Thread Below the Gardening Thread [Y-not]

For those of you who want to talk about politics, here's some fodder.

The Tax Foundation has a handy resource for comparing the candidates' tax reform proposals. If you want to glean how their policies would affect your bottom line, the Tax Policy Center has done some data-crunching. Their work has been used to create a couple of handy tools.

The tool at the International Business Times allows you to estimate your new taxes under each candidates' proposals by plugging in your current pre-tax and after-tax annual income (or by selecting your income percentile).

A more convenient widget based on the same Tax Policy Center data is here. Interestingly, although the Tax Policy Center and Vox are both left-leaning outfits (and so if there is a bias in the "tax calculators" it would be expected to hurt the GOP candidates), there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth about their tax calculator widget by Progressives. Kind of funny.

In any event, when I used these two widgets (IBT's and Vox's) I found the Y-not household would fare best under Ted Cruz's plan. (You can read about the more controversial portion of his plan here.) According to these calculators, we'd get ahead on Trump's plan as well. Hillary's plan would (supposedly) leave our taxes unchanged.

Finally, the effects of Bernie Sanders' tax plan on our household income are best-described here:

YMMV.

By the way, last night while I was waiting for the candidates (and their surrogates) to speak at the Milwaukee GOP dinner, I caught CSPAN-3's broadcast of a 1980 Reagan vs GHW Bush debate. (Reagan ate Bush's lunch, in case you wondered.) Here's a clip from that debate in which they're discussing tax cuts:

Open thread for politics etc.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 11:30 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Hello gardeners

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 11:30 AM (1J6E6)

2 With all the BS coming out of the primaries, my garden should do very well indeed this year.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 02, 2016 11:33 AM (r65B3)

3 We are the underminers, not gardeners.

For Hairy Reed, it's underminors.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 02, 2016 11:33 AM (u82oZ)

4 Seed plantings are not showing much ( peppers, green beans, dill,) only lettuce and spinach are growing. Don't know if it's a temperature problem other time. Saw my oregano is finally growing just a short while ago

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 11:34 AM (1J6E6)

5 Ohhhhhhhhhh, now I have to type all this agaiiiiiin

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 11:35 AM (1J6E6)

6 Heh Skip.

Or cut and paste.

Posted by: SMFH while circling the drain... at April 02, 2016 11:35 AM (rlfds)

7 Sometimes it doesn't pay to be so quick

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 11:36 AM (1J6E6)

8 Gardening thread will go up at 12:30, I think.

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at April 02, 2016 11:38 AM (93CuU)

9 Saw the government was thinking of going after North Carolina for gender separation in public restrooms. Please tell me this crap will stop under any Republican.

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 11:38 AM (1J6E6)

10 Hello, non-gardeners!

Posted by: fluffy at April 02, 2016 11:39 AM (2hcmo)

11 I was just shown how to copy by my cousin on this tablet but haven't tried it out yet.

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 11:39 AM (1J6E6)

12 And yet Reagan accepted that patrician buffoon as his VP and that patrician bufoon proceeded to squander and throw away the Reagan legacy as soon as he could.

The Bush family has been a blight on this republic.

The one public service Trump has performed is preventing Jeb from being anywhere near the White House although with the coming contested convention it's not outside the realm of possibility that Jebs plan of losing the primary only to win the nomination coming true.

Posted by: Kreplach at April 02, 2016 11:40 AM (RfwXt)

13 My lawn and garden will be under snow until Wednesday, so I am sitting it out.

Posted by: fluffy at April 02, 2016 11:41 AM (2hcmo)

14 Ok I'll start again.

Hello grumblers!

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 11:42 AM (1J6E6)

15 it's not outside the realm of possibility that Jebs plan of losing the primary only to win the nomination coming true.

People all over America want more Bush!

Posted by: fluffy at April 02, 2016 11:43 AM (2hcmo)

16
Saw the government was thinking of going after North Carolina for gender separation in public restrooms. Please tell me this crap will stop under any Republican.
Posted by: Skip

I could tell you that. But it probably wouldn't be true.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at April 02, 2016 11:44 AM (FkBIv)

17 I'm paid with tax dollars. So for my future interests it is all about the Laffer curve overall and getting the economy moving by also slashing some idiot regulations so there can be money for the government to collect a share of. Its a great pity that most of my coworkers think voting for an economy killing socialist democrat is better for "science" funding.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 02, 2016 11:45 AM (3kUGE)

18 Taxes, ugh. What a nightmare. Digging through correspondence for documents which the institutions may or may not have even bothered to send.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 02, 2016 11:45 AM (6FqZa)

19 @9

It most certainly will not.

The GOP is a fraudulent political party and appendage of the democrat party and with the progressives buried like ticks in the administrative state as well as the judiciary it's all on auto-pilot.

It will only end when the existing political order and reality is destroyed.

Posted by: Kreplach at April 02, 2016 11:46 AM (RfwXt)

20 The gope forced Reagan to eat the Bushburger.

gope gotta gope, yo.

This year the gope is using Cruz and Kasich to stop Trump.

It that works, they will then pay Kasich his reward (a stunning set of very rare Pez dispensers) and betray Cruz.

Posted by: eman at April 02, 2016 11:48 AM (MQEz6)

21 GHW Bush, at least, was a communist. His "points of light" graffiti with which he festooned the DC pavement is proof enough of that. He'd be sure to call himself a supporter of civil rights, progress, and social justice but when you honour WEB DuBois, you're a commie.

That family should be stripped of citizenship and forced to reapply at the end of the queue.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 02, 2016 11:48 AM (6FqZa)

22 NY Slimes editorial board is scared shitless that #NeverTrump would nominate Cruz whom they hate just as much, so they "help" the GOP by begging them to push Kasich

http://tinyurl.com/jtysutl

Posted by: kbdabear at April 02, 2016 11:52 AM (YMXRm)

23 I think the gope has decided it will be Ryan/Haley.

Posted by: eman at April 02, 2016 11:53 AM (MQEz6)

24 For all the hand wriggling leftists are doing over a possible Trump nomination, what are they going to do if Ted is picked?

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 11:56 AM (1J6E6)

25 I think the gope has decided it will be Ryan/Haley.

"The man who gave Obama everything he wanted."

That would really piss me off, making me agree with lefties.

Posted by: fluffy at April 02, 2016 11:57 AM (2hcmo)

26
I think the gope has decided it will be Ryan/Haley.

Posted by: eman at April 02, 2016 11:53 AM (MQEz6)

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

Of course, what a fresh and bold idea! Paul Ryan listens to AC/DC and talks so smartly and forthright. And the lovely Nikki Haley is woman, so will induce so many women to vote for her! Also the dark-skinned people like Chicago Black Men and Mexican-Californians will love this lovely, dark-skinned lady with her smiles and dimples!

Welcome to this winning fashion pair!

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 11:57 AM (5o5ek)

27 I knew on 9/11 that this nation was going to change quickly. But I didn't realize the direction of that change. When one thinks about it, it's breathtaking what's happened since then.

Posted by: Soona at April 02, 2016 11:57 AM (Fmupd)

28 That sidebar bit on Trump and the convention is like a news item about a man being bitten by a dog. The GOPe hates and fears Trump, so yeah if he doesn't roll in there with a clear larger-than-majority, he's just out. They'll flush him like yesterday's waste and grin like they've accomplished some great triumph, even if he comes in with the bare required number of delegates.

Personally, I consider this a good test of the man's ability to do the job. They're going to cheat, fight, finagle, and trick their way to destroying his chances, and he needs to show he's this super negotiator he keeps claiming to be, just to survive the first round of votes. If he can do it: okay, maybe he's the man for the job. If he can't then he's all just show and a bad hairdo.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 02, 2016 11:57 AM (39g3+)

29 From the last thread:

173
It's true that most criminals have poor impulse control, and seem to be incapable of understanding the consequences of their actions. In my opinion the Coen Brothers do a great job of illustrating this in their movies.
Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 11:09 AM (sdi6R)

The criminals in Fargo were exactly what I had in mind when I wrote that, although the Coens have depicted it in other movies as well.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 11:57 AM (sdi6R)

30 what are they going to do if Ted is picked?

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 11:56 AM (1J6E6)
-----------------------

Jump for joy. What states will he take that Romney didn't?

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 11:58 AM (5o5ek)

31 Re: the tax widget.

My taxable income this year barely tops $30K, yet my taxes would double under the Bernie plan. Nice.

Posted by: Spiny Norman at April 02, 2016 11:58 AM (T+2Uk)

32 @30
Wisconsin

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at April 02, 2016 11:59 AM (93CuU)

33 I wonder if this should be the masthead for each politically themed post?

http://www.ufunk.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/selection-du-weekend-186-46.jpg

Posted by: Anna Puma at April 02, 2016 12:00 PM (kI1oQ)

34 >>>People all over America want more Bush!
.Posted by: fluffy at April 02, 2016 11:43 AM (2hcmo)<<<

A well tended shrubbery, please.

Donald did America a great service by pulling the curtain from the wizards of DC. We should thank him with some tremendously yuge, ego satisfying reward (not the presidency) and send him back to NY.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 12:01 PM (SEnIW)

35
I knew on 9/11 that this nation was going to change quickly. But I didn't realize the direction of that change. When one thinks about it, it's breathtaking what's happened since then.

Posted by: Soona at April 02, 2016 11:57 AM (Fmupd)
-----------------------

The lefties were better prepared and better able to take advantage of it than anyone else for sure.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 12:02 PM (5o5ek)

36 For all the hand wriggling leftists are doing over a possible Trump nomination, what are they going to do if Ted is picked?

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 11:56 AM (1J6E6)

If Trump loses to any Democratic nominee, then why all the Democratic money being spent to keep him from being the nominee?

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at April 02, 2016 12:03 PM (QPdNE)

37 That sidebar bit on Trump and the convention is like
a news item about a man being bitten by a dog. The GOPe hates and
fears Trump, so yeah if he doesn't roll in there with a clear
larger-than-majority, he's just out. They'll flush him like yesterday's
waste and grin like they've accomplished some great triumph...
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 02, 2016 11:57 AM (39g3+)
The Northeast GOP establishment has a long track record in this regard. They did the same to Grant in 1880. It took three floor votes to get the job done, though.

Posted by: Spiny Norman at April 02, 2016 12:04 PM (T+2Uk)

38 Donald did America a great service by pulling the curtain from the wizards of DC. We should thank him with some tremendously yuge, ego satisfying reward (not the presidency) and send him back to NY.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 12:01 PM (SEnIW)
------------------------

How will Trumpism survive without Trump? If the GOPe destroys Trump, they'll puff their chests and consider it an ideological victory, not a slimy tactical one.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 12:04 PM (5o5ek)

39 Okay, why aren't the italics working for me?

Posted by: Spiny Norman at April 02, 2016 12:04 PM (T+2Uk)

40 A well tended shrubbery, please.

And a second one, slightly smaller, to give it a split level effect!

Posted by: Then Knights who say Ni at April 02, 2016 12:04 PM (2X7pN)

41 As things stand now, I'm still planning to vote for Trump in the PA primary on April 26, although I no longer believe he can win the general election. I have never believed that Cruz can. I can't think of any other possibility that is remotely acceptable to me.

If it's someone like Kasich, Ryan, Romney, or Bush, I will write in my cat's name.

Kira 2016! I can personally vouch that she was born in the U.S., and is over 35 in human years.

If elected, she pledges to spend most of her time sleeping and licking herself. And isn't that what we all want in a President?

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:06 PM (sdi6R)

42 My taxable income this year barely tops $30K, yet my taxes would double under the Bernie plan. Nice.

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

If Bernie, by some outside chance, gets the nom and wins the presidency, I'm quitting my job. It wouldn't make any sense to work.

Posted by: Soona at April 02, 2016 12:06 PM (Fmupd)

43
If elected, she pledges to spend most of her time sleeping and licking herself. And isn't that what we all want in a President?
Posted by: rickl

The one we have now is good at the licking part.
I wish he would sleep more.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at April 02, 2016 12:07 PM (FkBIv)

44 GOPe forces a brokered convention and we get a Sessions/Cotton ticket on the second vote when Cruz/Trump cut deals for a scotus seat and the contract to build the wall.

(I guess I should save my masturbatory fantasies for the ONT.)

Posted by: Jean at April 02, 2016 12:07 PM (w5jBN)

45 I heard Paul Ryan's primary challenger on the radio yesterday... he's a former supporter who is so pissed off and feels so betrayed by Ryan that he's pretty much funding his own campaign. His name is Paul Nehlen and he's not a kook... he mentioned something that absolutely floored me: Paul Ryan has been in Congress for 20 YEARS. I really had no idea. 20 years! If you can't make any substantive progress in 20 years, then GTFO.

Posted by: Gem at April 02, 2016 12:08 PM (c+gwp)

46 >>>How will Trumpism survive without Trump?<<<

Trump is the offensive lineman, he made the hole for the man with the ball to make the yardage. Cruz will accomplish what Trump said he was going to do that he has now back tracked on.

Trump is an excellent lineman, not so good a running back.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 12:10 PM (SEnIW)

47 In Spanish, way south in Argentina and related areas, the term for "fans" or "supporters" or "partisans" like for those that follow this or that soccer team is "hinchas"

This is funny because the verb also translates as "swollen up" like a toad threatening the world.

Posted by: Kindltot at April 02, 2016 12:10 PM (aKchR)

48 45
Paul Ryan has been in Congress for 20 YEARS. I really had no idea. 20 years! If you can't make any substantive progress in 20 years, then GTFO.
Posted by: Gem at April 02, 2016 12:08 PM (c+gwp)

Becoming Speaker isn't progress?

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:11 PM (sdi6R)

49 All roads lead to GOPe.

Posted by: Biggus Dickus, GOP Chairman at April 02, 2016 12:11 PM (mL2BD)

50 If the establishment can deny Trump,they can and will deny Cruz as well.

Posted by: steevy at April 02, 2016 12:11 PM (B48dK)

51 I heard Paul Ryan's primary challenger on the radio yesterday... he's a former supporter who is so pissed off and feels so betrayed by Ryan that he's pretty much funding his own campaign.
---------------------

He finally got his website up. He is taking money so Imma send him $20.

paulnehlen.com

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 12:12 PM (5o5ek)

52 So in the 21st century, still no jet packs and flying cars, but google maps will show you where it is safe for dudes to go to the potty with little girls in NC.

So we've got that going for us.

Posted by: blaster at April 02, 2016 12:13 PM (2Ocf1)

53 The Dems most fear the one they most want the GOP to not nominate. If Cruz is the nominee there will be endless ads about how "Ted Cruz caused the government to shut down so he could push his extreme right wing agenda" and "Ted Cruz will slash spending on education and let poor children go hungry and without medical care in order to cut taxes for the rich."
They would love to see another G H W Bush type as the Repub nominee, because if he wins he'll end up giving the Dems at least 75 percent of what they want.
If Trump is the nominee, he will (I think and hope) repeatedly trash Hillery, and most of us know what his ads will cover.

Posted by: mallfly suPreme at April 02, 2016 12:13 PM (qSIlh)

54 Trump is an excellent lineman, not so good a running back.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 12:10 PM (SEnIW)
------------------

See #50.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 12:14 PM (5o5ek)

55 I am beginning to resent paying taxes to support layabouts. I may soon vigorously resent it.

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 12:14 PM (e3bId)

56 If the establishment can deny Trump,they can and will deny Cruz as well.

Guaranteed.

Once past the first ballot, what apparatchik is going to vote for anything but the Cartel?

Posted by: Biggus Dickus, GOP Chairman at April 02, 2016 12:14 PM (mL2BD)

57 Trump and Cruz both bring the same message: The gope is real and it is the enemy of the United States.

They phrase the message differently, but it is still one note.

The gope cannot abide either man. The gope can live with not getting the Prez Prize and losing the House and Senate, but it cannot accept or survive the truth spreading everywhere.

I support both men, Trump first then Cruz. The poor Cruz supporters need Cruz to win or need the gope to not betray Cruz either because they won't or because they can't.

They will and they can.

Posted by: eman at April 02, 2016 12:15 PM (MQEz6)

58 Evangels of truth, spiritual, political, or otherwise, are often in the position of ol' Johnny Appleseed. All you have the chance to do is plant the seeds. You have to rely on nature, experience, the Spirit, to do the rest. You won't be around for the harvest.

Posted by: mindful webworker - spread the word at April 02, 2016 12:15 PM (LtSaI)

59 "Ted Cruz will slash spending on education and let poor children go hungry and without medical care in order to cut taxes for the rich."

I knew I voted for him for a reason.

Posted by: Jean at April 02, 2016 12:16 PM (w5jBN)

60 Becoming Speaker isn't progress?
Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:11 PM (sdi6R)

From here it looked like Ryan became Speaker the same way penguins on an ice-flow determine if there are Orca in the water.

They start shoving until one falls in, then they look for thrashing and blood.

Posted by: Kindltot at April 02, 2016 12:18 PM (aKchR)

61 Becoming Speaker isn't progress?

For him. Not for us.

Posted by: Biggus Dickus, GOP Chairman at April 02, 2016 12:18 PM (mL2BD)

62 They start shoving until one falls in, then they look for thrashing and blood.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 02, 2016 12:18 PM (aKchR)

So, empirical.

Posted by: Jean at April 02, 2016 12:19 PM (w5jBN)

63 I don't think Trump must lose. In fact I think he can beat Hillary like a drum. He isn't suddenly worse on the War on Women front they have said the same things and worse about Cruz on abortion. All the ad copy is done they just drop in the name.

Posted by: blaster at April 02, 2016 12:19 PM (2Ocf1)

64 I'm hoping Cruz can pull off the straight delegate majority yet. Naysayers trumpet the "needs 80% of delegates remaining" But he only needs 50.1 % in 80% of the states or in Calif the districts, not 80% of the primary votes going forward. My concern is the Kasich voters who will cling to him and a brokered convention. If there is a brokered convention with a Dem lite selected I'm leaning towards going all in with American Constitution Party politically and in personal life eat drink and be merry until the socialists cause the global depression.

Posted by: PaleRider at April 02, 2016 12:21 PM (3kUGE)

65 Trump will stomp Hillary the same way he stomped Jeb.

Trump will bring the Benghazi Moms on stage.

"Hillary, these nice ladies have some questions for you."

Posted by: eman at April 02, 2016 12:21 PM (MQEz6)

66 Hell if it came to it Kasich will be for mandatory impregnation of all women.

Posted by: blaster at April 02, 2016 12:22 PM (2Ocf1)

67 61 Becoming Speaker isn't progress?

For him. Not for us.
Posted by: Biggus Dickus, GOP Chairman at April 02, 2016 12:18 PM (mL2BD)

My point exactly.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:22 PM (sdi6R)

68 The tax comparisons are helpful. Thanks.

Posted by: KT at April 02, 2016 12:24 PM (qahv/)

69 GOPe forces a brokered convention and we get a Sessions/Cotton ticket on the second vote when Cruz/Trump cut deals for a scotus seat and the contract to build the wall.
---------------

No, GOPe realizes it's intellectually and morally bankrupt and pulls the plug on itself. It gives all its assets to a triumvirate of Allen West, John Bolton, and Bo Derek and withdraws to a commune where it manufactures mojito umbrellas.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 12:24 PM (5o5ek)

70 re 59: I'm pretty sure Rush Limbaugh said the same thing about Gingrich and the Repubs in 1995... because they wanted to slow the growth of a school lunch program from 5.25 percent a year (for five years) to 4.75 percent.
Remember, a small decrease in the growth of a program the Dems support is "slashing."

Posted by: mallfly suPreme at April 02, 2016 12:24 PM (qSIlh)

71 Oh yeah, they'll block out Cruz and put in their latest RINO installment which will lose

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 02, 2016 12:25 PM (39g3+)

72 Trump will bring the Benghazi Moms on stage.

"Hillary, these nice ladies have some questions for you."

Posted by: eman at April 02, 2016 12:21 PM (MQEz6)
----------------------

The reality t.v. star can do reality.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 12:26 PM (5o5ek)

73 I would still vote for Cruz if he was the nominee, but I'm finding him increasingly distasteful. I think he's not as much of an outsider as he pretends to be. I don't trust him for a minute on immigration.

He's a first-term Senator who gives good speeches. That remind you of anyone?

And I think the mistresses are real. Note that he hasn't yet filed a defamation suit against the National Enquirer.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:28 PM (sdi6R)

74
69 GOPe forces a brokered convention and we get a Sessions/Cotton ticket on the second vote when Cruz/Trump cut deals for a scotus seat and the contract to build the wall.
---------------

No, GOPe realizes it's intellectually and morally bankrupt and pulls the plug on itself. It gives all its assets to a triumvirate of Allen West, John Bolton, and Bo Derek and withdraws to a commune where it manufactures mojito umbrellas.
Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 12:24 PM (5o5ek)

GOP Fap Fantasy Thread will become a Saturday staple, no doubt.

Let's see.. the gope casts off the spell cast long ago by evil wizards and clones Reagan and a T-Rex for him to ride. Reagan leads an army of dinosaurs and fembots on a crusade that liberates the entire world except Peruvia because shut up.

Posted by: eman at April 02, 2016 12:30 PM (MQEz6)

75 the GOP establishment members would be very happy if the Dems controlled both houses of Congress so long as the Repubs win the presidency half the time and so long as they get to go to White House parties and cash in on their connections. I somehow doubt Karl Rove's annual income went down very much in 2009-2010.

By the way, what are the odds Bill and Hill will keep collecting those fat speaking fees if she loses?

Posted by: mallfly suPreme at April 02, 2016 12:31 PM (qSIlh)

76 I'd save about 600/month under Cruz's ostensible plan. Also, can we get the government out of encouraging or discouraging behavior? The "most libertarian" candidate is into the holy rolling marriage incentives even though his tax is "flat".

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 12:32 PM (dx6bM)

77 Love the Fargo clip (one of my favorite movies)

I heard Ace and Drew discuss the movie in their podcast in reference to what a jack Kasich is.

No gardening for me today....more snow.

Posted by: bossybarb at April 02, 2016 12:33 PM (nPbaV)

78 Speaking of penguins...

I still haven't been able to figure out if it's an April Fool joke or not because this was linked yesterday on Political Clown Parade (c/o Likes.com, and it's a year old).

Australia's Oldest Man Knits Tiny Sweaters For Injured Penguins

Bored Panda
http://bit.ly/25CWsp4

Posted by: mindful webworker - but no pants! at April 02, 2016 12:33 PM (LtSaI)

79 Note that he hasn't yet filed a defamation suit against the National Enquirer.

I understand that the National Inquirer didn't actually claim that he had mistresses, but that there were allegations that he had mistresses. In which case, he couldn't win the case even if he could definitively prove that the allegations are false.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 02, 2016 12:33 PM (bZ7mE)

80
If it's not Cruz or Trump there will be a lot of angry people.
A lot of people angry for the same reason will coalesce into a viable force against the GOPe.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 12:33 PM (SEnIW)

81 79
I understand that the National Inquirer didn't actually claim that he had mistresses, but that there were allegations that he had mistresses. In which case, he couldn't win the case even if he could definitively prove that the allegations are false.
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 02, 2016 12:33 PM (bZ7mE)

OK, that's a good point.

I still think it's probably true. The National Enquirer has a pretty good track record with stories like these.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:36 PM (sdi6R)

82 Posted by: Grey Fox at April 02, 2016 12:33 PM (bZ7mE)

At least YOU understand that.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 12:37 PM (dx6bM)

83 If it's not Cruz or Trump there will be a lot of angry people.
A lot of people angry for the same reason will coalesce into a viable force against the GOPe.

They don't have to do anything.

Like show up at the voting booths.

Watch the bloodbath on down the ticket.

Because the only reason they've given to support them at that point is because they are just this >-< much less repellent than the Democrats. Simply not enough.

Posted by: Biggus Dickus, GOP Chairman at April 02, 2016 12:39 PM (mL2BD)

84 Ted doesn't have ghe negatives of Trump and Hildabeast is loosing more and more to Bernie the old Bolshavik.

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 12:39 PM (1J6E6)

85 Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:36 PM (sdi6R)

Yeah, we can assume that the MSM would be just as blinkered for "Mr. Conservative" as they would for Breck boy.

Good on ya fir conceding on the defamation point.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 12:40 PM (dx6bM)

86 For all the hand wriggling leftists are doing over a possible Trump nomination, what are they going to do if Ted is picked?

Move to Canada?

Posted by: Fox2! at April 02, 2016 12:40 PM (brIR5)

87 Right now the only two I'm accepting for Republican are Ted or I don't want him Trump. If we have gone through all these primaries and someone besides those two items won't be happy.

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 12:41 PM (1J6E6)

88
He's a first-term Senator who gives good speeches. That remind you of anyone?

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:28 PM (sdi6R)

Damn, you are right. Both Hill and Bern have more than one term as a senator.

I will have to re-arrange my pre-conceptions as to what qualifies someone to be be a decent conservative candidate for president.

Posted by: Kindltot at April 02, 2016 12:42 PM (aKchR)

89 In Cruz's defense, many women find power to be an aphrodisiac. Any man in his position probably has to beat them off with a stick. Saying no to a hot woman who is throwing herself at you is contrary to every male instinct. I get that.

But he portrays himself as devoutly religious, and nobody likes a hypocrite.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:44 PM (sdi6R)

90 rickl: The National Enquirer has a pretty good track record with stories like these.

Um... seriously, rickl? Cruz didn't sue Trump's pals att tabloid rag for "allegations have been made" so you think it's true?

And, one or two hits out of thousands of misses is a "pretty good track record"? Blind pig. Stopped (analog) clock.

Batboy of course was indisputable. And Prez Bush meeting with the gray extraterrestrial. (Or was that Weekly World News?) Elvis is, actually, working at the 7-11 in Minnesota. Hillary's bald because of the cancer. Marilyn is living with Bobby in South America. All true, all the time.

Posted by: mindful webworker - hollow earth! at April 02, 2016 12:47 PM (LtSaI)

91 Sick of hearing about the bathroom bullshit in NC. I'm ready for one big room with stalls for everyone and call it a day. Problem solved. Equality for all. Or the alternative no public restrooms for anyone. Someone decide.

Posted by: nckate at April 02, 2016 12:48 PM (A/qli)

92 >>>Damn, you are right. Both Hill and Bern have more than one term as a senator. <<<

And neither one of them has argued before the SCOTUS and won and won and won and won.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 12:48 PM (SEnIW)

93 Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:44 PM (sdi6R)

Which is why the MSM would've been all over it if they even got a whiff of it.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 12:49 PM (dx6bM)

94 >>I still think it's probably true. The National Enquirer has a pretty good track record with stories like these.

Really.

In addition to Cruz's 5, count 'em 5, affairs, so far this cycle the Enquirer has reported on Rubio's love child and Huckabee and a hooker which turned out to be a hooker in Vegas that turned up at one of his meet and greet fundraisers.

The Enquirer is totally in the tank for The Donald and even gave him their first every endorsement.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 02, 2016 12:50 PM (/tuJf)

95 Here is some stuff to chew on:

1. Erick Erickson says "Trump voters have failed at life". If you wonder why I don't give a crap about what happens to the GOP this is it. Once again why people are voting for Trump is because of people like Erickson (and Rove, etc.) Here is a deal: If Erickson and Rove go away, then Trump will probably go away.

2. Certain Big Corporations are boycotting North Carolina over the so called "Anti-Trans" bill. This is why I don't care what happens to certain big corporations in America anymore. This is why I am now fine with tariffs, forcing companies back home with fines, and heck even higher taxes on them. If these companies want America to be a progressive social paradise free of Christianity (but loaded with Islam and Leftism), they should be taxed and punished like a progressive economic paradise. Why are conservatives always defending big corporations from progressive tax policies who then do stuff like this? Also Conservative Christians better start organizing like the NRA and start boycotting companies that do this. It is the only way to get the message across.

3. Muslims (in this case Turks) are marching in Germany saying they are going to conquer Germany. A public broadcaster in Germany is telling critics of mass immigration that their time is over, and they must submit to the future.

So in conclusion: How is this struggle for the future of western civilization between progressives vs nationalist not going to end in violence? Even in America, how can any compromise be had with the progressive left without the complete cultural and structural gutting of America? If we don't compromise, the left will force us into a conflict at some point either by design, or more likely by their zealous incompetence. When that day comes I don't want the Paul Ryan's of this world leading our side.

Posted by: William Eaton at April 02, 2016 12:50 PM (q52Ma)

96 90
Batboy of course was indisputable. And Prez Bush meeting with the gray extraterrestrial. (Or was that Weekly World News?) Elvis is, actually, working at the 7-11 in Minnesota. Hillary's bald because of the cancer. Marilyn is living with Bobby in South America. All true, all the time.
Posted by: mindful webworker - hollow earth! at April 02, 2016 12:47 PM (LtSaI)

I think Batboy was Weekly World News. The National Enquirer broke the stories of Gary Hart's, John Edwards', and Jesse Jackson's extramarital affairs.

Doing the job the MSM won't do.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:51 PM (sdi6R)

97
By the way, what are the odds Bill and Hill will keep collecting those fat speaking fees if she loses?

Posted by: mallfly suPreme at April 02, 2016 12:31 PM (qSIlh)
------------------------

Zero. They're not speaking fees; they're shakedown payments and bribes.

Fun follow-up: Will anyone want their money back if she isn't elected?

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 12:51 PM (5o5ek)

98 He's a first-term Senator who gives good speeches. That remind you of anyone?

You mean the devoted Christian, praised by his law professors, who has successfully argued Constitutional cases before the Supreme Court, thoughtful and reflective off-the-cuff speaker, compares to the ~~communist~~ community organizer who even Rev Wright doesn't think is seriously religious, the occasional anti-Constitutional lecturer that no classmates can remember, who can barely speak without a teleprompter?

Totes the same, yah.

Posted by: mindful webworker - indistinguishable at April 02, 2016 12:55 PM (LtSaI)

99 80. I will coalesce! Coalesce with me, everyone! Coalesce!

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 12:57 PM (e3bId)

100 The one thing for the Clintons speach payments is many thought just as it is that Hildabeast was a shoe in for Democrat nomination. So everyone was expecting pay for future play. If all that is gone those fees might not be so high.

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 12:58 PM (1J6E6)

101 95 Here is some stuff to chew on:

Posted by: William Eaton at April 02, 2016 12:50 PM (q52Ma)

Good comment.

I would quibble with the part about boycotts being the only way to get our message across. Muslims are rather more effective in that regard.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:59 PM (sdi6R)

102 No play no pay.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 12:59 PM (SEnIW)

103 Rather than plunging into the gardening thread, I think I need to take a walk in the garden, breathe some fresh air. Listen to the birdies singing. Smell the wildfires smoke.

Posted by: mindful webworker - and pet the dog at April 02, 2016 12:59 PM (LtSaI)

104 96 Batboy was absolutely WWN. I was a subscriber.

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 12:59 PM (e3bId)

105 re 97: maybe, but try and collect, it's as good as spent.

re 90 and 96: I distinctly remember one issue of Weekly World News with a cover photo of the Space Aliens shaking hands with Bill Clinton (c 1992) and another cover photo which was identical except the Aliens were shaking hands with Rush Limbaugh. I probably missed the one with the Aliens shaking hands with Jerry Seinfeld ('Who are these aliens?')

Posted by: mallfly suPreme at April 02, 2016 01:00 PM (qSIlh)

106 I desperately miss Reagan.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 02, 2016 01:00 PM (0mRoj)

107 Gary Hart's, John Edwards', and Jesse Jackson's extramarital affairs.

Doing the job the MSM won't do.
Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:51 PM (sdi6R)

Gary Gary, John Edwards, Jesse Jackson, Ted Cruz

One of these things is not like the others

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:02 PM (dx6bM)

108 Look at me, I can be Michelle Fields!

Posted by: tranny John Fogerty at April 02, 2016 01:04 PM (vhTN7)

109 If the roots are healthy, there will be growth again in the Spring.

Posted by: Chauncey Gardiner at April 02, 2016 01:04 PM (+1T7c)

110 I always wanted to read the article "Dog Drives Owner to Hospital."

I was too cheap to by the issue.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at April 02, 2016 01:04 PM (WQMJ4)

111 buy not by

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at April 02, 2016 01:05 PM (WQMJ4)

112 Germans may have invented the jet engine, but who put that gremlin there?

Posted by: William Shatner at April 02, 2016 01:05 PM (vhTN7)

113 re 109: that will be good news for the N Koreans.

Posted by: mallfly suPreme at April 02, 2016 01:06 PM (qSIlh)

114
Certain Big Corporations are boycotting North Carolina over the so called "Anti-Trans" bill.
----------------------

The Big Corporations are gutless when it comes to criticism from the left. For once I'd like to see one of them stand up to charges of racism, homophobia, whatever with a big Eff You. The only exceptions are corporations that are explicitly Christian or libertarian like Hobby Lobby or Whole Foods. Meanwhile, McDonald's kills its best-selling product because of Michelle's diet superstitions, the NFL apologizes for appearing insensitive, and Wal-Mart lets Democrats tromp all over them for a superb business model that promotes from within and saves many a family budget.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 01:06 PM (5o5ek)

115 Is the the wailing and gnashing of teeth thread?

Posted by: That guy who always says... at April 02, 2016 01:07 PM (Dwehj)

116 107
Gary Gary, John Edwards, Jesse Jackson, Ted Cruz

One of these things is not like the others
Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:02 PM (dx6bM)

And you know this how?

Has Cruz categorically denied being unfaithful to his wife? I believe he said something like "that article is garbage".

He's a lawyer. His lips move very carefully.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:08 PM (sdi6R)

117 Put me in first class, I'm ready to pay. Today.

Posted by: tranny John Fogerty at April 02, 2016 01:08 PM (vhTN7)

118
I distinctly remember one issue of Weekly World News with a cover photo of the Space Aliens shaking hands with Bill Clinton (c 1992) and another cover photo which was identical except the Aliens were shaking hands with Rush Limbaugh.

They had the same alien shaking hands with Ross Perot.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at April 02, 2016 01:10 PM (FkBIv)

119 113 8 years of preezy O'Fuckstick followed by 4 years of Hillary! and we will envy the Norh Korean model.

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 01:11 PM (e3bId)

120 Posted by: William Eaton at April 02, 2016 12:50 PM (q52Ma)

These companies are not doing it for political ideals... they are doing it for good Press...

They get more good advertisement by doing this, thus they believe, more business....

BUT, companies like Disney do not realize they are losing business as well...

I was planning a three day Disneyland trip for this summer... now it won't happen...

Why?

The very same company that is bitching about States and these laws, has Disney Stores and a Disney Channel, in F'n Saudi Arabia.... where the High Court just said 'we need to kill more GAYs'....

Thus... my own little personal boycott.

Posted by: Don Q at April 02, 2016 01:12 PM (qf6WZ)

121 And you know this how?

Has Cruz categorically denied being unfaithful to his wife? I believe he said something like "that article is garbage".

He's a lawyer. His lips move very carefully.
Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:08 PM (sdi6R)

I am referring to the MSM not doing their job. Again, if they got a whiff of Ted Cruz doing this, they would've been all over it.

It's hard to apply critical reasoning in " the heat of battle", but we're not progressives here. We can reason through these things.

You are just reflexively pushing this without regard to circumstances.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:12 PM (dx6bM)

122 Is the the wailing and gnashing of teeth thread?

Posted by: That guy who always says... at April 02, 2016 01:07 PM (Dwehj)

It's the whaling and gnashing of teeth thread.

Posted by: Jonah at April 02, 2016 01:12 PM (vhTN7)

123 If all that is gone those fees might not be so high.

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 12:58 PM (1J6E6)
---------------------

I repeat: $0.00

The only way Political Favors R Us stays in business is if they have something to sell. If Hillary loses, they have no product. There's an outside chance they could sell Senator Chelsea 2018, but if Comey the Comet exposes not only Hillary's records-theft but political corruption through the Clinton Foundation as well, even Chelsea won't be viable.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 01:12 PM (5o5ek)

124 Aliens shaking hands with Bill Clinton

Our appendages were never the same again.

Posted by: Voltor and Amador at April 02, 2016 01:13 PM (Dwehj)

125 Ugh, just did my taxes and it says I am due a refund. Doesn't seem to make sense. Maybe I need to go get a 2nd opinion.

Posted by: Infidel at April 02, 2016 01:14 PM (Xdnsf)

126 Chelsea will be a Commissar in the reconstituted People's Republic of North America.

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 01:15 PM (e3bId)

127 125 Nah, that sounds right. Go ahead and file it.

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 01:16 PM (e3bId)

128 121
I am referring to the MSM not doing their job. Again, if they got a whiff of Ted Cruz doing this, they would've been all over it.
Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:12 PM (dx6bM)

Yes. But maybe they were planning on saving it for the general election, if he is the Republican nominee.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:17 PM (sdi6R)

129 Funny guy Weasel. They are pretty simple this year. Maybe I should try another filing site.

Posted by: Infidel at April 02, 2016 01:17 PM (Xdnsf)

130 Note that he hasn't yet filed a defamation suit against the National Enquirer. Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 12:28 PM (sdi6R)
=====

You have, perchance, heard of the 'Streisand Effect'? -- don't know whether that would be physics or marketing, but IMO let's not go there.

Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 01:18 PM (MIKMs)

131
Twat on twitter posted that she hated living in US so she and her family were going to pray for ISIS. Acct suspended!

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at April 02, 2016 01:19 PM (iQIUe)

132 Any significant changes from last year? Income change? Buy a house? Anything like that?

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 01:20 PM (e3bId)

133
These companies are not doing it for political ideals... they are doing it for good Press...

They get more good advertisement by doing this, thus they believe, more business....
-----------------------

I'd go further, towards faulting them. They allow themselves to live in terror over bad publicity. They allow themselves to believe their worlds will end if they stand up to lefty abuse. Yet how many people would support companies that refuse to be politically correct? Millions.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 01:20 PM (5o5ek)

134 Yes. But maybe they were planning on saving it for the general election, if he is the Republican nominee.
Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:17 PM (sdi6R)

True, and I'm sure there is the chance that they are keeping their powder dry knowing that he had National ambitions, but we can say that about any set of whispers an innuendo.

I can also see Donald Trump recanting everything he said during the primary and selling the right a bill of goods.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:20 PM (dx6bM)

135 >>>The Big Corporations are gutless when it comes to criticism from the left. ...<<<

The government allowed Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton, the Justice Brothers LLC, extortionists supreme to run roughshod over Wall Street, banks and big business. They've been broke in rough and would rather give it up than suffer another beating. Battered woman syndrome.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 01:23 PM (SEnIW)

136 134 I can also see Donald Trump recanting everything he said during the primary and selling the right a bill of goods.
Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:20 PM (dx6bM)

Yeah. I don't trust either Trump or Cruz, for different reasons.

The problem is that I don't find anyone else remotely acceptable.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:24 PM (sdi6R)

137 The only change is no 1099 2nd job this year. Maybe that is it. I had forgot about that.

Posted by: Infidel at April 02, 2016 01:26 PM (Xdnsf)

138 The government allowed Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton, the Justice Brothers LLC, extortionists supreme to run roughshod over Wall Street, banks and big business.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 01:23 PM (SEnIW)
-----------------------

How exactly did that go down? I remember the Don Imus debacle, when the Justice Brothers scored a meeting within 72 hours with Sumner Redstone. My impression is it's a voluntary surrender, no government involvement required.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 01:26 PM (5o5ek)

139 guess the politician:

If foreign countries dump products on our markets, like China is doing right now with steel, ---'s administration will take countervailing action. --- will appoint a new trade prosecutor to keep other countries honest. --- will take on foreign countries that keep their goods artificially cheap by manipulating their currencies, and expand our toolbox to include effective new remedies to respond, such as duties, tariffs, or other measures.

Posted by: mallfly suPreme at April 02, 2016 01:28 PM (qSIlh)

140 Kira 2016! She pledges to be a do-nothing President, spending most of her time sleeping and licking herself.

I can't promise that she won't hack up a hairball on the Resolute Desk, though, although she usually prefers the carpet.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:28 PM (sdi6R)

141 Especially if there was no backup withholding which would have likely caused you to owe on the 2nd source income. Take away the income and presto! Refund!

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 01:29 PM (e3bId)

142 Yet how many people would support companies that refuse to be politically correct? Millions.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 01:20 PM (5o5ek)
========
Chik-fil-A has won. Hands down. There are and will be others.

Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 01:29 PM (MIKMs)

143 Yep, 5K less income that I didn't pay withholding on.

Posted by: Infidel at April 02, 2016 01:30 PM (Xdnsf)

144 I am Open Politics thread. Do not demean me by defining me as merely being below another thread.

Posted by: this thread at April 02, 2016 01:31 PM (vhTN7)

145 Some muslim family is whining and crying to cair bc they were kicked off a flight. The reason was because the seat they had for their infant did not comply with safety regs. Thousands of muslims fly every day without problems.

Posted by: Bruce With a Wang! at April 02, 2016 01:32 PM (iQIUe)

146 Yeah. I don't trust either Trump or Cruz, for different reasons.

The problem is that I don't find anyone else remotely acceptable.
Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:24 PM (sdi6R)

I don't mean to come across as snide as you seem to be putting forth these arguments in good faith, but you don't trust Trump or Cruz, but you trust the National Enquirer?

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:32 PM (dx6bM)

147 143 and is there a corresponding change in your 2015 tax liability of around $750 or thereabouts, all other income being approximately equal?

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 01:32 PM (e3bId)

148 146
I don't mean to come across as snide as you seem to be putting forth these arguments in good faith, but you don't trust Trump or Cruz, but you trust the National Enquirer?
Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:32 PM (dx6bM)

Hmm. Since you put it that way, yes, I *do* think the National Enquirer is more trustworthy than Trump or Cruz.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:36 PM (sdi6R)

149 guess the politician:
-----------------

Bernie? This explains that group of people who say they'll vote for either Trump or Bernie.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 01:37 PM (5o5ek)

150 The Enquirer (and Weekly World News, etc.) are always careful to say that "Friends fear" a celebrity is dying of cancer/AIDS/alcoholism/drug abuse, whatever, or "Allegations" of affairs/mistresses/rent boys. Just to reduce the chances of suits. Although Annette revealed her MS to obviate a planned tabloid article ~~claiming~~ suggesting she was suffering from the DTs. Which then became the headline, instead.

Posted by: Max 86 at April 02, 2016 01:37 PM (brIR5)

151 I also want to make it clear that we shouldn't be trusting any politician fully - or any person, for that matter. However this virtuous by comparison thing (Natl Enquirer vs Politicians) is muddying the water.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:37 PM (dx6bM)

152 The 5K was just cash. No other changes, still have mortg and school interest. Still claiming single, blah, blah. It's says my tax rate was 15%. I'm not in poverty but don't make a ton of money either.

Posted by: Infidel at April 02, 2016 01:37 PM (Xdnsf)

153 Hmm. Since you put it that way, yes, I *do* think the National Enquirer is more trustworthy than Trump or Cruz.
Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:36 PM (sdi6R)

I just addressed that above

point well taken.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:38 PM (dx6bM)

154 Is the Kevin Williamson that wrote the toxic piece at nro the same Kevin Williamson on the podcast a few months ago?

Posted by: Arson Wells at April 02, 2016 01:39 PM (/E+t2)

155 iforgot at April 02, 2016 01:26 PM (5o5ek)

It was the lack of government stopping or prosecuting obvious extortion. In the 90s Jessie hit Wall Street and banks with big racism threats also the banks and their lending practices.

Also Sharpton with Crown Heights, Tawany Brawlee, and the incitement to riot in the burning of that Jewish haberdashery.

They both made a lush living extorting money from businesses and banks. The government never stopped them or helped to protect the innocent from their predations.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 01:39 PM (SEnIW)

156 Erick Erickson says

Fuck that guy in particular.

Posted by: DaveA at April 02, 2016 01:39 PM (DL2i+)

157 If you don't trust Trump, how can you be sure that he isn't pushing this through a cozy media outlet?

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:40 PM (dx6bM)

158 152 I probably didn't phase that well - I meant with all other items of income from 2014 to 2015 being equal, there should be a change in your liability (from '14 to '15) of about $750. So if you owed $500 last year you could reasonably expect a $250 refund this year.

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 01:41 PM (e3bId)

159 I can't promise that she won't hack up a hairball on the Resolute Desk, though, although she usually prefers the carpet.
Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:28 PM (sdi6R)

Arf! Arf! Arf! *chases rickl's cat up a tree*
*lifts leg and relieves self on Resolute Desk*

I've marked it, it's mine!

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at April 02, 2016 01:41 PM (vhTN7)

160 Bernie? This explains that group of people who say they'll vote for either Trump or Bernie.
======

One of my kids voted for Trump because she was trying to stop Bernie out of fear. I'm a Cruz supporter and do not understand her reasoning (and since she is my kid, I can say lack thereof) but there is a lot of that out there.

Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 01:41 PM (MIKMs)

161

If Helen Keller is raped by muzzies on a German train does Patty Duke get camel herpes?

Posted by: Inquiring minds at April 02, 2016 01:41 PM (qul7b)

162 Someone said that Paul Ryan's challenger has his website up? I'm going to take a look.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at April 02, 2016 01:44 PM (dFi94)

163 Yeah, Bernie's a Communist, but I'm of the mind that people need to get it good and hard. Then again, there will be cries of "obstructionists", even if there's a Democratic Congress. People are ignorant.

I'd like to see Cruz vs Sanders. We need to see where America stands. A stark contrast is needed for us to get off this path.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:45 PM (dx6bM)

164 Paid 450 last year, expect to get 900 back this year. Guess I need to compare interest, property taxes, etc from last year.

Posted by: Infidel at April 02, 2016 01:46 PM (Xdnsf)

165 >>>51 He finally got his website up. He is taking money so Imma send him $20.<<<

paulnehlen.com

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 01:47 PM (SEnIW)

166 163 Yeah, Bernie's a Communist, but I'm of the mind that people need to get it good and hard.
Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:45 PM (dx6bM)

Ask the Venezuelans how that worked out.

I think we're past the point of fixing this with elections.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:47 PM (sdi6R)

167 Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:45 PM (dx6bM)

There is also the possibility that the true believers destroy our system of government and install a totalitarian Marxist state...so I need to think that out more.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:48 PM (dx6bM)

168 Grammie!
Haven't had a chance to tell you that we think of you with gratitude every Easter when we eat our kringles!

(Several years ago I complained about my sister divorcing a guy from Racine who used to bring us Easter kringles every year ---- and you promptly gave us a link to where we could get them ourselves.)

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at April 02, 2016 01:49 PM (T/5A0)

169 Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:47 PM (sdi6R)

Again, we're on the same wavelength

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:49 PM (dx6bM)

170 It was the lack of government stopping or prosecuting obvious extortion.
-------------------

In this case, I think the government rightly had no role. If I say "Donate a million dollars to my organization or I'll exercise my First Amendment right to publicly call you a racist" and you agree to do it, it's totally on you.

This sort of thing happens every day. I work for an organization that decided not to prosecute someone who stole $700 by basically cashing a paycheck twice. The crook didn't quail at that because he (or his lawyer) knew we'd spend more than $700 in court, so it was effectively a case of extortion. "Let me have my $700 or I'll cost you three times that." The organization chose the more frugal course, as was its right.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 01:50 PM (5o5ek)

171 Anemic website. The body of the bio doesn't even mention that he is running for office. I can find nothing on there about Paul Ryan, and the "Contribute" button is not prominant. I don't believe it states that he is a conservative Republican. Unless I'm looking at a completely different website - this one is not persuasive. Voters don't care that you run a water filtration system. Like I said, maybe I'm on the wrong web page. There's no campaign there.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at April 02, 2016 01:50 PM (dFi94)

172 If it's Cruz vs. Sanders, if I was a betting man, I'd put my money on Sanders.

I believe the American electorate has reached a critical mass of stupid.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:50 PM (sdi6R)

173 164 well the $5k change in income probably accounts for half or more of that difference. Any other changes?
Mortgage interest is probably slightly decreased, property taxes probably slightly increased.

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 01:51 PM (e3bId)

174 163
I'd like to see Cruz vs Sanders. We need to see where America stands. A stark contrast is needed for us to get off this path.
Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:45 PM (dx6bM)
---------------
That would be sweet. I don't know who would win, but it would be as close to a real choice as we're likely to get.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at April 02, 2016 01:52 PM (T/5A0)

175 Haven't had a chance to tell you that we think of you with gratitude every Easter when we eat our kringles!

(Several years ago I complained about my sister divorcing a guy from
Racine who used to bring us Easter kringles every year ---- and you
promptly gave us a link to where we could get them ourselves.)

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at April 02, 2016 01:49 PM (T/5A0)
======================================

Oh ya! I remember that now! I hope you enjoyed them - I can go down the road about a mile and pick one up, but alas, I am on fruits and vegetables only for 7 days. Supposed to get rid of 5 lbs of belly fat. We'll see.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at April 02, 2016 01:52 PM (dFi94)

176 172 If it's Cruz vs. Sanders, if I was a betting man, I'd put my money on Sanders.

I believe the American electorate has reached a critical mass of stupid.
Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:50 PM (sdi6R)

Im leaning toward that a bit, but I also think that when more people see what he's about, even the dumbest may think "really? none of what he says makes sense".

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:52 PM (dx6bM)

177 Im leaning toward that a bit, but I also think that when more people see what he's about, even the dumbest may think "really? none of what he says makes sense".
Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:52 PM (dx6bM)

At this point it's less about being rational thought, right?

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 01:54 PM (dx6bM)

178 175 --- " alas, I am on fruits and vegetables only for 7 days"
-----------
What?!? You mean a cherry kringle isn't a fruit?!?

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at April 02, 2016 01:55 PM (T/5A0)

179 Thanks Weasel!

Posted by: Infidel at April 02, 2016 01:56 PM (Xdnsf)

180 What?!? You mean a cherry kringle isn't a fruit?!?

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at April 02, 2016 01:55 PM (T/5A0)
==============================================

I had not thought of that! Yes - I believe you are right. Cherries are definitely a fruit. We won't mention the flaky sugary pastry that surrounds it .....

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at April 02, 2016 01:56 PM (dFi94)

181 174 you probably also paid self-employment tax on the $5k of 1099 income so that could be all of it. That would be about another $400 or so and that is getting close to the $1,350 difference. The self employment tax is the employer half of FICA (7.65%)

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 02:00 PM (e3bId)

182 Ahh, I see I landed on the "About" page of Ryan's challenger, Mr. Nehlen. That's why I wasn't seeing the campaign stuff. It's definitley there - I just was on the wrong page. My apologies to the man from Delevan.

Looked at a condo in Delavan last night. Less than impressed. Off the list.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at April 02, 2016 02:01 PM (dFi94)

183 So now I will repeat my old objection to Clinton, Sanders and Trump. They are OLD. They could have all gone to high school together. Canes and walkers at five paces.

It is not their chronological age for me, but their mental ages. None of them have grown or learned or changed in 30 years. Calcified fossils repeating unworkable slogans without engaging their brains because they would shatter if they said or thought something different. Gah, I am an older person and the thought of any of them representing me is disgusting.

Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 02:01 PM (MIKMs)

184 179. No problemo. Have a nice weekend.

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 02:01 PM (e3bId)

185 183
Gah, I am an older person and the thought of any of them representing me is disgusting.
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 02:01 PM (MIKMs)

Kurt Vonnegut once wrote that a sign you're getting older is that you find that you're being governed by people you knew in high school.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 02:04 PM (sdi6R)

186 Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 02:01 PM (MIKMs)

Good point, but it does seem like Cruz gets into talking point mode. It frustrares me sometimes, but I guess that can be seen as "message discipline".

I'm young and for Cruz and glancing at the polls, it looks like Cruz captures younger right leaners.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 02:05 PM (dx6bM)

187 Kurt Vonnegut once wrote that a sign you're getting
older is that you find that you're being governed by people you knew in
high school.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 02:04 PM (sdi6R)
=========================================

Another sign you're getting older is when you're at a church gathering and the pastor says, "Does anybody here remember any hymns?"

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at April 02, 2016 02:07 PM (dFi94)

188 185
183

Gah, I am an older person and the thought of any of them representing me is disgusting.

Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 02:01 PM (MIKMs)

Kurt Vonnegut once wrote that a sign you're getting older is that
you find that you're being governed by people you knew in high school.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 02:04 PM (sdi6R)
=====The people I knew in high school have grown and changed -- even the ones who have gone into politics. My objection stands.

Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 02:09 PM (MIKMs)

189
If it's Cruz vs. Sanders, if I was a betting man, I'd put my money on Sanders.

I believe the American electorate has reached a critical mass of stupid.

Posted by: rickl at April 02, 2016 01:50 PM (sdi6R)
------------------------

One problem is that most Americans are still so financially comfortable and unrestricted that they wouldn't see Cruz vs Sanders as an economic life-or-death struggle. It's not economic freedom vs communism; it's Bitter Clinger vs Free Thinker. Bitter Clingers look mean and punitive. Free Thinkers will let you do whatever you want.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 02:09 PM (5o5ek)

190 Another sign you're getting older is when you're at a church gathering and the pastor says, "Does anybody here remember any hymns?"
Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at April 02, 2016 02:07 PM (dFi94)

*sigh*

I miss Amazing Grace. (Without all the modern "updates")

Posted by: ReactionaryMonster Bravely supporting kittens at April 02, 2016 02:10 PM (1D4Ef)

191 Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at April 02, 2016 01:56 PM (dFi94)

All those carbs. On Atkins, you can still eat berries and green vegetables.

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at April 02, 2016 02:11 PM (vhTN7)

192 One sign that you're getting old is when you have to bathe in the blood of virgins to retain your youthful looks.

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at April 02, 2016 02:15 PM (vhTN7)

193 Bitter Clingers look mean and punitive. Free Thinkers will let you do whatever you want.
Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 02:09 PM (5o5ek)

Who is who here? There's some irony in that statement. Even Sanders demeanor looks mean.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 02:17 PM (dx6bM)

194 We want the Pet Thread! We want the Pet Thread!

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 02:18 PM (e3bId)

195 We want the Pet Thread! We want the Pet Thread!

Animals!

Posted by: Blanco Basura at April 02, 2016 02:19 PM (YJmuy)

196 Didn't want to say anything in the garden thread. Those people are scary!

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 02:21 PM (e3bId)

197 A pet thread would ruin my chances of reaching 1000.

Posted by: this thread at April 02, 2016 02:21 PM (vhTN7)

198 Who is who here? There's some irony in that statement. Even Sanders demeanor looks mean.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 02:17 PM (dx6bM)
-------------------------
It's all about irony. Democrats "Free Thinkers"?

But again, it's also all about perception. I'm just saying that people don't necessarily see Cruz vs Sanders as economic freedom vs slavery or even the more neutral capitalism vs socialism; they see it as, to put it another way, government in your bedroom vs government not in your bedroom.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 02:22 PM (5o5ek)

199 Wouldn't it be cool if there were a Trump thread with 1273 comments.

Posted by: this thread at April 02, 2016 02:23 PM (vhTN7)

200 196 Didn't want to say anything in the garden thread. Those people are scary!
Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 02:21 PM (e3bId)

Too many pitchforks?

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 02:23 PM (dx6bM)

201 197 in that regard, you are the Jeb!/Mario/Kasich of threads.

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 02:24 PM (e3bId)

202 Paul Ryan has been in Congress for 20 YEARS. I really had no idea. 20 years! If you can't make any substantive progress in 20 years, then GTFO.
-----------
Or one could deduce the actual objectives from 20 years of activity.

1. Keep taxes low to supposedly "starve the beast"
(The actual results: huge deficits, most regulatory agencies 20-40% understaffed, low relative taxes for the super wealthy - mostly via low capital gains tax)

2. More immigration (both legal and illegal)

3. Large "true conservative" lobby/media/post office-holding job infrastructure

4. Obstructing "popular" liberal initiatives (only major failure was PPACA) and major delays in approval (or complete non-approval) of liberal Presidential appointments

In all, they have been quite successful in their major policy goals. They have also strategically kept trigger issues alive to keep the "base" fired up.

Posted by: RioBravo at April 02, 2016 02:25 PM (NUqwG)

203 Bitter Clingers look mean and punitive. Free Thinkers will let you do whatever you want.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 02:09 PM (5o5ek)

Who is who here? There's some irony in that statement. Even Sanders demeanor looks mean.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 02:17 PM (dx6bM)
=====
Grandpa/Daddy won't let me have a cellphone or stay out all night! Wah!Julia living her little life with Daddy/Mommy/State's guidance is the ideal for the snowflakes.

Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 02:25 PM (MIKMs)

204 200 rakes, pitch forks, clippers... all manner of dangerous implements! I get a chill just thinking of it. We really should have common sense gardening tool control.

Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 02:26 PM (e3bId)

205 Even Sanders demeanor looks mean.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 02:17 PM (dx6bM)
-----------------------
Yeah, he looks like a crotchety old bastard to me -- but Cruz looks like a crotchety young bastard to plenty of people.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 02:26 PM (5o5ek)

206 >>>It's all about irony. Democrats "Free Thinkers"?

That perception is because Democrats practiced taqqiya to get where they are. Now the mask is slipping.

Posted by: angela urkel at April 02, 2016 02:26 PM (vhTN7)

207 Now the mask is slipping.

Posted by: angela urkel at April 02, 2016 02:26 PM (vhTN7)
---------------------

It is. It needs to slip faster and farther, though. And we need for the love of God for conservative leaders in business, culture and politics for God's sakes to seize this moment and not snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 02:30 PM (5o5ek)

208 204 200 rakes, pitch forks, clippers... all manner of dangerous implements! I get a chill just thinking of it. We really should have common sense gardening tool control.
Posted by: Weasel at April 02, 2016 02:26 PM (e3bI

And not a hoe in sight? Shame...

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 02:35 PM (AGyGp)

209 The mask has always been made of clear glass.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at April 02, 2016 02:38 PM (FkBIv)

210 The ever popular Pet thread is up

Posted by: Skip at April 02, 2016 02:38 PM (1J6E6)

211 In regards to the Obama Adminstration possibly cutting off funds to North Carolina over its bathroom ordinance--this is a clear case of something the people never talked about instantly becoming something you can be hanged for, and I think a Rubicon has been passed.

All of the Founder's requirements have been passed for a rebellion, and I think people are fools if they don't start thinking about it. Even if the administration backs down on this, eventually, it will just be something else, so I think the people are justified if they just go ahead and rebel, because the Left will just do something else eventually--because they ain't getting the message that this is a constitutional republic and everybody gets a cut on things; including the ability to say "no" and make it stick.

Besides, it was over a year between rebellion in 1775 and independence in 1776. Rebellion does not automatically have to equal new forms of government; think of it as a very serious form of wildcat strike.

Posted by: "Hotspur" at April 02, 2016 02:45 PM (J3UIw)

212 President Trump will put an end to this bullshit.

Posted by: blaster at April 02, 2016 02:54 PM (T7bPb)

213 I have 4 kids in the 18-30 yr-old, college-bound/college-graduate demographic. Most of their casual friends are pro-Sanders.

They have a very hard time articulating why.
What I get is hostility toward the "establishment" and, in the case of the males, to Hillary. (They see her as a naggy feminazi, although they would never, ever use that term.)

They are vague about the "establishment." It definitely has something to do with corporations and billionaires and Wall Street and banks, etc., etc.

The word "socialism" does not scare them at all. They know nothing about Venezuela and know only falsehoods about Cuba. They know that N Korea is bad and S Korea is fine but they do not know why.

OTOH, most of them show significant skepticism for specific redistributionist policies. Even in the case of college loan forgiveness they recognize that this may not be a good idea and may even be unjust. But they don't care much about specifics.

It's hard to know what to make of them!

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at April 02, 2016 03:01 PM (T/5A0)

214 In regards to the Obama Adminstration possibly cutting off funds to North Carolina over its bathroom ordinance--this is a clear case of something the people never talked about instantly becoming something you can be hanged for, and I think a Rubicon has been passed.
----------------
Must crack down on the "hateful" people out there
We are still in the "don't ask, don't show, don't tell" phase. You can commit "thought crimes" and be Ok so long as you don't say or show anything about it. Soon there will be phone apps available to read minds, and then the thoughts alone we be your downfall.

Posted by: RioBravo at April 02, 2016 03:06 PM (NUqwG)

215 THESE NEW POLLS THAT SHOW TRUMP AND THE BORDER WALL BEING DOWN ARE SHIT.

Posted by: MIRROR UNIVERSE MY RANCOR at April 02, 2016 03:08 PM (XzRw1)

216 Ha - well now I will "respond" to a MUMR comment that will be gone by the time I post mine (most likely).

The thing the other day about support for securing the border dropping to 38% - because of one candidate's public persona.

OK. Sure. Either the public, for more than a decade, has been lying about their natural, over-whelming, and unchanging common sense position on mass illegal immigration (against) and amnesty (against), or they suddenly changed their mind on a closely related matter, almost overnight. Because of one candidate's campaign.

If it's true, then obviously there is no hope, as the electorate is, literally, suicidally stupid and driven by feelz (in this case, the "sophisticated" equivalent, shock and distaste for You Know Who).

If it's not true (more likely), then there we are.

Actually, pondering the bats**t reactions of the bulk of professional "conservatives" and many commenters, one cannot rule out that in fact people have dropped their long opposition to disastrous, unfair, and stupid policy ideas just because of You Know Who. After all, the country has been demonstrably unserious for a while.

Posted by: rhomboid at April 02, 2016 03:15 PM (QDnY+)

217 Paul Manafort will take over Corey Lewandowski's responsibilities. Corey has not been fired or demoted he's just had his work load lightened.

Posted by: Ralph at April 02, 2016 03:17 PM (SEnIW)

218 I think we are at or close to peek stupid. The flakes that run the institutions want to steal the retirement funds of all the old white men. That is because the flakes believe the map is the territory. Retirement funds are a medal acknowledging past service and the funds are typically squandered in Trump casinos by the old white man's widow. The people who designed social security realized what was what. One of the shames of the RWR administration is that they allowed social security to be turned into just another tax with the added shame of allowing outflows to fund a vote buying scheme. That is one reason corrupt congressmen can't be gotten rid of.

Posted by: scorecard at April 02, 2016 03:22 PM (CRXed)

219 On corruption. The Scooter Libby affair was an attempt to impeach and remove W like they did Nixon. Novak and Russert were instrumental in the attempt. Russert had a leg injury right before his testimony. Novak and Russert died not long after the attempt failed. Novak died similar to Jack Ruby. Russert died in a clasical Wag-the-Dog way. Novak and Russert would be the only people who could spill the beans and be credible. Some say LBJ died relatively young because he hinted the wrong things about the JFK hit.

Posted by: scorecard at April 02, 2016 03:31 PM (CRXed)

220 Actually, pondering the bats**t reactions of the bulk of professional "conservatives" and many commenters, one cannot rule out that in fact people have dropped their long opposition to disastrous, unfair, and stupid policy ideas just because of You Know Who. After all, the country has been demonstrably unserious for a while.
Posted by: rhomboid at April 02, 2016 03:15 PM (QDnY+

Let's put an unhinged and unprincipled autocrat in a position to advocate for our views. I mean, he at least seems to go through the motions based on what a New Yorker thinks a Conservative is. We can damage the pro life movement, border security, maybe the movement against cronyism (heh). Hey, at least all of you "true cons" will have destroyed the GOP(e) and can feel good about "keeping it real" . After the election, when Trump is sworn in, he'll vacillate based on the feeling of the day and we'll all get shit.

He lacks the temperament for the office and I don't think his sensibilities match the task at hand. Maybe I'm too "Establishment", but thought I'd keep it real fir you. Hope that doesn't give you " the feelz".

I'm sorry, but "Gym, Tan, Laundry" shouldn't be the ethos of this nation.

He may have a decent role in life as a businessman, father, and grandfather. However, as a politician, he has made the Conservative movement seem foolish as others now see it through the funhouse mirror.

I have nothing against his supporters until they question my Conservatism and my love of country.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 03:42 PM (dx6bM)

221 ...Let's put an unhinged and unprincipled autocrat in a position to advocate for our views....

Been that way since Reagan. :-)

I can't believe Trump would be worse than McCain. I now believe Trump would be no worse than Romney since Romney has started telling us what he really believes. Definitely no worse than read-my-lips Bush and Bill Clinton.

Nice thing about Trump as President is that he would face opposition.

Posted by: scorecard at April 02, 2016 03:56 PM (CRXed)

222 He may have a decent role in life as a businessman,
father, and grandfather. However, as a politician, he has made the
Conservative movement seem foolish as others now see it through the
funhouse mirror.

I have nothing against his supporters until they question my Conservatism and my love of country.
Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 03:42 PM (dx6bM)
=====

Yes, I agree with most, but the word 'conservative' has become too debased to be meaningful.

He who shall not be named had been putting his name on 'stuff' and selling his name on 'stuff' for years. Without picking on a kid, what is the given name of his youngest child? He who shall not be named has been trolling us and now it is real. Lay back and think of the inevitable party defeating the other inevitable party in November and enjoy the reality show. Bleah.

Cruz is the candidate who has the balls and the intellect to guide the legendary 'ship of state' and I think he is the obvious choice.

Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 03:58 PM (MIKMs)

223 ...may have a decent role...

May or may not. LIVs and people who control the dead-people-vote, people-registered-but-didn't-vote-before-the-pole-closed-vote, and suspicious-absentee-vote will determine who is the next POTUS.

Posted by: hanging chad at April 02, 2016 04:02 PM (CRXed)

224 Nice thing about Trump as President is that he would face opposition.
Posted by: scorecard at April 02, 2016 03:56 PM (CRXed

My concern is what he does with the "opposition". He seems awfully capricious and doesn't seem to think through the implications of things.

He also seems keen on " making deals". Maybe they would be made to our advantage, but I see more government coming out of it. Maybe he is wily enough, but he needs some knowledge of procedure.

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 04:08 PM (dx6bM)

225 "Cruz is the candidate who has the balls and the intellect to guide the legendary 'ship of state' and I think he is the obvious choice. "

Where would we be Cruzing to? :-)

Biggest empire ever?
Smallest Government ever?
Save the world and make it a safe place for democracy?
Get back the US Republic?

I'm thinking God will fix things. Don't think any of the candidates could accomplish any of the above. Yes I know some of them are mutually exclusive. :-)

The US has lost its way is is currently on the outskirts of hell.

Picking a candidate to support is a way of discovering what you believe.

Posted by: hanging chad at April 02, 2016 04:11 PM (CRXed)

226
as a politician, he has made the Conservative movement seem foolish
------------------------------
I don't think he's transferred his brand to any movement or party. He's running as an independent (or as a Trump if you will) within the Republican party. I just don't see him killing downballot tickets or the Republican image.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 04:12 PM (5o5ek)

227 I don't think he's transferred his brand to any movement or party. He's running as an independent (or as a Trump if you will) within the Republican party. I just don't see him killing downballot tickets or the Republican image.
Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 04:12 PM (5o5ek)

To the dismay of those who want to stick it to "the Establishment"...

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 04:16 PM (dx6bM)

228 *sigh*

Watching the Reagan v Bush debate was depressing in light of today's debates.

Then: two people having a reasoned, factual, knowledgeable debate on tax policy with a moderator posing an intelligent question then shutting up and letting the candidates hash out the details between one another. Both candidates presenting and debating their positions while offering the each other time to respond.

Now: 8 out of 10 "questions" posed my moderators are rooted in gossip column "Did you hear what X said about Y (said about a woman's looks, said about penis/ hand size...)" Candidates each up as much time as possible while saying nothing specific about any question and with the sole intent of denying their opponent air time. No one can say anything coherent about any policy or idea. Moderators constantly interrupting, cutting people off, and debating the candidates on gossip while opposing candidates are chided if they try to something or interrupt the moderator.

And the worst part? Show the Reagan/ Bush debate to current voters and I guarantee that 9 out of 10 will call it "boring" and criticize it for talking about things that "no one cares about".

Posted by: Damiano at April 02, 2016 04:17 PM (XItbt)

229 The US has lost its way is is currently on the outskirts of hell.

Picking a candidate to support is a way of discovering what you believe.

Posted by: hanging chad at April 02, 2016 04:11 PM (CRXed)
======
Maybe just the glimmer of hope over experience. I hope that Cruz is smart enough to get us through the immediate shoals and onto our regularly scheduled messy governance. Hopefully, with less centralized power.
What can I say other than I'm an optimist.

Posted by: mustbequantum at April 02, 2016 04:21 PM (MIKMs)

230
To the dismay of those who want to stick it to "the Establishment"...

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 04:16 PM (dx6bM)
-----------------------
Heh, there's that angle, too.

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 04:23 PM (5o5ek)

231 And the worst part? Show the Reagan/ Bush debate to current voters and I guarantee that 9 out of 10 will call it "boring" and criticize it for talking about things that "no one cares about".
Posted by: Damiano at April 02, 2016 04:17 PM (XItbt)

Part of me thinks we deserve it, though I'd rather not have my fortunes tied to those of the lumpen.

That said, we wouldn't have these great phrases if it weren't for the decline:

" What a stupid time to be alive"

"Embrace the suck"

"Vote SMOD"

Posted by: West Town at April 02, 2016 04:25 PM (dx6bM)

232
"Vote SMOD"
-------------------

I've got an alternative to SMOD: Comey the Comet!!!

cute, huh?

Posted by: iforgot at April 02, 2016 04:35 PM (5o5ek)

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