidential candidate’s wife? He can’t justify himself so he’s randomly picking on any rich person he can think of. What a coward!!
From Sully:
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/07/swift-baining.html
Emily Friedman@EmilyABC
“Bain Capital” is one of the top ten Google searches this morning.
16 Jul 12 ReplyRetweetFavorite
Fallows thinks Obama is “Swiftboating” Romney, but “without the falsehoods”:
The effect of this kind of ‘Swiftboating’ is, as I pointed out, to change a candidate’s presumed strength into his weakness, or vulnerability. … Mitt Romney’s business background is not only his “presumed strength”; it is the entire basis of his campaign. His argument against Obama, which he presents with admirable discipline and clarity on the campaign trail, is:
I think Romney may choose Thune has his VP. If that’s the case, here’s some very basic info on him for your back pocket:
Thune is the junior United States Senator from South Dakota. He defeated Tom Daschle in 2004. He also served in the House from 1997-2003.
He is as an evangelical Christian and a member of The Family, a secretive and controversial tax-exempt, quasi-religious and international political influence group AKA The Fellowship.
He has been called one of the worst GOP earmark offenders in the Senate. In 2008, he requested $252,490,000 in earmarks and received $240,081,050.
In 2002, Rep. Thune was instrumental in creating the $750,000,000 Livestock Compensation Program, $50,000,000 of which went to South Dakota
Before taking his seat in government, Thune was appointed Railroad Director of South Dakota, serving from 1991 to 1993. Soon after arriving in the Senate, Thune wrote language into a transportation bill expanding federal loan money for small railroads, enabling his former client to apply for $2.5 billion in government financing.
Thune calls himself a fiscal conservative. He voted against economic recovery and stimulus spending bills in 2008 and early 2009. However, he voted for the 2008 bank bailout and voted in favor of the bill creating the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).
Thune supported the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and he voted for their continuation in 2010. In 2008, Thune opposed giving tax breaks to first-time home buyers and home builders.
Thune voted against the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which would have provided free medical treatment and compensation to first responders of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. Thune said that preserving the Bush tax cuts was more of a priority.
Thune voted against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in December 2009 and he voted against the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.
Thune also opposes federal spending on infrastructure.
I’m glad I’m not running for V.P.
Sounds like a Romney man all the way.
He also introduced a bill that would allow a resident of a state to follow their home state gun laws when visiting another state. In promoting the bill he said he would be afraid to enter Central Park in New York without a gun. The bill went nowhere.
Yes, thanks, Bill.
His bill to allow guns in national parks, however, Did Pass.
I walk in Central Park every morning. The park is safe. Why Central Park? I bet the man has nver been inside the park.
Thanks for sharing this info, meta.
I bet the O-campaign already has all this filed away…
Thune’s been on the VP list for awhile, but why do you think it will be Thune?
So, this would be a move to shore up the far right religious vote……but it wouldn’t bring a new state into Romney’s column. About as influential as choosing comeone from Alaska.
This is interesting. What are your reasons for thinking this? I imagine Romney would be comfortable with him……they’re both religious fanatics, white, rich, hard right males……..
Come back later and tell us all about it, please.
Mr. Pierce is kicking ass and telling it!
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/why-mitt-romney-wont-release-tax-returns-10719962
It is helpful always to remind yourself that, in the mind of Willard Romney, there are only two kinds of people — himself and his family, and The Help. Throughout his career, and especially throughout his brief political career, Romney has treated The Help with a kind of lordly disdain.
snip/
The Help has no right to go pawing through the family books, giggling at the obvious loopholes and tax dodges, running amok through all the tax shelters, and probably getting their chocolate-y fingerprints all over the pages of the Romney family ledger. And, certainly, those members of The Help in the employ of the president of the United States, who is also part of The Help, have no right to use the nearly comically ostentatious wealth of the Romney as some sort of scrimey political weapon. He does not have to answer to The Help. I mean, jeepers, he’s running for office.
This isn’t stubbornness. That’s often an acquired trait. What this is, fundamentally, is contempt. Contempt for the process, and contempt for the people who make their living in that process, and contempt for the people whose lives depend on that process. There are rules for The Help with which Willard Romney never has had to abide, and he has no intention of starting now. My dear young fellow, this simply is not done.
Mitt Romney is a scared, feckless punk.
Well done Mr. Pierce- this is exactly how I’ve seen Romney- to him we are alllll “the help”.
I see Mitt Romney and Ann Romney the exact same way, Mr. Pierce.
Great article!! he nails it!….
Charles Pierce and Paul Krugman are so on the same page. Romney has contempt for the news media and the voters.
The Mendacity Is The Message
By Paul Krugman
———————————
And whaddya know, several of the news reports I’ve seen make the mendacity, not the original claim, the centerpiece of the story.
The core of Romney’s campaign strategy seems to be contempt for the news media (and the voters), the belief that he can say anything and pay no price — which was the way things worked for Bush. But maybe, just maybe, his calculation was wrong, and serial dishonesty will become, justifiably, part of the narrative.
————————————–
http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/12/the-mendacity-is-the-message/
It sure looks like the Republicans have left themselves stuck with a really bad candidate. He’s damned if he doesn’t release his tax returns and he’s damned if he does. (either way is fine with me). Do you suppose Ron Paul will try to depose Romney at the Rep. Convention? That’d be fun to watch……
This could be the first year that I might actually watch some of the Republican convention. 🙂
I expect Paulites to pull some shenanigans of some sort. Popcorn Time.
And if Mittens reveals his VP now, there goes the convention poll bounce!
i don’t. ron paul is spineless. notice how quickly he fell in line with mittbot even during the repub primaries? the paul boys and 95% of their followers have an entire ideology based upon logical pretzels, and i think deep down in their subconscious they know it. when the time is right, they’ll all come together in their hatred for the dark-skinned president.
I don’t think their shenanigans will get them anywhere because I agree, they’re just in it to make a scene.
I agree. Paul won’t do shit.
It’s quite perplexing to me why many feel there will be fights on the convention floor and all that. There won’t be. There is too much money already involved and no way will the higher ups allow that money to be wasted. Besides, that’s the same shit that was said when it was Hillary vs Obama. Party unity trumps all.
I read that the NE delegate count did not favor Ron Paul supporters this last week so the battle at the GOP Convention would be less likely. I also think the article mentioned another Paul Convention near the GOP site like before.
man if I wasn’t here in Cincy to take care of my moms I’d so try to at least be along the motorcade. I would watch it on her hospital tv, but it only shows fox news and CNN. aw well.
anyhow, “Still Unanswered if you’ve lost dick Halperin?????
lamh, very best wishes for your Mom’s recuperation.
Hugs to you and your Mom lamh35
Lamh, please give your mother a gentle kiss and hug from me. From my energy space to hers. I am thinking of good thoughts to surround you and your precious mother during this time. I do understand the good energy that is so important to come our way for those of us we are holding our own to help ward off the pain and the discomforts of our illness. However, when loving arms, beautiful spoken words come our way, these are the things that will keep us helping our doctors help us to move to a beautiful place in our healing space.
((((((((((((((( Lots of hugs to you lamh35 and Mom)))))))))))) HZ
If ANY BODY HERE, has these TP idiots as your Rep…I think they need a CALL!!!
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2012/07/16/511807/tea-party-car-leases/
Seven Tea Party Freshmen Spent More Than $100,000 In Taxpayer Money On Personal Cars
Here’s what the seven Republican freshmen’s congressional offices have spent on cars in the past year and a half:
Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-MN): $25,580.84
Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI): $24,525.00
Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX): $10,997.45
Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO): $20,978.07
Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH): $4,889.76
Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS): $8,848.00
Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR): $10,746.59
Total: $106,643
Not illegal…but the hypocrisy is stunning coming from people that SAY that the deficit is just a HUGE problem!! Not for them!
Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) must not have a driver’s license or the dead beat dad would be on the list.
Ahhhhhh! Ruin my day mentioning him. Tmmy Duckworth will be soooo refreshing.
Listening to VP talking about retirement and how it’s a “family affair.” c-span
Hee Haw!!
VP Biden speaking live soon:
http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
Yay!!
From the White House schedule: “The Vice President delivers remarks at a White House Community Leaders Briefing on Seniors Issues”
Perfect man for the job!
BTW, Chips, has Snark been under the weather, or perhaps traveling without much internet access ??? If you hear from her/him, please say hi 🙂
ROMNEY CAMPAIGN CAUGHT FLAT-FOOTED ON LATEST ATTACK
A weak conversational detour
By Steve Benen
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But perhaps the most striking angle to this is the one the Romney campaign didn’t see coming: the accusations against Obama are made possible by Obama’s willingness to disclose his campaign bundlers. Romney, however, apparently keeps his list of bundlers with his hidden tax returns — they’re both kept secret from voters.
How Team Romney was caught flat-footed by this amazes me.
An NBC reporter followed up with the obvious question: How should Americans judge the Romney administration on the same count if he takes over? Unlike Obama, Romney does not release a public list of his biggest fundraisers, or “bundlers,” as they are commonly known, meaning it’s difficult to tell just who the administration would owe a favor to in the first place.
Gillespie offered only that Romney’s individual contributors — who are capped by a max donation limit, making bundlers who can package hundreds of donations from wealthy supporters so valuable — are legally required to be made available.
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http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/16/12768720-a-weak-conversational-detour
United States Wins Electronic Payment Services Dispute with China
http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2012/july/us-wins-services-dispute-with-china
Top of the mornin to ya meta.
So remind me again who’s going to be tough on China. That’s right, President Obama gets the job done. Mitt Romney is a paper tiger. I rest my case. Check please.
Haha! Yep, you’ve got that exactly right!
Well, well, well. TeaNN never disappoints! Admission from David Gergen, Mr. TeaNN talking head:
“Let me acknowledge upfront what I have said several times on CNN: I have a past relationship with the top partners at Bain that is both personal and financial. I have worked with them in support of nonprofit organizations such as City Year. I have given a couple of paid speeches for Bain dinners, as I have for many other groups. I was on the board of a for-profit child care company, Bright Horizons, that was purchased by Bain Capital. It was a transaction with financial benefits for all board members and shareholders, including me.
So, yes, I have a bias.”
Well then, Gergen, SHUT UP.
of course he won’t and will be in tv incessantly through the entire campaign. he “covered his ass” here, about 1% of the viewing audience will hear or remember this disclosure, and gergan will keep playing his “look, i’m a liberal” schtick to try to divide democrats and their support for PBO, all while helping his friends (literal) at places like bain. it’s what he’s paid to do, as his quote explains. the media is our main hurdle.
He has an article on CNN today…”Facts don’t support Obama’s charges against Romney”
So I guess he’s not shutting up!….
I was expressing frustration. I don’t expect any of these jackals to shut up. This is their entire reason for existence!
At least he’s honest….I’m waiting to hear from the others…like Morning Junk, Chuckles Toad, etc…
I note that Chuck Todd has been quiet on Twitter since Friday. And he has not tweeted anything original since Wednesday. That is highly unusual considering the campaigns are now heating up with ads from both sides, and considering he was extremely vocal and active on Twitter during the same-sex marriage and Supreme Ct ACA decision controversies.
And Dee Dee Myers works in Private equity as well. Wait a minute, 2 former Clinton employees? Hmmm!
Get ready for some great pictures tonight:
The President and the Vice President attend the United States vs. Brazil women and men’s basketball games
Interesting-
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/07/busy-month-for-obama-campaign-with-fundraisers-in-switzerland-sweden-paris-and-communist-china/
One of those fundraisers, I dunno?
Do not read the several tea bagged comments.
News flash: There are voting American citizens who live all over the world.
True and I am glad!
Mark Knoller is drooling badly…
Can’t go to Cincy and NOT get Skyline chili:) I don’t like it, but it’s a must do thing!
Sounds good to me. I wish I had some chili.
My husband made chili yesterday. I don’t quite understand chili in the summer but here’s the thing: He made it. He did the dishes.
Works for me!
Oh wow beans. 🙂
I know right? Do you wanna be eating cheese and beans right before spending a whole lotta time among crowds of people? 🙂
So, I am probably going to win one of the invitations to go to THE Birthday Party in Chicago in a few weeks…. Will wave as I board the plane! 😆
They never seem to choose people from Super Blue areas, but I’ll throw my hat in anyway!
Great read! http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2006/07/12/its_the_conservatism_stupid.php
Romney campaign declines to name bundlers
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/07/romney-campaign-declines-to-name-bundlers/1
But they are trying to use the fact that President Obama names his bundlers to make unfounded charges. As Steve Benen said, the hypocrisy is just breathtaking. But true to form. Amazing…..
I just finish listening to VP Biden, man he reaches out and touch the heart like no one else can. Love our VP.
Co-sign! Love our VP
Do you notice Alex Wagner is conspicuously absent from the Bain discussion?
To use your own term, Ms. Gagner is absent because she has nothing to contribute. She’s one of those overpaid, under-qualified hacks who is in the position because of nepotism and cronyism.
Bravo to team Obama!
TRUTHTELLING vs SWIFTBOATING (Sorry media, there’s a big difference.)
Swiftboating, Mitt Romney, and Incentivizing Bad Behavior
By Jamison Foser
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If the use of the term “Swiftboating” in this context was merely an imprecise analogy designed to grab attention, few would care. Most of us use ill-fitting metaphors and analogies from time to time, with little harm done. But in this case there is harm done. Actual Swiftboating involved some of the most unconscionable lies ever to have been widely deployed in American politics. If we define it instead merely as a “jiujutsu technique,” we remove some of the disincentive for people to engage in similar lies in the future — and, indeed, may even encourage it. If there isn’t a stigma attached to telling vile lies, if it’s portrayed as just another political technique without value judgements attached, we give tremendous advantage to people who tell vile lies: They reap the benefits without paying any price.
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http://www.jamisonfoser.com/blog/2012/07/swiftboating-mitt-romney-and-incentivizing-bad-behavior.html
wow, that’s a really good article. thanks for sharing it!
Thanks Ladyhawke.. I left this comment..
I totally agree..and, thank you, Jamison Foser, for making the distinction between what was done to Senator John Kerry and what is now happening with the exposing of willard romney’s lies.
It’s lazy and unreal to call it “swiftboating”. If anyone is swiftboating it’s willard and the lies he’s been spewing about PObama every time someone gives him a mic. He’s pathological.
From the Obama campaign, Vice President Biden will do outreach to a major police conference in Florida: “On July 23, Vice President Biden will address the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) 34th Annual Convention in Palm Beach County, Florida. Throughout his career, the Vice President has fought to ensure police officers and first responders across the country have the resources they need to do their jobs protecting Americans and their families and keeping our communities safe.”
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2012/07/16/520211/mitt-romney-supports-an-end-to-wind-tax-credit-which-could-mean-the-loss-of-several-thousand-jobs/
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/07/16/520431/how-romney-would-make-it-easier-for-american-companies-to-avoid-taxes-outsource-jobs/
While the United States already provides an incentive for companies to store profits in offshore tax havens instead of investing those profits at home, Romney’s plan to shift the U.S. to a territorial tax system would make the situation even worse, Hanlon wrote in a report published today:
Gov. Romney’s proposed exemption for foreign profits would exacerbate the worst features of our current tax system. It would:
– Enhance the tax code’s rewards for moving jobs and investments overseas
– Provide a gratuitous windfall to some of the very companies that have already shifted jobs and profits overseas
– Further invite the offshore tax haven abuse that deprives the U.S. Treasury of tens of billions of dollars in revenue every year
Yeah! Just admit it, Mitt, you Sir, are a LIAR. #AdmititMitt
MITT DESERVES A PERFECT 10 AND A GOLD MEDAL FOR BEING A LIAR.
More Questions And Lies About Romney And The Olympics
By Lisa Longo
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It would seem the real hero of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics was President Bill Clinton and the Federal government, at least according to Senator Bill Bennett (R-UT), “In fact, most of the federal money was already in place before Mitt came on,“ said Senator Bob Bennett, “The Clinton Administration was completely supportive in saying these are ‘America’s Games,’ we will do whatever we can to make sure they are successful. The one concern I had was whether we would get the same degree of support from the Bush administration, which we did.”
.
.
It would seem that this successful CEO used his private position to gain a public position to further his political aspirations, using his position to leverage favors and seemingly, coerce cooperation and contributions. Not quite the white knight or business leader we have been told about.
I don’t know about you, but in my mind, Mitt has earned himself a perfect 10, and he deserves a gold medal for being a liar.
—————————————–
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/07/14/more-questions-and-lies-about-romney-and-the-olympics/
sooooo good!!!
These GOP are lairs so is the media. I am so sick of the media always taking the GOP talking point as a narrative since this President was sworn in. On jan 20 2009 night the GOP leaders and their co horts were meeting to plan a game plan to make this President a one time president by saying NO. Now instead of the media demanding Willard release his tax return like any candidate since his father, the media is doing GOP talking point. We have never seen a candidate have accounts in 5 foreign nations to avoid taxes, again the media is doing the GOP talking points again for them. We should all do our best to spread tha word out to co-workers, friends, neighours and communties on the facts.
Just got to work and wanted to comment on a segment of the CBS This Morning show – about the return of Anthony Weiner and the examples they used. Could they have used someone like David Vitter, who I think is the ultimate example of someone able to return to Congress, instead of all Democrats. This is exactly why I avoid watching these shows, even when our President is on.
I got a email from the First Lady about President Obama birthday, they will be having a celebration at there home in Chicago, if you donate $3 dollars are more you can win a chance to attend the birthday gathering for the President. The President birthday is August 4th, or am I wrong.
It seems donating any amount you are eligible… and multiple donations means more than one chance, as your name goes in each time you donate.
So Mitt won’t be releasing more tax returns. He must have done something illegal.
If not illegal…immoral!
Morning TOD Family. Thanks for your thoughts, good energy and prayers in meditations for my recovery. I am still pushing. I try to come on and catch up and help with the RTs as well. I need this beautiful place, my Chips and all of you so much. You all lift my spirits. I have the permission to use the computer as long as I get the naps with the meds. I am being good.
I have anxieties about my fundraiser page. I never like to flop at in those things that I put my hands to. Since this is the first for me this little senior, I really hope that I will be a success. So please do visit my page when you have a little to get me over the top please. Thank you so much. I am a little scared. I wanted $1244.00 but I settled for $1000 because I did not want to be a pest. Thank you so much.
barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/2012/HZ
I was thinking of year 2012 and for #44. I like to do things in symbolic ways. I am going for it. My gut can’t hurt any more than it already is at presently. Let’s go for it. Love you all very much for caring about me.(((((Really Do))))HZ
sorry that is: http://www.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/2012/HZ
Thank you all so much.
When I get home from work I’ll donate through your page. Don’t like doing it on the office network.
Bonne Fête CTGirl!….
Social medias is the only way to get the truth out
NOT SUITABLE (AT ALL!!!) FOR WORK! Or, use the headphones:)
http://colorlines.com/archives/2012/07/sheriff_arpaio_tells_george_lopez_to_come_call_him_a_fat_motherfker_to_his_face.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+racewireblog+%28ColorLines%29
WELL ISN’T THAT SPECIAL? THERE ARE TRUTHS AND THERE ARE “HALF” TRUTHS” (Who knew?)
Politifact: Mitt Romney’s companies sent jobs overseas
By Greg Sargent
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But Politifact agreed that it’s fair game to describe these as “Romney’s companies.”
.
.
It’s a good question. This is what I was getting at on Friday, when I wrote that the question of whether Romney himself personally approved the deals in question is an overly narrow way of framing the debate. In a way this gets at one of the ways that fact checking is an inexact science that depends heavily on what statement is actually being fact checked. The argument needn’t be only focused on whether Romney personally signed off on each controversial deal. The larger point here is that Romney’s business background was about creating wealth — regardless of the impact it had on American jobs — and that in so doing, his company invested in firms that outsourced and ultimately moved jobs overseas, even as Romney remained listed as CEO and sole shareholder.
I rate that last statement to be “true.”
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/post/politifact-mitt-romneys-companies-sent-jobs-overseas/2012/07/16/gJQAuttmoW_blog.html
New post everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/07/16/cincinnati-2/