Mittmentum

Two wins for Romney and its on to Super Tuesday.

I am thinking that Rick Santorum does not exactly project the sunny optimism for which Ike and Reagan were famous.  On the other hand, the GOP nominated Nixon twice, so maybe Santorum's The One.

Comments

[(Another) Barbara]

Surely there are some bedrock principles or something we can get behind?

I doubt it, Porch, the "we can get behind" part of your sentence anyway. If Mitt cured cancer tomorrow there'd be posts here about how he probably sold his soul to do it, that it was just a lucky accident, that he stole the cure from someone else, etc. Romney took more grief here for allegedly sending a cake to Newt on an unhappy anniversary than Newt took for dissing free market principles. Mitt was more criticized for his comment about liking to fire non-contributors than Cain took for seeming not to recognize the word "Libya." Some comb the web every morning in order to post a link to any tasty morsel opposing Mitt or any poll that shows him losing ground. None of the very small coterie of Romney supporters here has talked down the other candidates in that fashion.

Romney is hated almost obsessively. I can understand preferring another, but I can't understand the loathing. ABO? I hope so, but I have my fears.

[Rick Ballard]

(A)B,

You forgot to lay out that bedrock principle that Romney supporters are standing on. Surely it's a simple matter that can be resolved with a clear example.

[Janet]

None of the very small coterie of Romney supporters here has talked down the other candidates in that fashion.

??? What?? That is just not true.

[marlene]

Congressman Mike Michaud (ME 2nd District) has filed his papers for the Senate. Gov.LePage wants legislative approval to extend the March 15 filing date. Michaud is a pretty obscure congressman.His biggest issues in Maine are veterans and how international trade has impacted the paper industry.Probably will be more announcements today.

[Danube of Thought]

Mickey Kaus blisters David Brooks quite beautifully this morning.

[Jane]

Porch,

Romney believes in the constitution and capitalism. HE Opposes the redistribution of well. He believes in private sector solutions to problems as opposed to government solutions. HE has proven he can turn things around on several occasions. He is committed to bringing the debt down.

I actually think he will be a much better president than candidate, and I think he will pay close attention to the Paul Ryans of the world.

[Jane]

Redistribution of WEALTH not well.

Damn IPAD

[AliceH]

We didn't get where we are today from a single term of Obama's "leadership", and we won't get to where we want us to be in a single term of ABO leadership.

I understand enthusiasm and conservative principles are more than mere surface dressing, and that we have - um - a lack of that in Mitt.

However, for 2013-2016, I'm looking for a candidate with set of skills that will move us closer to our goals. For me, that is Mitt because he's the one who has been a successful executive in both private and public roles. Set aside whether one LIKES his success as governor for the moment - just pointing out he knows the layout, the process, the tools, and he has experience using them. I think he will be most successful at clearing out deadweight and counter-productive crap piled up and around our economy and our governing bodies.

I'm not looking for the perfect hybrid of Coolidge and Reagan -- not this time. I want some preparatory work first, get the place spruced up a bit before inviting the big guns in. YMMV

[Porchlight]

Romney took more grief here for allegedly sending a cake to Newt on an unhappy anniversary than Newt took for dissing free market principles.

Demonstrably untrue. Newt took far more heat here for that, and over and over again. There were maybe 10 mentions of the cake, total.

[SWarren]

Rick Ballard,
Follow up on the Michigan vote. For those who like to look at the numbers, here is the Michigan SOS site with ‘unofficial’ results. You have to scroll way down to the results by Congressional District.
On the Detroit news stations this morning they are saying that although he lost, Santorum might take at least half of the delegates - 2 delegates to the winner in each Congressional District. As of now, he has 5 of the 15. But a couple of others are close.
Ron Paul campaigned a lot here, filling college auditoriums with big crowds. He got an impressive share of the vote in many districts. And Newt never campaigned in Michigan but his share of the conservative vote in some districts could have made the difference for Santorum (or maybe not).

http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/12PPR/12PPRall.html

[Chubby]

CentralCal, I believe that restoring dignity to the WH is a very big thing, so that is something that needs to be largely magnified, imo.

[Jane]

Newt lost me over the Bain Capital thing. I've never quite gotten over it, altho I got close last week.

BTW Obama is about to announce he has gotten the Iranians to give up their nukes, which we all know is a lie. He really wants to get us all killed.

[Danube of Thought]

Jimmyk, every version of a flat tax that I have seen would still end up being progressive, which is fine with me. I, like Reagan, would like to see a system far less progressive than what we have now. But there is nothing heretical at all about the income tax being progressive.

And I oppose just about all uses of the tax code to bring about or support desired behavior.

[Porchlight]

I actually think he will be a much better president than candidate, and I think he will pay close attention to the Paul Ryans of the world.

Thank you Jane, that is something I can chew on.

[Captain Hate]

Exactly Porch; and when I found out about the cake incident I directed my ire at the immature fools on his staff that did it. I've already presented a reason for supporting Willard on this thread; I don't think whining about what h8ers I and my ilk are is very productive or a winning election strategy.

[(Another) Barbara]

My bedrock principle, Rick, is that he can win, and Santorum, Gingrich and Paul cannot. You can argue with my conclusion, but there it is, no matter how many polls you cite nor how many others disagree. I'm no Michael Barone, more's the pity, but I've spent years of my life studying what voters say and do, and my conviction in the matter is solid.

I'm not predicting he will win; it's going to be a very difficult uphill climb for him or for any Republican. But I want a reasonable chance to beat Obama.

Don't you think there's some irony in that yesterday, Michael Moore, Markos Moulistsas, a significant portion of Michigan Dems who crossed over and the majority of JOMers were all pulling for the same candidate to win?

[Ignatz]

--Don't you think there's some irony in that yesterday, Michael Moore, Markos Moulistsas, a significant portion of Michigan Dems who crossed over and the majority of JOMers were all pulling for the same candidate to win?--

They could all be wrong.
They have shown no small talent for being wrong on every other issue.

[MarkO]

A startling insight, (A)B. I found the robocalls to be Nixonian, desperate, and not of a Presidential temperament worthy of what we call here "the base."

[Ignatz]

--I'd be interested to know what specifically you think is better about him than Obama.--

Can't speak for Porch but his tax plan of a top rate of 28% and a corporate rate of 17.5% is alone enough to require a vote for Romney over the higher-tax-fixated, class warfare Barry.

[Porchlight]

Don't you think there's some irony in that yesterday, Michael Moore, Markos Moulistsas, a significant portion of Michigan Dems who crossed over and the majority of JOMers were all pulling for the same candidate to win?

By my count, the majority of JOMers who have stated a clear preference have chosen Romney, albeit reluctantly in many cases.

I'll resist responding to your attempt to smear the rest by association.

[Rick Ballard]

(A)B,

I do understand the moderates faith in electability and I appreciate the fact that yours is based upon close observation over a long period of time. I don't have any doubts about Romney winning, barring a successful exploitation of his manifest defects as outlined in the opposition research conducted for McCain (Thanks SWarren!) and notwithstanding the fact that Obama's operatives have had four years to deepen and broaden research into factors which will play out much more loudly and effectively than the occupooper noise. I also don't have any concerns about Santorum's ability to prevail, should he be the nominee.

Obama is a known quantity and a noted failure. There is no evidence whatsoever that the muddle is considering giving him a second chance and no historical record of an incumbent recovering from this level of approval ratings.

I do understand that Governor Romney sleeps with a copy of Al Davis Reflections Upon Ethics and Sportsmanship under his pillow but that's actually not a compendium of bedrock principles. Honest.

[Captain Hate]

I don't think I've ever referred to Santorum as anything but a sub-standard candidate who might align with me on certain issues but is mainly annoying. Others surely feel differently which is why we have a process in place to choose the nominee which isn't nearly over and needs to play out no matter how offensive it might be to fans of Romney.

[Porchlight]

A startling insight, (A)B.

So startling, it came straight out of the new Romney ad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P36GyQt4AgM

[Danube of Thought]

--I'd be interested to know what specifically you think is better about him than Obama.--

He'll repeal Obamacare. Nothing--nothing whatsoever--is more important than that.

[ME]

Jane,

I hope you're right about Romney's governing philosophy. (I didn't know that he believed in *anything*.) I do think he's more electable than Santorum, but that's not saying much. I don't see how Romney can appeal to downscale voters, especially if he keeps committing unforced errors like those comments about NASCAR owners and Cadillacs.

Which brings me to my bleg, which does relate to our hopes for the general election:

If anyone is interested in protecting conscience rights for both individuals and institutions against the depradations of Sebelius's mandates, please call and write to your senator as soon as possible, and ask him or her to vote for Amendment 1520. The Senate is scheduled to vote on Sen. Blunt's Respect for Rights of Conscience Act tomorrow, in the form of an amendment to the Transportation Authorization Bill. The switchboard for Congress is (202) 224-3121.

Obviously, we would (or I would, anyway) prefer to get the mandate either repealed or ruled unconstitutional. And I know that most of you don't particularly care about Catholic institutions as such. But as a tactical matter, Republicans should try to protect individual conscience rights, even if they fail in this particular effort -- at least if we agree that the most important priority is electing ABO in November. For the general election, we need to get swingstate Catholics to see that this fight is not just about contraception or sterilization; it's not even about abortion. Religious freedom and freedom of conscience are the first of our rights as Americans. Blunt's amendment shouldn't be necessary, but it's a small step in the right direction. LUN for an easy way to email your congressman.

Okay -- off my soapbox now. Hope you'll forgive me for all that.

[Danube of Thought]

Count me as a JOMer who is a very reluctant Romney supporter. For me he's the clear choice from a horrible field.

[Cecil Turner]

Well, I for one am tired of the Mitt propagandists trying to convince me of a load of stuff that's obviously false. And perhaps to allay my fears on the main issue of the day: are we going to begin to pare back runaway government spending (driven by entitlement growth), or fiddle while Rome burns?

Don't tell me carp like Mitt balanced the budget without raising taxes: his "loophole closures" on business are nearly identical to Obama's latest proposal to do the same to oil companies . . . and at best it kicks the can down the road for another election cycle. Ditto with the ridiculous proposition that Obamacare would be okay if it were being done at the state level. Let me know he learned something from that fiasco, and is committed to something besides taking office.

I don't want to have to choose between the architect of Obamacare or the one who implemented it. Nor do I have any patience for who sent whom a cake, or who told whom to give back his paycheck first or last. I'd like to know the GOP candidate learned something about fiscal insolvency . . . and not just that you can make a buck turning a failing business around.

[Danube of Thought]

Good ad.

[MarkO]

Well, I didn't know about the Romney ad, but it's chillling to know that Democrats voted for Santorum and not because of their conservative principles. I saw no mention of JOM, darn.

If, however, the comments here are reflective of the GOP at large, our internecine divisions may force me out of rehab. Without intending offense the principles of any, this is seems to me to be a time to vote AGAINST a candidate, Obama.

[Captain Hate]

Ok Rick, you're always good at pointing out the strategery that the numbskulls miss. What about this: http://www.redstate.com/erick/2012/02/29/the-senate-gops-strategy-to-lose/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[jimmyk]

I can recall people on the left in 1980 (and 1976) hoping for a Reagan nomination because they were so sure he'd be unelectable. I'm not going to go by what Michael Moore and his ilk think.

If I were convinced that Romney were significantly more electable than Newt or Rick I would happily support him, given the latter two are hardly paragons of conservative economic policies. I'm not convinced of that at all, but I will certainly vote for him if he's the nominee.

For what it's worth, my working definition of fnork is one who never believes that a strong conservative can win over the independents with compelling arguments, and instead always prefers a moderate who attacks the conservatives from the left.

I'm not so sure that Newt or Rick have that strength, but even if they did, it wouldn't stop the fnork from being afraid of their own shadow. No disrespect intended for anyone here, since I do understand that Rick and Newt are not ideal conservatives.

[Ignatz]

This strikes me as the primaries:

And here is the general;

[MarkO]

"my working definition of fnork is one who never believes that a strong conservative can win over the independents with compelling arguments"

I'd love to believe that all right thinking people would experience the conservative epiphany, but it does not appear to have happened. In fact, those in this primary who are labeled "srtong conservatives" have not won over even the biased members of the GOP who are willing to go out to the caucuses and the primaries to vote. Those are the hard core party members. If they won't come unto the "strong conservatives," I find it hard to extrapolate that independents will flock to them.

Don't we have to win with the hand we're dealt?

[Porchlight]

Without intending offense the principles of any, this is seems to me to be a time to vote AGAINST a candidate, Obama.

Absolutely. I think JOMers are and have been united in that purpose. To my knowledge everyone here is publicly committed to ABO. That is why some of us get a little ticked off when it is suggested that we are not.

[MarkO]

Fearsome, Iggy, fearsome. Where's that damned handle?

[Danube of Thought]

That's a good definition of the fnork. Note that it has nothing at all to do with any "establishment."

[Gus]

Good Morning Danube.

I have to correct you. Nixon was only nominated twice 68 and 72.

History began in August of '61

[Captain Hate]

Who hired and fired Michael Steele? That's the "establishment".

[Chubby]

((That is why some of us get a little ticked off when it is suggested that we are not. ))

I think that if someone is ABO they should be able to enunciate positive specific reasons that meet their subjective wishlist as to why all the A's, not just one or two of them, are better than Obama. I'm very glad that Jane gave you some ideas about Mitt that you found substantive enough to ponder.

[Gus]

The Republican establishment is happy to be "in the game". Winning is reserved for their personal campaigns or their access to the choicest cocktail parties.
What intelligent Strategist would really believe that McCain or Dole could have won?
On the other hand, the LIBTARD PARTY fights tooth and nail for their Statist Agenda. What else could explain David Brock being given millions to slime Republicans and anything that is anti-statist.

[AliceH]

My driving philosophy:

I do not believe that the solution to our problem is simply to elect the right people. The important thing is to establish a political climate of opinion which will make it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing. Unless it is politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing, the right people will not do the right thing either, or it they try, they will shortly be out of office. Milton Friedman

From the LUN "What we need to do is nominate the most conservative candidates possible and then relentlessly hold their feet to the fire. "

[Captain Hate]

In fact, those in this primary who are labeled "srtong conservatives" have not won over even the biased members of the GOP who are willing to go out to the caucuses and the primaries to vote.

Perry was supposed to be the "electable" conservative candidate but he was just terrible in the debates; making constant unforced errors. Whether that was because of him not having fully recovered from back surgery or something else, he torpedoed himself badly. Bachmann was supposed to be another conservative choice but she really wasn't ready for this type of exposure; or maybe she's just not as good as some people think she is.

I and a few others here wanted to vote for Palin but that didn't happen for whatever reason.

[MarkO]

Is it time to move to Montana?

"[The state fund investigators] are flat wrong in their belief that this sort of surveillance and information gathering does not implicate constitutional rights because “a person has no privacy expectation for what he or she does in plain view in public.” Montanans do retain expectations of privacy while in public. And Montanans do not reasonably expect that state government, in its unfettered discretion and without a warrant, is recording and aggregating their everyday activities and public movements in a manner which enables the State to ascertain and catalog their political and religious beliefs, their sexual habits, and other private aspects of identity."

[Porchlight]

Don't we have to win with the hand we're dealt?

Yes. But I think the argument is that the fnork has disproportionate influence over which cards are dealt, by indicating support for one particular card before the game begins, thus encouraging other cards to exit (or not enter) the deck altogether.

(Apologies for stretching the metaphor beyond all recognition.)

[Danube of Thought]

OK--Terps at Heels, 7:00 eastern.

[jimmyk]

Thanks, Alice. I'm always happy to hear Milton Friedman on just about anything. That's probably the best reason not to be too concerned about Romney and to focus on the "political climate," to make sure whoever wins is clear on the consequences of lurching left.

[Porchlight]

I think that if someone is ABO they should be able to enunciate positive specific reasons that meet their subjective wishlist as to why all the A's, not just one or two of them, are better than Obama.

I guess I don't. I think ABO should be sufficient and it's best not to poke people unnecessarily, at least not until the primary dust settles. But, I appreciate the conversation that your question prompted.

[Danube of Thought]

"Who hired and fired Michael Steele? That's the 'establishment.'"

The RNC did. And it has very little power, whether it is the establishment or not.

[Gus]

We KNOW what LIBTARDS stand for.
YOUR MONEY.
TAKING YOUR LIBERTY.
Handing the aforementioned to THEIR VOTING BASE.
What is the REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.
Who speaks for the REPUBLICAN PLATFORM or Republican issues.
Debbie Wassholeman-Schlitz goes on TV with the LIBTARD CONCENSUS talking points on a daily basis.
REINCE PREIBUS (from here in Wisconsin), does a good job of fund raising, BUT, who speaks for Conservatives???? Where's the Beef?

[NK]

Dear All-- these are the type of numbers that will sink Obama in November -- 2011 REAL household inflation for standard household goods and services was 8+%; it will be worse in 2012 because of fuel prices(see link below). Jobs? is Joe and Jane public raking it in? no-- income is flatish, and costs going up -- the families of America are not happy. What will Obama sell them for votes? -- I killed Osama, and Bush-Hitler! and Mitt is an evil capitalist!!-- NO SALE. Is Mitt a doctrinaire conservative =-- No. And that's probably a good thing, but he won't BS us to intonational bankruptcy-- Barry will. The Indy voters will be fine voting for that. http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/study-everyday-consumer-goods-81-percent/401146

[Danube of Thought]

"that didn't happen for whatever reason"

Reason no. 1 is that she didn't run.

[jimmyk]

If they won't come unto the "strong conservatives," I find it hard to extrapolate that independents will flock to them.

That's why I stipulated that Newt and Rick aren't necessarily so strong. But they've also split the conservative vote--between them they've generally outpolled Romney.

But again, I was talking about a hypothetical strong conservative, from whom the fnork would also run. I recognize that Newt and Rick are flawed, though I happen to think they are probably strong enough to win the general.

[Captain Hate]

OK--Terps at Heels, 7:00 eastern

I'm catching some music tonight so I'll miss it; I don't have much hope for it anyway since this is a rebuilding season.

Milton Friedman has the rare ability to make me feel positive about our current plight and its possible resolution. I think part of El JEFe's strategy is to hit us with so much anti-American garbage on a daily basis that it gets us numb to the situation.

[NK]

jimmyK-- you're flat wrong about Newt-- he is an 'ugly' man and a very unatractive candidate. Waaaay to many Indies would stay home and not vote for Newt.

[Captain Hate]

Reason no. 1 is that she didn't run.

I should probably regard your "this happens in a vacuum" answers with more amusement than irritation.

[Gus]

Capn' Hate, I'm from MD. originally, and my Dad lives in NC. I usually lose this bet.

[Chubby]

((Waaaay to many Indies would stay home and not vote for Newt.))

do you really think that if they are voting their pocketboots, per your earlier post, they give a hoot what the candidate looks like? looking like an elder statesman could be an asset not a detriment

[Porchlight]

But again, I was talking about a hypothetical strong conservative, from whom the fnork would also run.

In my opinion, the fact that a weak candidate like Santorum ever got this far - and that he and Newt have together outpolled Romney - is indication that jimmyk's hypothetical strong conservative would have run away with this race, due to the climate and to Romney's weaknesses.

The question is why that candidate didn't run. I happen to believe that it was made clear to everyone that it was Romney's Turn this year and if they wanted a shot, try for VP or wait until 2016 or risk getting the Palin treatment from your own party.

The slate we got is the people who decided to go for it in the face of that opposition. Pawlenty was going for VP, hence the early dropout and toss to Romney. The rest, I can't say, but the quality speaks for itself. They all made a boatload of mistakes. The significant thing is that Romney still wasn't a very strong frontrunner even in that bunch.

[Captain Hate]

Where are you from, Gus? I'm in Ohio now but I come from Laurel. Things will be good in the future under Mark Turgeon but he came into a fairly threadbare situation.

[Danube of Thought]

It wasn't in a vacuum. She looked at public attitudes toward her and decided she'd rather run around the country on her bus. Her decision, no one else's.

[rse]

Does anyone else think that part of what the fnork is protecting is the decidedly Corporatist economic focus being pushed over free enterprise?

It feels like the Dems see it as a steeping stone and the Fnork just want to take care of their friends via the public coffers. I think that is part of what makes the Tea Party such a threat. It denies the legitimacy of the trough.

I got an update from a law school classmate who is a legislator and regards himself as conservative. He introduced his staff and their backgrounds. When your staff has degrees in public policy or political science, they have basically been studying how to use the levers of government to plan economies and redirect the nature of society. Yet these conservative legislators and other politicians do not seem to recognize their staffs have fundamentally different mindsets about the role of government vs the constituency that elected them.

[Jane]

I just got a second email in 2 days from a MA liberal who asked me who to vote for in the primary. (That means they are "unenrolled" but always vote liberal). I'm surprised at both turn arounds. OTOH and third liberal business owner just sent me an email full of "tea bagger" bumperstickers so I guess it is not unanimous. I guess people are finally talking politics.

I heard a very long Elizabeth Warren ad on the radio this morning where she was talking about Her and Obama's mission to save us from those who want to steal our contraception. It was absolutely ridiculous by any standard.

[centralcal]

If Mitt cured cancer tomorrow there'd be posts here about how he probably sold his soul to do it...

I have a bit of a lump in my throat, because the phrase in bold is mine - twice used: once in a comment on these threads way back early in the primary season and afterward in a long (and probably not well written) personal email between me and (A)B discussing that and other topics.

No doubt "sold his soul" is hyperbole and I should have found a better way of expressing my doubts about Romney's "bedrock principles."

[rse]

Just saw that Davy Jones of The Monkees has died of a heart attack.

66

It was a silly TV show but very entertaining. I always hoped he was as charming as he seemed.

[Captain Hate]

Sure DoT; there's a reason why everybody knows who Gabby Giffords is and you'd have a hard time finding anybody who recognizes John Roll, the Repub judge who was murdered in the same attack. It's because the Dems rally around their people while the Repubs don't do a damn thing. But keep pretending that they're a standup party who looks out for their members and is welcoming to all; it's very amusing.

[Dave (in MA)]

I'm catching some music tonight so I'll miss it;

Anybody good?

[Ignatz]

--The question is why that candidate didn't run.--

A bigger question IMO is 'who is that candidate'?
Palin despite her undeniable strengths was only a gov for half a term.
Ryan is only a congressman.
Most of the Repub governors seem less than stellar.
Both parties seem to be quite thin in actual political talent at the moment.

[narciso]

I would settle for a Nixon, yes he was ruthless, but he knew who the wrong people that needed to be challenged, Nixon and more
importantly Ailes ability to tap that vein
of resentment was what set Jo McGuinness off
originally. Yes he backslid subsequently with
all the Rockefeller democrat import. Romney doesn't evince that understanding of what's really at stake

[Porchlight]

I'm sorry to hear about Davy Jones. RIP. The show was goofy but they made some great music.

[Gus]

Captain, I'm from Hagerstown.

[jimmyk]

The question is why that candidate didn't run.

If you mean Palin, she may have been too damaged by the unfair attacks on her, or just gun shy about going through that again. But the reason no other emerged is because the really strong candidates are all a few years away--people like Ryan, Walker, West, even Christie who isn't so conservative but still would be more compelling. And the reason for that is that the Tea Party and the reaction against Obamanism is only a couple years old. The old guard squishes haven't been able to figure out how to pivot.

And if anyone's wondering, I'm not persuaded by Daniels or Pawlenty.

[centralcal]

In 2008, I was very dismayed about McCain and actually was rooting for Romney then.

In 2008, I didn't recognize that I was in the pot, simmering on low heat (along with the rest of the country) and that it had been going on for a very long time.

In, 2009, 2010, 2011 and now, I realized the heat under that pot was turned up to a full roiling boil.

In 2012, I don't want someone to come along and merely turn the heat down to the simmer stage again. I was hoping for someone to turn it "off."

[marlene]

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District ME) has entered the Senate race. Former Gov.John Baldacci(D) is also considering.Looks like the Democrats are going to have an interesting primary in Maine.

[Captain Hate]

Anybody good?

Probably; a bud of mine who keeps his ear to the ground on non-improv things called me on Sunday about this. Her name is Eilen Jewell if Porch or anybody else has heard of her.

[Captain Hate]

Per Tammy Bruce the number of mosques in the US has expanded (exploded was the word she used) by 74% since 9/11

[AliceH]

I don't want to sound too flippant here, but I'm getting the distinct impression that most of objections to this candidate or that, this tactic or that, really seem to boil down to angry objections to evidence that politicians are engaging in politics.

[narciso]

Yes, that's the ticket, facepalm to infinity;

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/gop-congressman-we-need-put-forward-someone-equal-integrity-obama

[Captain Hate]

It's all part of the process, AliceH.

[Dave (in MA)]

Cap'n, I checked out of her youtubes; sound like some good roots/Americana music with a pretty crackin' band. Dave Alvin territory with a softer edge.

[Jack is Back!]

Hey, Hey, I'm a Believer.

Davy Jones of Monkee fame is dead at 66.

He was from Manchester. Wonder if he knew Peter?

Talking music, I just downloaded the December release of Dave Brubeck Quartet's "Their Last Time Out", put it on my iPhone and went for a long bike ride down to Flagler Beach. Boy was that some great stuff by those guys. Joe Morelo's solo riff on For Drummers Only is as good as anytihng Max Roach or Philly Joe Jones has ever thrown out there. Desmond is still the silkist saw technician I have ever heard. No breathing gimmicks on the reed and fingering. Pure finger drumming tempo. Highly recommend it. Oh, and Dave and Eugene Wright were on top of their games.

I really miss those guys.

[Dave (in MA)]

Mosques don't have to get permission from the EPA.

[Jack is Back!]

::saw:: = ::sax:: Grrrrrrrrr! Spell check.

[Danube of Thought]

"But keep pretending that they're a standup party who looks out for their members and is welcoming to all; it's very amusing."

I don't pretend anything at all about the party; it's really just a collection of individuals of reasonably--but obviously not totally--like minds. I don't know what the party was supposed to do about the judge, nor do I know of anything that the Democratic party did to popularize Gabby Giffords.

What I insist, and will continue to insist, is that if you want to be president you have to cause a lot of people to want to vote for you notwithstanding a hostile press and regular attacks from your competitors.. Very few can even come close. When a person we prefer is not up to the task, it is pointless and futile to fix the blame on shadowy Dark Forces wielding power behind the scenes. You can either get the votes or you can't.

[narciso]

Part of the Fnork brigade,

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/28/opinion/brooks-the-possum-republicans.html?_r=3

[Gus]

Integrity like Obama.
Wright,
Pfleger,
Acorn
Rezko,
Occupoooop
Matching funds,
Disrespecting the Supreme court at State of Union address,
Ripping Ryan as he sat in the first row,
Unions visiting the White House then ripping of GM Bond Holders.
Forced FREE CONTRACEPTIVES from INSURANCE Co's.
HOLDER
HOLDER
HOLDER.

Who the F@#$ does Jason Chaffetz think he's fooling.

Douchebag is too nice of a word.

Obama is scum. Communist Dishonest scum.

But he has a nice family. Especially his windbag wife who was never proud of her country before. YEP, REAL NICE FAMILY.
Does Chaffetz include the DRUNKCLE in MASS??

[Melinda Romanoff]

JiB-

His Last Set At Newport is a good one as well.

Features Gerry Mulligan.

[Sue]

Oh noes. Davy Jones is dead? He was definitely a heart throb back when he was a heart throb.

Take the last train to Clarksville and I'll meet you at the station..."

Although I think I remember Mickey singing that song, not Davy...I'm a Believer...

[Dave (in MA)]

Heartthrob's Heart Throbs No More would make a good Fark headline, but I already submitted Hey, Hey, He's Dead.

[Captain Hate]

nor do I know of anything that the Democratic party did to popularize Gabby Giffords.

It's pointless to respond to this. Or anything subsequent.

[Porchlight]

Her name is Eilen Jewell if Porch or anybody else has heard of her.

Afraid not, but I really don't keep up these days. Love Dave Alvin.

[Captain Hate]

How to deal with the MFM: http://bigjournalism.com/chartsock/2012/02/29/exclusive-okeefe-files-suit-against-al-gores-current-tv-keith-olbermann-david-shuster/

[Ignatz]

--Love Dave Alvin.--

His solo career pretty much died after the Chipmunks didn't it?

[Ignatz]

--Heartthrob's Heart Throbs No More would make a good Fark headline, but I already submitted Hey, Hey, He's Dead.--

Surely there's a Davey Jone's locker one to be written.

[narciso]

Yes, accusing someone of accessory to murder, while the real culprit and his enablers were shunted off stage, and the she had the nerve
to defend herself and the Tea Party, as Tpaw
the Brave put it, 'I would have used different
words' the fellow behind the junk food police.

[Dave (in MA)]

David Bowie can have his name back now.

[Porchlight]

His solo career pretty much died after the Chipmunks didn't it?

Bite your tongue, Iggy! Here, check this out:

Dave Alvin - Fourth of July

[centralcal]

In other news per Breitbart:

Conservative filmmaker James O’Keefe filed suit for defamation this morning against Al Gore’s CurrentTV, as well as “Countdown” host Keith Olbermann and guest host David Shuster, for falsely referring to O’Keefe as a “convicted felon” and falsely reporting that O’Keefe had been accused of rape.

The reason I bolded Shuster is this coming across on Twitter (a retweet by Jim Treacher):

David Shuster ‏ @DavidShusterCorrection; when reporting on James Okeefe's arrest, I misspoke and said OKeefe is a convicted felon. He's not. I apologize for the error.

-------

LMAO. Scurry, scurry, little vermin, now that you are being sued!

[Danube of Thought]

It seems self-evident to me, CH, that a vivacious congresswoman who survives a bullet to the head and is involved in an ongoing struggle to recover is a much more compelling story than a permanently dead judge, regardless of the political party of either.

What was the GOP supposed to do to keep the judge's story in the news?

[Ignatz]

--Bite your tongue, Iggy!--

Just kidding Porch. 'Marie, Marie' by the Blasters is one of my all time faves.
Think I'll play it right now, AAMOF.

[NK]

RIP- Davy Jones. For someone born in 1957, the Monkees show was a hoot. And guess what-- they covered alot of catchy tunes that are still good to this day. Born in Manchester UK, died in Fla. RIP.