The dearth of presidential timbre among the presidential candidates from the GOP reflects the impoverished condition of the party. It's hard to imagine that any sensible person would consider Rick Santorum presidential material, yet he was essentially the runner-up to Romney in 2012. And how long will these clowns continue to scramble for the Reagan mantle? He left office 28 years ago! Theoretically, the GOP has one decent idea, limited govt. but the area of govt. that most desperately needs to be limited is the military/intelligence/security monstrosity and besides Rand Paul, they all vie to be the one to increase it. Ron Paul got booed whenever he talked about reining in the military monster we've got. All the GOP has stood for in the past 6 years is anti-Obama and now with the economy recovering that won't play at all. They have nothing to offer. And no leaders worthy of the presidency.
23
And from the Democrats we have Hillary Clinton!?!?!?!?!?!?! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, sorry, it is just so funny. Hillary or the socialist Warren. Really, is anyone better off than they were six years ago? Very few. Romney was right so many times. Obama has failed sadly to live up to any of his rhetoric. It is clear that his ordination and his Nobel were premature, based on hot air and no accomplishments. Salaries and wages down 25%. Prematurely left Iraq and Afghanistan. Release terrorists from Gitmo so they can fight us again. It goes downhill from there. The best indication of the condition of the Democratic Party is the high percentage supporting Hillary Clinton. Old thoughts and same old cover ups going on since Arkansas - White Water to Benghazi and many stops in between.
1
I just think it's so nice that a Canadian, Ted Cruz, wants to be president of the United States.
8
The Republicans fail to reach any agreement after winning the majority in the Congress. Candidates are busy with their electoral campaigns and trying to distance themselves from Congress as it becomes more and more unpopular.
3
Do I trust the GOP or anyone currently in Politics to do anything for Us and that we want?? No! Not only has our Government separated this Union but all they do is Say No to anything and everything that helps Americans that Represent our Wants and Needs and that is FOR US!
Both sides have proven that they are inept at their elected position for they have illustrated atrociously that they represent themselves First and Foremost, then they represent their wants which tend to be against our Wants. Then they represent the world while totally ignoring Us!
hence do I trust any of them, no. Yet my feeling and stance may change if We can get new Blood into Our Government that Stands For and Represents WE THE PEOPLE! Yet I highly doubt that will ever happen!
Both sides have proven that they are inept at their elected position for they have illustrated atrociously that they represent themselves First and Foremost, then they represent their wants which tend to be against our Wants. Then they represent the world while totally ignoring Us!
hence do I trust any of them, no. Yet my feeling and stance may change if We can get new Blood into Our Government that Stands For and Represents WE THE PEOPLE! Yet I highly doubt that will ever happen!
2
The Republican leadership is just a bunch of "me too" wannabes previously rejected by the Democrats. In 2016, we need a choice, not an echo. The country club leaders of the GOP are what got Obama elected in the first place.
Workers Need More
Mr. Paul wants to help dishonest but non-violent felons and Mr. Rubio wants to replace the earned-income tax credit.
The rich (and their charities) have been getting richer while the poorer half of the population has been reduced to just one percent of family wealth. Nonprofit charities should expand all types of jobs that would pay a little less than the private sector. As part of a transitional jobs program, local child care, training, transportation and other services could also be provided along the lines suggested by Rep. Paul Ryan. Funding could be provided by tax reform restricting use of the $60 billion charitable tax deduction to charities that put people to work.
Both the earned income tax credit and the proposed wage-enhancement credit are needed because the 15.3 percent payroll taxes are too high for most workers. People like Bill Gates have suggested that the payroll taxes be replaced to encourage better paying jobs. A 4% VAT and reduction in unnecessary business tax expenditures could replace the revenue. Workers would get an immediate 7.65 percent increase in take-home pay to stimulate the economy. Businesses would no longer be rewarded for underpaying workers.
Mr. Paul wants to help dishonest but non-violent felons and Mr. Rubio wants to replace the earned-income tax credit.
The rich (and their charities) have been getting richer while the poorer half of the population has been reduced to just one percent of family wealth. Nonprofit charities should expand all types of jobs that would pay a little less than the private sector. As part of a transitional jobs program, local child care, training, transportation and other services could also be provided along the lines suggested by Rep. Paul Ryan. Funding could be provided by tax reform restricting use of the $60 billion charitable tax deduction to charities that put people to work.
Both the earned income tax credit and the proposed wage-enhancement credit are needed because the 15.3 percent payroll taxes are too high for most workers. People like Bill Gates have suggested that the payroll taxes be replaced to encourage better paying jobs. A 4% VAT and reduction in unnecessary business tax expenditures could replace the revenue. Workers would get an immediate 7.65 percent increase in take-home pay to stimulate the economy. Businesses would no longer be rewarded for underpaying workers.
1
These Jebdo attacks in France change the GOP calculus for 2016.
I'd look for the GOP elite to push a candidate who already has a team in place to deal with the kinds of threats that we saw in 2001.
I'd look for the GOP elite to push a candidate who already has a team in place to deal with the kinds of threats that we saw in 2001.
It appears that the people of America were sacrificed to the game of who wins, Dems or Repubs, for the last 6 years and have another two to six years of the same to look forward too.
1
Where is Rand Paul's wheelbarrow? He said if the Federal Reserve implemented QE2 we would "need a wheelbarrow to carry our money to the grocery to buy a loaf of bread." He was completely wrong on the single biggest economic issue of our time. Why does anybody listen to this fool?
8
Last week's conservative Heritage Foundation retreat was called, "Opportunity for all, Favoritism to None."
All except the bottom 99%.
None except the top 1%.
All except the bottom 99%.
None except the top 1%.
12
You have this aggrieved conservative industry that makes their money by being aggrieved,” Mr. Feehery said."
It's called the Republican Party.
"It’s always popular to bash Washington and kind of create separation, Mr. Thune said."
The Republican Party has been doing it for decades.
“But when push comes to shove and we’re casting votes on a lot of the issues that are on our agenda, I think you’ll see people recognizing the importance of the team.”
I wish they had seen the importance of being Team America.
The Republican formula for winning elections for the last many decades is finally turning against them. You reap what you sow. Sometimes it takes awhile.
4
Paul, Rubio, and Cruz appear to make up a worst case collection. It is a shame that America is in for the same candidate whirligig that we were forced into last election.
Right now, the Republican majority in both houses spells contentiousness, rudeness, and a pathway to nowhere. The Bickersons have returned.
The Democrats need to present a viable and potentially popular candidate to at least get their name in the hassle.
We are in for two more years of the same do nothingness we have be suffering for the last four years.
Right now, the Republican majority in both houses spells contentiousness, rudeness, and a pathway to nowhere. The Bickersons have returned.
The Democrats need to present a viable and potentially popular candidate to at least get their name in the hassle.
We are in for two more years of the same do nothingness we have be suffering for the last four years.
2
"Being too focused on governing, some conservatives warn, could set Republicans up for a trap." - - Ouch!! If this is the logic that the politicians we elect employ, then it's pretty safe to say that the nation is coming very close to turning that corner where the U.S. is ungovernable.
17
Finally the Republicans are acknowledging that competence at governing is not on their agenda.
31
Google "Why Conservatives Can't Govern." The premise is that if you don't believe in the organization you're managing, public or private, you'll do a lousy job. It was written during the last Bush administration citing their attitude toward government and the resutls of that attitude, e.g. Katrina.
3
Other than their negative impact on the stock market, the Republican midterm wins have not brought any changes. Republicans have managed to implement "dynamic scoring" which will allow them to lower taxes (for the wealthy) and attack "entitlements" like Social Security and Medicare. The effect on people who are disabled is particularly cruel. The Keystone pipeline no longer makes economic sense, but, hey, when did facts ever sway Republicans approach to governing? They owe the Koch Brothers and feel honor bound to pay that debt.
27
The Republican motto is "Government is the problem".
Now that they control both chambers of congress , they fully intend to prove it.
Now that they control both chambers of congress , they fully intend to prove it.
51
This intraparty schism between the "social conservatives" and the Big Money that actually finances and runs the party has been going on for a long time. Big Money has its own agenda (cut their taxes and get rid of regulations that cost them money) and is leery about anything else that might turn people off from voting for politicians that will cut taxes and get rid of regulations on on Big Money. The only difference is that the "social conservatives" are now starting to believe in their own social agenda and think that THEY can run the party. (Parenthetically, they're wrong; Big Money rules.)
6
Hilarious. Not a leader among them.
11
So the new work ethic of the GOP-controlled House and Senate is to show up late or play hooky. Since their checks are direct-deposit, they don't even have to show up to collect the money they haven't earned. Poor President Obama, trying to ride herd over this lazy bunch of moochers.
19
What a sad fact that a once-great political party, after all its years of
existence, has to now prove it can govern.
How do American voters take such political jokers seriously? And so many
in the GOP continue to deny science as it relates to important issues.
existence, has to now prove it can govern.
How do American voters take such political jokers seriously? And so many
in the GOP continue to deny science as it relates to important issues.
16
Just ended an election and now back on the campaign trail. Meeting with funders and supporters. Perfect example of politics right now. Focus is on them, not America. On their future, not our country's. And, they wonder why their approval ratings are in the toilet?
18
The new congress is the single most dangerous hing the country faces. Hate is a terrible thing and this congress has proved that hate is there only answer to the problems of the people of the Untied States. There are approximately 40 million seniors in the Untied States approximately half live on Social Security alone and this congress wants nothing better than to eliminate it. That is what I call a congress that Hitler would have been proud of. Imagine 20 million homeless seniors without shelter and food wandering the streets. That is a country we never should allow to happen.
18
Many Americans especially democrats think the presidential election of 2016 is over and that their favorite horse (candidate) has won. Hold on to your horses. It is not over until the horse country has spoken. Senator Rand Paul could bring the desired and much needed change in Washington that has been promised for several decades. President Obama has been effective in delivering on some of his promises and deserves credit for improving the economy for some of the Americans and ending wars and not starting new ones. Dr. Paul is unlikely to deviate much from the minimal intervention policy. He has been effective in articulating his broad concerns for the nation and in some respects more inclusive than his Republican colleagues. He has not been as much of a loose cannon as was expected by his critics and at the same time has been a vibrant presence in Washington. With one senator from Kentucky realizing his dream to be the majority leader in the senate and another hoping to be in the white house, the birth state of another former Republican Abraham Lincoln in the heartland of America has taken center stage in American politics. From that point of view, as an independent, I feel it is the best of tomes in the history of Kentucky, one of the smaller and poorer states of USA. I would hope that this clout would benefit Kentucky's poor, especially the ones in eastern Kentucky who are hurting economically and need all the help to begin thriving again.
1
Rand Paul would bring with him all of his 'dire warnings' that never came true. Did anybody catch ebola at a cocktail party like he said would happen? Is anybody carrying their money to the grocery in a wheel barrow because the Federal Reserve Bank implemented QE2? It is interesting to me that anybody would rally behind somebody who is always wrong especially on the major issue of our time; stimulus vs. austerity. If Rand Paul told you to cross the street the coast is clear you better look both ways before you step off the curb.
4
The marriage of Ted Cruz and the "Heritage" Foundation crystallizes the image of that faction of the Republican Party more and more closely resembling a certain political party who took over a country and replaced its democracy with a military industrial complex, the elimination of all opposition and the removal of all ethnic minorities. You know which one I mean. Why Cruz even resembles that party's leader, in appearance. demeanor and twisted mentality.
18
It's so predictable.
The party is already assembling into their now traditional and most comfortable presidential hunting pattern, the circular firing squad.
It would be funny if it weren't so sad.
The party is already assembling into their now traditional and most comfortable presidential hunting pattern, the circular firing squad.
It would be funny if it weren't so sad.
12
We all talk about the 2016 election. To the Republicans it would be icing on the cake. But consider that they control most state legislatures and that is where the great destruction has begun. ALEC writes the legislation for many states; lobbying campaigns advocating for that industry are an extension of the state's office that is in charge of regulating that industry. Starving regulatory depts has worked. And the dismantling of school funding, safety nets, etc., is in full swing. We have to worry about the elections in the states, as well as the presidential. We have to fund and support better candidates.
21
Well don't leave out Bobby Jindal who is busy referencing the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris. The Republican governor calls on Muslim leaders to denounce the people who commit such attacks as enemies of Islam!
Under Jindal's leadership, Louisiana has been free of radical Islamic attacks!
Under Jindal's leadership, Louisiana has been free of radical Islamic attacks!
9
Our biggest problem is disagreement among Republicans, their lack of cohesion. They are not unite. Now they are majority in Congress, they have ability to resist Obama's anti-constitutional initiatives, they should solve problems spreading in our country like wildfire. But they can't!!! Cause they are busy with their career and argues.
3
All this is evidence of the splits that exists in the Republican party despite their apparent strength in the recent mid terms which was achieved with the lowest voter turnout since 1942. It's the preachers versus the plutocrats, the country club versus the nihilists. They've spent years polarizing the electorate using the for profit arm of the conservative movement that Feehery dismisses and now find that a large majority of the base of the party (probably 65% of Republican voters) is consumed with various grievances that they are not going to let go of just because the party is in a majority in the senate and house and has to "appear" responsible. Just look at the over reaching taking place in those states where they are in control of all branches of government. Over the next two years Republicans in congress are going to have to "govern" on Obama's terms which is going to enrage the right against a background of a steadily improving economy and I'll guarantee that in 2016 the turnout will not be at a record low for presidential elections.
18
"The American people want to see that we are competent"
Not exactly.
The American people KNOW that Republicans are NOT competent.
They have proved that so many times, it is not open to question.
Not exactly.
The American people KNOW that Republicans are NOT competent.
They have proved that so many times, it is not open to question.
53
"The Republican majority in Congress is barely a week old. Until just a few days ago, the new sign outside Senator Mitch McConnell’s office, freshly stenciled with the words “majority leader,” was not even screwed in properly." I cannot think of a more perfect metaphor to describe both Mitch McConnell as well as the 2015 edition of the Republican Party.
43
The best manager I ever had was so focused on her work she never even changed the sign outside her door which still bore the name of the previous manager. Needless to say our manager was promoted quickly and now runs the company.
5
The only thing Conservative is the Word...Conservative...
Watch out for those harmless names:
"Regulatory Accountability Act"- Takes away responsibility for health, safety, consumer protection that insures the public is being protected.
"Americans For Prosperity"- We'll make him a One Term President
Republicans AKA Conservatives proposed the First Constitutional Amendment on Marriage in 1912
People of color cannot intermarry.
Well, that hasn't worked very well!
Watch out for those harmless names:
"Regulatory Accountability Act"- Takes away responsibility for health, safety, consumer protection that insures the public is being protected.
"Americans For Prosperity"- We'll make him a One Term President
Republicans AKA Conservatives proposed the First Constitutional Amendment on Marriage in 1912
People of color cannot intermarry.
Well, that hasn't worked very well!
9
Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Rand Paul a modern day Ceasar, Crassus and Pompey. We should keep an eye on this ambitious American triumvirate.
The first Roman triumvirate empowered Julius Ceasar to make himself dictator. The second enabled Octavius to elevate himself to Augustus, a living god and emperor.
For it is certain these men have no morals and no desire for our welfare. They only seek power and the adulation of the masses.
The first Roman triumvirate empowered Julius Ceasar to make himself dictator. The second enabled Octavius to elevate himself to Augustus, a living god and emperor.
For it is certain these men have no morals and no desire for our welfare. They only seek power and the adulation of the masses.
33
Most people don't believe that history is always, ALWAYS, circular.
2
"There is only one party in the United States, the Property Party...and it has two right wings: Republican and Democrat. Republicans are a bit stupider, more rigid, more doctrinaire in their laissez-faire (leave it alone) capitalism than the Democrats, who are cuter, prettier, a bit more corrupt—until recently... and more willing than the Republicans to make small adjustments when the poor, the black, the anti-imperialists get out of hand. But, essentially, there is no difference between the two parties." Gore Vidal
7
and then Rome enjoyed the Pax Romana for the next 50 years ushering in prosperity, massive civil projects and peace. Too bad it's a lousy metaphor for our own current circumstances as well as this trio of stooges. Not an Octavian among them...
1
Put the noteworthy accomplishments of Rubio, Cruz and Paul together, and you have nothing. Besides, Rand Paul is grossly unpopular in his own party, as is Ted Cruz. Marco Rubio is simply fooling himself. He is seeking to be a historic candidate with an old, worn-out, right-wing message. No imagination and no guts.
I cannot think of a single attribute that makes me want to see either of these men in the White House. Their common trait is raw ambition. Very raw, indeed.
I'm feeling better and better about the last six years.
I cannot think of a single attribute that makes me want to see either of these men in the White House. Their common trait is raw ambition. Very raw, indeed.
I'm feeling better and better about the last six years.
81
The fact that they are even spoken of as possibilities speaks volumes about how low our country has fallen.
40
When Republicans like Thune and McConnell are considered moderates, we can deduce that the party has entered the Twilight Zone. I watched a PBS program on the Higgs Boson, and understood -- rough estimate -- 21.8 percent. Tracking Republicans reminds me of efforts to "locate" that sub-atomic particle.
28
So let me get this straight. These three newbies were elected to run for President? Is that their Job? Doesn't anyone in their home states care that individually and as a group they have accomplished nothing of note?
89
All have accomplished more the dear leader than when started his run for president.
2
TxSon, perhaps you can list those accomplishments for us?
28
I'd like to see them myself. Ted Cruz's biggest accomplishment seems to be putting his foot in his mouth.
7
“If your goal is to govern and you think you’re going to be able to govern, you’re sort of augmenting the veto power that Democrats already have." This statement, more than perhaps any other, shows exactly what is wrong with government today. It leaves me dumbstruck that a governing party, the party in the majority in both the House and the Senate, would be openly considering NOT governing, and would in fact pooh pooh the very notion. I mean really, if not to govern, then why the heck are these guys in government?
111
They want a FAT pension for doing NADA.
11
Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney governed! A sitting vice president's Halliburton made 39.5 billion in the Iraq war.
10
It doesn't show what's wrong with government today. It shows what's wrong with Republicans today.
3
How can Ted Cruz of Texas even consider running for president when he was not born in the US but Alberta Canada?Last I check its quite clear one has to have been born on US soil. Or are facts only second to personal ambition?
Where are the birther's on this one???
Where are the birther's on this one???
51
"Last I check [sic] its [sic] quite clear one has to have been born on US soil."
Check again. The clause is that one must be a natural-born citizen, which Mr. Cruz clearly is. It seems to a problem concerning the entire spectrum of politics that people do not actually know the facts, yet strongly state the incorrect beliefs they hold to be true.
Check again. The clause is that one must be a natural-born citizen, which Mr. Cruz clearly is. It seems to a problem concerning the entire spectrum of politics that people do not actually know the facts, yet strongly state the incorrect beliefs they hold to be true.
8
Mr Munsee, Ted Cruz of Texas is a citizen because his mother at his birth was a citizen of the U.S.A. It’s that simple. He was born with dual citizenship and he denounced his Canadian citizenship. Thus he can run for president.
3
Being born in Panama did not stop John McCain from being the Republican nominee for President in 2008 and being born in Canada will not hinder Ted Cruz' presidential ambitions either. Also consider Obama's tenuous claims to birthright citizenship and we realize that "natural born" as our founding fathers intended, has become stretched beyond belief.
1
I am not very keen on Cruz, Paul, and Rubio. They are part of the problem. They are not the solution. We need a candidate with the moral fiber of Teddy Roosevelt.
38
I doubt that any candidate on either side of the aisle could live up to those standards. Politicians today are interested in covering their collective tails and lining their collective pockets. Period.
16
They would probably tell you that Teddy was a closet Democrat. After all, for example, he established all those national parks and sanctuaries.
10
Well I'm pretty impressed with Pres Obama's 'moral fiber'. I'd be more impressed if he hadn't surrounded himself with Wall Street actors but I believe he really thought it would be the only way he could go (I'm not convinced of that myself) in the short time of 8 yrs. Last occupant of the WH with much moral fiber was Jimmy Carter.
9
The only reason a lightweight like Rubio managed to get into the Senate was because he stood firmly on the Cuban embargo, and lots of old bitter Cubans stood with him.
With the embargo gone, so is Rubio's reason for being in office. I'll be surprised if he manages to get re-elected to the Senate.
As for running for President, he'll be as successful as his embargo was at bringing Cuba and Castro down.
With the embargo gone, so is Rubio's reason for being in office. I'll be surprised if he manages to get re-elected to the Senate.
As for running for President, he'll be as successful as his embargo was at bringing Cuba and Castro down.
67
Bush, Romney, Christie, Paul, Cruz, Rubbio Huckabee. This is it? The first three are either flawed or out of touch with the majority of Americans, while the next three have done nothing to help solve the serious problems facing this country. Name one thing Paul, Rubbio or Cruz has done except obstruct and criticise. Huckabee might appeal to the bible thumpers but that isn't going to win the presidency.
65
Do not underestimate Jeb Bush. I don't care for him ether but he is an effective politician, he is smart and he may be the most electable candidate the GOP have. He'll make mincemeat of those other clowns in the primaries; especially if he changes his name.
3
Huckabee now has the Beyonce' problem. He has managed to anger the entire music industry and their millions of fans.
Huckabee has criticized the President on the raising of his daughters
NEWSWEEK: Considering that Mike Huckabee's son hung a dog from a tree and slashed it's throat, I would say he is not the least bit qualified to be giving any parenting advice. Maybe he should worry about his own psychopathic offspring before bashing someone elses.
Huckabee has criticized the President on the raising of his daughters
NEWSWEEK: Considering that Mike Huckabee's son hung a dog from a tree and slashed it's throat, I would say he is not the least bit qualified to be giving any parenting advice. Maybe he should worry about his own psychopathic offspring before bashing someone elses.
8
You forgot the guy who cann`t remember what his 3 policies are; Perry.
1
The notion of Cornyn's that leadership on a national agenda is akin to a 'battlefield' is extraordinarily offensive (almost scary), and really concerning for our nation. Statements like that are such a public disservice.
33
That is how the state-eat-state state's rights true believers see it.
5
I just wonder at what point, or by what line of thinking, did compromise become a bad word to Republicans. I always thought the purpose of legislation was to build or form something. Was it Koch Bros? Tea Party? What thinking was latched on to that has caused such deconstruction of laws or obstruction of lawmaking with battlefield tactics? Just seems totally antithetical to the dictionary definition of legislating for a bunch of literalists.
19
Compromise is a bad word for both parties right now. Remember, back in 2009, when President Obama answered questions about whether he'd work with Republicans? He proudly boasted, "elections have consequences" ... meaning "no." His supporters loved him for refusing to play nice.
Meanwhile, party elite in both houses of Congress complain about what they label as "RINOs" and "Blue Dogs" - all of which are (apparently) supposed to be despised as they don't tow the party line very well.
What you're talking about and what we're missing is actual statesmanship. I see very little from anyone, anywhere.
Meanwhile, party elite in both houses of Congress complain about what they label as "RINOs" and "Blue Dogs" - all of which are (apparently) supposed to be despised as they don't tow the party line very well.
What you're talking about and what we're missing is actual statesmanship. I see very little from anyone, anywhere.
6
Mr. Lowery's concern is puzzling. Is his concern that by governing the Republicans will lose their ideological purity. If so, most people would consider that a good thing.
61
That's the point. The GOP has zero interest in most people. Could they be more explicit about it?
10
Someone needs to break the Republican mold. It should start by standing up to the Tea Party and that guy that makes them all sign something that says they will never raise taxes. The strict code of ideology, ushered in by Reagan, molded my Bush Sr., and cemented by Bush Jr., is now continued through Boehner--and it has become toxic to our nations health and growth. In a nut-shell, this ideology supports the very wealthy at the expense of the middle class and the poor. It supports a type social Darwinism spun as the "free-market", but it's not fair--the scales are drastically in favor of the entrenched power, and that power compounds with each decade as the markets favor generational wealth and power; and most traditional Republicans sponsor that "free market". It's a good sign to see some leaders trying to change the image, separate themselves, and sponsor ideas outside the right-wing mob mentality. More than likely, these rogues will not make it past the primaries, and Bush the Third will represent the same tired philosophy in 2016.
73
Hi PE,
Good comment! I believe it is Grover Norquist to whom you refer as the person behind the anti-tax pledges. Take care.
Good comment! I believe it is Grover Norquist to whom you refer as the person behind the anti-tax pledges. Take care.
5
Emigration to New Zealand is the proper response.
9
Grover Norquist. The anarchist who would drown government in a bathtub.
12
The Republican Party has come to represent only those who make up the extreme haves, and they've accomplished this on the backs of most of the rest of us. Also, racism is a card they often like to play.
The only two valid functions of government under the Republicans is to redistribute wealth upward and fund military enterprises. All of the rest is smoke and mirrors!
The only two valid functions of government under the Republicans is to redistribute wealth upward and fund military enterprises. All of the rest is smoke and mirrors!
131
Is that why the likely Democratic Party nominee, Mrs. Clinton, has more wealth than any likely Republican nominee? Mrs. Clinton and her crew like to redistribute wealth upwards, or to themselves. And they certainly have voted for military enterprises and ventures.
3
clinton and bush are retreads and fundamentally the same......wall st. puppets and hawks.
all the others mentioned here are empty suits
warren says no to 2016......give her some more time
support sanders in 2016
all the others mentioned here are empty suits
warren says no to 2016......give her some more time
support sanders in 2016
2
Romney is 50 times richer than the rest of the field combined, including Hillary. Jeb Bush is more likely second, and Hillary would come third. Although it is true that Cruz, Rubio and Paul are not particularly wealthy, and Huckabee actually needed the Fox job to replenish his finances after he went bankrupt running for President.
3
Let the games begin....
5
Lining them all up in a pecking-order is the only way you'll get those prima donnas to play as a team.
3
"Being too focused on governing, some conservatives warn, could set Republicans up for a trap. Rich Lowry, the editor of National Review, said that Democrats would have every reason to block Republicans if Republicans’ focus was on making their party appear functional and capable. “If your goal is to govern and you think you’re going to be able to govern,” he said, “you’re sort of augmenting the veto power that Democrats already have.”'
Seriously! No, please don't tell a real human said that. Why am I hearing Homer Simpson's voice as I reread it?
Seriously! No, please don't tell a real human said that. Why am I hearing Homer Simpson's voice as I reread it?
43
Let us look at the National Review. William F Buckley Jr's magazine reflects the kind of America William Frank Buckley Sr wished to create. The word conservative is not the conservatism of the British Commonwealth it is the conservatism of Franco's Spain.
When Mexico decided that William F Buckley Sr the Texas Oil Magnate and foreigner could no longer control Mexico's oil Buckley Sr decided governments could no longer be trusted to protect the rightful role of the rich and powerful.
Whether we examine the McCarthy Era, the CIA with its recruitment of William F Buckley, the rise of Reagan, James Buckley's Citizens United, or the Bay of Pigs one finds one or more Buckleys trying to destroy democracy and replace it with the conservatism of Franco's Spain.
Lest we forget the Generalissimo led Spain from 1939 when he finally totally ousted the forces of democracy to when he died in 1975. How soon we forget that the man who unleashed the terrorist bombardment of civilian targets by military aircraft was allowed to rule Spain for 35 years.
The machinations of America's foreign policy from the CIA Iran coup in 1953 to the strong alliance with Saudi Arabia and its financing of international Islamic extremism puts me in mind of Franco's political alliances in 1930s Europe and post post America.
The National Review is certainly a worthy mouthpiece for the Generalissimo and his followers whether they be Pinochet in Chile or Peron in Argentina.
You hear Homer Simpson I hear Guernica.
When Mexico decided that William F Buckley Sr the Texas Oil Magnate and foreigner could no longer control Mexico's oil Buckley Sr decided governments could no longer be trusted to protect the rightful role of the rich and powerful.
Whether we examine the McCarthy Era, the CIA with its recruitment of William F Buckley, the rise of Reagan, James Buckley's Citizens United, or the Bay of Pigs one finds one or more Buckleys trying to destroy democracy and replace it with the conservatism of Franco's Spain.
Lest we forget the Generalissimo led Spain from 1939 when he finally totally ousted the forces of democracy to when he died in 1975. How soon we forget that the man who unleashed the terrorist bombardment of civilian targets by military aircraft was allowed to rule Spain for 35 years.
The machinations of America's foreign policy from the CIA Iran coup in 1953 to the strong alliance with Saudi Arabia and its financing of international Islamic extremism puts me in mind of Franco's political alliances in 1930s Europe and post post America.
The National Review is certainly a worthy mouthpiece for the Generalissimo and his followers whether they be Pinochet in Chile or Peron in Argentina.
You hear Homer Simpson I hear Guernica.
16
Mr. Paul = Mr. Plagiarism. I imagine that since the majority of the American people have no clue what plagiarism is that Ron Paul has a decent chance of winning the TeaParty nomination.
14
I don't know whether the majority of American people know what plagiarism is, but our Vice President sure does.
3
"Being too focused on governing, some conservatives warn, could set Republicans up for a trap." Isn't that what elected officials are supposed to do? What are they supposed to focus on? Republicans can not govern anymore because their DNA has undergone a disgusting mutation.
60
Well, some elected officials are supposed to govern.
Others - i.e. republicans - get elected based on their willingness to ensure that government does not function and ultimately fails.
When they talk about "big government" and "small government," those are just more conservative codewords for "effective government" and "ineffective government," and guess what? Republicans support the latter.
The sad part is: since their stance is "government is bad," they can never be held accountable for turning the government into a cesspool. That's their goal after all. Then they get to run for reelection on the platform that "government is a cesspool." And it works. Time and time again.
Others - i.e. republicans - get elected based on their willingness to ensure that government does not function and ultimately fails.
When they talk about "big government" and "small government," those are just more conservative codewords for "effective government" and "ineffective government," and guess what? Republicans support the latter.
The sad part is: since their stance is "government is bad," they can never be held accountable for turning the government into a cesspool. That's their goal after all. Then they get to run for reelection on the platform that "government is a cesspool." And it works. Time and time again.
41
A growing divide among Conservatives? Anyone might be forgiven for thinking they consider each other toxic and must be avoided at all costs.
10
In the growing epidemic or analysis, commentary, etc. would there be any chance of considering a somewhat more significant question; the qualifications of these people to become President of the United States? The idea of Chris Christie to hold any high office?
And are we ready for a President with a comb over, or hairpiece?
And are we ready for a President with a comb over, or hairpiece?
4
The Republicans. long ago, painted themselves in to a corner. Incapable of governing, they now set this as a standard for their judged success. Big mistake! What goes around, comes around, and for the last 6 years the Republicans have done nothing but obstruct and undermine the ability of the nation to govern. Now, to them, and no one else, it is time for "THEM" to govern. Well the meaning of that is in the process of being redefined, for sure, and the likely outcome will be the Republicans crying that the Democrats are obstructing them. Please, give these guys the hook before it is too late.
65
What you say has merit, but the sad truth is also that the public chose the Republicans to be their leaders and that is a sad commentary about the state of the union.
21
The fractious ideas of governance within the GOP will come to a head by the 2016 election. Those looking to launch themselves will need to have cooperation from national and statewide officials to cite a legislative agenda for the party.
7
The Republicans agenda for the last 6 years has been to fight Obama at every turn. Unfortunately, I doubt they will try to work with him on any major agenda and he's not running in 2016. So perhaps Paul, et. al. are smart to distance themselves from Congress especially since quietly the economy and the job market have improved during Obama's watch. As a Democrat, I would certainly like to see some new ideas from the Republicans some of which could make there way into law with negotiation. However, I think we are going to see alot of John McCain type criticism of the present administration when the they take over the leadership.
10
Considering the those mentioned are from the Tea Party right, the GOP is setting themselves up fro another disappointment. Cruz, Rubio and Paul are not what you call mainstream or what one would call "uniters".
A lot depend son what happens over the next two years. However, if the GOP again goes with someone who is placating the far right; then, that candidate will lose. People are tired of social issues, are tired of the fiscal responsibility broken record, are tired of the "Debt to our children" speech and are definitely tired of "government take over of" fill in the blank.
The last Congress showed how unproductive the House was (run by the GOP). Now they have both houses, will we see even less productivity?
Governor Christie may be the best chance the GOP has. Unfortunately, even he comes with baggage. The GOP needs a northern Republican not a southern one. One who is in the middle, if such a thing exists, that is willing to twist arms of Congress to get things done. None of the GOP candidates come close.
Democrats are not immune to this either. There are a lot of people; Democrat, Republican and independent who dread the idea of another Clinton presidency. Just like they dread another Bush one.
A message to both parties, the population of the US is restless. Many feel government has failed. Our institutions have failed. And, the country is in the process of failing. The people demand real change, real action and real discussion. It is no longer politics as usual.
A lot depend son what happens over the next two years. However, if the GOP again goes with someone who is placating the far right; then, that candidate will lose. People are tired of social issues, are tired of the fiscal responsibility broken record, are tired of the "Debt to our children" speech and are definitely tired of "government take over of" fill in the blank.
The last Congress showed how unproductive the House was (run by the GOP). Now they have both houses, will we see even less productivity?
Governor Christie may be the best chance the GOP has. Unfortunately, even he comes with baggage. The GOP needs a northern Republican not a southern one. One who is in the middle, if such a thing exists, that is willing to twist arms of Congress to get things done. None of the GOP candidates come close.
Democrats are not immune to this either. There are a lot of people; Democrat, Republican and independent who dread the idea of another Clinton presidency. Just like they dread another Bush one.
A message to both parties, the population of the US is restless. Many feel government has failed. Our institutions have failed. And, the country is in the process of failing. The people demand real change, real action and real discussion. It is no longer politics as usual.
28
Thoughts:
"Being too focused on governing, some conservatives warn, could set Republicans up for a trap. Rich Lowry, the editor of National Review, said that Democrats would have every reason to block Republicans if Republicans’ focus was on making their party appear functional and capable. 'If your goal is to govern and you think you’re going to be able to govern,” he said, “you’re sort of augmenting the veto power that Democrats already have.'”
1. Switch Republican for Democrat and vice versa and you have the past 6 years.
2. As Republicans really don't want, like or know how to govern, this is all moot.
"Being too focused on governing, some conservatives warn, could set Republicans up for a trap. Rich Lowry, the editor of National Review, said that Democrats would have every reason to block Republicans if Republicans’ focus was on making their party appear functional and capable. 'If your goal is to govern and you think you’re going to be able to govern,” he said, “you’re sort of augmenting the veto power that Democrats already have.'”
1. Switch Republican for Democrat and vice versa and you have the past 6 years.
2. As Republicans really don't want, like or know how to govern, this is all moot.
72
The first two votes in the new Congress were on immigration and the XL pipeline. They are probably harbingers of the collapse of any Republican strategy. The immigration measure could not have been more extreme because it throws the dreamers under the bus because the Republicans are angry that Obama helped them without asking for permission except that he did and they did nothing. The XL pipeline is exquisitely timed now that the low price of oil makes the pipeline economically unviable. And the hopefuls are saying these votes are not extreme enough. Gotta find an excuse to shut down the government. How about this, just shut down homeland security. Who needs the FBI, the coast guard, FEMA, customs and immigration etc. anyway. That will score political points that will surely attract a lot of voters to the Republican party. Go for it hopefuls!
62
With the Republicans "owning" Congress since the recent mid-term election, President Obama should never put down his veto pen.
60
A very easy task for "the hopefuls"....there are no identifiable "republican leaders". At least, not this week. Maybe next week........
17