"Moore confirms that there was no phone call between him and Walker." So where's the retraction, NYT?
3
The NYT has been very thorough in documenting how the GOP is vulnerable on issues dear to the Party base such as gay marriage and immigration. They need to do the same on the Democrats. Ever wonder why the GOP controls so many statehouses that vote Democrat in national elections, like Wisconsin and Massachusetts? Public Employee unions are the achilles heel of the Democrats.
3
Scott Walker only knows how to turn Right. His plan seems to be to drive his campaign harder to the Right than all the others. That is going to be one difficult task considering the buffoons already on board.
Walker will be joining an already bloated GOP clown car, squeezing in with the likes of Rafael Cruz, Randall Paul, the Huckleberry, the Santorum, Tricky Ricky Perry, and, can you believe this, The Christie and The Donald.
Can this already bulging clown car get any more hilarious?
Stay tuned and find out, folks. One thing seems certain. Republicans have really outdone themselves this time. They've got a lock on capturing once again the Stupid Party Award, hands down.
No one's even a distant Second.
DD
Manhattan
Walker will be joining an already bloated GOP clown car, squeezing in with the likes of Rafael Cruz, Randall Paul, the Huckleberry, the Santorum, Tricky Ricky Perry, and, can you believe this, The Christie and The Donald.
Can this already bulging clown car get any more hilarious?
Stay tuned and find out, folks. One thing seems certain. Republicans have really outdone themselves this time. They've got a lock on capturing once again the Stupid Party Award, hands down.
No one's even a distant Second.
DD
Manhattan
8
I can't understand how anyone with political antenna, or indeed anyone who has read a newspaper in the past five years, could be surprised that Scott Walker would A) take a hard right turn to pander to certain voters; B) be as rabidly anti-equality as anyone else in the Republican party; C) do anything and say anything he's told to say by his masters of the moment, whether the Kochs or the Iowa ethanol farmers.
I'm particularly surprised that a reporter for the NY Times should be "shocked, shocked" by the fact that Scott Walker has a third-rate intellect and fourth-rate character, and no backbone at all. He will do anything, say anything, to get ahead, including lying, cheating, and letting former aides go to prison on his behalf.
This man is basically the little man on the wedding cake, Thomas E. Dewey, come to life, only now he's got McCarthyite and John-Birch backing from the right wing. And yet the Times is bizarrely surprised and confused.
Of course, the TImes also ignored the fact that Bernie Sanders drew a crowd of 13,000 people in Scott Walker's capital city of Madison, WI, the other night. Sanders is his diametric opposite: whether you like him or agree with him or support him or not, he says what he means and he means what he says. But since the media has determined that he's a radical-socialist-out-of-the-mainstream loser, why bother covering him. Then again, by that standard, why cover any Republican?
I'm particularly surprised that a reporter for the NY Times should be "shocked, shocked" by the fact that Scott Walker has a third-rate intellect and fourth-rate character, and no backbone at all. He will do anything, say anything, to get ahead, including lying, cheating, and letting former aides go to prison on his behalf.
This man is basically the little man on the wedding cake, Thomas E. Dewey, come to life, only now he's got McCarthyite and John-Birch backing from the right wing. And yet the Times is bizarrely surprised and confused.
Of course, the TImes also ignored the fact that Bernie Sanders drew a crowd of 13,000 people in Scott Walker's capital city of Madison, WI, the other night. Sanders is his diametric opposite: whether you like him or agree with him or support him or not, he says what he means and he means what he says. But since the media has determined that he's a radical-socialist-out-of-the-mainstream loser, why bother covering him. Then again, by that standard, why cover any Republican?
11
Walker is to principles as Lady Gaga is to costumes.
3
Sounds like walker has gone nuts. Too bad, I did agree with him on collective bargaining - public service unions and the contracts forced on community tax payers are bankrupting cities and states across the US.
But walker's stand on the other issues will stop moderate voters.
But walker's stand on the other issues will stop moderate voters.
2
Our little Koch puppet has no mind of his own.
3
It is all moot, cuz Hillary is going to win!!
2
This article is an articulates why I'm beginning to favor throwing my support to Bernie Sanders. Historically my poliical viewpoints would have been in direct conflict with his, however, Bernie has been nothing but honest about who he is and what he would do for our nation. Frankly I'm tired of the Scott Walkers, Barack Obamas, Hillary Clintons, and Jeb Bushes of the political world who tell their target audiences what they want to hear just to get elected. Bernie is unwavering and has drawn the largest crowds as a result.
3
A lazy college drop out, who Broke Wisconsin, while next door Minnesota thrives.
'Nuff said.
'Nuff said.
9
Walker would indeed be a gift - to the democrats. His views may reflect people in Iowa, but they don't reflect the majority in the country.
5
The Republican Party has no choice but to continue to focus on its opposition to marriage equality, the Affordable Care Act, and immigration reform. If its candidates didn't focus on these two decisive issue, they'd need to outline their real agenda and platform which is even less popular: repealing environmental laws so companies can pollute as much as they want; cutting funding for groups like Planned Parenthood so no one would have access to birth control or abortion; making Christianity the official religion of the US and ensuring it becomes the Christian version of Sharia law; cutting funding to the Equal Opportunity Office to facilitate groups to discriminate against minorities; cutting funding to the EPA so that environmental oversight would be reduced; changing educational funding so people could use tax funded vouchers to send their kids to religious affiliated schools; loosening up HB1 visas so US workers can be replaced by less expensive foreign workers; etc. You get the picture.
12
"Hard Right Turn"? Where's the fascist salute or swastika?
He takes positions, well within the American mainstream of democratic politics, that differ from the NYT line, and they are called "hard right".
Reputable newspapers don't editorialize on the news pages, and don't accuse those they disagree with of extremism. It's like accusing the NYT editors of being communists. Nonsense, either way.
He takes positions, well within the American mainstream of democratic politics, that differ from the NYT line, and they are called "hard right".
Reputable newspapers don't editorialize on the news pages, and don't accuse those they disagree with of extremism. It's like accusing the NYT editors of being communists. Nonsense, either way.
2
"When Fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." (attributed to Sinclair Lewis).
6
Re: " Where's the fascist salute or swastika?"
Gee, maybe Walker is just a little bit too cunning to advertise his similarity to his 1930's European forbears. That possibility never occurred to you? In any case, don't look at what Walker says (he'll say anything); look at what he does. In a few brief years, he's taken Wisconsin back several centuries and everything here is suffering, very much including the economy.
Gee, maybe Walker is just a little bit too cunning to advertise his similarity to his 1930's European forbears. That possibility never occurred to you? In any case, don't look at what Walker says (he'll say anything); look at what he does. In a few brief years, he's taken Wisconsin back several centuries and everything here is suffering, very much including the economy.
6
True conservatism wins. Unfortunately the GOP, at least the establishment GOP, has blindly bought the left's assertion about conservatives and has nominated a moderate or a liberal as their candidate. Or I should I say that is whom they have provided campaign funding. Walker is a true conservative with a record. In addition to winning a recall election in his state he has had success by living up to his campaign promises.
2
He has a record all right. A broken one. Wisconsin is in dire straits due to his policies, at the bottom of the barrel with Christie's NJ. Both have managed to bankrupt their state and kill employment. True conservatism indeed.
16
I fail to see the conservativism in borrowing and bonding your way to a multi-billion dollar deficit to reward campaign contributors with questionable road projects and an basketball arena for billionaires that is projected to cost taxpayers upwards of $400 million.
8
Walker knows that he can take any position that he wants because the media will let him get away with it in order to ensure a horserace narrative.
3
While many, if not most, politicians have few moral moorings, walker is worse. He has none. His only concern is moving up to the next rung on the ladder. So he will say anything and do anything to get himself there. We've seen that here in Wisconsin, from his first days in the legislature through his days as Milwaukee County Executive to his days in the east wing of the State Capitol. Now the rest of the country is starting to see it.
Finally!
Finally!
9
Amen
3
As a longtime Wisconsin voter who was blindsided by an apparently boring 2010 gubernatorial race, I can say firsthand that voters should "Buyer Beware" when considering Scott Walker. Time and again since 2010, we have marveled at his ability to obfuscate his positions and perform outright flipflops depending on who he was pandering to at the time. On immigration, abortion, right-to-work, ethanol standards, "boots-on-the-ground" in Iraq, Common Core, creationism, funding for Wisconsin's highways, the list goes on - his strategy has ranged "I don't want to answer that" to outright flip-flops, aka lies. His gubernatorial race was backed up by an impressive cash machine that ran an ad campaign designed to sow confusion and doubt in the minds of voters.
But make no mistake, his actions since his days at Marquette University show that the true Walker is as extremist and unethical as they come. He is a person who will use any means to achieve his ends, and who is a perfect pawn for the financial backers who share these extremist views. Do not be fooled by Scott Walker's shifting positions - hoping that his views will moderate once he becomes a mainstream candidate is a fool's dream.
But make no mistake, his actions since his days at Marquette University show that the true Walker is as extremist and unethical as they come. He is a person who will use any means to achieve his ends, and who is a perfect pawn for the financial backers who share these extremist views. Do not be fooled by Scott Walker's shifting positions - hoping that his views will moderate once he becomes a mainstream candidate is a fool's dream.
15
Governer Walker may be playing well with the Fundamentalist Radical Right Religious base of the Republican Party. I know from reports that he is the FAVORITE of the Koch boys. Those two things should tell all of you that this man is NOT the one we want as President of the U.S. of A. He has already sold his soul to the Political Devils who are trying to buy and own the American political system.
6
They don't call Scotty slick for nothing. He has a long track record of telling voters in campaigns one thing and then doing the opposite once elected. Anyone who takes this guy at face value does so at their own peril.
7
I don't call it slick, you make it sound like a compliment. I call it lying.
3
Does anyone care what the corn pone state of Iowa thinks?
4
I don't know much about Walker but I do know this: he's attacking an important institution of higher-learning, the University of Wisconsin, one of the nation's finest public universities. A decidedly liberal institution to be sure, which might explain why he's following Ronald Reagan's game plan. He attacked the University of California (Berkeley) back in 1965-66 to establish his bonafides with Republican conservatives to increase his chance of winning the 1966 gubernatorial election against Pat Brown -- which he did. As governor, Reagan used his position and presence on the university's Board of Regents to vilify and cripple Berkeley, a world-class institution, one he hated with a passion without making the slightest effort to study or understand it.
Gov. Walker should study that history -- but won't, because he's got his eye on a White House run; the same craven, cynical calculations Reagan made. Reagan was looking ahead: win his party's presidential nomination in 1976 or 1980. Why ruining the University of Wisconsin appeals to the Koch brothers, his sponsors (if not his owners) escapes me. Or perhaps he panders to the anti-intellectual "Know-Nothing-&-Proud Of It" faction that dominates his party at this early stage of the nomination process. Shame on him should either be the case.
Not that it really matters. He's unelectable -- and he should know it. Destroying a great university serves no purpose beyond destruction itself; making him a Hun, or Vandal.
Gov. Walker should study that history -- but won't, because he's got his eye on a White House run; the same craven, cynical calculations Reagan made. Reagan was looking ahead: win his party's presidential nomination in 1976 or 1980. Why ruining the University of Wisconsin appeals to the Koch brothers, his sponsors (if not his owners) escapes me. Or perhaps he panders to the anti-intellectual "Know-Nothing-&-Proud Of It" faction that dominates his party at this early stage of the nomination process. Shame on him should either be the case.
Not that it really matters. He's unelectable -- and he should know it. Destroying a great university serves no purpose beyond destruction itself; making him a Hun, or Vandal.
10
WI State legislators insert item into budget bill restricting information about legislative deliberations. Of course. Why should government and governing be transparent? Walker hopes this show comes to a state near you--all of them, actually.
8
Well you see, Scott Walker is not very bright so he could not figure this one out. He never finished college you know and he only knows what he thinks he knows because he has no knowledge, limited parochial experience and is in all ways a small, limited, bigoted man who thrives on ignorance.
He might have won their nomination. He may yet. But he is assuring himself a 10 point defeat to Hillary Clinton, which will translate into Democrats retaking the Senate, cutting the House deficit in half and gaining six to eight governorships.
But then who in the Republican field can do any better because one way or another they are all reactionary crackpots and that is because the Republican Party has become a party of left behind, angry, frightened, old white people, southern bigots and racists -- in sum a part of crackpots with cracked ideas and no connection to the 21st Century.
It is a party that will and that needs to disappear in the next 10 to 20 years.
He might have won their nomination. He may yet. But he is assuring himself a 10 point defeat to Hillary Clinton, which will translate into Democrats retaking the Senate, cutting the House deficit in half and gaining six to eight governorships.
But then who in the Republican field can do any better because one way or another they are all reactionary crackpots and that is because the Republican Party has become a party of left behind, angry, frightened, old white people, southern bigots and racists -- in sum a part of crackpots with cracked ideas and no connection to the 21st Century.
It is a party that will and that needs to disappear in the next 10 to 20 years.
6
Elsewhere in Republican news today, Page 12 of The Times, five Republican governors are going to do everything they can to fight the EPA on saving the planet because after all Republican politicians no there is no such thing as climate change. They also think the earth is flat and that the moon is made out of cheese. How do they know all this? Oh they just do because they read it in the Encyclopedia of Ignorance.
And we learn that Jeb Bush took post-governorship bribes for what he did for people and businesses when he was governor. Ain't that peachy?
And we learn that Jeb Bush took post-governorship bribes for what he did for people and businesses when he was governor. Ain't that peachy?
3
JUST IN:
Google this to learn about he direction Walker wants the country to go:
Republicans vote to dramatically scale back oversight of lawmakers, other public officials
Google this to learn about he direction Walker wants the country to go:
Republicans vote to dramatically scale back oversight of lawmakers, other public officials
3
Walker needs to remember that going right wing in the primaries and then moderating for the general election didn't work out well for Romney and it won't work well for him either. Voters are rightly suspicious of candidates who flip-flop when it suits them.
1
This guy is somewhere between a lightweight and an outright fraud. Horrifying! But OK, Wisconsin-ites, speak up -- why did you re-elect him?
5
I didn't do it
5
I'm not entirely convince he ever really was elected. There were far more signatures on the recall petition than 2010 recorded votes for Walker.
2
Walker has the essential characteristic shared by all of the Republican candidates: an undeniable talent to divide the populace into two very unequal parts.
Equality for all, in terms of opportunity and human rights, seems as alien to these creatures as an independently-arrived at or firmly-held moral principle.
These are people who really do need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. Heaven forbid they should be facing in the wrong direction when their paymasters' dollar bills start to fly.
Equality for all, in terms of opportunity and human rights, seems as alien to these creatures as an independently-arrived at or firmly-held moral principle.
These are people who really do need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. Heaven forbid they should be facing in the wrong direction when their paymasters' dollar bills start to fly.
5
Walker sees that everyone has moved on, on same-sex marriage, and it is becoming irrelevant except among those who are only locally relevant.
2
LOOK-ALIKE To me Scott Walker is a Joe McCarthy Look-Alike. More than that, he's a Joe McCarthy Act-Alike. Walker's idea of how to make the US a better place is by using policies that rape, plunder and pillage the rights of citizens of the State of Wisconsin, with special focus on breaking all the unions in the state. His job was saved by out-of-state operatives funded by right-wing extremists who got out and pounded the sidewalk to defeat his recall referendum. Bad luck! Looking across the state line to Minnesota, you can see the obvious success of policies put in place by the Democratic administration that are the exact opposite of Walker's policies. In MN, the unemployment rate is lower, the minimum wage is higher, Medicaid is helping more MN citizens and working people are being treated as if they matter. With Walker, the only thing that matters is sticking to his destructive ideology, causing great pain and hardship, in his pursuit of limiting, if not eliminating government. Have no doubt that if Scott Walker is elected to national office his tactics of favoring the 1% over 99% will be his top priority. The 99% of Americans deserve better. Much better than a Joe McCarthy Look-Alike!
5
Life in Wisconsin: Worse under Walker!
Take heed...
Take heed...
6
Primary voters are not representative of the overall electorate and candidates do not seem to remember that. They have to pimp their ethics to a hard right or hard left segment of enthusiasts and then have to figure out why people have contempt for them at the ballot box.
2
So Rubio, Bush, and other leading Republicans have said "Republicans would need to campaign as if they were willing to lose the nomination if they hoped to win the general election."
In plain words: Republicans know that what they want is not what the voters want.
In plain words: Republicans know that what they want is not what the voters want.
3
Mr. Walker has stated he doesn"t support "illegal" workers receiving amnesty but also does not support their deportation. Mr. Romney stated that if elected such workers would self-deport. The current Ronald Reagan enacted amnesty law, provides progressive fines/sanctions for businesses who "illegally" employ undocumented workers. Romney's plan to enforce the law was quickly squashed by his financial backers who realized that such action would "dry-up" their source of cheap, exploited labor. Such "illegal" workers do not have expensive U.S. labor law protection such as: minimum wage, hours-of-work restrictions, overtime wages, Fair Standards Act protection, OSHA protection, medical coverage, unionizing rights etc.. Mr. Walker, realizing this dilemma, chose a "cake and eat-it-too" hypocritical strategy: keep them here, but don't allow them expensive legalization. Increasingly, corporations send our jobs oversees and import exploited workers - at a very low cost - to take the remnamts: thus lowering the standard of living for the alleged "middle class". In the absence of amnesty, there should be a humane, legally protected "guest worker" program leading to citizenship for such workers. Corporations who increase employment of "legal" workers should have a commensurate reduction in their taxes; those who export jobs should have their taxes commensurately increased. There is no greated evidence of Mr. Walker's corporate subjugation then his vacillating position on immigration.
2
College-dropout Walker likens public employes to terrorists. He has cut taxes to the point that schools and the UW system are hurting. He wishes to remove tenure at all state universities. He is hoping to give $225 of supposedly sacrosanct taxpayer money to the Milwaukee Bucks for a new arena and their private profits.
There is NOTHING to like about this man.
There is NOTHING to like about this man.
10
The further Walker goes to the right the further, if he even gets the chance to try, from garnering the minimum of 270 electoral votes he gets...
2
Gay marriage was legal in thirty-seven states before the Supreme Court decision. A constitutional amendment has to be ratified by three-quarters of the states. Mr. Walker does not understand how amending the Constitution works or is bad at math or is just pandering to those on the far right.
5
Flip Flop Scott, the Wisconsin Cheese Man! Stand for something, for goodness sake, and stick to your principles, not what you think people want your principles to be!
2
Scott Walker has the ability and the willingness to go after Democrats and destroy them - that makes him #1 in my book.
1
I live in Wisconsin. I have to snicker when these big donors have an issue with Walker's flipping on issues. He is Mr.Teflon. Nothing sticks with him. He has literally trashed the state of Wisconsin. He gutted taxes and now there is a $2.2 billion deficit. He cut $250 million from the flagship University of Wisconsin. I am sure the U could find some efficiencies, but there are now layoffs and cutting of programs. He is giving NY billionaire hedge fund owners of the Milwaukee Bucks NBA team $250 million for a new arena. No money for our schools, higher education, but we have money for billionaires play grounds. He is expanding voucher schools, terrible without accountability. Some get up and leave in the middle of the night and move in the middle of the night after getting taxpayer money.
He is a pathological liar, says he won't do something and then does it. We had a senator in Wisconsin, Joe McCarthy in the 1950's, Walker makes him look like a choir boy.
He is a pathological liar, says he won't do something and then does it. We had a senator in Wisconsin, Joe McCarthy in the 1950's, Walker makes him look like a choir boy.
11
We just saw this movie. Mitt Romney contorting himself into a conservative pretzel. It didn't do him much good, came off as a phony and a flip-flopper.
Maybe Mr. Walker can do the same thing (over and over) and expect a different result. But it's unlikely it will end well for him.
Maybe Mr. Walker can do the same thing (over and over) and expect a different result. But it's unlikely it will end well for him.
4
Video, when Walker formerly supported amnesty. He flip flops on immigration.
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/story/opinion/2015/02/17/scott-walker-i...
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/story/opinion/2015/02/17/scott-walker-i...
3
There have been "questions of authenticity" regarding Scott Walker for some time here in Wisconsin. In addition to his long-time animus toward family planning services, unions, government accountability and public education, in the past 6 months alone, Walker expressed opposition to right to work legislation, further curbs against abortion and the expansion of voucher schools. Yet when our GOP-majority legislature approved those measures Walker stated with aplomb that of course he'd sign them. On Thursday, the legislature's Joint Finance Committee on a vote of 12-4 (with all Republicans voting yes, all Dems opposing) sent to the full Assembly and House a measure that puts sweeping limits on public access to records. Walker is making a mess of Wisconsin and his minions are hoping to cover their tracks.
9
Those who are surprised by Gov. Walker's self-serving behavior are those who have not paid attention for the last several years.
10
Nobody wants to elect the Koch brothers to be our leaders and that is what you would get, if Walker, somehow was elected President!
5
Along with Walker's [current] position on marriage, his relationship to education ought to put him in quite good standing with the Know Nothings (no college degree; his efforts to eviscerate Wisconsin's educational system - particularly the University of Wisconsin). Unfortunately (for him, that is), he has shown 99% of Americans that there is a particular word that applies to him (it's generally used to describe practitioners of the Oldest Profession...).
5
Must we pretend that Scott Walker is anything but a paid employee of Charles and David Koch?
10
What is sad and potentially destructive is that the nation goes into the general election not knowing if the candidate is a staunch conservative masquerading as a moderate conservative for our benefit or whether he/she is truly a moderate who masqueraded as a staunch conservative in order to pull the wool over the eyes of conservative primary voters. Neither option is particularly palatable for both are rooted in sleazy dishonesty. That said, of course, the second option is preferable to most general election voters.
7
He's too simple to know what he thinks---until the Koch brothers call.
1
They are all lackeys of the 1% - nothing more - they can equivocate - obfuscate - and lie - but they bow down to the almighty dollar period.
16
We have so many people running for president now. Why not form a new kind of presidency, where a dozen or more people occupy the White House.
On any matter, these various people would take a vote, and the action taken would reflect the majority opinion. Wouldn't that be in fact a real democracy then, instead of one person, elected mainly on basis of lies and money.
On any matter, these various people would take a vote, and the action taken would reflect the majority opinion. Wouldn't that be in fact a real democracy then, instead of one person, elected mainly on basis of lies and money.
1
If they are a room full of GOPTP, why bother with a vote - wait forthe Koch memo
3
I am just going to ease back in my lounge chair , and watch these horrid creatures in the GOP tear one another to shreds. The sheer number of those running has all the makings of a bad film by Ingmar Bergman. Though, one which I will watch with a scientist's fascination, displaying the dangerous idiocy and compassionless state ,which I believe the current republican party is in.
16
Gosh, what an awful thing to say about Ingmar Bergman; may I respectfully suggest that a more appropriate comparison would be to a bad film by Ed Wood (and there are so many to choose from).
3
His attitude to same sex marriage makes me sympathetic, but his views on immigration force me to take my words back.
1
"his views on immigration force me to take my words back"
Which views on immigration would that be? He keeps changing.
Which views on immigration would that be? He keeps changing.
I don't understand why the Republicans (and to a lesser extent, the Democrats) do this to themselves every 4 years. They allow the religious, very conservative voters in a rural state that ranks 30th in population have an outsized say in the nominating process for POTUS. It puts the candidates for the nomination in the awkward postion of having to tailor their message much further to the right, and thus alienate voters in other less ideological states to that candidate with so much initial support, to say nothing of the general election where independents are added into the mix. Mitt Romney's campaign manager alluded to shaking up the "etch-a-sketch" when it comes time for the general election. (Didn't work out so well.) I think it is long past time for the parties, esp. the Republicans, to consider moving the Iowa caucus to a less comanding postion in their linup of primary contests.
7
It would be the public who should put less emphasis on the outcomes of the Iowa caucus. I don't think it's been a great predictor of anything; it just happens to be early in the torture that is the presidential election. Frankly, if we could limit politicking to six months prior to any election, I'd be grateful. And then, it could be done in doses: simulcasts of real debates--not these USA Today debates, where candidates skim the surface if they respond at all to a question. Newspapers should publish candidates white papers; candidates would have to travel together (GOPs can travel in a clown car) like a traveling circus. Outside of that, I don't want to see or hear of them.
The Republican establishment seems to have created so many problems by insisting on Jeb Bush. A third Bush is off-putting for the voters and he is very bland and boring. Its forced the other candidates to be more strident and now that includes Donald Trump who will dominate for the next few months at least.
5
Walker, like Christie are polished professional liars that we say anything to get elected. Walker will explain away all the positions he took to possibly win the Pub primary when it will be time to return to the center right for the presidential elections....and he is very good at this.
12
Has Scott Walker been able to make Wisconsin more competitive nationally or globally? An indication would be whether smart money in the form of venture capital is rapidly flowing to Wisconsin in response to the tax cuts, education cuts, reduction in regulations, etc.
I was at a tech event recently in Oakland, California. Proximity to nearby UC Berkeley is one key factor in the local economy as well as 1.5 million people in the county. But we're talking Oakland with high state income tax, high sales taxes, high minimum wage, tight regulatory environment, strong unions and social problems.
One of the venture capitalists noted that companies in the entire state of Wisconsin, with 5.6 million people, raised $84 Million in 2014.
He then noted that companies in and around Oakland attracted $1.185 BILLION in venture funding in 2014. Which is bigger 1,185 or 84?
The Walker hypothesis is that low taxes, no government, weak education will create a vibrant economy is provably wrong as the Oakland comparison shows.
Imagine if former Oakland Mayer Jean Quan ran for president on the platform, "On my watch the Oakland economic engine was 52 times better per citizen than Scott Walker's Wisconsin!"
I was at a tech event recently in Oakland, California. Proximity to nearby UC Berkeley is one key factor in the local economy as well as 1.5 million people in the county. But we're talking Oakland with high state income tax, high sales taxes, high minimum wage, tight regulatory environment, strong unions and social problems.
One of the venture capitalists noted that companies in the entire state of Wisconsin, with 5.6 million people, raised $84 Million in 2014.
He then noted that companies in and around Oakland attracted $1.185 BILLION in venture funding in 2014. Which is bigger 1,185 or 84?
The Walker hypothesis is that low taxes, no government, weak education will create a vibrant economy is provably wrong as the Oakland comparison shows.
Imagine if former Oakland Mayer Jean Quan ran for president on the platform, "On my watch the Oakland economic engine was 52 times better per citizen than Scott Walker's Wisconsin!"
12
Wisconsin once a proud progressive state is 50th in economic development, 40th in jobs, 50th in loss of the middle class in the last 4 years. Minnesota elected a dem the same year as Walker. His deficit was much larger. He raised the taxes a little on the wealthy, has K4 education, invested in k-12 education, has a lower unemployment, will have a $1.9 billion surplus. People there make $9K a year more than in Wisconsin. Many Wisconsinites want to leave Wisconsin the atmosphere is so dismal. The only 1st in Wisconsin, via United Van Lines, is the 1st in the most people leaving the state.
4
"Mr. Walker, David Koch on the line...."
17
He's an intellectual lightweight, just the way the Koch's and Kristol likes them. Reagan, GW Bush, Palin and now Walker. They promote a stooge and the men behind the curtains pull the strings. His CV is a joke as well as his job performance. In most walks of life, one must succeed before being promoted. This guy is a failed Governor and now he's the leading R candidate?????
23
The Democratic Party in Wisconsin is incredibly weak and without ideas.
Walker faced very weak opponents when he ran for county executive in Milwaukee County and governor in Wisconsin. Plus, he has never run for a state wide office in a presidential election year when voter turnout in Milwaukee is higher. If he had, even the weak Democratic opponents would have done much better.
In other words, he has never been tested. He may surprise me but I am not surprised by his moves to the right.
Walker faced very weak opponents when he ran for county executive in Milwaukee County and governor in Wisconsin. Plus, he has never run for a state wide office in a presidential election year when voter turnout in Milwaukee is higher. If he had, even the weak Democratic opponents would have done much better.
In other words, he has never been tested. He may surprise me but I am not surprised by his moves to the right.
8
Scott Walker has a very large albatross sitting plainly on his shoulder. Any individual with the credulity to swallow absurd biblical stories that have been made ridiculous by improved scientific knowledge is hardly made of the stuff to guide a modern nation. And Scott Walker has seemingly spent his life extolling biblical factual myths, like the garden of Eden and Noah's ark, rather than biblical brotherhood teachings. George Bush showed us what a hard liner with delusions of divine approval would lead the nation into and we certainly don't need a Scott Walker to lead us down the same path. We can hope that he will honestly disclose his backward beliefs rather than try to cover them up with hardline platitudes.
10
Walker is always professing his religion. His father was a baptist minister. He has been waiting for god to tell him to run. He claims he often talks to god for guidance. What does that tell you. Yet he cut poor elderly food stamps from $100 a month to $16 a month. These are people living on $800 a month social security. If he is a christian, you would never know it by the terrible things he does. Now he is going to make people who get laid off from their jobs get drug tested, along with the elderly collecting food stamps.
2
He's a crook and a fascist controlled by the Koch Bros. That's all you need to know about Walker. He's an embarrassment to what was once a great, progressive State...our motto used to be "Forward!" Now it is "Backwards" with the likes of Walker and his GOP legislature...
21
When someone like Scott Walker is considered a "serious" candidate for the office of President of the United States, we are in deep, deep trouble.
... but then, we already knew that, didn't we?
... but then, we already knew that, didn't we?
21
Walker may have no principles, but he fooled Wisconsin completely by speaking mildly except against the group he was planning to destroy. Then on to the next, selected from those he had been neutral toward while needing their votes. Down with the Teacher's Union, no problem at all with the Police Union - their turn will come later. Mild about immigration, now it's their turn. One target at a time. That's smart and he's convincing enough to a majority, even to many who would oppose him if they kept score.
Now he doesn't need Wisconsin, he's got it. He needs Iowa for the nomination. So will there be enough people that keep score?
Now he doesn't need Wisconsin, he's got it. He needs Iowa for the nomination. So will there be enough people that keep score?
14
Do not forget, after all the horror he created in Wisconsin - the people of Wisconsin still re-elected him. Seriously, he could end up driving the clown car.
13
Well you know something is wrong when you vote on a touch screen voting machine and your vote flips before your very eyes.Those machines are easily hacked and there is some statistical proof that our elections were hijacked.
1
Walker is a flip flopper. Maybe after he announces he is actually running he'll decide to change his last name from Walker to Runner.
9
Well, from a republican candidate's perspective -- which will differ significantly from just about everyone's here -- it is not unwise to cater to Evangelicals. They make up a sizable portion of GOP primary voters and, as such, are a key constituency.
Perhaps Walker is simply learning on the job how to get elected, which would be a prerequisite for becoming president. It's not unlike the democratic candidates' having to pivot on issues because their base has pulled so far to the left. No one in the democrats' base would fault their candidate for such a move leftward. They demand it.
Perhaps Walker is simply learning on the job how to get elected, which would be a prerequisite for becoming president. It's not unlike the democratic candidates' having to pivot on issues because their base has pulled so far to the left. No one in the democrats' base would fault their candidate for such a move leftward. They demand it.
3
Sure, look how well that strategy worked for Romney.
10
On the contrary, the presumed Democrat frontrunner, Hillary Clinton has made blatant, 180-degree flip flops - to the far left - on issue after issue after issue. Believing strongly marriage is between a man and a woman became support for gay marriage almost exactly at the moment that position became close to 50% in the polls. "I am adamantly against illegal immigrants" is now full amnesty for those who broke our laws. The woman who collects more per speech from big banks than most of us make in an entire year is now acting like an economic populist. But even though these hard left turns are much more substantial than Walker's shifts, we don't see the article about Hillary's "hard left turn" in the NY Times. Wonder why.
6
Jack:
When the movement is in the acceptable direction, it's considered "enlightenment." Notice how "enlightened" all the democrats have become as the polls guide them toward pure knowledge.
When the movement is in the acceptable direction, it's considered "enlightenment." Notice how "enlightened" all the democrats have become as the polls guide them toward pure knowledge.
5
It's so sad to watch candidates spin themselves inside out just for a primary win. But what if Iowans themselves feel Wales is too manipulative? I'd never trust anybody who says red is black one day, then the opposite the next. It's one thing to "evolve" from one year to another but ping pong balling from left to right then even farther right is pretty obvious.
And if he's annoyed the Kochs on ethanol susidies, his tactics might not last. While they love Walker precisely because he is so malleable, I'm sure they'll be having a "come to Jesus" talk pretty soon. It's one thing for them to tolerate a new view here and there, but if he's going out on a limb without checking with them first, I'm sure it can't last without drying up the money spigot.
And if he's annoyed the Kochs on ethanol susidies, his tactics might not last. While they love Walker precisely because he is so malleable, I'm sure they'll be having a "come to Jesus" talk pretty soon. It's one thing for them to tolerate a new view here and there, but if he's going out on a limb without checking with them first, I'm sure it can't last without drying up the money spigot.
9
Journalists and political analysts blithely discussing candidates tailoring quite different platforms, based on the audiences, without one mention of what this says about the level and quality of democracy in this country. I noticed that during the Iraq war, the journalists would serve up the war-rationale du jour unthinkingly, as well.
I wonder if they even discuss these alarming issues in private among themselves?
I wonder if they even discuss these alarming issues in private among themselves?
5
Do we actually want a President or other leaders who will say whatever their current constituency wants to hear? It is a sad day when leadership does not include taking an unpopular stand or advocating for core principles. Scott Walker does not appear to be a strong leader for his own state or our country.
9
Since when do Americans care that a president says anything they want to hear? Obama made several whoppers about Obamacare to get it passed, and his base vociferously defended him. They get passes all the time.
When the base is extremely ideological, it's key to get that ideology down pat.
When the base is extremely ideological, it's key to get that ideology down pat.
3
What were the whoppers?
Speaking of whoppers, take a scan of this; then see the prez holds a candle to Walker when it comes to lying:
http://www.alternet.org/story/150170/20_of_the_biggest_lies_told_by_wisc...
http://www.alternet.org/story/150170/20_of_the_biggest_lies_told_by_wisc...
Ambition trumped authenticity. His 180 turn on corn ethanol requirements tells non-farm state voters all we need to know
4
He and Chris Christie will do anything to get the nomination. Walker has moved Wisconsin back to the 1800s when it comes to labor. Christie is a bully.
13
To use the vernacular, leave us not forget that Christie's new best friend is the equally dignified governor of Maine, Paul LePage, which should tell even those who are not paying attention all they need to know about Christie (of course, he and LePage would make a lovely pair of matched bookends).
1
Not to say that Iowa's opinion does not have value, but often times the GOP candidate that has won the Iowa caucus has gone on to flounder at the national level. In the past, Iowa has chosen Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee, two candidates who's support primarily comes from the evangelical or religious right wing of the Republican party. Pat Robertson even received 25% of the votes in the 1988 Iowa caucus.
First appearances can define a campaign as many candidates are formally introducing themselves to the American public for the first time. When GOP candidates form their campaign strategy around winning the first caucus, they’re often placed in a position where they have to run back to center on a lot of the ideals and promises promoted in Iowa. I guess the voters will find out if Scott Walker is pandering to win over Iowa voters. If not, he'll quickly realize that these further right positions he seems to be occupying are not in concurrence with the majority of the US population and will more than likely make for a fruitless campaign for president should he win the Republican nomination.
First appearances can define a campaign as many candidates are formally introducing themselves to the American public for the first time. When GOP candidates form their campaign strategy around winning the first caucus, they’re often placed in a position where they have to run back to center on a lot of the ideals and promises promoted in Iowa. I guess the voters will find out if Scott Walker is pandering to win over Iowa voters. If not, he'll quickly realize that these further right positions he seems to be occupying are not in concurrence with the majority of the US population and will more than likely make for a fruitless campaign for president should he win the Republican nomination.
18
"I guess the voters will find out if Scott Walker is pandering to win over Iowa voters."
IF? You've got to be kidding
IF? You've got to be kidding
Scott Walker's changing his views in order to get elected, wow. Hey Scott, I would like you to meet someone you have alot in common with: Hilary Clinton.
1
Except that Hillary is changing in the same direction that the American people appear to be moving (smart). Walker is moving in the opposite direction (not smart).
It's been interesting to watch our Governor's standing fall here since his reelection last fall (which was not by a landslide in our purple state). He is perceived as putting his national ambitions above the urgent need to wrap up a budget and tackle other problems at home, including an economy ranked last in the Midwest for job creation and worst in the country for startup growth.
Voters who tend to be more moderate than our neighbors in Iowa (at least those who vote in the Iowa caucuses) are fed up with his increasingly cynical moves to the right. The call fof a constitutional amendment last Friday was classic Walker -- although his clamming up on the topic the next day in Colorado was also classic Walker, as if his patrons the Koch brothers (who are supporters of gay rights) intervened.
Most disturbing is Walker's history of campaigning in the middle and then governing to the right -- by hiding draconian policies in the state budget, such as Act 10 and the effort to end tenure in the UW System. So the characterization of Gov. Walker as a "moderate in wolf's clothing" is not really accurate. He would not win re-election today, much less a face-off vs. Hillary Clinton.
Voters who tend to be more moderate than our neighbors in Iowa (at least those who vote in the Iowa caucuses) are fed up with his increasingly cynical moves to the right. The call fof a constitutional amendment last Friday was classic Walker -- although his clamming up on the topic the next day in Colorado was also classic Walker, as if his patrons the Koch brothers (who are supporters of gay rights) intervened.
Most disturbing is Walker's history of campaigning in the middle and then governing to the right -- by hiding draconian policies in the state budget, such as Act 10 and the effort to end tenure in the UW System. So the characterization of Gov. Walker as a "moderate in wolf's clothing" is not really accurate. He would not win re-election today, much less a face-off vs. Hillary Clinton.
17
Why all the negative comments about Walker. If Walker is the republican presidential candidate we will have a Democrat as our next president. It's a no brainer.
7
Perhaps because people don't like what he did to the state of Wisconsin. We live in the United States and I don't like seeing any state harmed in this way.
9
It appears that in Walker's case, right turn after right turn after right turn results in the subject chasing his own tail. Figures........
7
Of all the republican presidential candidates, I would trust this guy the least, that includes Christy and The Trump.
12
Republican governors running for president have a problem - reality. Conservative economic policies in their states have brought on one disaster after another. Look at Christie and New Jersey, Walker and Wisconsin, Jindal and Louisiana, Perry and Texas, etal. In addition, they have denied millions of poor folks free health care at great expense to their state's hospitals - all for no good reason other than opposing President Obama. Their stances on the Middle East, Cuba, immigration, racial and economic disparities, and every other pertinent issue are held over from the mid 20th century.
Scott Walker is just another empty suit. He is a stand in for the Koch brothers and their ilk, who see America through their own myopic lens. It's their world, and the rest of us are just living in it! Walker has no chance, and the fact that he is a credible player in Republican field is a testament to how weak it is.
Scott Walker is just another empty suit. He is a stand in for the Koch brothers and their ilk, who see America through their own myopic lens. It's their world, and the rest of us are just living in it! Walker has no chance, and the fact that he is a credible player in Republican field is a testament to how weak it is.
13
Politicians like Walker count on a few extremely reliable social facts. 1. Raising fear issues has been an effective Republican tool for decades. 2. The targeted groups don't vote in enough numbers to make a difference. 3. Most eligible voters don't vote--they either never register or simply don't take the time and effort to vote. 4. We Americans have such a short memory span that we don't hold the Walkers and their ilk to any responsibility for their words. David
11
"Mr. Walker appears willing to lose the general election to win the primary." As a Democrat, I wholeheartedly support his strategy.
11
Does anyone care? It's all about getting a show on Faux news.
6
Thanks to Scott Walker, I rejoined the Musician's Union here in Austin. I would encourage others in a similar situation to do the same, as this is the best response of working people to the new Gilded Age.
In the clown car derby of GOP presidential wannabes, Scott Walker is definitely in contention for the most odious. Yay Iowa!
In the clown car derby of GOP presidential wannabes, Scott Walker is definitely in contention for the most odious. Yay Iowa!
18
Good for you. I wish you every success.
3
"Turn to the right" ????
Huh?
He has ALWAYS been right. There is a weird idea floating around that any Republican who does not foam at the mouth like Cruz and Huckabee is moderate. WRONG.
Huh?
He has ALWAYS been right. There is a weird idea floating around that any Republican who does not foam at the mouth like Cruz and Huckabee is moderate. WRONG.
12
When is this country going to turn in the direction of treating neighbours as one would like to be treated, looking out for those who most need kindness and help, and planning to leave this country (and world) a better place for the generations to come? Why would any sane, intelligent, educated person vote for someone who is currying favor with religious conservatives whose "ideology" is primarily driven by a narrow interpretation of the bible--one that is judgmental, ungenerous, and not loving...i. e., very un-Christ-like?
12
Republicans candidate support whatever you want them to before the election. Once elected they support whatever they want.
4
They finally finished the Wisconsin budget. It it are 52 non fiscal issues in it Things that should be amended through the Wisconsin constitution. Such as saying teachers do not need a college degree. They are now KILLING all ability to request open records on legislators and government activity. Nice, they can continue their corruption and keep it away from the public.
Most Wisconsin people have serious buyer's remorse. They can't stand him. American in general will soon join them. He's a loser to everyone but the Kochs and their ilk.
12
"Most Wisconsin people have serious buyer's remorse. "
Is that how he got elected 3 times in a row?
Is that how he got elected 3 times in a row?
1
Slow learners we are
Rank the candidates in order of their lean toward "crazy." Certainly Trump is closest and will skim off the radical, bat-crap wingnuts, but Walker will give Trump a run for his money. The difference? Trump will probably stick to his nutty statements, while Walker will dance like a drop of water on a hot skillet. It will be hard to pin down what he stands for because he doesn't stand still.
24
Hilarious! So true......but the sad part is Americans actually vote for these clowns.....
3
Scott Walker's trek through the primary season has crippled Wisconsin. He has also shown himself to cling to anything for a vote. Days after the S. Carolina rqacist murders Walker was signing even more lenient gun laws in our state.
He is a dangerous man with a hidden agenda, a real demagogue mouthpiece for the clueless neocons.
He is a dangerous man with a hidden agenda, a real demagogue mouthpiece for the clueless neocons.
22
Sooner or later the GOP will learn that not every Christian in the country is an Evangelical or "Zionist" eager for Armageddon.
Indeed, Catholics alone outnumber Christian Zionists. And with more immigrating from Latin America every day, the way in which Israel treats Palestinians is less and less something a party in thrall to AIPAC can ignore come voting time.
Indeed, Catholics alone outnumber Christian Zionists. And with more immigrating from Latin America every day, the way in which Israel treats Palestinians is less and less something a party in thrall to AIPAC can ignore come voting time.
12
And then there are some Christians who actually pay attention to what Jesus Christ said to do, and be. The rightists have jettisoned all that and made some weirdly cruel substitute to get use from the name for their own purposes. Their success in having done so is stunning, really.
10
The only hope I can muster in watching Scott Walker is that he totally lacks anything like charisma, charm, or humor. All the other things about him that any thinking person would find appalling - the obsequiousness, arrogance, ignorance, callousness, fake religiosity, hypocrisy, shallowness, greed, meanness, negativity, anger, resentment - are all selling points for the GOP base. But being a droopy-eyed drip and wet blanket - probably not so much.
17
One gets a sense of how far this country has fallen with regards to the rule of law, and how pathetically craven the democratic party and its allies on the far left like this "publication" have become, when the notion of following the law with regards to illegal aliens is referred to by them as an "extremist conservative" opinion.
The vast majority of the country wants to deport all illegals, and to punish business owners who hire them. When will this dreadful "publication" and its completely clueless, out-of-touch editorial board start preaching what is best for this country instead of pandering to the worst elements of it?
The vast majority of the country wants to deport all illegals, and to punish business owners who hire them. When will this dreadful "publication" and its completely clueless, out-of-touch editorial board start preaching what is best for this country instead of pandering to the worst elements of it?
5
I don't see anyone talking about punishing the businesses who hire illegal aliens.
When Disney wanted to use the Visa laws to bring foreign workers here while they fired their American employees, it was a Democrat in Florida who pushed back.
The Republican rhetoric on immigration never seems to produce any kind of constructive effort or action.
When Disney wanted to use the Visa laws to bring foreign workers here while they fired their American employees, it was a Democrat in Florida who pushed back.
The Republican rhetoric on immigration never seems to produce any kind of constructive effort or action.
9
Really? You must like this publication whereby you have the time to read it and comment......
2
A majority of American's want immigration reform NOT deportation. I'd like to know where Bob Rivers get his FACTS
8
Scott Walker's call for a constitutional amendment allowing states to ban same-sex marriage is just as poorly conceived as the flag-burning amendment. And probably just as ill-fated.
Republicans like Scott Walker need to stop pushing amendments that are totally contrary to the spirit of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The beauty of the Constitution lies in the coherence of its broad governing principles (with the notable exception of the 18th and 21st Amendments, which prove that the Constitution is no place to address non-constitutional issues).
Republicans need to stop tampering with this wonderful organic charter and the language of the Founding Fathers. Leave our Constitution alone, take Civics 101, and stop dragging us into your absurd political games.
Republicans like Scott Walker need to stop pushing amendments that are totally contrary to the spirit of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The beauty of the Constitution lies in the coherence of its broad governing principles (with the notable exception of the 18th and 21st Amendments, which prove that the Constitution is no place to address non-constitutional issues).
Republicans need to stop tampering with this wonderful organic charter and the language of the Founding Fathers. Leave our Constitution alone, take Civics 101, and stop dragging us into your absurd political games.
13
As this article makes notes, SW will say whatever he thinks his audience wants to hear. Lesson learned in WI - you cannot believe anything he says.
16
So the governor wants a constitutional amendment to outlaw same sex marriage; how does that square with religious liberties of the Episcopal Church?
Is the governor telling the Episcopalians that they cannot practices their religion as they choose?
Is the governor telling the Episcopalians that they cannot practices their religion as they choose?
14
Scott Walker apparently is advocating for patriarchal religion-that version in which white men know best, and punish anyone who dares to challenge their crabbed, narrow-minded view of God.
No thanks, Scott.
No thanks, Scott.
4
The Episcopal church is already in schism. It is hemorrhaging membership due to its extremist left wing, and pro-gay philosophy (which is quite new for what used to be a very conservative Christian church!).
It is on the verge of total collapse, which is well-earned. Fortunately, there are many other decent Christian churches to take in all those poor Episcopal whose church collapsed in a heap of nasty lefty-liberalism.
Who would want to attend a church that puts worship of gays and lesbians above that of ordinary parishioners, families and children?
That being said: gay marriage has never, ever been "illegal" (unlike interracial marriage in the South prior to 1967). It was simply not recognized by the law. So you could stage any sort of "gay marriage" you wanted, with complete impunity.
In fact, the Episcopals have been doing just that for years before SCOTUS -- having "commitment ceremonies". So they could go right on doing that, while their church collapses from lack of membership.
It is on the verge of total collapse, which is well-earned. Fortunately, there are many other decent Christian churches to take in all those poor Episcopal whose church collapsed in a heap of nasty lefty-liberalism.
Who would want to attend a church that puts worship of gays and lesbians above that of ordinary parishioners, families and children?
That being said: gay marriage has never, ever been "illegal" (unlike interracial marriage in the South prior to 1967). It was simply not recognized by the law. So you could stage any sort of "gay marriage" you wanted, with complete impunity.
In fact, the Episcopals have been doing just that for years before SCOTUS -- having "commitment ceremonies". So they could go right on doing that, while their church collapses from lack of membership.
This is week one; wait until the primary is over. Every candidate will be positioned as right of anything currently imaginable until they get adoring endorsement of Fox and Limbaugh, endless money from Adelson and brothers Koch, and rave reviews from the right wing fringe.
There is nothing new in what Trump has been saying, those on the right think exactly the same things - but feel they may have to incur some consequences if they say the things Trump says aloud. I guess Scott Walker wanted to be taken seriously by the religious right (worked very well for another charismatic leader who had no hope this early in the primary called Reagan).
You go Scott Walker, tell us how you really feel about equal rights for races and genders, tell us what you really think about the labor class and poor people, tell us what you really think about immigrants and left coast elitists, tell us what you really think about people who finished college, or went on to study beyond. Tell us what you really think about EPA, federal regulations that are aimed at keeping people and our environment safe.
If not now, I am sure you will tell us one way or another during the Republican primary. God speed!
Kalidan
There is nothing new in what Trump has been saying, those on the right think exactly the same things - but feel they may have to incur some consequences if they say the things Trump says aloud. I guess Scott Walker wanted to be taken seriously by the religious right (worked very well for another charismatic leader who had no hope this early in the primary called Reagan).
You go Scott Walker, tell us how you really feel about equal rights for races and genders, tell us what you really think about the labor class and poor people, tell us what you really think about immigrants and left coast elitists, tell us what you really think about people who finished college, or went on to study beyond. Tell us what you really think about EPA, federal regulations that are aimed at keeping people and our environment safe.
If not now, I am sure you will tell us one way or another during the Republican primary. God speed!
Kalidan
10
Earlier this week we had the hit piece on christie, now its walker's turn. Is this "publication" supposed to present the news, or is it a propaganda arm of the national democratic party?
After 6.5 years of an absolutely incompetent presidency, a leading democratic candidate so corrupt it would take days just to list all of her crooked actions, one would have expected some balance between its hack jobs, but that would be expecting too much I suppose.
After 6.5 years of an absolutely incompetent presidency, a leading democratic candidate so corrupt it would take days just to list all of her crooked actions, one would have expected some balance between its hack jobs, but that would be expecting too much I suppose.
2
How are you able to forget the insane debacle of our last eight years under a republican, which left the nation gasping on life support? The very fact that we are still here and not in a major depression or world war is testimony to Obama's greater competency than that of the president whose name no republican wants to remember (even his own kin). And I don't say that as a big fan of the current president, either. But I remember what happens when republicans get their ways; it will take a generation to recover from the last time.
37
Surely you're referring to the Bush/Cheney but off a couple of years. You blame the person with mop(current Pres) instead of the people that fouled up the floor in the first place.
11
Ok Donald Trump we are on to you.......
3
Of the four GOP presidential candidates who are sitting governors, Jindal Christie, Walker, and Kasich (I include Walker and Kasich even though they are undeclared at the moment), the first three have shown that they are willing to do serious damage to their states in order to prove how "tough" they are. That they would be willing to do so hows how beholden to extreme ultra-right-wing dogma they are, and how important that is in their own minds compared to the actual empirical evidence of the negative effects of their policies. They are megalomaniacs driven by a lust for self congratulation, not by any real desire to solve problems.
Jindal and Christie are widely disliked in their states, and if the recent NYT reporting is any guide, Walker is headed down that same route.
Jindal and Christie are widely disliked in their states, and if the recent NYT reporting is any guide, Walker is headed down that same route.
17
Since we live in a Democracy and governors are elected officials, Jindal -- Christie -- Walker -- and Kasich -- would not be in office if they were not elected, and I assume, not disliked nearly as much as you wish.
Jindal and Christie have been elected twice, Walker 3 times and he survived a recall! Kasich is in his second term, too. That does not indicate mass "dislike" but the opposite.
Jindal and Christie have been elected twice, Walker 3 times and he survived a recall! Kasich is in his second term, too. That does not indicate mass "dislike" but the opposite.
Today on NPR a news story told about Scott Walker's entry into the presidential primary. I've been hearing for MONTHS about how Scott Walker plans to enter the race.
And yet yesterday, in Walker's back yard (Madison, WI), BERNIE SANDERS attracted a crowd of 10,000. Why didn't Bernie Sanders huge crowd rate at least a mention?
And yet yesterday, in Walker's back yard (Madison, WI), BERNIE SANDERS attracted a crowd of 10,000. Why didn't Bernie Sanders huge crowd rate at least a mention?
11
I can answer this one for you, I live in Wi. Part of the Koch/Bradly Foundation game plan for Walker is control of media markets. We only have 2 markets for Print, TV and talk radio. Kochs have spent millions on advertising at election time and have hand picked conservative journalists as Scooters go to guys. Wisconsin Public Radio and TV has been neutered by budget cuts from Walker and a failure to include them at debate time.
1
Scott Walker's lack of College Diploma is a non-starter.
How ca the sole superpower in the world elect someone who lacks the basic requirement for any decent job in the country can run for President. Sure, we had Jobs, Gates and many others who dropped out, but those people were brilliant self-educated individuals. There is no indication Scott Walker is such individual.
How ca the sole superpower in the world elect someone who lacks the basic requirement for any decent job in the country can run for President. Sure, we had Jobs, Gates and many others who dropped out, but those people were brilliant self-educated individuals. There is no indication Scott Walker is such individual.
7
After CLEARLY stating, once same-sex marriage became legal in Wisconsin, that it was a "settled matter", to see him pandering to his conservative base is not surprising at all. WHY should he show any more conviction to a principled policy than any other Republican candidate? The frightening part isn't the total lack of convictions and decency that the candidates have. Rather, the frightening part is the number of voters that might actually be DELUDED into believing the tripe that they are being fed. Hey, this country voted for "Dubya" twice so while we think we're making progress in this country, nothing would surprise me.
8
Is Citizen's United a "settled matter" -- or do liberals continue to hope to undo it? Because I read that almost daily, the wish to undo CItizens United, even to have a Constitutional Amendment to do away with it.
Why is that OK, but you can't use the same legal methods to fight the ugliness of same sex marriage?
Why is that OK, but you can't use the same legal methods to fight the ugliness of same sex marriage?
Interesting that the first quote to provide support for the slant of the story is from someone in the Chamber of Commerce. Given the recent revelations in the NYT, does the opinion of such a rogue organization really have any integrity in any endeavor. The actions and thought of Scott Walker are disastrous on their own, but soliciting comments from the Chamber of Commerce seems like an effort to rehabilitate their image.
3
My prediction is none of these people are going to win the republican nomination. Someone who is not currently involved in this ridiculous nightmare will stand up, step over the carcasses of the nominees who have torn down each other in a WWE free-for-all Battle Royal wrestling match, and behave like an adult. He/she will have something intelligent to say on foreign policy, domestic policy, immigration, job creation, and share with us their vision of where they want to take America over the next 4-8 years. Right now all we are getting is trash talk from idiots.
3
Guys, let's be clear. Walker, and the vast majority of the Republican field, are not in to be President. They are in to significantly increase name recognition, get a Fox program, and hope to cash-in on whatever they have achieved in public service so far. Not all strategies are designed to led to 1600 Penn, and we shouldn't try to solve the Sudoku on how they make sense.
11
Can US seriously consider another Republican for president this soon when we are still trying to recover from Bush/Cheney? They managed to start two wars at once and left the MIddle East in chaos-- Obama is trying to stop these wars which seems to be impossible and also fighting the economic crisis also started by Bush/CHeney in 2008 and that has not been able to be stopped yet and reached to Europe and Greece now. Republicans accept money from energy companies and deny climate change and putting the US behind progress towards solar and wind.
The list goes on with Republicans refusal to stop fighting the Affordable Care Act --- and promoting big chemical companies that make GMO seeds and promote toxic herbicides and toxic neonicotinides that kill the bees. Republicans are out to change the Endangered Species Act just when a lot of species need that support.
The country and the world is in a lot of trouble and Republicans talk about merits of same sex marrige or not.....
I don't care who this party nominates - I would not consider voting for any of them.
The list goes on with Republicans refusal to stop fighting the Affordable Care Act --- and promoting big chemical companies that make GMO seeds and promote toxic herbicides and toxic neonicotinides that kill the bees. Republicans are out to change the Endangered Species Act just when a lot of species need that support.
The country and the world is in a lot of trouble and Republicans talk about merits of same sex marrige or not.....
I don't care who this party nominates - I would not consider voting for any of them.
12
It certainly seems that Mr. Walker is a "flip-flopper' who will change his positions to suit the exigencies of the next primary. Even if he is able to win in Iowa, I believe that before the New Hampshire primary the relentless media and the other Republican candidates will expose his lack of conviction and "say almost anything to win" attitude.
7
Who cares what shifts, adjustments or rightward contortions Scott Walker subjects himself to in order to increase his ideological appeal for some super-conservative fetishists in Iowa. For the average voter, Mr. Walker is not only already very conservative. He IS severe conservatism incarnate. And who cares if Walker's shifts benefit or harm other conservatives such as Jebya, Rubio, Cruz or Rand. The tens of thousands of voters who are turning out for Bernie Sanders are announcing that there is a thirst for straight talk and straight answers to real problems. They don't give a hoot about the clever policy shifts of opportunistic, right-wing power-drunkards. The best way to know what Walker's position on any question is? Find out where the Koch Bros. stand on that issue. Walker is with them. 100% - before, during, and after any shift in the political landscape of the super-conservative Koch underling that Scott Walker has shown himself to be.
12
I wouldn't underestimate Walker. The formula that worked in Wisconsin could work in a lot of places. Resentment of unions might be the best wedge issue out there for the GOP right now. Non-union blue collar people hate unions, and a lot of white collar workers (including people who are otherwise liberal) are upset with unions as well, particularly public employee unions.
He's not stupid, though he is poorly educated and not experienced so he he has to follow a script rigidly or his lack of experience will catch up with him. Unlike Palin or Bachmann, who were lazy and pretty much happy to just be on TV, I think Walker works hard and really plays to win.
He's really stuck in the GOP trap right now though -- he has to get some attention in the primaries, and the only way to do that is say some super right-wing things that, were he to win the nomination, would get quoted a lot in the fall.
He's not stupid, though he is poorly educated and not experienced so he he has to follow a script rigidly or his lack of experience will catch up with him. Unlike Palin or Bachmann, who were lazy and pretty much happy to just be on TV, I think Walker works hard and really plays to win.
He's really stuck in the GOP trap right now though -- he has to get some attention in the primaries, and the only way to do that is say some super right-wing things that, were he to win the nomination, would get quoted a lot in the fall.
5
Tb.
You're right. Scott Walker may not hold a college degree, but he's not stupid, and those critics who underestimate him do so at their peril.
He's already well on his way to trashing our state: especially, K-12 education, the Department of Natural Resources, and our world-famous--for the moment--University of Wisconsin system. Heaven help us all if he gets the chance to unleash his own brand of havoc on the rest of the country.
You're right. Scott Walker may not hold a college degree, but he's not stupid, and those critics who underestimate him do so at their peril.
He's already well on his way to trashing our state: especially, K-12 education, the Department of Natural Resources, and our world-famous--for the moment--University of Wisconsin system. Heaven help us all if he gets the chance to unleash his own brand of havoc on the rest of the country.
2
Only 30% of all Americans have a college degree.
The other 70% of all Americans will not respond sympathetically to bashing a man who did not finish college (BTW, he went most of the way through college, but dropped out before graduating). Many of THEM could not get into college, or couldn't afford it -- or had to drop out.
The other 70% of all Americans will not respond sympathetically to bashing a man who did not finish college (BTW, he went most of the way through college, but dropped out before graduating). Many of THEM could not get into college, or couldn't afford it -- or had to drop out.
Yeah. SW went after the private sector unions this spring.
There is a competitive race to the extreme right in order to qualify for massive Koch brother funding. They have distorted the entire political spectrum and we can thank our anti-democracy Supreme Court Majority for this abuse of our nations principles.
19
Why would it hurt him? There are plenty of angry white people who dislike unions, gay marriage, marijuana legalization, immigrants and immigration, government regulation, government activity, government by fiat, etc. He is running for president in 2020 when people will forget his positions an recognize his familiarity.
13
He's running next year
If he wont even draw a line in the sand, how can he hope to Etcha Sketch it later. I used to think that this long primary season was going to be unbearable. However, watching these "professional" politicians digging their own graves, not only in regards to higher office, but in their own states as well, gives me hope that after the next election cycle we may not have to hear from these cynical posers ever again.
5
Sarah Palin in a suit, but probably with better advisors
12
Give Walker another week or two. He'll change his tune on most everything, to fit what he see as the needs his audience du jour. If nothing else, he's a slippery dude.
5
I have a question for all Christian "conservatives" out there who believe the issue of homosexual conduct was settled by the New Testament of the Bible: why did God give us brains if she/he didn't intend us to use them? What are we supposed to do with our mental capacities and the inherent ability to study, learn and develop?
We know that there is evidence of disapproval of gays by one of the 12 Apostles. Abomination is the operative word. Okay, that was almost 2,000 yrs. ago when those words were written. We know now, due to intense investigation and advancing knowledge, that being gay is not a choice. People don't wake up one morning and say, "I prefer sin against God's word" to living a straight life. People wake up and their biology tells them they are gay, like it or not. On the other side of the equation, most little boys, having disliked all things feminine for the first 15 or so years of life, suddenly come to the conclusion they can't live without girls. It is not a choice, it is dictated by the brain and adolescent development.
Gov. Walker is a guy who thinks he is on a roll, who looks out across America and sees waves of social conservative ideas ready to boost him to the White House. It is true that people in rural states like Iowa might react more strongly than ever as the country turns toward greater acceptance of social and personal differences, but it is the nation, as a whole, that will decide who takes office in 2017, not Iowa.
14
Which of the twelve apostles disapproved of gays?
Morality is not decided by whims or fads. Gay marriage is a fad, it simply did not exist anywhere in the world before about 15 years ago, and 90% of the places who have it today only incorporated it in the last 4 years. That is a nanosecond in human history.
Jesus and the Apostles were first century JEWS -- their basic morality was that of Judaism. Judaism considers homosexuality and sodomy to be very serious sins. No, they didn't speak out on this, because it was one of those things as basic to human society as the sun coming up each morning. It didn't need saying.
Also, they would have identified homosexuality and sodomy as being part of ROMAN culture (which was pretty liberal and "anything goes") and they utterly despised Roman culture.
Sure, it was 2000 years ago. But lefty liberals are still arguing about the Civil War! and that was 150 years ago! They claim they can blame and abuse Southerners for what happened before their grandparents were born. So which is it? Is it a long time ago and doesn't matter -- or is history right there and relevant? Or do you change this, due to political correctness, when you feel like it? Does morality change in 2000 years?
The idea that homosexuality is "inborn" and hardwired at birth is popular, but has no basic in science. And bisexuals claim that it isn't true -- that everyone is bisexual on a continuum, and you can "choose" who to partner with whenever you feel like it. Which is true? do you know?
Jesus and the Apostles were first century JEWS -- their basic morality was that of Judaism. Judaism considers homosexuality and sodomy to be very serious sins. No, they didn't speak out on this, because it was one of those things as basic to human society as the sun coming up each morning. It didn't need saying.
Also, they would have identified homosexuality and sodomy as being part of ROMAN culture (which was pretty liberal and "anything goes") and they utterly despised Roman culture.
Sure, it was 2000 years ago. But lefty liberals are still arguing about the Civil War! and that was 150 years ago! They claim they can blame and abuse Southerners for what happened before their grandparents were born. So which is it? Is it a long time ago and doesn't matter -- or is history right there and relevant? Or do you change this, due to political correctness, when you feel like it? Does morality change in 2000 years?
The idea that homosexuality is "inborn" and hardwired at birth is popular, but has no basic in science. And bisexuals claim that it isn't true -- that everyone is bisexual on a continuum, and you can "choose" who to partner with whenever you feel like it. Which is true? do you know?
A lot is made of the fact that Walker won elections in a blue state. But in fact Scott Walker is both the most beloved and the most hated person in Wisconsin, and he won on the basis of turnout from the right, not on the basis of appeal to those not on the right. You could probably count the number of center and left-of-center Walker voters in Wisconsin with the fingers on one hand.
His "achievements" are not achievements at all, unless you count defeating liberals as an achievement. You shouldn't. Breaking unions is not the same thing as strengthening the economy, and demonizing scapegoats is not productive work.
His "achievements" are not achievements at all, unless you count defeating liberals as an achievement. You shouldn't. Breaking unions is not the same thing as strengthening the economy, and demonizing scapegoats is not productive work.
31
The continuing problem with conservative Republicans is that it’s not enough that they don’t agree with same sex marriages or abortions, but they feel everyone else must also agree with them. The Supreme Court ruling doesn't force anyone into same sex marriages it only allows for that to be legalized. The same is true for abortions, if you don't agree with it then don't have one.
The problem with the conservative GOP is that they've moved away from being basically fiscally conservative to being primarily socially conservative and wants legislation to force the rest of the country that way.
The problem with the conservative GOP is that they've moved away from being basically fiscally conservative to being primarily socially conservative and wants legislation to force the rest of the country that way.
139
It all began with Nixon's Southern Strategy.
Getting social conservatives to vote against their economic interests and for the GOP has worked for a long time.
Looks like there are a few cracks in the system these days.
Getting social conservatives to vote against their economic interests and for the GOP has worked for a long time.
Looks like there are a few cracks in the system these days.
1
No, SCOTUS has destroyed traditional marriage. You cannot have legal gay marriage and still have traditional marriage -- it's like matter and anti matter.
If you have gay marriage, even the marriage license FORMS say clearly there are no husbands and wives, but only Partner A and Partner B .... with Partners C, D, E and F to follow. Because by ruling that traditional marriage is illegal, SCOTUS has also made polygamy, polyamory and incest marriage 100% legal. Just wait!
Your comment on abortion is nonsensical. If you believe the fetus is a human being, then your personal "not having an abortion" is meaningless -- or do you not care if humans murder other humans?
If you have gay marriage, even the marriage license FORMS say clearly there are no husbands and wives, but only Partner A and Partner B .... with Partners C, D, E and F to follow. Because by ruling that traditional marriage is illegal, SCOTUS has also made polygamy, polyamory and incest marriage 100% legal. Just wait!
Your comment on abortion is nonsensical. If you believe the fetus is a human being, then your personal "not having an abortion" is meaningless -- or do you not care if humans murder other humans?
Why is it that the uneducated and ignorant try to dictate their uninformed beliefs and fears as dogma? I have always felt that those who don't know any better are always putting down science and education, have fear of teachers, researches and scholars, and fear critical thinking (wanting to substitute god in its place). Add greed and fear of the masses to the formula and you've got the Republican lineup.
Walker sits among the worst of these and has almost single-handedly tried to ruin one of the best institutions of higher learning in the world, the University of Wisconsin; and has insulted the dignity of the worker.
Walker sits among the worst of these and has almost single-handedly tried to ruin one of the best institutions of higher learning in the world, the University of Wisconsin; and has insulted the dignity of the worker.
6
I'm not going to vote for anyone who shames and blames teachers, who are quite literally the professionals most important to the future of our society and economy.
15
I guess those wonderful teachers are why the US is ranked #37th in the world educationally (behind LATVIA) despite the fact that we spend MORE per child than any other nation on earth -- and our schoolteachers have the most lavish pay and benefits including (RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND) 11 weeks of paid summer vacation -- which nobody else on earth has.
Just proving yet again that politicians will do ANYTHING to get nominated, then run as "centrist" as they can in the actual election.
2
"Some Republicans ask publicly whether Walker is too willing to modify his views to aid his ambitions." What is remarkable about this statement is the word "Some." One only has to recall the prank phone call from Mr. Koch to Walker and, for most everyone, that would be enough. It would be hard to be more disingenuous than this man. I really didn't think Walker could move further right than he was already on all the key issues of the day. His call for an Amendment to ban gay marriage in all the States pretty much says that he belongs in the 19th Century or earlier as a leader. The shear practice of saying one thing in Iowa and then think you can say something later on that is more moderate makes fools of all the Republican voters. More importantly, they don't have a winning issue, on anything, when it comes to a national election. Maybe 2016 will be the year they finally get buried.
6
The Amendment would not ban gay marriage. It would uphold traditional marriage as the law of the land, and ensure the Federal government (as in DOMA) would only recognize traditional marriage for legal purposes.
You could still get as gay-married as you wished, only the rest of us would to be forced to recognize your phony sham "marriages".
You could still get as gay-married as you wished, only the rest of us would to be forced to recognize your phony sham "marriages".
Hillary's position on immigration is to grant amnesty to all 11 million illegal aliens and their families will almost certainly follow as soon as they are citizens. How will your job stand up? Explain how this will help the underemployed Americans.
Bernie Sanders is a socialist by his own admission. Take a look at Greece at this very moment to see how that worked out. Or perhaps the former USSR, or Cuba, or Venezuala. Sanders is a clown.
Walker disagreed with the supreme court deciding gay marriage as do I. It should be an act of congress that determines the law of the land.
As for public sector unions, if you think it is fair to have public employees get much greater benefits and salaries than private sector union employees, then by all means, vote for "dead broke" Hillary and pay your taxes.
One thing I do know, Walker is not worth $140 million bucks, didn't claim to dodge sniper fire or claim to delete 30,000 "yoga" emails.
Funny how the "pro choice" liberals only have one choice in this race.
Bernie Sanders is a socialist by his own admission. Take a look at Greece at this very moment to see how that worked out. Or perhaps the former USSR, or Cuba, or Venezuala. Sanders is a clown.
Walker disagreed with the supreme court deciding gay marriage as do I. It should be an act of congress that determines the law of the land.
As for public sector unions, if you think it is fair to have public employees get much greater benefits and salaries than private sector union employees, then by all means, vote for "dead broke" Hillary and pay your taxes.
One thing I do know, Walker is not worth $140 million bucks, didn't claim to dodge sniper fire or claim to delete 30,000 "yoga" emails.
Funny how the "pro choice" liberals only have one choice in this race.
4
I often wonder how people like Walker get elected and you've helped answer that question.
People like Walker get elected by voters who ignore economics and pay more attention to name calling and the sex lives of people they don't know and will never meet.
People like Walker get elected by voters who ignore economics and pay more attention to name calling and the sex lives of people they don't know and will never meet.
3
Jerry- expect lots of personal attacks from the liberals too clueless to see the forest for the trees, and are unable to think for themselves unless advised by propaganda such as this dreadful "publication" tells them what to think/say.
They whine about unemployment, and how the fresh water supply is jeopardized, and then advocate open borders for illegals. They complain that there is no money for schools/infrastructure, but advocate for more money for public employee unions.
If they could actually think for themselves, some of these crises might actually get fixed.
They whine about unemployment, and how the fresh water supply is jeopardized, and then advocate open borders for illegals. They complain that there is no money for schools/infrastructure, but advocate for more money for public employee unions.
If they could actually think for themselves, some of these crises might actually get fixed.
@DR: in what way did Jerry mention anyone's sex life?
Lefty liberals: always looking for some way to demonize their opposition!
Too bad you missed out on calling Jerry a "homophobic racist who intends to impose theocracy!" That would made it a trifecta.
Lefty liberals: always looking for some way to demonize their opposition!
Too bad you missed out on calling Jerry a "homophobic racist who intends to impose theocracy!" That would made it a trifecta.
Someday historians will look at the alliance between the values-oriented and business-oriented wings of the Republican party and gawk in amazement that a) it was able to hold together for as long as it did, and b) no one in the party came out in recognition of how self-destructive it was. It amazes me that more Republicans don't seem to realize that coming in second place in the U.S. Presidential election entitles you to absolutely nothing.
5
Reminds me of another Wisconsin Republican by the name of McCarthy. Lie and lie and lie again.
14
Insanity, delusion and denial all wrapped up in one taco.
This man speak with forked tongue and at the same time all six sides of his mouth.
But the real issue is not the latest nut to fall from the tree but the owner of the vineyard who in this case is the 1%. The 99% Iowans representing less than a few percent of the total population get to call the shots for the 1% with whom the 1% is using to maintain its wealth driven status.
For comparison, imagine the Republicans holding their first two scams in California and then New York. Or to complete the undemocratic nature of this sham, the Democrats holding their first two side shows in Mississippi and Arizona.
End the misnamed, deceptive and non educational Electoral College and let the President be elected by popular vote. End the irrational states and replace them with six (6) geographic regions to be called Region I, II, ...Region 6.
Let each region with approximately the same number of people eligible to vote have six (6) representatives (to be titled Peoples' Servants) who must come from each of the six (6) economic classes (i.e. 1 from the unemployed and poor, 1 from the lower working class, 1 from the lower middle class, 1 from the upper middle class and 1 from the upper class). In cases of a tie the upper class loses its vote. All 18+ citizens, Native Americans, prisoners, and immigrants who have lived in America for at least five (5) years can vote.
Wow! Now there is an idea whose time has come and gone.
This man speak with forked tongue and at the same time all six sides of his mouth.
But the real issue is not the latest nut to fall from the tree but the owner of the vineyard who in this case is the 1%. The 99% Iowans representing less than a few percent of the total population get to call the shots for the 1% with whom the 1% is using to maintain its wealth driven status.
For comparison, imagine the Republicans holding their first two scams in California and then New York. Or to complete the undemocratic nature of this sham, the Democrats holding their first two side shows in Mississippi and Arizona.
End the misnamed, deceptive and non educational Electoral College and let the President be elected by popular vote. End the irrational states and replace them with six (6) geographic regions to be called Region I, II, ...Region 6.
Let each region with approximately the same number of people eligible to vote have six (6) representatives (to be titled Peoples' Servants) who must come from each of the six (6) economic classes (i.e. 1 from the unemployed and poor, 1 from the lower working class, 1 from the lower middle class, 1 from the upper middle class and 1 from the upper class). In cases of a tie the upper class loses its vote. All 18+ citizens, Native Americans, prisoners, and immigrants who have lived in America for at least five (5) years can vote.
Wow! Now there is an idea whose time has come and gone.
3
Yeah, a system that defines who is "upper class" -- and then takes that person's vote away.
That should fly....uh, never.
BTW: all 18 year old citizens and all Native Americans can already vote.
Getting rid of all States will take some real doing. Good luck.
That should fly....uh, never.
BTW: all 18 year old citizens and all Native Americans can already vote.
Getting rid of all States will take some real doing. Good luck.
It is good to read the comments from people from Wisconsin. I mean, it is sad what Walker has done to his state but it is good to know that Wisconsin progressives are still there. I saw that in the recall and pro union battles as well. Wisconsin has such a proud progressive history.
17
It has been this way for some time now in American politics (thanks for the help along the way, Citizens United), but we've removed any pretense of candidates having any sort of personal conviction regarding the positions they take, as they simply pander to whichever demographic they need to appease in order to win the current stage of an election.
6
I'm surprised that no one has brought up Walker's chat with the person he thought was David Koch. Here's a transcript:
http://www.onewisconsinnow.org/files/Scott%20Walker%20David%20Koch%20Tra...
And a link to the fact checking about his lie about the call:
http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/feb/24/scott-walker/...
http://www.onewisconsinnow.org/files/Scott%20Walker%20David%20Koch%20Tra...
And a link to the fact checking about his lie about the call:
http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/feb/24/scott-walker/...
7
Scott Walker is just one more reason why the Iowa Caucuses have had their day and need to be scrapped. The folks who show up to caucus are the ones who have "drunk the Kool-Aid" for either party.
In the case of the Republicans, the caucus goers Walker, Cruz, Jindal, Huckabee et al. are trying to appeal to are overwhelmingly white, English speaking, rural, modestly educated, working class, angry as a rattlesnake with a migraine and politically to the right of Genghis Khan.
To win the Iowa Caucuses, a candidate needs to represent the most extreme wing of his/her party. This is no way to run an election.
In the case of the Republicans, the caucus goers Walker, Cruz, Jindal, Huckabee et al. are trying to appeal to are overwhelmingly white, English speaking, rural, modestly educated, working class, angry as a rattlesnake with a migraine and politically to the right of Genghis Khan.
To win the Iowa Caucuses, a candidate needs to represent the most extreme wing of his/her party. This is no way to run an election.
86
You took the words right out of my mouth. And remember who represents them in the House. Steve King, who is an embarrassment to the rest of Iowa. Iowans voted for pres. Obama twice. Which says a great deal regarding where most Iowans place their priorities.
1
Quite the contrary. A candidate's willingness to play to the Iowa Caucuses - or to reject such tactics - is a critical litmus test of her/his gravitas. Walker is a case in point. Let the worms come to Iowa, and poke their heads up out of the soil.
1
"Modestly educated" is a euphemism for the current Republican candidates. Most sheep dogs are better educated than this batch of Neo-Republicans, who are no more like the Republicans of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Eisenhower than Big Bird is like Audubon.
The ship of fools that is the republican slate makes me weep on this 4th of July. Men who are intellectually bankrupt making faustian bargains with our hard won social contract are given the same credibility as those who would truly serve the public. It is no wonder that so few of the bright young people I know are interested in pursuing public office.
2
Republican has come to define everyone who is not a Democrat. Democrats have a total unity of ideology, just minor differences over how far and how fast and who is best able to enact The Agenda. Republicans are a gaggle of diverse groups, opposed to each other on many issues and containing many groups of angry one-issue fanatics who see any tactical maneuvering as betrayal. The Democrats have worked for nearly a century building their 'social democracy' step-by-step...the hardcore Republicans will be screaming if the welfare star isn't abolished two weeks after a Republican president takes office. But that will never happen again. Unity beats disunity, ideological discipline beats anarchy. There will never be another Republican president. We live in a single-party 'democracy' and that party is The Democratic Party.
1
Walker, and every other major candidate except perhaps Sanders represents the ongoing reign of the Israel Firster crowd and the warmongering neoconservative Deep State.
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-07-01/short-history-neocon-clean-brea...
What change can we expect on foreign policy, when each candidate struggles to show just how secondary the United States is in their calculations relative to a small foreign state.
And with Wall Street making large donations to both Red Team and Blue Team - what chance is there for reform of Wall Street?
Walker isn't going to be the GOP offering in the general election - but it doesn't matter.
The Israel Lobby, the Military-Industrial/Security Complex, and Wall Street/Central Bankers bought and purchased the United States government quite some time ago.
With the US supporting foreign jihadist terrorists in Syria, and the CIA and FBI essentially criminal organizations acting without consequence on behalf of a Deep State...
Walker is symptom, not disease. That he can run at all shows how far America has fallen into ignorance, warmongering, and stupidity.
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-07-01/short-history-neocon-clean-brea...
What change can we expect on foreign policy, when each candidate struggles to show just how secondary the United States is in their calculations relative to a small foreign state.
And with Wall Street making large donations to both Red Team and Blue Team - what chance is there for reform of Wall Street?
Walker isn't going to be the GOP offering in the general election - but it doesn't matter.
The Israel Lobby, the Military-Industrial/Security Complex, and Wall Street/Central Bankers bought and purchased the United States government quite some time ago.
With the US supporting foreign jihadist terrorists in Syria, and the CIA and FBI essentially criminal organizations acting without consequence on behalf of a Deep State...
Walker is symptom, not disease. That he can run at all shows how far America has fallen into ignorance, warmongering, and stupidity.
3
Like it or not, bigotry sells in the Republican party. No Republican candidate can ignore what kind of people are in it.
8
If the right wants ti amend the Constitution why limit it to gay marriage. Why not an omnibus right wing amendment giving them what the really want?.
I. Upon ratification of this amendment the rights and protections shall apply under federal law exclusively to:
a) white, native born, heterosexual, male Christian property owners over the age of 18, with assets exceeding $50,000. .
b) these rights and immunities include the right to marry and vote. While this Constitution is the supreme law of the land where and part of the Christian Bible is claimed to conflict with this Constitution the Bible shall override the Constitution.
II. These rights also apply to all unborn fetuses and end at birth until the child qualifies under sub. para “a.” Life begins at conception. Ending a pregnancy is murder and is a federal crime. There are no exceptions. Use of contraception during intercourse is attempted murder punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000.
III. The government may not regulate the manner in which citizens both natural or corporate, shall conduct their businesses.
IV. The ability of our shores, lakes, rivers and streams and our air to accept waste or pollution is a natural resource and should be used to the fullest without charge, taxation or limitation.
V. Collective bargaining infringes on the constitutional rights of employers, minimum wage laws infringe on the employee’s right of contract and are barred as are labor unions.
I. Upon ratification of this amendment the rights and protections shall apply under federal law exclusively to:
a) white, native born, heterosexual, male Christian property owners over the age of 18, with assets exceeding $50,000. .
b) these rights and immunities include the right to marry and vote. While this Constitution is the supreme law of the land where and part of the Christian Bible is claimed to conflict with this Constitution the Bible shall override the Constitution.
II. These rights also apply to all unborn fetuses and end at birth until the child qualifies under sub. para “a.” Life begins at conception. Ending a pregnancy is murder and is a federal crime. There are no exceptions. Use of contraception during intercourse is attempted murder punishable by a fine not to exceed $10,000.
III. The government may not regulate the manner in which citizens both natural or corporate, shall conduct their businesses.
IV. The ability of our shores, lakes, rivers and streams and our air to accept waste or pollution is a natural resource and should be used to the fullest without charge, taxation or limitation.
V. Collective bargaining infringes on the constitutional rights of employers, minimum wage laws infringe on the employee’s right of contract and are barred as are labor unions.
9
The GOP has a wolf by the ears.
5
Walker uses his intelligence to manipulate, fabricate, and gin up resentment, never to gain understanding or probe deeply into issues. He is a college drop out, with no other life experience except as a government official.
He hides his true intentions from voters and only after an election does he spring deceitful and punitive measures on voters. Rather than govern for the good of all, he relishes in targeting and punishing hard-working groups who actually do what he never did, get an education and work doing something concrete for society.
He cloaks his perverse vendettas behind a facade of religiosity.
The man is a danger. Not to be trusted. Ever!
He hides his true intentions from voters and only after an election does he spring deceitful and punitive measures on voters. Rather than govern for the good of all, he relishes in targeting and punishing hard-working groups who actually do what he never did, get an education and work doing something concrete for society.
He cloaks his perverse vendettas behind a facade of religiosity.
The man is a danger. Not to be trusted. Ever!
15
Just another empty suit with no real convictions, soon to board the Republican clown car.
4
When Scott Walker compared taking on ISIS to union demonstrators in Madison, he lost any chance of credibility.
10
So he'll make three more hard right turns and be back where he started.
4
This guy makes Mitt Romney seem like a pillar of consistency and genuineness.
8
Any candidate advocating for deportation of illegal aliens and for sealing our borders gets my vote.
3
Planning on helping load the cattle cars with women and children, then heading out to pick the melons in the August sun, are you?
1
Robert: less than 1% of all illegal aliens work in agriculture.
Walker's positioning is "a work in progress"? I think he owes it to the American people to put forth consistent policy positions so they know what they are getting when they vote. When Republican candidates keep moving to the right for primaries, they will not win a general election. All this jostling is getting boring because I think the election is already decided. It will be Bush vs. Clinton.
2
At the end of the day, there is one thing you can say about Scott Walker - he's just another tool in the plutocrats' toolbox (along with ALEC, Americans for Prosperity) to transfer more wealth to the 1%.
With the constant propaganda spewing from right wing talk shows and Fox News, people whose interest are harmed by his policies actually believe it is in their self-interest to do so.
I don't know how history will record this period of time in this nations. But I am sure that they will be surprised that a large percentage of the working population repeatedly voted for politicians that help transfer most of this country's wealth to a very small minority.
With the constant propaganda spewing from right wing talk shows and Fox News, people whose interest are harmed by his policies actually believe it is in their self-interest to do so.
I don't know how history will record this period of time in this nations. But I am sure that they will be surprised that a large percentage of the working population repeatedly voted for politicians that help transfer most of this country's wealth to a very small minority.
8
People do self-destructive things all the time. At times I am tempted to say that we should let them continue to do so, that perhaps they may even deserve no better. But their children do. So do the rest of us.
1
I see all the uniformed comments from the NYT readers. Scott Walker is solid material, having survived two recalls and been duly elected TWICE to the governership, without the kind of vote stealing illegality that the current administration practices and the lies they spew to get elected.
Frankly, many people are looking for someone like him to represent we the people and not the corporate oligarchy. He has more backbone than all of the other presidential candidates combined, and he will actually represent the people and not the public unions who seek to strip taxpayers of their monies for their own political machinations. He has saved taxpayers hundreds of millions in Wisconsin and will put the US on a more stable footing here and abroad. The fact that most of the comments below represent D talking points about him and bear no relationship to who he really is should tell you all you need to know about Scott Walker.
Frankly, many people are looking for someone like him to represent we the people and not the corporate oligarchy. He has more backbone than all of the other presidential candidates combined, and he will actually represent the people and not the public unions who seek to strip taxpayers of their monies for their own political machinations. He has saved taxpayers hundreds of millions in Wisconsin and will put the US on a more stable footing here and abroad. The fact that most of the comments below represent D talking points about him and bear no relationship to who he really is should tell you all you need to know about Scott Walker.
2
"we the people and not the corporate oligarchy. "
He IS the puppet of the corporate oligarchy.
Some people who say what you say believe what they say, as you seem to do. Others who say that do not believe what they themselves say. The latter group hurt others; the former hurt themselves.
He IS the puppet of the corporate oligarchy.
Some people who say what you say believe what they say, as you seem to do. Others who say that do not believe what they themselves say. The latter group hurt others; the former hurt themselves.
8
Is this satire? Have you seen what he's done to Wisconsin? Have you heard the tape of him when he thought he was talking to Koch?
9
Can you point to any evidence or facts to support your assertions about the administration's supposed "vote stealing illegality" and "lies" or that Walker "saved taxpayers hundreds of millions in Wisconsin"? It is also ironic that you assert that Walker would "represent the people and not the corporate oligarchy," when the sole reason for his existence as a candidate is the financial support from the Koch brothers - about as much a part of "the corporate oligarchy" as one can get!
12
What these events show is the need to change the whole primary system by dumping states like Iowa and New Hampshire and holding them in the large moderate states, states that represent the politics that win elections.
8
Sorry, but I can't take this fool's candidacy seriously. He's a mouthpiece for the Koch Brothers and ALEC. So who can be surprised about this "right turn?" He has no broad coalition as a base for a responsible campaign built upon reason and common-sense. He's as good as dead in the water and if I'm wrong we are all worse off than we thought.
14
When Walker came out for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, he effectively ended his chances of becoming President.
13
So....the new litmus test for "who can run for POTUS" is lip service in support of gay marriage?
First, a thank you to the voters of Wisconsin for elevating this regressive "christian" to a position of political relevance.
While Mr. Walker may be "mainstream" RepubliCon, his actions show him to be ruthlessly antagonistic to a strong middle class.
While Mr. Walker may be "mainstream" RepubliCon, his actions show him to be ruthlessly antagonistic to a strong middle class.
12
Career politicians like Walker are the bane right wingers except when they find the candidate who has simplistic mantra of Reagan, God, guns, and right to work. This man has peaked in politics. I'll say this, he has been very astute with his hidden and downplayed agendas during his governorship. At times he almost appeared to be a pragmatic politician, but he has a problem here. When you run for President, you need to have a consistent message that resonates better than the other contenders. Walker will never appear to be pragmatic or moderate again.
4
Short on integrity. But who cares. Christie and Trump are louder. He's a Koch bros buy out anyway.
8
Romney made this same mistake. He went hard right early, got the nomination, but lost to Obama.
Walker calling the same-sex ruling a "grave mistake" will be his undoing, for it will unleash every major city and all of Hollywood. His speeches will be swarmed with protesters and hecklers, and he will be eaten alive by creative commercials and debates.
Walker calling the same-sex ruling a "grave mistake" will be his undoing, for it will unleash every major city and all of Hollywood. His speeches will be swarmed with protesters and hecklers, and he will be eaten alive by creative commercials and debates.
8
Perhaps. There may be enough closeted homophobes and folks who are just plain scared of change that the push-back will intensify heir support of Walker. BUT, what is much more likely to do him in will be his inconsistency. Even the plutocrats and haters will find it too hard to trust him.
At least when the Democrats fight they fight for everyone. Clean air for everyone. A fair voting process for everyone. Liveable wages and benefits for everyone. Affordable education and health care for everyone.
And what does the GOP do? Select a shill like Walker who would seek to influence legislation that benefits only the donor class, which, let's be honest, became that way largely due to a tax structure that forces me to subsidize it at my own expense, and then, when it runs out of my money, lectures me on living within my means.
Republicans have done very well at framing a logical relationship between voting Republican and the extent of one's personal wealth, and, while that relationship doesn't exist - never has, never will - the propaganda works.
And what does the GOP do? Select a shill like Walker who would seek to influence legislation that benefits only the donor class, which, let's be honest, became that way largely due to a tax structure that forces me to subsidize it at my own expense, and then, when it runs out of my money, lectures me on living within my means.
Republicans have done very well at framing a logical relationship between voting Republican and the extent of one's personal wealth, and, while that relationship doesn't exist - never has, never will - the propaganda works.
22
Mr Walker is the candidate du jour and has no staying power. Once illuminated but the harsh national spotlight he'll fold like a cheap suit.. or an empty suit which more aptly describes him.
10
For those of us who live there, this is not news. He will say anything on the campaign trail to woo voters and then either flip or flop later. Wolf in sheep's clothing is the most apt analogy. Social conservative, of course but the bigger problems for him are his failure of economic policy to fulfill his campaign promises while a majority of his own Republican legislature revolted against his extreme positions in the state budgets. Look closely at Scott Walker. You will find an empty suit with a poor record who moves whichever way his donors tell him to move.
20
The people and culture of Wisconsin are fundamentally decent. This state has consequently produced many decent public servants from all satires and at all levels.
However, there is a problem. As is so often the case among decent people, Wisconsinites tend to assume that others are equally decent. This default opens the doors to malefactors such as McCarthy, Proxmire, and now Walker.
However, there is a problem. As is so often the case among decent people, Wisconsinites tend to assume that others are equally decent. This default opens the doors to malefactors such as McCarthy, Proxmire, and now Walker.
1
This dilemma Republicans face -- that only someone "willing to lose the nomination" has a chance to win the general election -- reflects just how out of step with the nation the Republican Party has become. It has become a party dominated by a small cadre of elites motivated either by self-interest (the Koch wing) or by evangelical and nativist fervor.
The rest of the country is becoming more secular and more concerned about the effects of rising inequality. It is also becoming more ethnically and racially diverse. The principal strategies of Republicans to date are primarily scare tactics, on the one hand, and on the other to make it harder for the "wrong people" to vote and redistricting to soften their impact when they do.
The problems the Republican Party faces will not be addressed by rebranding, or changing their position on the Confederate battle flag. They need to face reality.
The rest of the country is becoming more secular and more concerned about the effects of rising inequality. It is also becoming more ethnically and racially diverse. The principal strategies of Republicans to date are primarily scare tactics, on the one hand, and on the other to make it harder for the "wrong people" to vote and redistricting to soften their impact when they do.
The problems the Republican Party faces will not be addressed by rebranding, or changing their position on the Confederate battle flag. They need to face reality.
12
It is a remarkable concept, and probably correct, that to campaign to win the Republican nomination, your policy proposals will likely cause you to lose any general election - and vice-versa, to win the general election, your policies will alienate Republican voters. Put simply, Republican-backed policies are not favored by the majority of the electorate.
What is extremely troubling about this reality is that both houses of our legislative branch have Republican majorities - i.e. those in charge of making policy for everyone were put there by a minority whose policy preferences are not supported by the majority.
What do you $uppo$e i$ wrong with our democracy?
What is extremely troubling about this reality is that both houses of our legislative branch have Republican majorities - i.e. those in charge of making policy for everyone were put there by a minority whose policy preferences are not supported by the majority.
What do you $uppo$e i$ wrong with our democracy?
15
The looniest elements of the Tea Party (is that redundant?) have put the entire GOP field in a damned-if-they-do, damned-if-they-don't conundrum. Do they risk alienating a majority of the voters that provide an electoral college majority to please the looniest tea party voters, or are they going to risk being deemed a "RINO" by those most likely to vote in the early GOP primaries and caucuses to preserve a shot at the general election? Seems that Walker cast his lot with the tea party crowd, likely foreclosing all realistic avenues to the the WH. For the rest, the clock is ticking. Tick Tock.
4
The tea party stands for reigning in Wall Street, stopping the trend toward massively growing debt, and controlling our own borders, as well as adhering to the Constitution.
If you think that's loony - perhaps you ought to examine your premises.
If you think that's loony - perhaps you ought to examine your premises.
The only one who has flipped more than Scott Walker is the griddle man on breakfast shift at the local IHOP.
He is the Charlie McCarthy to the Koch brothers Edgar Bergen.
He is the Charlie McCarthy to the Koch brothers Edgar Bergen.
8
I sincerely hope Scott Walker continues to show his true stripes and, thereby, buries himself, both nationally and statewide The man is an embarrassment, not only to himself but those who support him. He lives politically only due to the unholy alliance of the state's reactionaries and the politically apathetic.
12
Scott Walker's positions? Pander, Pander and when in doubt pander some more. There is NO way this lightweight can win in a general election. Even with Koch's mega millions, this guy will have alienated 80% of the voting populace by election time. He is a total mouthpiece for the wealthy, white, male and uninformed demographics.
12
Lightweight? You are deluded, much as the British press was so entirely wrong on the Conservative victories they never saw coming. So keep believing the presses hype about Walker and get ready to be lambasted at the polls. Obviously NYT readers are not aware that most governships, along with state Senates are are now Republican, elected last November in a sweep of state and federal representatives to stop the assault on our freedoms from the current corrupt administration. Of course you won't publish this, because it is the truth and since when does the press report the truth anymore?
1
Kudos to this reporter and the Times for noting the same-sex wedding of Walker's wife's cousin. Whenever he refers to the Supreme Court ruling as "a grave mistake," a reporter should ask him if his son serving as witness to the cousin's wedding was also a grave mistake.
13
Issues? Ideology?
The only things that matter to a fascist are (1) will to power and (2) obedience to authority.
Therefore, this makes perfect sense for Walker.
There. Fixed it for you.
The only things that matter to a fascist are (1) will to power and (2) obedience to authority.
Therefore, this makes perfect sense for Walker.
There. Fixed it for you.
8
It's the same old tune with the GOP presidential nominating process - candidates shifting and/or hardening their positions to meet a certain demographic in a certain state. This all comes back to haunt the winner in the general election, which is why we probably witness our first woman president (not Carly) in 2016. Geez - when will the GOP wise up?
3
I so, so hope that Scott Walker or Ted Cruz wins the primary for precisely the reasons outlined in this article--they don't stand a chance in the general election. Most republicans are more afraid of right wing extremism than they are about higher taxes and will jump ship including many friends and family of mine that have said so. Say goodbye to 2016, GOP!
5
I'm appalled by the arrogant and self-righteous attacks on Gov. Walker based on his lack of a university degree. Have these Democrat posters have forgotten Harry Truman ? Or are they simply ignoring him because that would make them look silly.
One doesn't need to have a degree in order to govern effectively and understand the simple arithmetic of spending what one has instead of what one can borrow.
And when big unions form political monopolies, it doesn't take a PHD to understand the implications.
One doesn't need to have a degree in order to govern effectively and understand the simple arithmetic of spending what one has instead of what one can borrow.
And when big unions form political monopolies, it doesn't take a PHD to understand the implications.
4
Did Harry Truman denigrate higher education? Did he take every possible opportunity he could think of to demean it and attack it, the way Scott Walker has?
That, to me, is the crux of the matter, not whether Walker has the "correct" diploma or diplomas to hang on his wall.
That, to me, is the crux of the matter, not whether Walker has the "correct" diploma or diplomas to hang on his wall.
7
Scott Walker was a student activist who dropped out of college as a senior, one year short of graduating so that he could work full time for a non-profit.
1
While it is possible that someone without a degree has the ability to run the world's biggest economy and the world's biggest military in the 21st Century, it is unlikely. It is not that a college education confers some magical powers. Rather, the reason his lack of a degree is troubling is that his inability to graduate from college (akin to graduating from high school in Truman's time) raises red flags about his having the basic intellectual and analytical capacity necessary to succeed in such a demanding position and overcome the inevitable challenges. In other words, if he can't even get through college, why would the voters trust him with far tougher challenges and what evidence is there he is equipped to handle such challenges?
5
Dear America, as Wisconsin has very painfully learned here's all you need to know about Scott Walker: He will say absolutely anything that he believes his current audience wants to hear, and he will change that position quicker than a dragonfly over a lake raft if the next situation calls for it. Then he will simply lie without hesitation and claim he's been consistent along. It is quite pathological to watch, and Wisconsin voters didn't antipcate the ease with which he has been willing to dupe them. Even in this age of cynical politics Walker stands out as the most shameless, scheming and craven politician of our generation, which is quite a feat. Chris Christie is left shaking his head in envious admiration. Don't believe a word he says.
38
It has been suggested by many professional talkers that Democrats vulnerbale this election. Surely, Hillary Clinton brings a lot of baggage to the race. But then when you look at the Republican field, it is difficult to imagine how even a very weak democratic candidate would lose a national elelction given where Americans, on average, are on the issues and where the GOP is. If Scott Walker is a frontrunner, it is difficult to take Republicans seriously.
Ethanol is a perfect example. We now know that it is bad for the environment in terms of net greenhouse gas production, It is notoriously bad for engines. And even the Koch brothers are against it! Mr. Walker's support is therefore the worst sort of pandering.
We need leadership. What we do not need is a panderer who is focused on simply achieving more power and who is willing to say anything to get it.
Ethanol is a perfect example. We now know that it is bad for the environment in terms of net greenhouse gas production, It is notoriously bad for engines. And even the Koch brothers are against it! Mr. Walker's support is therefore the worst sort of pandering.
We need leadership. What we do not need is a panderer who is focused on simply achieving more power and who is willing to say anything to get it.
14
If Governor Walker shows himself to lack mainstream appeal, he will cease to be the Koch Brothers' favorite puppet, they will throw their money at someone else, and his candidacy will die a (politically) natural death.
7
If only. Walker is the unofficial voice of the Kochs. His words and stances may be taken as informal articulations of their agenda.
1
Scott Walker is a complete waste of time & money as a Presidential candidate. One has to really wonder what the "discount double-check" cheeseheads were thinking when they elected him Governor of Wisconsin!
8
All the other rivals need to do is throw his paltry, obsequious jobs growth numbers in his face. Or, compare his state to his high tax, high growth economy to the West. See, here in MN we have a perfect antidote / example to Kochiness, supported by DATA.
19
Another politician without convictions!
9
My husband, 18-year-old daughter, and I have been watching "The West Wing" on Netflix, my daughter for the first time. Sometimes you can't live without ideals. Sometimes you really need to imagine that people in leadership positions actually care about leading. I know, it's sappy.
But I thought when I revisited the show (I was a fan at the time too), I'd find the issues outdated, resolved. But no: it so happens that the last episode we watched (Season 6, when Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda start campaigning) was set in Iowa, where the candidates faced the ethanol issue, and how you couldn't make a decent showing in the state without pandering to the ethanol lobby, contrary to all common and economic sense. Good to know, I guess, that some things never change.
As for a constitutional amendment to allow states to decide on gay marriage, why don't we just let states decide whether they want to re-institue slavery? Or rescind women's suffrage? The most bogus political concept in the history of this country is "states' rights". Gay marriage is the perfect example of why "states' rights" doesn't work. You can't have a marriage recognized in one state and not in another. It's absurd.
And what is small government, if not a government that restricts the behavior of its citizens only when potentially harmful to others? No conservative has ever articulated what harm gay marriage does, because really their opposition is based on sexual dread and panic.
But I thought when I revisited the show (I was a fan at the time too), I'd find the issues outdated, resolved. But no: it so happens that the last episode we watched (Season 6, when Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda start campaigning) was set in Iowa, where the candidates faced the ethanol issue, and how you couldn't make a decent showing in the state without pandering to the ethanol lobby, contrary to all common and economic sense. Good to know, I guess, that some things never change.
As for a constitutional amendment to allow states to decide on gay marriage, why don't we just let states decide whether they want to re-institue slavery? Or rescind women's suffrage? The most bogus political concept in the history of this country is "states' rights". Gay marriage is the perfect example of why "states' rights" doesn't work. You can't have a marriage recognized in one state and not in another. It's absurd.
And what is small government, if not a government that restricts the behavior of its citizens only when potentially harmful to others? No conservative has ever articulated what harm gay marriage does, because really their opposition is based on sexual dread and panic.
35
very well put, C Wolfe.
You (and a shocking number of liberals) apparently think that women got the vote due to a decision by SCOTUS. This is false. Women got the vote because the STATES ratified the 19th Amendment -- a fully democratic process. The PEOPLE decided they wanted women to vote -- not lefty liberals imposing their beliefs on everyone.
Gay people not marrying is not the same as slavery, so that is a very false analogy.
You can definitely have a marriage in one state and not the other -- for example, marriage is legal at age 12 in Kentucky but you must be 18 in California! In some states you can marry your cousin, but not in others.
There was a case my state (Ohio) where a 21 year old man was sleeping with his 13 year old girlfriend. She got pregnant. So the couple absconded to Kentucky, where you can marry at 13. They got married there (her mom signed her approval) & returned to Ohio -- where the man was arrested anyways and sent to jail. So Ohio did not really "recognize" their marriage as valid.
So the system DID work.....until SCOTUS upended it ... by one vote.
What harm does gay marriage do? It destroys traditional marriage, by invalidating all rules about marriage, and imposing lefty liberalism. And it totally redefines marriage, and it removes the words "husband and wife" from all documents, and replaces it with "Partners A and B". It also automatically legalizes polygamy and incest marriage, as the ruling says "you cannot HUMILIATE anyone by not recognizing their marriages".
Gay people not marrying is not the same as slavery, so that is a very false analogy.
You can definitely have a marriage in one state and not the other -- for example, marriage is legal at age 12 in Kentucky but you must be 18 in California! In some states you can marry your cousin, but not in others.
There was a case my state (Ohio) where a 21 year old man was sleeping with his 13 year old girlfriend. She got pregnant. So the couple absconded to Kentucky, where you can marry at 13. They got married there (her mom signed her approval) & returned to Ohio -- where the man was arrested anyways and sent to jail. So Ohio did not really "recognize" their marriage as valid.
So the system DID work.....until SCOTUS upended it ... by one vote.
What harm does gay marriage do? It destroys traditional marriage, by invalidating all rules about marriage, and imposing lefty liberalism. And it totally redefines marriage, and it removes the words "husband and wife" from all documents, and replaces it with "Partners A and B". It also automatically legalizes polygamy and incest marriage, as the ruling says "you cannot HUMILIATE anyone by not recognizing their marriages".
2
So the Koch puppet has put his foot in his mouth even though David and Charles have been trying to pull the strings into the perfect configuration of a man who could be elected President of the United States? Anyone who thinks Scott Walker is presidential material doesn't give enough credit to American voters. They might not know too much about the issues, but they can smell a man without integrity a mile away; in fact, having integrity is a pretty good measure of a man. Scott Walker will never be President.
20
I am happy to see that Governor Walker's chicken's are starting to come home to roost.
Many of us in Wisconsin see him as a politician who destroys things of value, who lies and obfuscates (yes all politicians do this, but Mr. Walker has a particularly vile streak of this behavior in his character), and whose only goal seems to be power. Even other Wisconsin Republicans are realizing the governor cannot be trusted on his word. His base here is eroding.
There are companies in Wisconsin--one in particular-- that is part of a national organization that calls itself a "Union-busting Union". This large builders and contractors company behaves like a union: For example it collects dues from members, controls the education of it's young workers, and metes out punishment if rules aren't followed. And it has close ties with our State government. This national association has all of the perceived clout and political influence of unions, but whose members donate and support the Republican party only. It is a republican machine to replace the unions that our Governor pretends to hate.
Governor Walker is against unions??? Only those he cannot control.
He has played our his bait and switch activities in our educational system, in our unions, and with our environment to name just a few, and it is destroying our state and it's history.
Many of us in Wisconsin see him as a politician who destroys things of value, who lies and obfuscates (yes all politicians do this, but Mr. Walker has a particularly vile streak of this behavior in his character), and whose only goal seems to be power. Even other Wisconsin Republicans are realizing the governor cannot be trusted on his word. His base here is eroding.
There are companies in Wisconsin--one in particular-- that is part of a national organization that calls itself a "Union-busting Union". This large builders and contractors company behaves like a union: For example it collects dues from members, controls the education of it's young workers, and metes out punishment if rules aren't followed. And it has close ties with our State government. This national association has all of the perceived clout and political influence of unions, but whose members donate and support the Republican party only. It is a republican machine to replace the unions that our Governor pretends to hate.
Governor Walker is against unions??? Only those he cannot control.
He has played our his bait and switch activities in our educational system, in our unions, and with our environment to name just a few, and it is destroying our state and it's history.
241
Actually no evidence of "chickens" yet...just speculation...may, might, possibly....
Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy.
2
But why did the Wisconsin voters elect him twice ? I hope you're right Janica, but it seems that most voters everywhere have short memories.
3
Destroying unions, destroying education in his state, bad performance economically including very poor record on job creation and budget compared to his midwestern neighbors, extreme views on abortion with no exceptions for rape or incest, and other radical positions -- whatever the Koch brothers want.
Deception is part of the way he operates, and he never gave his Wisconsin voters a glimpse at how extreme he was until it was too late. This is one of those strange and bizarre right wing robots programmed to come out with extreme positions on all issues.
But Trump leads right now nationally for the Republicans, and Carly Fiorina who fired 30,000 employees and accrued wealth is doing well in New Hampshire.
Republicans inhabit their own Fox universe of aliens.
Deception is part of the way he operates, and he never gave his Wisconsin voters a glimpse at how extreme he was until it was too late. This is one of those strange and bizarre right wing robots programmed to come out with extreme positions on all issues.
But Trump leads right now nationally for the Republicans, and Carly Fiorina who fired 30,000 employees and accrued wealth is doing well in New Hampshire.
Republicans inhabit their own Fox universe of aliens.
24
This is the most awful article ever.
"The reversal was not well received in the political network led by the industrialists David H. and Charles G. Koch, according to a Republican aware of the reaction who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of sensitivities over the group’s deliberations."
What does that mean, what is the group that is deliberating, a network led by the Koch bros? Do they get priest-penitent privilege for their deliberations?
"For several months, according to four people briefed on the discussions who were not authorized to describe an off-the-record meeting"
were they at the off-the-record meeting? Sounds like not. Saying they were anonymous because they were gossiping is that it?
"The remark was also the subject of much critical discussion among social conservatives, according to one leader of that faction of the party, who was given anonymity to describe private conversations"
I am sure this anonymous person with attorney-client privilage of anonymity was well informed. Why would I doubt that?
This article seems 100% fabricated of gossip.
"The reversal was not well received in the political network led by the industrialists David H. and Charles G. Koch, according to a Republican aware of the reaction who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of sensitivities over the group’s deliberations."
What does that mean, what is the group that is deliberating, a network led by the Koch bros? Do they get priest-penitent privilege for their deliberations?
"For several months, according to four people briefed on the discussions who were not authorized to describe an off-the-record meeting"
were they at the off-the-record meeting? Sounds like not. Saying they were anonymous because they were gossiping is that it?
"The remark was also the subject of much critical discussion among social conservatives, according to one leader of that faction of the party, who was given anonymity to describe private conversations"
I am sure this anonymous person with attorney-client privilage of anonymity was well informed. Why would I doubt that?
This article seems 100% fabricated of gossip.
1
Scott Walker is a proud right wing politician following in the Wisconsin tradition of Joseph Raymond McCarthy. It is the politics of creating enemies where none exists, it is the politics of divide and conquer. To ascribe an ideology to the politics of us and them is an error. Walker's politics are the politics of the tribal warfare we find in the Bible and Homer.
Scott Walker seeks only the Presidency of like minded Americans, there is no room in Walker's realm for my American family members who don't see the world through Governor Walker's eyes.
Lest we forget, McCarthyism preceded Bill Buckley's American Conservatism a time when Libertarians were simply Jewish intellectual hedonists and the John Birch Society were proud members of the right wing coalition. Those of us who believe in moderation and balance have no place in Walker's black and white universe to illustrate the point we need look no further than Walker's polarized Wisconsin.
Scott Walker seeks only the Presidency of like minded Americans, there is no room in Walker's realm for my American family members who don't see the world through Governor Walker's eyes.
Lest we forget, McCarthyism preceded Bill Buckley's American Conservatism a time when Libertarians were simply Jewish intellectual hedonists and the John Birch Society were proud members of the right wing coalition. Those of us who believe in moderation and balance have no place in Walker's black and white universe to illustrate the point we need look no further than Walker's polarized Wisconsin.
30
Donald Trump and Chris Christie are looking better and better!
2
Not hardly. Christie and Trump are just different kinds of incompetent and unqualified candidates for president.
2
I am astounded, though I shouldn't be, by the constant manipulation by the media. Why is it only "conservative voters" would be for stopping illegal immigration, and enforcement of the law? Associate being for border control with being conservative, and because most voters think themselves somewhere in the middle, not liberal or conservative, there is a psychological incentive for people to then associate themselves with open borders and amnesty. You don't have to be conservative to want secure borders and work place employment eligibility to be enforced (we don' need "immigration reform" we need law enforcement)
I am "liberal", but my liberality focuses on America's poor and America's workers. This immigration absolutely harms not only low skilled workers but kids trying to enter the work force. It take away opportunity in so many areas that have been historically where those who do not, or can not, get a college degree, find meaningful employment. Since when did putting immigrant's needs ahead of our fellow citizens needs become conservative? Many of these kids who can't find meaningful work at home, then have to join the armed forces to get a start in life, HOW CONVENIENT. There is nothing liberal about open borders and flooding the system with low skilled workers, quite to the contrary, this low skill work force is a tool to drive down wages and promote social instability. Please don't TELL me what cause "liberal or conservative" I can me that determination for myself.
I am "liberal", but my liberality focuses on America's poor and America's workers. This immigration absolutely harms not only low skilled workers but kids trying to enter the work force. It take away opportunity in so many areas that have been historically where those who do not, or can not, get a college degree, find meaningful employment. Since when did putting immigrant's needs ahead of our fellow citizens needs become conservative? Many of these kids who can't find meaningful work at home, then have to join the armed forces to get a start in life, HOW CONVENIENT. There is nothing liberal about open borders and flooding the system with low skilled workers, quite to the contrary, this low skill work force is a tool to drive down wages and promote social instability. Please don't TELL me what cause "liberal or conservative" I can me that determination for myself.
4
"This immigration absolutely harms not only low skilled workers but kids trying to enter the work force. It take away opportunity in so many areas that have been historically where those who do not, or can not, get a college degree, find meaningful employment."
Can you provide some verified examples of some of these "many areas" where undocumented immigrants are taking "meaningful jobs" away from Americans without college educations?
Can you provide some verified examples of some of these "many areas" where undocumented immigrants are taking "meaningful jobs" away from Americans without college educations?
Since Scott Walker could not win purple Wisconsin in a general election, he has nothing distinct to offer the GOP, other than another punch line.
5
There's no such thing as a local audience anymore. Any politician who tries to play that game will get burned.
6
Walker has always been, and always will be, the consummate opportunist. He will say or do anything at all to be elected, or to get money to campaign to be elected. History will show him to have been another in a long line of demagogues for whom no extreme position is a bridge too far Bye bye, Scott!
16
There is only one way America will ever save itself from Scott Walker: send him back to Colorado Springs. But they won't.
3
Well, the man appears to've flat-out lied first to teachers and then to cops and firefighters ("I won't be attacking unions!" At least not yours!), to women (I won't push against reproductive rights!) and then to immigration advocates, and to be doing so in a Party that more and more openly just says "That? that's jist something we say while we're running," so I'm not sure why anybody'd be shocked.
maybe it's that the rational Right figured he'd never doubecross THEM.
maybe it's that the rational Right figured he'd never doubecross THEM.
28
Scott Walker has made his political career out of harming those who gave rise to a large middle class through the union movement.
73
Walker doesn't have an undergraduate degree. We don't even hire mgt. trainees without one in this country, let alone a chief executive.
155
How about Harry Truman, doug ?
1
Truman was from a completely different era. Walker dropped out of college in his senior year, I believe. He liked being a politician better and didn't have interest in sticking to a task. Maybe his academic record was not satisfactory. Who knows?
4
Go ahead -- make fun of Scott Walker for not graduating (he went 3/4ths of the way to an underaged degree).
Because 70% of the US public has no college degree. And THEY VOTE. They will not be too sympathetic to your ridiculing a man who dropped out of college, perhaps because his family was broke or he needed to work to support them.
It will backfire on you, I promise.
Also: interesting how it is a "different era!" for Truman, but when anyone discusses slavery or civil rights, then we expect them to have the same laws and morality in 1865 as in 2015.
Because 70% of the US public has no college degree. And THEY VOTE. They will not be too sympathetic to your ridiculing a man who dropped out of college, perhaps because his family was broke or he needed to work to support them.
It will backfire on you, I promise.
Also: interesting how it is a "different era!" for Truman, but when anyone discusses slavery or civil rights, then we expect them to have the same laws and morality in 1865 as in 2015.
And Scott Walker seems to wear it as a badge of pride that he alienated citizens in his own swing state to the point that he faced a recall election. He will never pass the litmus test for a general election.
65
I haven't seen a presidential candidate as qualified as this since George W. Bush.
51
Good one, Chicago! The guy's had years to get an education and he hasn't.
4
Governor Walker might just as well have said to Stephen Moore, "Don't listen to a word I'm saying. My words don't mean anything, anyway." Now, THAT would be a rare act of truth-telling.
15
Does it matter, history has shown that what Scott Walker says or doesn't say in a campaign has no reflection on what he does when he gets in office.
38
The question is: Are you so invested in strengthening corporate power and destroying unions that you are willing to jump into bed with people who hate gays? Or prevent action on global warming? Or disenfranchise their fellow citizens? Or (per the Times' recent exposé) people who fight foreign governments when they try to protect their citizens from cigarette-induced cancer? It's all of a piece: choosing to fight for financial power and traditional authority against those who desperately need some help and fairness.
19
I'm sorry, but how could Scott Walker be described as making a "hard right turn" when in his entire political career he has never been anyplace other than there.
41
Because, to get elected statewide in Wisconsin, he had to pander to the general, more moderate voter. Until recently, with some notable exceptions, Republicans in Wisconsin have been fairly moderate (think Tommy Thompson). I have no idea where Walker stands on anything. As long as it gets him elected, that's where he stands. Future supporters: don't turn your back on him.
7
If he made another "hard right turn" he would now be going backwards.
But that is what Republicans do.
But that is what Republicans do.
1
Pandering and integrity are too very difference characteristic. It is hard to imagine that you can do one and still achieve the second. Walker really has a very narrow skill set and has gained fame more for what he opposes than what he would attempt to accomplish. He is a minor person for an important job. Not really up to the task of anything more than the national republican themes of restricting gov't role to forcing his religious convictions on others, lower taxes, and supporting big business over working people while our infrastructure crumbles, our young are underemployed, racism is tolerated and the future looks more troublesome. He is just another wealthy man's mouth piece.
43
At least republicans are being given a choice.
6
Like trying to choose the least rotten banana.
6
Of what?
5
Go ahead, give us some examples of totalitarian socialism.
It cracks me up that you use Hillary as an example. She's basically a Republican similar to Bush Senior.
It cracks me up that you use Hillary as an example. She's basically a Republican similar to Bush Senior.
1
Walker is about the same as creeping Charlie, which swamps our garden now but dries up in the winter. We Iowans know a liar when we hear one, and Walker is one.
39
Guess Walker's never heard of Mitt Romney.
8
Paul Walker is a fully owned subsidiary of the Koch Brothers. It is hard to imagine that very many people will vote for him, but you have to give the Koch Brothers an A for effort. I have never seen so many non-profits set up to back their issues -- low taxes and regulation for oil and gas, dumping the IMEX bank and cutting virtually any money going to the people. Walker is a billionaire's dream candidate.
If you are worried about the welfare of the Koch Brothers, Paul Walker is your guy.
If you are worried about the welfare of the Koch Brothers, Paul Walker is your guy.
35
you're right, except I think you mean Scott Walker.
5
Who is this Paul Walker, anyway?!
I trust you meant to say Scott Walker.
2
Never trust any oath taken by someone who believes in a "higher power". The oath is not to you.
85
Please stop with news headlines that are conjecture. How is it news when the word "may" is used. "May" speaks to a possibility, not a fact. Mr. Walker's stands, no matter left or right, will affect voters' responses. How can so many inches of news be in an article about a possible outcome? However, if the headline were about his changed positions, without the conjecture,I would not question the space devoted to it.
3
The walker has done much damage to the Wisconsin worker and has axed public education. As such, what's left to the middle-class will dwindle to nothing once he gets his coveted presidency. In reality it's not about him at all, it's about the super rich who throw money at him and then pull the strings. It's all about getting richer and keeping workers under the gun of corporate power. He'll become America's next president and as such the rich will become far richer while the worker suffers financially. The walker knows NOTHING of world order nor about protecting United States interests militarily. He's like any office worker. The country will be on a defensive teeter totter and our enemies will be quick to notice and take advantage.
35
Scott Walker has a lot of help. Just look to the voters of Wisconsin to see where the responsibility really lies.
1
This particular political animal isn't really running for President, he's auditioning for the slot opened up by the departure of Sarah Palin from Fox "News."
29
Scott Walker will say anything it takes.
48
"Now a growing number of party leaders say Mr. Walker is raising questions about his authenticity"
Walker is a product of Koch Brothers Inc. They buy politicians and dictate the terms of purchase. Walker may be moving to the right, but in reality he is simply drifting closer to the money.
Walker is a product of Koch Brothers Inc. They buy politicians and dictate the terms of purchase. Walker may be moving to the right, but in reality he is simply drifting closer to the money.
126
In fact we already know that he is inauthentic. The "Koch Brothers" prank call pulled back the curtain on this sham politician. There's nothing left to question: his interests have nothing to do with legitimate governance.
1
he's not fooling anybody who's not ripe for the picking.
31
The Republican presidential primary is starting to seem like the old joke, "Your money or your life--Take my life, I need to my money for my old age." These candidates must realize that they are placing themselves further and further away from electability in the electoral college. Rural fundamentalist voters are not going to be the deciding factor in the next general election for president, even in they are the deciding factor in Iowa Republican caucuses.
118
Here in Wisconsin, we have seen Walker attempt to dismantle the core principles of our state. Slashing the university budget, trying to cut elementary and pre-K programs, cutting programs for the disabled, but allowing the Koch boys access to state lands for fracking, promising jobs but not delivering. In June, he was out of state for 21 days. He has prostituted himself to get as much money as possible. He's a lousy governor, he'd make a lousy president.
244
Vote him out! Maybe having this nitwit as a governor will mobilize Democrats to get to the polls!
1
I wish I could "like" this 1000 times. I am very afraid this weaselly lying know-nothing will fool enough people into thinking he is reasonable (ha!) to get elected.
1
Obviously, education does not appeal to Walker, who dropped out of college himself.
I guess "book learning" is too taxing for his brain. And it shows when he says anything.
He is an empty suit.
I guess "book learning" is too taxing for his brain. And it shows when he says anything.
He is an empty suit.
5
Most all lie. Is this news to anyone?
Bernie Sanders is apparently the only candidate with a perpetually consistent message.
Bernie Sanders is apparently the only candidate with a perpetually consistent message.
26
It's a simple formula:
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." - Mark Twain
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." - Mark Twain
1
Far-right Republican dogma is a lose-lose for anyone and everyone involved.
30
The story line says it all - "Mr. Walker appears increasingly willing to lose the general election to win the primary."
This begs the question - Why does the US electorate allow a small, narrrow very conservative voter base found in Iowa to make important decisions for the selection of the country's leader?
FYI - Ethanol subsidies benefit very few farmers, are energy wasteful and have raised food prices to have a net result of raising fuel prices and lowering fuel economies- why hasn't this decades-old law been revoked?
This begs the question - Why does the US electorate allow a small, narrrow very conservative voter base found in Iowa to make important decisions for the selection of the country's leader?
FYI - Ethanol subsidies benefit very few farmers, are energy wasteful and have raised food prices to have a net result of raising fuel prices and lowering fuel economies- why hasn't this decades-old law been revoked?
51
What a poor excuse for a Christian, ready to say anything that gets him more power and change his opinion for cash. Is this really what Christianity is all about?
40
The sad thing about GOP candidates such as Walker and Cruz is they make Jeb look absolutely great. I know it is wistful thinking but it would sure be nice if Bernie could somehow get a message that resonates with the majority of middle class Americans.
25
Iowa...Iowa...Iowa...It amazes me that such a small/tiny number of fringe politicos (who are not billionaires) can have such profound influence on a country of 350 million.
26
Voters are waking up to the fact that Iowa means very little in the larger scheme of things in this country. 60 % of the population lives on the coasts. But, you know Republicans. They just hate to change with the times. They have their feet stuck in mud, facing backward.
1
Only on Republicans. For them, being a conservative who can out-conservative the rest is what matters. The person who wins the Iowa Republican caucuses will crash and burn, because one has to be an extremist to win.
Pass the popcorn.
Pass the popcorn.
1
Iowans wish these goof balls would stay out of the state.
1
He's a liar and a faker. He's a blank faced opportunist. He's a religious and social bigot. he's an ignoramus. He creates more problems than he solves. He's a Republican. He was born to lose.
147
I agree with all of this, except replace "was born to lose" with "is guaranteed to win."
1
Maybe the 2016 Republican primary season will be the death knell for Citizens United. Who would have thought that no one would be hurt more than the Republican Party's chances to recapture the White House due to out of control anonymous funding schemes created in the wake of that decision.
Maybe one of the justices in the Citizens United majority will take a look around and realize a mistake was made and say its ok now— we can have limits on giving. As Justice Scalia wrote a few weeks ago in a criminal case, "Although it is a vital rule of judicial self-government, stare decisis does not matter for its own sake..”
Maybe one of the justices in the Citizens United majority will take a look around and realize a mistake was made and say its ok now— we can have limits on giving. As Justice Scalia wrote a few weeks ago in a criminal case, "Although it is a vital rule of judicial self-government, stare decisis does not matter for its own sake..”
61
Precedent has its place, but is not a reason in itself. That would be a formula for regression.
2
Wisconsin residents got over 1 million votes to recall Walker. He won the recall. There are a lot of issues about the integrity of Wisconsin/Walker elections. He is no fiscal conservative. He borrowed $108 million to balance his last budget, didn't make the payment on it, kicking the can down the road. His administration has had 6 felony convictions of his top staff, as Milwaukee county executive. 2 sent to jail for stealing $60K from a disabled vets charity, one convicted of child enticement, one staffer fired for working on the taxpayers dime, posting in the local newspaper positive posts on the taxpayer's dime. His deputy chief of staff went to prison, plead guilty for working on campaigns on taxpayer time. She set up a secret wifi in the office to do the campaign work to by communicate and bypass government computers. A second investigation has been held up in courts for illegal campaign finance, of Walker coordinating activity with pacs and his campaigns. Unfortunately, the Wisconsin 4 conservative judges on the state supreme court have gotten $8 million from Walker's donors which are defendents in the case. A wealthy donor did straw donations, giving $60 K to employee's, 10K at a time to donate to his campaign, he was caught. He is on probation, Wisconsin limits campaign contributions to $10K per person.
1
While I typically disagree with Scalia, it also happens he WROTE against the concept of dark money SuperPACs:
"There are laws against threats and intimidation; and harsh criticism, short of unlawful action, is a price our people have traditionally been willing to pay for self-governance. Requiring people to stand up in public for their political acts fosters civic courage, without which democracy is doomed. For my part, I do not look forward to a society which, thanks to the Supreme Court, campaigns anonymously (McIntyre) and even exercises the direct democracy of initiative and referendum hidden from public scrutiny and protected from the accountability of criticism. This does not resemble the Home of the Brave." -- Scalia, J., Doe v. Reed, June 24, 2010.
It is 100% clear the GOP political machine is not interested in the "Home of the Brave" and places a higher priority on getting elected through non-democratic dark money schemes. And unfortunately to some extent, much of the Democratic Party has now been sufficiently bribed by these schemes they have little will to oppose them.
"There are laws against threats and intimidation; and harsh criticism, short of unlawful action, is a price our people have traditionally been willing to pay for self-governance. Requiring people to stand up in public for their political acts fosters civic courage, without which democracy is doomed. For my part, I do not look forward to a society which, thanks to the Supreme Court, campaigns anonymously (McIntyre) and even exercises the direct democracy of initiative and referendum hidden from public scrutiny and protected from the accountability of criticism. This does not resemble the Home of the Brave." -- Scalia, J., Doe v. Reed, June 24, 2010.
It is 100% clear the GOP political machine is not interested in the "Home of the Brave" and places a higher priority on getting elected through non-democratic dark money schemes. And unfortunately to some extent, much of the Democratic Party has now been sufficiently bribed by these schemes they have little will to oppose them.
The concept that he even entertains the idea that he is presidential material is odd. I fail to see any, and haven't seen, any leadership qualities in Walker other than the spin his election team puts on things. His leadership here in Wisconsin has left our state polarized and angry. And his flip/flopping on issues shows that he will simply say whatever his handlers tell him to. I think he will crumble come debate time.
425
Maybe the folks in Wisconsin have the same electoral decision making ability of the Greeks. I wonder if they know they are the subjects of much laughing and satire.
5
Scott Walker, much like his fellow Wisconsin selfish cowardly angry malefactor of malediction and malfeasance Paul Ryan, has been on the government benefits and employment welfare dole all of his life. That is a very "hard right" that neither man believes that any one else has the moral right to benefit. Callow actor marks Walker.
17
One can only hope.
5
If primary voters didn't already know that their candidates are shamelessly pandering to them, perhaps the headline in the Times might give them a clue. How could any voter support a weather vane?
10
When Walker was running for re-election as governor of Wisconsin, he did not say a single word about these hard-right views on immigration and social issues.
Now those matters are all he can talk about, constantly, at the top of his voice.
When a candidate flip-flops like that, voters have to wonder about his honesty, his trustworthiness, his character. Can voters believe what he says?
Now those matters are all he can talk about, constantly, at the top of his voice.
When a candidate flip-flops like that, voters have to wonder about his honesty, his trustworthiness, his character. Can voters believe what he says?
262
The voters can believe that he will say whatever he wants and that he is not fit to be president.
3
Wonder, there's no room for just wondering, they should have been at judgment long ago.
4
Sadly, the new paradigm for GOP presidential wannabes playing to the "base" (base in more ways than one!) is who can be the most outrageous.
The best illustration of this is an old John Waters film, "Pink Flamingoes," where two clans compete for the title of Grossest Person Alive. The character played by the male actress Divine wins--by ingesting a freshly-laid dog turd.
Unfortunately, the current GOP version has the turds coming from the candidates mouths to an eager "base."
The best illustration of this is an old John Waters film, "Pink Flamingoes," where two clans compete for the title of Grossest Person Alive. The character played by the male actress Divine wins--by ingesting a freshly-laid dog turd.
Unfortunately, the current GOP version has the turds coming from the candidates mouths to an eager "base."
5
Scott need to take real good in his back yard since there a lot of dairy farmers who depend on undocument aliens for cheap labor. This must be in back of his mind and he not saying word about it.
6
Walker will do and say anything, tailoring his "message" to what his current audience wants to hear. He will try and tact back to the center if he wins the nomination. This "strategy" is based on his perception that the electorate are ignorant and he can pretty much say whatever he wants to as circumstance warrants. He should ask Mitt Romney and the 47% how well that worked for him.
219
It would not be wrong in discerning ignorance in this country, ignorance seems to be bliss, mittens still got close, look at the millions of votes it got. This cretin is an ignoramus, wait for the debates, it ought be filled with fun answers. Perry could wipe the floor with it, and that's saying something.
3
And Hillary isn't tailoring her "message" to what her current audience wants to hear. She will try and tack back to the center too. Her strategy is based on her KNOWLEDGE that too many in the electorate are ignorant thanks to our lousy school system.
Hillary panders, lies and deceives.
Walker is the real deal.
Hillary panders, lies and deceives.
Walker is the real deal.
It's unclear what accomplishments place Walker in the upper tier of candidtes. He has the scandal-baggage of Christie, foot-in-mouth of Jindal and his state's economy is performing poorly.
That he also demonstrates a chameleon brand of conservative politics seems is hardly surprising.
That he also demonstrates a chameleon brand of conservative politics seems is hardly surprising.
351
Liberals think and talk about Walker the way they talked about Reagan in 1979, and they do so at their own peril. He has accomplished being elected twice and surviving a recall while neutering non-law enforcement unions in Wisconsin, and is on the cusp of turning the University of Wisconsin system into a chain of trade schools. You may not like it, but those are accomplishments his supporters want, and good ones in the eyes of many Republican voters who determine who is going to run for president. Don't like him, but take him and the danger he poses to good government seriously.
154
Lack of accomplishment did not hinder Obama.
1
Yeah, I'd say he has about a size 10½ mouth.
1
Walker, like most of the Republican 2016 candidates, can not hide the fact that he was never bravely patriotic enough to take a "hard right turn" by volunteering to put on an American military uniform. Nor can Walker and his ilk conceal the fact that they were never Christian compassionate enough to ever volunteer to perform any community humanitarian service expected by the Sermon on the Mount, the Golden Rule or the Jesus of Matthew 25:31-46.
86
Scott Walker is a cheat and a bully. He was thrown out of university for cheating and then destroyed teachers' unions in retaliation. He will say anything to get attention, much like a spoiled four year old. Wisconsin is last in the Midwest in economic growth and job creation, it's transportation system in debt beyond repair, it's university system under attack and Walker is parading around among evangelical bigots demanding money for corn, an end to abortions and gay rights and spewing anti-immigrant hatred. A true Republican. I hope he runs for a good long time. The further he goes, the more the GOP looks like the pandering, mindless slobs they represent.
221
I don't like Scott Walker, but I'm not aware of any evidence showing he was tossed out of Marquette for cheating (or for anything else). Still, the fact that he was unable to complete the requirements for a college degree speaks volumes about his qualifications to be President.
3
My guess is that he will not win the nomination (though I am not at all certain of that), and that when his Presidential aspirations are stymied by the GOP, he'll throw a tantrum (in private), get out of politics, and live off of the millions of dollars that the far right propaganda people love to give to people like him to recite the conventional wisdom and conspiracy nonsense.
1
Insolence in expressing thoughts only a thoughtless extreme right would consider appropriate, is a reflection of a deep ignorance full of prejudices, counter to common sense and decency; and Scott Walker has the dubious distinction to excel in stupid statements, and digging his own political grave.
9
Serious flip-flopping going on. Scott Walker is very much a chameleon and that became very evident during his recent re-election campaign here in Wisconsin.
As a consequence of his policies and personal political agenda, he has sewn a much more polarized state and one not for the better.
Moderate voters and independents should be wary of Scott Walker.
As a consequence of his policies and personal political agenda, he has sewn a much more polarized state and one not for the better.
Moderate voters and independents should be wary of Scott Walker.
32
Nowadays it is striking that articles about candidates feel the need (appropriateness?) to interview the wealthy sponsors of the candidates (I noticed this in other NYT articles).
This is really telling what our "democracy" has been reduced to.
I wonder if "owning-a-candidate" is a new status thing for the ultra-wealthy.
This is really telling what our "democracy" has been reduced to.
I wonder if "owning-a-candidate" is a new status thing for the ultra-wealthy.
17
Oh Iowa my lovely state what have you become. Look above, you have two choices Wisconsin or Minnesota. I would prefer our country reflect the values and the budgets of MN.
143
My mother grew up in a wonderfully progressive Iowa. i think Iowa is still progressive but its Republicans are unbelievably right-wing. Walker might win Iowa, just as Santorum did last time, but I doubt he can win in other states.
Republicans cow tailing to the far right in the primary season is the reason there will never be another republican in the WH in my lifetime (I'm in my 30s).
Why can't they see that most of the country does not share this very myopic conservatism.
Why can't they see that most of the country does not share this very myopic conservatism.
26
"Cow tailing" seems more appropriate to Wisconsin than kowtowing, and the image it brings up of Republicans "cow tailing", makes me smile.
3
Scott Walker won't survive the3 primary cycle. Like Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, the more he talks the dumber he sounds and this will eventually catch up with him.
104
I hope you're right, but I'm not sure dumb is ever a disqualifier for Republican candidates.
23
I actually was predicting that Scott Walker would win the Republican nomination, but now I am having some serious doubts. At first, he appeared as a candidate who appealed to the conservative and establishment wing of the Republican Party. With his hard shift to the right, he might be opening the door to Jeb Bush who possibly will gain some support from conservatives who want to put forth a candidate who could win on the national stage.
63
Obama's hard shift to the left allowed him to President.
This country wants to go hard right after the hard left of Obama.
Walker will win in 2016.
This country wants to go hard right after the hard left of Obama.
Walker will win in 2016.
Walker's plan has been from the first to campaign for a position as Bush III's barking-dog, base-appeasing running mate, just as Ford had Dole, Nixon had Agnew, and Eisenhower had Nixon. The presidential bid is merely a decoy. Bush III is to be anointed nominee, and Walker knows it.
1
From the college dorm to the governor's mansion, Walker's politics and practices remain questionable. A skunk can't change its stripes and a weasel has none.
Word on Walker: NEVER!!!!!
23
When government gets into the religion business, only one religion wins, and that's not a good thing (and also not democracy).
298
I would put it a bit differently: when government gets into the religion business, religion suffers.
One of the things one learns when one studies religion is that the politics of the so called religious right is not religion. When we look at the founders we find that the Christianity of 18th century America is not the right wing ideology of the self professed Christian right. There were no Deists, they were all Christians except for the Atheist Paine, they belonged to Christian denominations but Christianity was inclusive in 1775. The Pharisees of Old Jerusalem were were Jews but their "religion" was the same ideology of Franklin Graham and Mike Huckabee. Confusing religion and ideology is very easy when we have a media bent on blurring the lines. To understand religion and its evolution in issues like abortion, gay marriage, and female emancipation read something like the Ontario Consultants in religious Tolerance website.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/
http://www.religioustolerance.org/
Government getting into "the religion business," ANY religion, and accepting tenets of faith as the basis of law is a violation of the 1st Amendment's establishment clause.
3
None of these dogs on donors leashes are going to be President. It's Jeb or Hillary. What a waste of money these fools are.
62
I've come to see it all as a game, Paula. The presidential hopefuls are building credentials for other government positions, or to join a lobbying group, or to hit the speaker circuit.
Odd that the "less government is good government" crowd is milking governance so hard to pad their resumes.
Odd that the "less government is good government" crowd is milking governance so hard to pad their resumes.
6
What sane person can withstand a continuous barrage of psychopathy indefinitely?
3
"It's Jeb or Hillary"
To an outsider, your statement is so painfully obvious that we wonder what all the fuss is about with regards to the dogs on donor's leashes (love that metaphor, by the way). The off-leash dog they call Trump is also a bit of a joke in this contest. More than a bit, actually.
However, the waste of money is not all that tragic. They are not putting all that cash in a pile and setting it on fire. It's actually a kind of wealth re-distribution mechanism. Rich people and corporations donate to these sure-fire losers, and they in turn spend it on the campaign; paying for travel, catering, hall rentals, printing, etc. The cash eventually does end up in workers hands, so that's not a bad thing.
To an outsider, your statement is so painfully obvious that we wonder what all the fuss is about with regards to the dogs on donor's leashes (love that metaphor, by the way). The off-leash dog they call Trump is also a bit of a joke in this contest. More than a bit, actually.
However, the waste of money is not all that tragic. They are not putting all that cash in a pile and setting it on fire. It's actually a kind of wealth re-distribution mechanism. Rich people and corporations donate to these sure-fire losers, and they in turn spend it on the campaign; paying for travel, catering, hall rentals, printing, etc. The cash eventually does end up in workers hands, so that's not a bad thing.
4
Walker will say whatever his funders tell him to say. He's a fundamentalist Christian, endlessly greedy, endlessly power-hungry---and beyond that, absolutely nothing. He has ruined his state and will now do the same for the entire country if the electorate is stupid enough to vote for him.
360
Of all the puppets running for president, Scott Walker is number one. Even a cursory study of him is proof of your comment. Elect Scott Waker and you elect Charles and David Koch's economic plan and the worldview of Pat Robertson and Franklin Graham on social issues, you can almost see the strings that render him nearly lifelike.
22
There really should be scare quotes around "Christian" as these right-winger use it; it has nothing to do with the teachings of their putative master. In fact, their positions are in direct opposition to those teachings. There's not a word in the Sermon on the Mount that Walker and his owners don't despise, including "and" and "the".
9
It worked for Bush #2. That's the scary thing.
4
From destroying unions to a "hard right turn?" That's hard to imagine.
177
You mean public sector unions only, excluding cops and firefighters, who were bleeding the state dry.
4
Take a look at what's happening to the state of Wisconsin now. It's not pretty.
26
"Until this year, Mr. Walker supported a comprehensive overhaul, including a pathway to citizenship for people in the country illegally."
Not really. This is based off one offhand comment in an interview. Walker until this point had not outlined any kind of detailed immigration plan, and he never gave an opinion on the "Gang of 8" amnesty bill. Now he is calling, like just about all Republicans, including Bush and Rubio, for border security first. He is also calling for an immigration policy which takes into account the needs of American workers, unlike Hillary Clinton, who has called for a full amnesty, something which helps her friends in the 1% but does nothing good for Americans.
On marriage, all the Republican candidates disagreed with the ruling, and the degrees were what differed. I guess Walker can take solace that if the NY Times is attacking him, he must be top-tier.
Not really. This is based off one offhand comment in an interview. Walker until this point had not outlined any kind of detailed immigration plan, and he never gave an opinion on the "Gang of 8" amnesty bill. Now he is calling, like just about all Republicans, including Bush and Rubio, for border security first. He is also calling for an immigration policy which takes into account the needs of American workers, unlike Hillary Clinton, who has called for a full amnesty, something which helps her friends in the 1% but does nothing good for Americans.
On marriage, all the Republican candidates disagreed with the ruling, and the degrees were what differed. I guess Walker can take solace that if the NY Times is attacking him, he must be top-tier.
17
Take a look at what Walker has done to American workers in Wisconsin.
56
Actually for many people like Jack, decimating the working folks in Wisconsin is a plus...until it happens to them
18
Why do you interpret a more-or-less neutral analysis as an "attack"? The NYT quotes several conservatives who comment about Walker's shift. For example:
"Stephen Moore, a conservative scholar at the Heritage Foundation who backs an immigration overhaul, called Mr. Walker’s embrace of a border security first approach “a lurch to the right [...]"
"Stephen Moore, a conservative scholar at the Heritage Foundation who backs an immigration overhaul, called Mr. Walker’s embrace of a border security first approach “a lurch to the right [...]"
11
Listen to Bernie Sanders. Don't be gullible and believe any other candidate, GOP or DEM. Bernie is the only one not speaking with an eye to how it will play in Peoria.
197
Unfortunately, even though Sanders is THE only credible candidates from either party, America is a wasteland of dolts and idiots when it comes to our political leaders.
The world's leaders in terms of doing things that matter are a 17-year-old Pakistani Muslim girl named Malala and our 90-year-old President Carter, the world's two co-leaders in the defense of western democratic values.
The world's leaders in terms of doing things that matter are a 17-year-old Pakistani Muslim girl named Malala and our 90-year-old President Carter, the world's two co-leaders in the defense of western democratic values.
17
Absolutely correct. We're going to see Bernie Sanders in Council Bluffs, IA on July 3rd. He'll be at a large arena. He just makes sense.
16
Oh sure. Bernie has his adherents among progressives. But they do not yet comprise a majority of the electorate. So is it realistic to think Bernie or someone that embraces his philosophy, beliefs and policies can win the presidency? Perhaps someday. Probably though, not yet.
Another clown in the car.
150
This one isn't funny. Most of them simply don't care if people get hurt but Walker actually enjoys hurting people.
18
Oh, Jonny Stewart, why are you doing this to us?
2
I'm beginning to feel badly for professional clowns who may worry that Republican candidates might put them out of work.
9
Maybe if he had bothered to complete his college degree, Walker would have known what is acceptable and not, and might have cared about what would be good for the people of Wisconsin instead of the Koch brothers.