Yes, this was the same "strategy" Walker used when his primary campaign "promise" to create 250,000 new private sector jobs in Wisconsin before the end of his first term backfired. When only approximately 59% of 250,000 jobs were created by the end of that term (whether he could take credit for it or not) Walker asserted that, well, 250,000 was just a number he talked about but it wasn't the REAL goal.... So, when he "clarifies" his strategy relative to Bush, he is really just trying to not admit defeat, as he did with his jobs "promise."
3
Who cares what religion he follows? Progressives are paranoid of any mention of God or religion. They would rather support lawlessness, irresponsibility, and often call on small exerpts from history to support their factless assumptions about what is good for us all.
But why is no one mad about the fact that Hillary has declared she will get a billion in donations, and gets much of them from outside the country? Are you against money in politics or are you against money in the Rep party only?
But why is no one mad about the fact that Hillary has declared she will get a billion in donations, and gets much of them from outside the country? Are you against money in politics or are you against money in the Rep party only?
1
This article makes no mention of Walker's religion or even his pandering to the religious right with refernces to making political decisions based on prayer and the Bible rather than on reason and facts.
2
The NYT and every paper that publishes an article on Walker should also research and publish at least one article on his ideology and his political strategies. Walker and his billionaire backers are using our state as a pawn in their effort to implement plutocracy in America. We call him Governor Divide an Conquer for his statement to a billionaire donor that he would divide and conquer Wisconsin workers by first attacking public workers and then private workers. He has done both. Poverty is increasing in Wisconsin as the billionaires' incomes rise.
He has rewarded his contributors with some $300 million in tax credits for manufacturers and farmers over 2 years. This is what he is cutting our world class university system in the current budget. He has driven us into a $2.2 billion deficit while increasing our state's debts. His scandal ridden Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation provides funds to many business persons who then recycle that money into Walker's campaign and criminal defense funds.
This man cares for no one except himself and is using Wisconsin's resources to obtain higher office so he can be further rewarded by his billionaire backers. He a the prime example of why Americans must get money out of politics so we can once again have, " ..a government, by the people, for the people, and of the people." Lincoln would be ashamed that this person has help destroy the Republican Party.
He has rewarded his contributors with some $300 million in tax credits for manufacturers and farmers over 2 years. This is what he is cutting our world class university system in the current budget. He has driven us into a $2.2 billion deficit while increasing our state's debts. His scandal ridden Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation provides funds to many business persons who then recycle that money into Walker's campaign and criminal defense funds.
This man cares for no one except himself and is using Wisconsin's resources to obtain higher office so he can be further rewarded by his billionaire backers. He a the prime example of why Americans must get money out of politics so we can once again have, " ..a government, by the people, for the people, and of the people." Lincoln would be ashamed that this person has help destroy the Republican Party.
6
A bet: that if he gave an honest answer, which I would not expect, if asked to provide his reading list for the past 10 years Walker's would not go beyond airport novels, right wing policy and biographies and would not include any serious history or biographies of people like Dwight D. Eisenhower, George Marshall, FDR, LBJ, Dean Acheson, Harry Hopkins, John Foster Dulles, Harry Truman and yes, it must be acknowledged, Richard Nixon -- all those and all the others who shaped America and American policy, foreign and domestic, in the mid and latter 20th Century, shaping the America that has had the power it has had and that even today it projects across the world. I truly doubt he knows very much if anything at all about them -- and presidents absolutely should.
He demonstrates no intellectual breadth or curiosity but instead reminds us of those others bequeathed to the nation in the 20th Century by his party, the Babibit-like Harding, Coolidge and Hoover, the deliberately reckless like Robert Taft, William Knowlton and Walker's fellow Wisconsinite, the very late and totally unlamented and lamentable Joseph McCarthy.
Of all the Republican choices he may be the worst because he has the chance to win the nomination and winning the nomination gives the nomination's winner a one in two chance to be elected. In the category of actual possible winners of the Republican nomination there is no one more unfit to be president than this Babbit.
He demonstrates no intellectual breadth or curiosity but instead reminds us of those others bequeathed to the nation in the 20th Century by his party, the Babibit-like Harding, Coolidge and Hoover, the deliberately reckless like Robert Taft, William Knowlton and Walker's fellow Wisconsinite, the very late and totally unlamented and lamentable Joseph McCarthy.
Of all the Republican choices he may be the worst because he has the chance to win the nomination and winning the nomination gives the nomination's winner a one in two chance to be elected. In the category of actual possible winners of the Republican nomination there is no one more unfit to be president than this Babbit.
2
Doesn't accepting money from casino king Mr Adelson disqualify Walker in the eyes' of his evangelical supporters? It must gall them to see the hard earned money that they donate to Walker commingled with profits from gambling and drinking with the intent to gain influence over the candidate.
1
Good luck in suddenly turning a guy who couldn't handle Marquette, dropping out in his senior year with a 2.59 GPA and several semesters' worth of credits to complete, into the student he now needs to be. The debates will be fun to watch.
2
Hard to read the article... it appears a "fluff" piece for Walker.... the comments section has much more depth and understanding of what is really going on with Walker....
1
The parts that are factual you mean?
I hear a lot of strategy for Campaigning and Donors and money, but there is almost nothing in the article about the voters, the real people…and how we'll all get hurt when one of these idiots gets in.., it's all about money now people have been thrown to the wolves...
1
Looks like the 2016 primary season will be an early windfall for the legion of campaign workers, the media and the businesses that profit from electioneering.
Thee dozen or more GOP contenders will be raising an unprecedented amount of money the could be out to so much more useful applications than tossing out propaganda and promises that will be likely not be kept. And then comes the post primary media battle with all of its negativity and false promises .
In the end, the choice will be the usual: Who will do the least damage?
Thee dozen or more GOP contenders will be raising an unprecedented amount of money the could be out to so much more useful applications than tossing out propaganda and promises that will be likely not be kept. And then comes the post primary media battle with all of its negativity and false promises .
In the end, the choice will be the usual: Who will do the least damage?
The Governor's list of "accomplishments" begins and ends with union-busting. If Americans are so spiteful and deluded over the alleged "power" of unions that they're ready to elect this man simply on the basis of this lone contemptible agenda-item then this country is in bigger trouble that I had imagined.
13
This is a smart strategy. J. Bush is a flash in the pan and little else. His influence peddling is almost as bad as HRC's except he was a private citizen when he sold his brother's name and father's name and HRC was SecState when she sold out. He epitomizes the call for no more Bushes or Clintons.
2
There is no "smart strategy" for a man who, if the elections were held tomorrow, next month or, indeed next year, would not carry his own state.
2
Let's have some Shariah law here, Baptist style. Just what America needs -- a president-preacher to bring the religious wars to the good ole USA. Not enough action on the streets as it is.
Or will he flame out like Santorum, once people realize the practical aspects of such religiosity? It is one thing to pull it off in WI, another in the Northeast et al.
Or will he flame out like Santorum, once people realize the practical aspects of such religiosity? It is one thing to pull it off in WI, another in the Northeast et al.
6
I can see the GOP plan forming now.
If candidates can't coordinate with their own SuperPACs, they'll just coordinate with each other's SuperPACs.
Bush will run Walker's SuperPAC, which will run ads for Bush, and vice versa. And they'll argue that it's OK becuase even though they were running Bush ads. it was Walker's SuperPAC.
And they'll be allowed to do it too. That's how absurd this has become.
If candidates can't coordinate with their own SuperPACs, they'll just coordinate with each other's SuperPACs.
Bush will run Walker's SuperPAC, which will run ads for Bush, and vice versa. And they'll argue that it's OK becuase even though they were running Bush ads. it was Walker's SuperPAC.
And they'll be allowed to do it too. That's how absurd this has become.
6
I have a question for Mr. Walker. You acknowledged that you attended the reception for a gay marriage but you stated you didn't attend participate in the service, I assume the cake was served at the reception not the service if that is the case how is you eating the cake "not participating in the service" but baking the cake is?
6
Well-played.
2
If Gov. Walker, after judicially studying the issue of giving birthright citizenship to the offspring born here of illegals aliens, would come out in support of carrying this issue forward to the US Supreme Court as President of the United States; I am sure he would gain the support of those who presently think this issue should be addressed. These people should be considered aliens in amity while present, but deportable when their illegal alien parent(s) are deported by court order.
If that was all he accomplished...Dayenu!
Scott Walker's career and his actions appear to be thoroughly steeped in the Baptist church and its teachings. His close connection with Baptist beliefs seems clearly illustrated by his lifelong frequent preaching in the Church, and appears to be so much a part of his life as to raise questions about the strength of his support for separation of church and state as our constitution requires. With someone so closely identified with the Baptist church's views, it would appear reasonable to ask Mr. Walker whether he believes in the scientific aspects of biblical teachings (such as Adam and Eve or the differing Big Bang theory) as a guide to his decision-making logic should he make it into the Oval Office.
10
Don't know about the influence of the Baptist church on his decision making; didn't see much influence in WI. However I do know about the influence that the Muslim religion has had when it comes to Obama. Not working too well for the world.
1
Walker agreed to be a lightening rod when he met with Bush weeks ago. Reward will be VP nod. Meanwhile he's doing his job distracting scrutiny away from Bush.
2
I think Walker is, of course, running for President, but he is also running for Vice President. Bush is going to be difficult to beat, and Walker might be a good choice for VP, since Rubio, being from the same state as Bush cannot take the number two spot. Walker has won three elections in Wisconsin, and if Bush can carry Florida and Wisconsin and pick up a couple more states that have gone Democratic recently, such as Colorado and Virginia, then he is in range of the electoral votes he needs. The problem is that Bush may actually have a sense of responsibility to the country and picking a mental lightweight like Walker would be as reprehensible as his dad picking Quayle and McCane picking Palin. Nevertheless, don't be surprised to see a Bush/Walker ticket.
2
It must be not only embarrassing, but disheartening to have to cede anything to Jeb Bush, the Florida Governor who gave the 2000 election to his brother George W. Look how THAT turned out........
6
Only one shortcoming, you say" his lack of depth on issues facing a president"
So, he reads Presidential Leadership for dummies
And goes to How tone a President Camp this summer.
That should take of it.
Especially since all he really needs to do is call up the Koch Brothers and have them tell him to do whatever they want.
Just like George Bush Jr. Did with Cheney.
So, he reads Presidential Leadership for dummies
And goes to How tone a President Camp this summer.
That should take of it.
Especially since all he really needs to do is call up the Koch Brothers and have them tell him to do whatever they want.
Just like George Bush Jr. Did with Cheney.
6
Funny, I don't think Obama had anything close to Walker's executive experience and I bet you think he did just fine.
2
I will never support Jeb because he gave the finger to the American worker by promoting amnesty for millions of illegal workers.
The law of supply and demand applies to labor, so illegal workers drive wages down.
I'll support Walker as long as he defends American workers from invaders and their employers.
The comments about Walker being unqualified are absurd.
The law of supply and demand applies to labor, so illegal workers drive wages down.
I'll support Walker as long as he defends American workers from invaders and their employers.
The comments about Walker being unqualified are absurd.
1
Take a look at what Walker has done to the economy and the standard of living in Wisconsin.
13
What are Republican primary voters going to think when being asked for their votes from candidates--such as Walker--who really haven't accomplished much on the national front. Almost the entire list so far are first termers, or candidates no legislative or management accomplishment: Ben Carson, Scott Walker, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Chris Christie and (heaven forbid) Donald Trump if he isn't just pumping himself up again. Together, they make JEB Bush look like the granddaddy of legislative and management accomplishment. Even Rubio who was the Speaker of the House of his State could only serve 8 years in the Florida House because of that State's term limits.
It is a fair question for Republican voters to ask: what posititve legislative or management impacts have they had in their brief political careers. One might argue that Walker destroyed the public unions in Wisconsin, but can that really be considered a positive result that benefit any Wisconsin voter? When the time comes to answer that question, I think Republican voters will come up very short on almost everyone on the list so far.
It is a fair question for Republican voters to ask: what posititve legislative or management impacts have they had in their brief political careers. One might argue that Walker destroyed the public unions in Wisconsin, but can that really be considered a positive result that benefit any Wisconsin voter? When the time comes to answer that question, I think Republican voters will come up very short on almost everyone on the list so far.
8
He's after name-splash, with fairly serious interest in getting a vp request.
7
Ugh, bush/walker "George Herbert Walker Bush".
5
Whatever gets him out of Wisconsin and keeps him out of the oval office.
4
All things considered, wouldn't it make more sense for the GOP to hold auctions instead of elections?
20
Anyone thinking about this candidate should locate the audio of the telephone call he had with a person he thought was one of the Koch brothers. A journo/blogger called Gov Walker, identified himself as a Koch, and proceeded to record a call wherein Gov Walker discussed planting provocateurs in the streets to stir up the protesters, discussed his innermost thoughts, and finally agreed to an all expenses paid junket with the Kochs.
25
5
There is a link to the phone call and a description of content(from NYTimes) here:
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/walker-receives-prank-call...
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/walker-receives-prank-call...
5
Scott Walker, empty suit. If he thinks a "cram course" in issues that face a President will make him credible, it is clear how little he understands.
21
He might do a lot better than the present president who had little international experience after his four months in the Senate and who also needed a crash course and still doesn't seem to have figured it out.
I can't help think that it was less than 70 years ago that the Buckley's championed another Wisconsinite to lead America into their Brave New World. Of course back then the Buckley's were not conservatives they saw themselves more in the mantle of Francisco Franco. Governor Walkers unique ability to divide the world into us and them may serve him well in a party that considers talk of compromise treason. When Walt Kelly wrote his memorable "We have met the enemy and he is us " comic strip it was simply a reference to a previous incarnation of a previous Scott Walker. I am afraid we don't even share a common media and there is no Edward R Murrow to inform us that not only is there no communists under every bed but their aren't enough communists to field a an arena football team.
"Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
"Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
12
Americans will never get the true measure of Governor Walker until they learn that he served the public of Wisconsin by fighting back against the tax-payer funded public employees who have raided the state budget for years and whose sweetheart contracts with inflated pay and outlandish benefits have shrunken the pay packets of actual private sector union workers (e.g. carpenters, auto workers, electricians, etc.) whose hard work generates the income that it then uses to pay for the teachers and bureaucrats whose energy (seldom found in the workplace) have guaranteed reelection. Until Walker took a chance and brought them down. And BTW, those so-called union workers are about as likely to be chastised for poor performance as a Packer's fan is to cheer for the Seahawks.
But seriously, who but a professional Democrat would equate a Teamster with a teacher when it comes to being part of unionized labor?
But seriously, who but a professional Democrat would equate a Teamster with a teacher when it comes to being part of unionized labor?
2
edmass
A couple things here: First, public employees were more than willing to pay more for their benefits.....what they objected to was Walker taking away collective bargaining - collective bargaining, which was spoke to at a federal Congressional hearing - did not cost the state a penny. He saved nothing by taking away collective bargaining.
Second, your comment about union workers - who but Walker would say he could take on ISIS because he took on Union protestors?
You obviously have not been in Wisconsin and do not know the damage this man has done.
A couple things here: First, public employees were more than willing to pay more for their benefits.....what they objected to was Walker taking away collective bargaining - collective bargaining, which was spoke to at a federal Congressional hearing - did not cost the state a penny. He saved nothing by taking away collective bargaining.
Second, your comment about union workers - who but Walker would say he could take on ISIS because he took on Union protestors?
You obviously have not been in Wisconsin and do not know the damage this man has done.
15
How, pray, could a public sector union's pay scale have any effect whatsoever on a private sector union's pay scale?
4
@edmass you need to study up on unions, my friend. You don't know what you are talking about.
4
Walker has run Wisconsin into the poorhouse--gigantic deficit. He has reduced the average Wisconsin working person's income gains to levels below comparable midwest state economies. On the campaign trail, he seeks the lowest common denominator of harebrained conservative ideology by embarrassingly reinventing himself practically minute-to-minute. He's already exceeded his potential in his current office as Governor--let's move along--nothing to see here, folks.
27
Wake up America! Scott Walker's popularity in his own state per a Marquette University poll, has dropped to an all time low - from 56% approval to 41%.
He's dropped 15 points. He's never here (not that many of us miss him - he was never really "here" anyhow).
It is comical to hear people, like women in Iowa and South Carolina, New Hampshire, etc, speak of their likeness to him during his recent visits there.
Try calling his office for his schedule - they won't give it - saying "it's a security issue" which also is comical - because all a person has to do is pick up a newspaper and look at the media covering his "out of town" donor fundraising speaking engagement. Very easy to track down where he is, which is almost every day gone from Wisconsin, with a capital G.
Also hilarious today - he says he actually governs better being gone, because something like, when he is pressed for time, he can focus better on the needs of the state. Not his exact words but you get the idea. So, like why are we paying him a full time salary? Quite the leader explanation. He is an embarrassment to Wisconsin. So think what he would be to the country. Why the Kochs want to embarrass themselves with interest in him is a quiz.
Yes, Scott Walker is a real Wisconsin dream boat. Well, depending on whose yacht he's on, and at whose expense.
He's dropped 15 points. He's never here (not that many of us miss him - he was never really "here" anyhow).
It is comical to hear people, like women in Iowa and South Carolina, New Hampshire, etc, speak of their likeness to him during his recent visits there.
Try calling his office for his schedule - they won't give it - saying "it's a security issue" which also is comical - because all a person has to do is pick up a newspaper and look at the media covering his "out of town" donor fundraising speaking engagement. Very easy to track down where he is, which is almost every day gone from Wisconsin, with a capital G.
Also hilarious today - he says he actually governs better being gone, because something like, when he is pressed for time, he can focus better on the needs of the state. Not his exact words but you get the idea. So, like why are we paying him a full time salary? Quite the leader explanation. He is an embarrassment to Wisconsin. So think what he would be to the country. Why the Kochs want to embarrass themselves with interest in him is a quiz.
Yes, Scott Walker is a real Wisconsin dream boat. Well, depending on whose yacht he's on, and at whose expense.
27
As long as Americans rely on one liner advertisements from candidates to decide who to vote, money power will decide who is the winner of elections.
18
Sorry, fellow Wisconsinites, but Scott Walker is just not that interested in you any more. Unless you are a billionaire and prepared to spend a fair amount of it to help make him president, that is.
40
Mark Lebow: What ever made you think that this guy cared about anyone but himself. He was following the Koch line all the way 1% = America. He took the positions he did because of promises for the future; not theirs but his backers.
11
Even if Republicans continue to vote for the candidate they'd most like to have a beer with, as they so charmingly put it, Walker does not have sufficient education or critical thinking experience to be President.
And by November 2016, Wisconsin will likely be trying to beat out Mississippi for last place in just about every way one can measure a state's accomplishments, hardly a selling point for him.
And by November 2016, Wisconsin will likely be trying to beat out Mississippi for last place in just about every way one can measure a state's accomplishments, hardly a selling point for him.
41
Rick Perry and his religious right Republican legislative cronies past and present have and will continue to give their best efforts. To what end you may ask? Well, to insure Texas noses-out all 49 states including Mississippi and Gov. Walker's Wisconsin for last place in refusing to implement any law, policy or procedure that can help education (pre-K through college), the poor, the sick (1 in 4 Texans have zero medical insurance), the unemployed, the elderly, the immigrant, women, and all of our hungry children.
11
There is no way the American public will ever elect Scott Walker to be President of the United States. He is too blunt, too blue collar, not well-informed enough on the range of issues required, and not smart enough to be President. He has reached the highest elected office he will ever achieve unless he runs for a U.S. Senate seat, and wins it, which is unlikely to happen.
25
Ostensibly blue collar: he turns his back on real blue collar workers.
28
Not smart enough to be presiddent? Well, thank heavens we've never let that happen, have we!
1
When the history of our constitutional democracy is written, Citizens United will be seen as a turning point, having no less of an impact than Brown vs. Board of Education, Marbury vs. Madison, McCullough vs. Maryland, etc. Only in this case, the court has pulled bricks out of the constitutional foundation, instead of raising it higher by building on.
27
Do you want to ban political movies like Fahrenheit 9-11 from Michael Moore's Dog Eat Dog Films, Inc. too, or only from Citizens United, Inc? Do you only want to ban corporations from paying for full-page ads in the NY Times, or do you also want to ban the NY Times, Inc. from editorializing? Just trying to understand where your censorship would end. If media outlets get a pass from your censorship, then rich corporations will just continue to buy media outlets - like Fox & MSNBC.
It is not censorship to believe that corporations are not people. And if you do believe that corporations are entitled to the Consitutional protections of individual citizens, when do you plan to prosecute General Motors for murder?
4
Scott Walker has a great record in Wisconsin? As what, a shameless Koch puppet? Or as the Nation's Number One Union-busting bully? Or in passing out corporate subsidies and tax cuts to his pals? Or in trying to wreck the University of Wisconsin? Or in lying about all the jobs he was going to create? Or in dispensing bible-belting double-talk as he assassinates the character of his political opponents?
The man is a dangerous demagogue in the spirit of Joe McCarthy.
The man is a dangerous demagogue in the spirit of Joe McCarthy.
67
Crushing the unions of the people who protect and serve is a slap in the face to society. Walker will not be nominated and only splinters the party. Keep going and help the democrats win the white house.
31
The quoted backers in this article are guilty of wishful thinking. In Wisconsin the odds are favoring Walker with the red state legislature. By my calculations the odds are 1 to 1 that he has his way religious, anti-government, big corporation agenda. When it comes to satisfying and uniting the GOP, let's say that will be impossible. Uniting evangelicals and libertarians, the establishment and the tea party is not going to happen. Two groups will be thrown under the bus. My guess is that the establishment and libertarians are the losers in the Walker campaign.
11
nowadays it seems that we can dispense entirely with a candidate's policy positions, expertise, public record and skill in the political negotiations of the legislative process.
we can just talk about money. politics is just money. who has the money? who has the most money? who can get money, hoard money, spend money, get even more money?
we can just talk about money. politics is just money. who has the money? who has the most money? who can get money, hoard money, spend money, get even more money?
50
Governor Walker's lagging approach does not befit a leader (or prospective one). If he had been personally motivated to educate himself about those issues facing national leaders, he could have already undertaken the effort (rather than embarrass himself by comparing ISIS with union demonstrators!). Hoping that other candidates get burned out, mired in controversy, or knocked down by each other is a passive strategy and incompatible with the skills and drive a President needs.
60
Yeah, inexperienced, like Obama thinking there were 60 states.
3
Some of us Wisconsinites are hoping Walker is the one who gets burned out, mired in controversy, and knocked out of the campaign early. Heaven forbid he might actually have to come back to Madison and do his job.
10
Odyss, Is this the best you can do in criticizing the president? He was tired and misspoke. BTW, he said 57 states, not 60. My question to you is "Can you name all of the states".
8
"Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin faces serious obstacles to becoming the Republican standard-bearer"?
Could these "obstacles" possibly include being anti-labor, anti-education, cutting taxes while racking up huge deficits, putting extremist 'policies' ahead of basic economic growth, and being an extremist religious zealot too?
If you read coverage of the Republicans in the overseas press (UK for instance), the rest of the world is dumbstruck that characters like Walker, Cruz, and Palin are taken seriously as candidates of 'spokesmen' for a major political party!
So maybe add: "held in scorn by the rest of the world" to the list of "obstacles"?
Could these "obstacles" possibly include being anti-labor, anti-education, cutting taxes while racking up huge deficits, putting extremist 'policies' ahead of basic economic growth, and being an extremist religious zealot too?
If you read coverage of the Republicans in the overseas press (UK for instance), the rest of the world is dumbstruck that characters like Walker, Cruz, and Palin are taken seriously as candidates of 'spokesmen' for a major political party!
So maybe add: "held in scorn by the rest of the world" to the list of "obstacles"?
67
There are hundreds of billionaires that could write Mr. Walker a check that would even out his fund raising with George Bush, if they so desired. It wouldn't even dent their lifestyle.
How many election cycles before we watch billionaires on both sides choose the candidates? 1/2 does so already.
How many election cycles before we watch billionaires on both sides choose the candidates? 1/2 does so already.
12
Yes, Obama was the first to eschew public funds and likely the Republicans will start to copy the greedy Democrats. However, we will continue to have elections where billionaires donate, until we reduce the power and scope of government so that there is no benefit to having your person elected. Just reduce Washington to nothing and you will not need worry about donations from billionaires.
2
Odyss: Delusion and insanity are common these days. In each category, you are not left behind. Or should I say right behind?
3
I'm glad that when this happens corporations will happily stand down from their aggressive and destructive behaviors. I never considered that their conduct in need of regulation was due to the regulation itself!
An entire article, based on nothing more than money. Nothing about the qualifications, temperament, or rationale for each candidate. No just line after line about each candidate's number of committed "bundlers"--the very name conjures up the buying and reselling of packaged (tranches) of individual mortgages, like those bundles of toxic mortgages from the Great Melt-Down of 2008.
The comparison of terms is apt in the age of easy money. I know more about which donor is supporting which candidate than I do about why these clowns want to be president (Jeb: nothing better to do? Getting bored? OK, think I'll run for President!; Walker: I doubt I'll get elected again in WI, so why not run for President?).
In the end, you know, it really doesn't matter. The Kochs will decide. They want somebody malleable--so Walker will be their man, if not Rubio. Jeb is likely too independent, whatever that means.
Of course, Jeb really could change and become more malleable himself. And then he'd win the chance to be the 2nd worst President in US history, right after his brother.
The comparison of terms is apt in the age of easy money. I know more about which donor is supporting which candidate than I do about why these clowns want to be president (Jeb: nothing better to do? Getting bored? OK, think I'll run for President!; Walker: I doubt I'll get elected again in WI, so why not run for President?).
In the end, you know, it really doesn't matter. The Kochs will decide. They want somebody malleable--so Walker will be their man, if not Rubio. Jeb is likely too independent, whatever that means.
Of course, Jeb really could change and become more malleable himself. And then he'd win the chance to be the 2nd worst President in US history, right after his brother.
39
Christine;
No. The brothers could be numbers one and two at worst; the exact ranking to alternate every four years. Or what is wrong with a tie? Maybe sibling rivalry would make that impossible.
But who cares. Americans are finally seeing the light of pay. The government of by and for the People just took a holiday; all expenses paid.
The Revolution is a coming to be led by the least among us.
Read Preamble to the Declaration of Independence for details.
No. The brothers could be numbers one and two at worst; the exact ranking to alternate every four years. Or what is wrong with a tie? Maybe sibling rivalry would make that impossible.
But who cares. Americans are finally seeing the light of pay. The government of by and for the People just took a holiday; all expenses paid.
The Revolution is a coming to be led by the least among us.
Read Preamble to the Declaration of Independence for details.
2
"Governor Walker has a great record in Wisconsin" is an opinion, not based on facts. Increased debt? A deficit? Popularity in the home state dropping for over a year now? Failed campaign promises on jobs and economic development? His own Republican legislature thinks he has gone too far on many budget items. Other than crushing the unions, what else does Walker have to offer?
46
When a nation like the U.S. arrives at a point where a shallow thinker with a knack for connecting with moneyed ideologues believes himself ready for the presidency, based on daily briefings (to supposedly "make up" for a total lack of nuance and intellectual heft, then, God help us, we are truly scraping the bottom of the barrel. Only an empty-headed nincompoop could possibly imagine that sound bites and slogans along with bullying would enable him to navigate a multiplicity of national and international issues on a daily basis.
Personally, the thought of Walker in the White House absolutely terrifies me! Like giving a loaded gun to a two year-old, it would be a recipe for disaster. And this guy is worried about voter qualifications?
Personally, the thought of Walker in the White House absolutely terrifies me! Like giving a loaded gun to a two year-old, it would be a recipe for disaster. And this guy is worried about voter qualifications?
67
Sounds exactly like Obama. Sound bites and all. Empty-headed? How about campaigning in 57 states with three more to go? How about "navy corpseman, navy corpseman?" It would be good to get an educated American in the White House in 2016.
1
GW did it, though he did bow to Cheney to be the guiding hand in bullying. They had a bit more finesse, but it was done before, so that's probably why he thinks it can be done again. That, and american democracy has been sold to the highest bidder, so he just needs to parrot what he believes they want to hear.
6
@Odyss
So is Scott Walker an "educated American? " as compared to Barack Obama?
Barack Obama is a graduate of Columbia University, and Harvard. He also served as president of the Harvard Law Review. He later taught law at the University of Chicago Law School.
Scott Walker on the other hand never graduated from Marquette University, which he attended then dropped out..
Enough said..
So is Scott Walker an "educated American? " as compared to Barack Obama?
Barack Obama is a graduate of Columbia University, and Harvard. He also served as president of the Harvard Law Review. He later taught law at the University of Chicago Law School.
Scott Walker on the other hand never graduated from Marquette University, which he attended then dropped out..
Enough said..
14
A good example of the Times calling the candidates staff and supporters and writing the article they would like to see published.
19
It is indeed unfortunate that any candidate has to do this, but Clinton does the same thing and also has a cloud of impropriety hanging over her head. Bush is going down just like Hillary for his crony capitalism and dynasty background.
When the dust settles Walker will be the most dangerous candidate for Democrats. He has survived two massive national campaigns by progressives in a purple/blur state and comes out stronger each time.
If/when Rubio, Paul and Cruz eventually drop out, Walker will pick up a great percentage of their supporters and will trounce Bush. If Hillary survives to the nomination, it will be very interesting.
When the dust settles Walker will be the most dangerous candidate for Democrats. He has survived two massive national campaigns by progressives in a purple/blur state and comes out stronger each time.
If/when Rubio, Paul and Cruz eventually drop out, Walker will pick up a great percentage of their supporters and will trounce Bush. If Hillary survives to the nomination, it will be very interesting.
2
Scott Walker has never run in a POTUS year. His claims of winning three times in four years are overstated. Wisconsin has voted BLUE for over three decades. Obama won here in '08 and '12, AND we sent Tammy Baldwin to the Senate. Should Walker get the nomination - and I'm doubting he will - he won't carry the state of Wisconsin.
20
Walker's poll numbers in Wisconsin are plummeting and he's unlikeable. He's also got several nasty little skeletons in his closet.
23
The latest polling has Walker losing to Clinton by 12 points in Wisconsin. It's not like he can blame a lack of name recognition for this problem.
I know that early polls are nearly useless, but at this point I don't think Walker is even capable of winning his home state.
I know that early polls are nearly useless, but at this point I don't think Walker is even capable of winning his home state.
24
Walker is not capable of speaking off script. He is going to be eaten alive in the debates the moment one of his opponents asks him to explain Wisconsin's terrible performance under his "leadership."
59
Actually, there are no real debates, as the participants are never held to the real rules of a debate. They are merely forums for the candidates to make self-aggrandizing statements and claims, while taking cheap shots at the opponents.
They are political show business, nothing more.
They are political show business, nothing more.
12
Regardless of what you think about the debate format, the cheap shots against Walker are going to come easy...
8
Hmmm. Then I would have thought that the Democrats would have taken those easy shots during his trouncing of them in Wisconsin. Is it that Wisconsin Democrats are much, much stupider than other democrats?
If this is already the end of the first lap, I think it's probably safe to assume that when this race final gets anywhere near being finished, by then nobody's even going to be watching so as to care. With so much premature coverage required to fill the insatiable "news cycle", I'm still waiting for the first yet to be conceived candidate to throw the diaper they have yet to put on into the ring and for the media to pounce on it.
If nothing else, such a candidate could actual make the likes of Rubio and Cruz look and sound more grown-up.
If nothing else, such a candidate could actual make the likes of Rubio and Cruz look and sound more grown-up.
5
Baffling puzzle, Part 12: Who's worse, Scott Walker or Ted Cruz?
12
Scott Walker is worse. Cruz will happily settle for a position on Fox News, that's probably what he's aiming for at the moment. Cruz keeps his lunacy and hatred openly on display 24/7, kind of like a poisonous snake with lots of bright colors, easy to spot and avoid.
16
It's a toss-up.
2
To answer your question, simply imagine a one-on-one debate between the two of them. Cruz would crucify Walker! And yes, pun intended.
5
You know, it would be really nice if the NYT would actually look critically at Walker and what is happening to Wisconsin under his "leadership" (to use the term loosely. Calling him a "well-regarded Midwestern governor of a purple state" does not accurately characterize either his reputation (sinking fast here, with a breathtaking and breathtakingly fast drop in approval ratings since the November 2014 election) or the political composition of the state. Yes, red and blue makes purple when you're mixing paint. But there are precious few "purple" people in Wisconsin, and those who are (i.e., independents or moderates) are starting to see through his empty claims and self-serving destruction of the state they love.
151
Most of the comments here are, of course, from liberals who are merely repeating why they don't like Walker. In handicapping the Republican primary (what this article was actually about), it should be recalled that in all recent polls the most noteworthy fact is that Jeb Bush's support among Republicans doesn't exceed 20%. In other words, 80% of the GOP nominating electorate wants "not Bush". Most conservatives seem to like Walker even if their favorite candidate is Cruz or Rubio or Paul or someone else. Therefore, the most important thing is how quickly the obviously implausible candidates (Huckabee, Jindal, Bolton, Christie, Fiorina, Perry, etc.) leave their egos behind and bow out of the race so that the anti-Jeb vote will coalesce around Walker. I also expect support for Cruz, Paul & Rubio to soften before January. This race is between Bush & Walker. Bush is undoubtedly happy every time another candidate enters the race. It wouldn't surprise me if Karl Rove were soliciting donations for Cruz & Paul.
1
Iskawaran, I agree with your summation of the Republican race to date, but your first sentence "Most of the comments here are, of course, from liberals who are merely repeating why they don't like Walker." also includes some of us Republicans. The facts do matter and Walker has become a first class train wreck and failure with his actual governance of the state. As noted in other comments here and at home, his fiscal policy is turning Wisconsin into another Kansas. At least my Republican representation in the legislature is turning away from Walker and his policies and I doubt very much whether you are also believe the legislature is liberal.
2
Probably the best picture to date of Scott Walker is still the prank phone call from Daily Beast editor Ian Murphy imitating David Koch. Walker's end of the conversation reveals anything but a leader with the capability of running the United States.
A link to that phone call with content description is found here, in the NYTimes archives:
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/walker-receives-prank-call...
A link to that phone call with content description is found here, in the NYTimes archives:
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/walker-receives-prank-call...
Gov. Walker's polling support is cratering here in Wisconsin, especially as he spends more time out of the state and running further to the right. (This is, after all, still a "purple" state that has not voted for a Republican for President since 1984.) Hillary Clinton would beat him here by a landslide.
He is making the classic "rookie mistake" (or so it appears) of running all-out to win the Iowa caucus (which he might do) rather than campaigning to appeal to a broader cross-section of voters (not to mention the general electorate). His increasingly harsh view of immigration policy -- both illegal and legal -- is earning him the displeasure of the Republican business establishment, if the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal is any indication.
Walker was the "flavor of the day" but now needs to share the spotlight with a long list of competitors. I don't see him having the staying power, especially if the ongoing "John Doe" investigations at home start to become an issue again.
He is making the classic "rookie mistake" (or so it appears) of running all-out to win the Iowa caucus (which he might do) rather than campaigning to appeal to a broader cross-section of voters (not to mention the general electorate). His increasingly harsh view of immigration policy -- both illegal and legal -- is earning him the displeasure of the Republican business establishment, if the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal is any indication.
Walker was the "flavor of the day" but now needs to share the spotlight with a long list of competitors. I don't see him having the staying power, especially if the ongoing "John Doe" investigations at home start to become an issue again.
70
He keeps turning to the right so fast he will run in ever tighter concentric circles, then hopefully just corkscrew right down into the ground in a tiny puff of smoke.
7
If Governor Walker has such "a great record in Wisconsin", why is it that Minnesota continues to grow faster, create more jobs per capita, and leave Wisconsin gasping for air? After all, these next door neighbors have similar weather, climates, and economies. And yet Walker's Wisconsin continues to stumble.
http://blogs.mprnews.org/newscut/2015/01/minnesota-economy-beats-wiscons...
http://blogs.mprnews.org/newscut/2015/01/minnesota-economy-beats-wiscons...
105
A 'lack of depth on issues' is not a Scott Walker problem; it is Republican Party problem shared by all of the GOP candidates.
Bringing back the Robber Baron Era of the late 1800's is the major Republican 'idea'.
The 0.1% right now seems most comfortable with Jeb bringing back the 1800's, probably because Jeb already has first hand experience rigging the 2000 Presidential election, he may be the best bet for the GOP to rig the 2016 Presidential election.
Show me a Republican 'idea' and I'll show you economic violence against society and the common good.
Bringing back the Robber Baron Era of the late 1800's is the major Republican 'idea'.
The 0.1% right now seems most comfortable with Jeb bringing back the 1800's, probably because Jeb already has first hand experience rigging the 2000 Presidential election, he may be the best bet for the GOP to rig the 2016 Presidential election.
Show me a Republican 'idea' and I'll show you economic violence against society and the common good.
105
You do know Marx has been dead for 150 years? That is the basis of the democrats' platform. And you want to talk of the old Republican platform. leastwise 150 years ago they were abolishing slavery. What were the Democrats up to then and until 1965?
Odyss - You need to learn a bit more history. Republicans have changed a lot in the last 150 years.
4
Soc
It is a Walker problem, trust me. You would not want to be living in Wisconsin under his leadership
It is a Walker problem, trust me. You would not want to be living in Wisconsin under his leadership
4
This isn't a political campaign plan - it's a marketing campaign plan. Walker isn't competing for votes so much as he's competing for the favor of billionaires. This is the real primary for G.O.P. candidates these days.
Anyone who has followed Walker's career know's he's a two-bit grifter who has left a trail of lies, broken promises, and failure behind him. But boy can he sell snake oil. The real question is whether he can convince enough billionaires he can deliver the country to them the way he delivered Wisconsin to the Koch brothers.
Anyone who has followed Walker's career know's he's a two-bit grifter who has left a trail of lies, broken promises, and failure behind him. But boy can he sell snake oil. The real question is whether he can convince enough billionaires he can deliver the country to them the way he delivered Wisconsin to the Koch brothers.
95
Exactly right. The absolute best seller of snake oil I have seen in my lifetime. He is scary.
1
I feel so bad for all the rich people having to figure out who our next president will be. The choices they must face.
On the plus side, the candidates don't actually care about their donors. Neither party candidates do. These people are users of the highest order. It's not even clear that they can make real human connections.
An alien from space would think we only allow the franchise to those with money.
On the plus side, the candidates don't actually care about their donors. Neither party candidates do. These people are users of the highest order. It's not even clear that they can make real human connections.
An alien from space would think we only allow the franchise to those with money.
15
Keep trying Scott. You shouldn't be required to have a college degree to be on the same playing field with sons of the gilded class. I won't vote for you or the patrician because you're both shills for Wall Street.
10
Wasn't it Walker who a few months back implied that ISIS and Iran were somehow aligned? That sort of ignorance is shameful..(wish I could remember where I read it.) All one needs to know about Jeb Bush and his ties to war and the Saudis can be found by simply googling The Carlyle Group".
16
Actually, his comparison was between ISIS and the fine, hardworking Wisconsin citizens who were gathered in Madison in protest of the draconian changes he and his conservative henchman were working on in the state. Just look at the results. Wisconsin trails it's peers in the upper Midwest. He said if he can stand up to 100,000 hardworking Wisconsin citizens he can stand up to ISIS. I was in Madison during those protests. I am a Vietnam veteran and have no union affiliation. Those folks that were at those Madison protests were the best of Wisconsin. I am appalled at his crass comments. He has no shame.
19
I know how you feel. Remember those crass comments made by Obama at the prayer breakfast recalling the crusaders from 1100 years ago to respond to people talking about ISIS? He has no shame.
"despite leading in some early polls...." Oh, please. Polls taken 18 months before an election, before a candidate has publicly taken positions, before other candidates have announced their intentions, before any party has held a primary, let alone chosen a candidate, are utterly meaningless, except as a rough proxy for name recognition. What's more important than any poll is that Scott Walker has a very clear record as Governor of Wisconsin. Most likely, like Mitt Romney, he'll be running from it as he re-packages himself endlessly to pander to the low-information voters, so crucial to every candidate who. like Walker, has no real qualifications to be President.
28
Our country for sale to the highest bidder.
16
When I was a kid, growing up in rural part of that formerly progressive state, we learned that preachers' kids (PKs) had a certain arrogant, authoritarian bent. They "knew better" than the rest of we sheep, and lorded their special status over the rest of us. That was before our pastor had that unfortunate affair. Worms like this have apparently taken over our beloved Wisconsin.
Point conceded, to the Rick Perry of the north.
Point conceded, to the Rick Perry of the north.
55
We really have entered a new phase in our political system. At this point Scott Walker and the other candidates (and this is true for both parties) are so focused on appealing to donors that one wonders if essentially we are all voting for the donors rather than the candidate. In this I feel perhaps that something the founding fathers (or at least some of them) might have feared is beginning to manifest itself in the sense that its becoming government by the few, for the few, over the many. Not one of these people will work for us, the average citizen. They just need enough of our votes and then go to work for their donors interests. I, for the life of me can't see it being any other way. I feel Americas long term future is in question when its leaders start to beholden themselves to wealthy and powerful individuals and cabals who will most certainly be calling the shots from behind the scenes, regardless of how that might effect the rest of us. If its a synergy, great! If not, well, what can I tell you, orders are orders.
43
One point about your "this is true for both parties" assertion. While there are similar cases on both sides, the big rush for bucks is on the right. There's one party that seems to be their preferred choice. While much right wing obsessing over Clinton ties to wealthy people is being given a lot of promotion among the chattering classes, it's the GOP who is really 'following the money.' How come we never hear about Bush ties to the Carlyle Group?
8
The remedy, if there is to be one, may be for small donors to band together and contribute in large numbers, as occurred in the case of the Obama campaign in 2008. A candidate who combines an appeal to masses of small donors along with appeal to some large donors may have the edge over those whose only true advantage is access to large donors.
4
I share your fears, but to play devil's advocate, hasn't it always been this way in America in one form or another?
1
NY Times says: "Mr. Walker is among the likely presidential candidates delaying formal announcements and using the early months to court small circles of wealthy patrons."
Is there ever a time when Walker does not court small circles of wealthy patrons?
Is there ever a time when Walker does not court small circles of wealthy patrons?
48
I am aghast at how much the country has changed since the 1960's when I was growing up.
The .1% is awash in cash, the like of which we literally have never seen in the history of the world. That the .1% want use their cash to give them the candidate and government that they want is understandable.
But it is also completely antithetical to the America they supposedly espouse.
The only good news is that history shows us that their greed will be their undoing.
The .1% is awash in cash, the like of which we literally have never seen in the history of the world. That the .1% want use their cash to give them the candidate and government that they want is understandable.
But it is also completely antithetical to the America they supposedly espouse.
The only good news is that history shows us that their greed will be their undoing.
13
Another vacuous stooge without a clue how to solve a problem other than to beat up a librarian is all the GOP needs to lead the party into oblivion. Contrary to Gov Walker's self proclaimed accomplishments, when the light of day is shown on his record in Wisconsin, there is no there, there.
Jeb Bush may not be the "golden boy", but at least he is a legitimate choice with real substance. Gov Walker as a serious Presidential candidate is a chimera.
Jeb Bush may not be the "golden boy", but at least he is a legitimate choice with real substance. Gov Walker as a serious Presidential candidate is a chimera.
24
People should ask themselves, why do they not allow EVERY voter to vote in both the Democratic and Republican primaries? If these people are to represent the ENTIRE country as President, then let them answer to EVERY voter. All Democrats, Republicans, and everyone else, should all be allowed and encouraged to vote in both primaries, so that the candidates who become the nominees actually represent EVERYONE. Republicans wouldnt have to sound like lunatics just to win the party nomination, and Democrats would be up front about whether theyre pro-war and pro-corproation, instead of lying to Democratic voters to get the nomination.
3
It doesn't matter if he gets the backing of the billionaire brothers. Walker is unelectable. He is against unions, gays, women, non Christians (which as a devout Christian I find particularly disgusting given Christ's mandate to "love all"), all minorities, all immigration, any and all tax increases, any and all welfare or state support for anything.
In other words he is like Mikey. He hates everything.
Which, in short, means he is unqualified and unelectable because he cannot as President personally dismantle the US Government or the constitution.
And which, in short, means that about 97% of the voting population will vote against him if historical precidents are accurate.
Four years ago I watched with trepidation as Rick Perry ran. Walker is 2016's version of Rick Perry, a genuinely empty hat whose nasty, ridiculous "I'm more conservative than thou" message resonates only with about 3% of the population. I wish Molly Ivins, God bless her resting soul, were around to write about him.
Ted Cruz is bad enough. He is a somewhat more intellectually gifted version of Sarah Palin.
Walker is just silly.
In other words he is like Mikey. He hates everything.
Which, in short, means he is unqualified and unelectable because he cannot as President personally dismantle the US Government or the constitution.
And which, in short, means that about 97% of the voting population will vote against him if historical precidents are accurate.
Four years ago I watched with trepidation as Rick Perry ran. Walker is 2016's version of Rick Perry, a genuinely empty hat whose nasty, ridiculous "I'm more conservative than thou" message resonates only with about 3% of the population. I wish Molly Ivins, God bless her resting soul, were around to write about him.
Ted Cruz is bad enough. He is a somewhat more intellectually gifted version of Sarah Palin.
Walker is just silly.
71
This is so true. Great post, Cedar.
1
Walker's problems go much deeper than fundraising. His approval rating in his home state has plummeted to around 40%, and the latest polls show Hillary beating him in WI by double digits. After 4 years of total GOP control, the state is facing a $2 billion deficit in the upcoming biennium. His budget, which he dropped on the state like a steaming pile of garbage before fleeing on foreign "trade missions" and other transparently pre-campaign travel, is so unpopular that even some of his GOP allies in the legislature are trying to find ways to run away from it. Once other candidates or the national press start shining some light on his REAL record in WI, his chances of ever becoming president will drop to approximately zero.
52
Oh boy, so they're playing the long game, was that the plan all along or are they trying to convince themselves that's the plan now. Sounds like the Kochs are playing hard to get.
8
As many others have noted, it sure is wonderful to see this brave new world of American politics in which it becomes ever more clear that voters are no longer essential to victory.....just a few very well heeled donors are the key.
I sleep comfortably every night knowing that Sheldon Adelson, David and Charles Koch and some guy I never heard of named John Catsimatidis are making the choices I might have had a hand in in the past.
John Roberts and Anthony Kennedy.....shame on the both of you.
I sleep comfortably every night knowing that Sheldon Adelson, David and Charles Koch and some guy I never heard of named John Catsimatidis are making the choices I might have had a hand in in the past.
John Roberts and Anthony Kennedy.....shame on the both of you.
55
Dweb,
Unless you're happy giving up any participation in electoral politics, to these oligarchs I wouldn't sleep to comfortably, You'll wake up one day soon finding that at best, unless you are a wealthy landowner you can't participate in any way in the selection or election of any candidate for national office, and at worst you, like most other ordinary citizens, are now considered 3/5ths of a person.
Unless you're happy giving up any participation in electoral politics, to these oligarchs I wouldn't sleep to comfortably, You'll wake up one day soon finding that at best, unless you are a wealthy landowner you can't participate in any way in the selection or election of any candidate for national office, and at worst you, like most other ordinary citizens, are now considered 3/5ths of a person.
2
Don't forget Sandra Dee O'Connor. She was the swing vote in Bush v. Gore, which brought us 9/11 ("Bin Laden determined to strike in U.S." HELLO??), the invasion of Iraq, Guantanamo. torture, Abu Ghraib, secret rendition, the Patriot Act, government spying on everyone, the 2008 crash, the bailout. And Roberts and Alito too.
1
At first glance Walker appears to be the perfect acquisition target for a wealthy political investor -- substantively empty, but overflowing with cynicism and ambition. What a useful thing to own! But after a few hundred million dollars are spent, those investors will discover that Walker can't be allowed to stray beyond the friendliest of crowds or to from his self-serving script. He's George W., but without the friendly-dopey charm. And this elected-three-times-in-blue-state nonsense will give way to the reality of a presidential year electorate. Go ahead and buy him for $300 million and watch him lose his home state by 10 points. He's the political Edsel -- no matter how much his wealthy planners invest in him, people just ain't gonna buy.
29
So the guy's strength is that he "enthusiastically enjoys fund-raising" and his weakness is "his lack of depth on issues facing a president." Kind of says it all, doesn't it?
That's the American Presidency now. Forget Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Lincoln, or either Roosevelt. Today it's: "Hey, you're dim-witted and completely unqualified for the job, but that's no obstacle. We can have some guys coach you every day until you're good enough to fake it. The important thing here is that you are good at raising money."
That's the American Presidency now. Forget Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Lincoln, or either Roosevelt. Today it's: "Hey, you're dim-witted and completely unqualified for the job, but that's no obstacle. We can have some guys coach you every day until you're good enough to fake it. The important thing here is that you are good at raising money."
29
Bingo. An 'empty vessel' into which the plutocrats can pour their extensive instructions. Nothing more, nothing less.
7
Wait. "Walker has a great record in Wisconsin"? I wonder how Donni Hodgkins believes that. Walker is very scary. He'll say one thing but the facts prove far different. I'm not a Bush fan by any means and br. GW is likely the most terrifying president we've had the misfortune to elect (and by a most egregious maneuvering ever), But ALL of Walker's movies are egregious maneuverings and lies. Nothing he says can be trusted. I fear for my economic future, and terrified for any foreign policy decisions. I can only hope voters come to the senses before we are all knocked senseless by a Walker administration.
41
This primary of the plutocrats betrays the whole notion of democracy. The SCOTUS has done much harm by making money the equivalent of free speech.
79
"This primary of the plutocrats betrays the whole notion of democracy."
That's exactly what the right-wing, political activist Supreme Court majority wanted to do.
That's exactly what the right-wing, political activist Supreme Court majority wanted to do.
5