# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=659 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 660 --- ## [Obama takes Maine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-takes-maine/437103)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2008, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-takes-maine/437103 "2008-02-12T02:47:10Z")
Woot! In other news, Hillary fires her campaign manager. It’s looking better for Barack every day. He looks to be a good bet to sweep on tuesday as well. --- ## [When will the DNC lean on a candidate to back down to make for a united convention?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-the-dnc-lean-on-a-candidate-to-back-down-to-make-for-a-united-convention/437159)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-the-dnc-lean-on-a-candidate-to-back-down-to-make-for-a-united-convention/437159 "2008-02-11T23:03:57Z")
As of today, Monday, February 11, 2008 the democratic race for the president has been a horse race. As another poster recently put it in another thread, the water is getting deeper, and swifter for Clinton to pull away a… --- ## [Unskilled labor is completely mechanized/robotized, what happens to employment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unskilled-labor-is-completely-mechanized-robotized-what-happens-to-employment/434880)
**Author:** [@Grey\_area](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey_area)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unskilled-labor-is-completely-mechanized-robotized-what-happens-to-employment/434880 "2008-02-11T22:58:12Z")
Let’s say in the hypothetical future mines, oil rigs, farms, construction sites, assembly lines, fast food joints and so on are all completely populated by efficient, economical, semi-autonomous machines, maintained and … --- ## [Specter Grilling Goodell -- What's The Basis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specter-grilling-goodell-whats-the-basis/436542)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specter-grilling-goodell-whats-the-basis/436542 "2008-02-11T22:53:09Z")
I haven’t followed the Patriots spycam story super closely, so maybe there is some GQ-type reason that’s been enunciated but: Why would Congress have any business investigating or putting the NFL on the spot about what … --- ## [New generation pushing out Iran's clerical old guard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-generation-pushing-out-irans-clerical-old-guard/437178)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-generation-pushing-out-irans-clerical-old-guard/437178 "2008-02-11T22:23:05Z")
Story here. Which sounds good as stated, but whether this portends a move toward democracy or dictatorship is debatable: What’s in Iran’s political future? --- ## [Bush is establishing Universal healthcare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-is-establishing-universal-healthcare/437074)
**Author:** [@JohnnieEnigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnnieEnigma)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-is-establishing-universal-healthcare/437074 "2008-02-11T20:00:05Z")
… for Iraqi’s. :eek: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001870042\_iraqdig03.html That’s pretty funny, though. --- ## [Political campaigns - self-loans vs self-financed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-campaigns-self-loans-vs-self-financed/436864)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-campaigns-self-loans-vs-self-financed/436864 "2008-02-11T18:59:32Z")
An earlier thread What will people read into Hillary’s self-loan? got me thinking about financing of political campaigns. Clinton has opted for making a personal loan to her campaign to be paid back. In that thread ther… --- ## [Interested in Proof of Macroevolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interested-in-proof-of-macroevolution/435890)
**Author:** [@timtupp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/timtupp)\ **Replies:** 165\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interested-in-proof-of-macroevolution/435890 "2008-02-11T18:36:05Z")
I am interested in seeing proof of macroevolution. Allow me to explain my motive … I’m a Christian, but not a fundamentalist in the traditional sense. I believe in the biblical creation account, but I don’t think that e… --- ## [Democratic Delegate Counts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-delegate-counts/437127)
**Author:** [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-delegate-counts/437127 "2008-02-11T16:58:41Z")
What the heck? As of right now, after the Maine results, the news services are showing the following \*\*AP \*\* - Obama 1108, Clinton 1136 CBS - Obama 1134, Clinton 1131 ABC - Obama 1110, Clinton 1127 CNN - Obama 1121,… --- ## [Should the U.S. shut down the Guantanamo Bay Navy base?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-u-s-shut-down-the-guantanamo-bay-navy-base/436958)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-u-s-shut-down-the-guantanamo-bay-navy-base/436958 "2008-02-11T16:51:26Z")
I don’t mean the the prison, though of course that has some relevance to the discussion, I mean the Navy base itself. We have no military need for it. At this point it’s obviously never going to be used to launch an at… --- ## [FairTax, Flat Tax, Income Tax, Hybrid System, Which one makes the most sense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fairtax-flat-tax-income-tax-hybrid-system-which-one-makes-the-most-sense/435941)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fairtax-flat-tax-income-tax-hybrid-system-which-one-makes-the-most-sense/435941 "2008-02-11T15:53:43Z")
FairTax (or consumption tax) is criticized for being regressive and providing incentives to engage in consumption overseas. Flat taxes are criticized for reducing equity without reducing complexity. Income taxes are cr… --- ## [Factors in handicapping the democratic race to the White House post Super Tuesday.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factors-in-handicapping-the-democratic-race-to-the-white-house-post-super-tuesday/436510)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 190\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factors-in-handicapping-the-democratic-race-to-the-white-house-post-super-tuesday/436510 "2008-02-11T15:02:57Z")
Super Tuesday is behind us, and the delegate count is still sprinkling in. Clinton shows wide support in a demographic she knows she does well in, women over 45. Hispanics came out for her in California, but the delegat… --- ## [Clean Sweep! Obama - Feb 9 Caucuses/Primaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clean-sweep-obama-feb-9-caucuses-primaries/437002)
**Author:** [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clean-sweep-obama-feb-9-caucuses-primaries/437002 "2008-02-11T13:34:04Z")
Barack Obama won Washington State, Nebraska, Louisiana, and the USVI tonight. Woo-hoo! Back to Earth now…how much real effect does this have on his chances? The talking heads are saying even if he wins Maine, Virginia, … --- ## [Sustainable vs Factory Farming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sustainable-vs-factory-farming/436400)
**Author:** [@FarmerChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerChick)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sustainable-vs-factory-farming/436400 "2008-02-11T11:50:41Z")
My interest in this is simple. I have moved back to the family farm in central Alberta. We have 50 acres, I want to be self-sustaining, cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and leave something that can be “doable… --- ## [Patriot Act supported by all Frontrunners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patriot-act-supported-by-all-frontrunners/435659)
**Author:** [@Poor\_College\_Student](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poor_College_Student)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patriot-act-supported-by-all-frontrunners/435659 "2008-02-11T08:30:18Z")
I was looking at http://www.2decide.com/table.htm and noticed that Obama, McCain, Clinton, and Romney all support the Patriot Act. How can this be? I would think at least the Democrats would oppose it! Thoughts? And an… --- ## [Who is more electable in November -- Obama or Clinton?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-more-electable-in-november-obama-or-clinton/435230)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-more-electable-in-november-obama-or-clinton/435230 "2008-02-11T06:17:09Z")
I started this thread mainly to debate which of them would make a better POTUS. In the instant thread I want to debate a different question: Which of them, if nominated, would have the better chance of winning the WH in… --- ## [What will Clinton do if she loses to Obama? Continue being a Senator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-clinton-do-if-she-loses-to-obama-continue-being-a-senator/436924)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-clinton-do-if-she-loses-to-obama-continue-being-a-senator/436924 "2008-02-11T06:05:35Z")
Do you think Clinton will run for re-election if she loses to Obama? Do you think she will go back to NY not go for re-election and write another book - Annuls of an historic March or something to that effect? I wonder a… --- ## [Superdelegates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superdelegates/436573)
**Author:** [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2008, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superdelegates/436573 "2008-02-11T00:07:24Z")
It looks like Clinton is currently ahead by about 90 delegates. She’s also ahead by about 90 superdelegates. Effectively, they’re tied with respect to voted-for delegates. How are superdelegates fair to voters and the… --- ## [Barack Obama and affirmative action](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barack-obama-and-affirmative-action/437066)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2008, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barack-obama-and-affirmative-action/437066 "2008-02-10T21:09:35Z")
Sort of a followup to this thread. There is an ancient Vulcan proverb: “Only Nixon could go to China.” Perhaps only Barack Obama can revisit the basic assumptions of affirmative action. In The Next American Nation, M… --- ## [Handicap the GOP nomination race](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-gop-nomination-race/423463)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 458\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2008, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-gop-nomination-race/423463 "2008-02-10T17:58:46Z")
Forget for the nonce how evil or idiotic they all are, and what the consequences might be if the winner of the GOP Presidential nomination were to win the 2008 election: this is strictly a horse-race thread, with a disti… --- ## [BBC: 'Huckabee talks heresy on economy'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-huckabee-talks-heresy-on-economy/436744)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2008, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-huckabee-talks-heresy-on-economy/436744 "2008-02-10T15:49:17Z")
I don’t understand this BBC article I thought the New Deal was supposed to have been a good thing? --- ## [Re: the Pope's rewritten Good Friday prayer and the Rabbi critic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-popes-rewritten-good-friday-prayer-and-the-rabbi-critic/436536)
**Author:** [@Ethan\_Complex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethan_Complex)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2008, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-popes-rewritten-good-friday-prayer-and-the-rabbi-critic/436536 "2008-02-10T13:40:56Z")
I wonder what I’m missing here. Pope’s Rewrite of Latin Prayer Draws Criticism From 2 Sides "The new prayer, published only in Latin on Tuesday in the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, deletes a reference to Jew… --- ## [Super Delegates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-delegates/436979)
**Author:** [@JohnnieEnigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnnieEnigma)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2008, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-delegates/436979 "2008-02-10T01:22:16Z")
If the super delegates decide this democratic nomination and go against the will of the people, then the people better remember who they are and make sure they pay for screwing with democracy. If Obama wins enough deleg… --- ## ["If liberals are so tolerant, they should tolerate the hatred of liberals"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-liberals-are-so-tolerant-they-should-tolerate-the-hatred-of-liberals/436465)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 211\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2008, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-liberals-are-so-tolerant-they-should-tolerate-the-hatred-of-liberals/436465 "2008-02-09T21:52:04Z")
I can’t fit my intended title into the space given, so I’ll rephrase it. All too often, I hear conservatives make the argument that “If liberals were so tolerant, they should also tolerate and embrace the Republican Par… --- ## [Why do Limbaugh, Hannity, et al dislike McCain so much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-limbaugh-hannity-et-al-dislike-mccain-so-much/436543)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2008, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-limbaugh-hannity-et-al-dislike-mccain-so-much/436543 "2008-02-09T19:10:33Z")
Alleviate me of my ignorance. Is it just his views on campaign finance and immigration? (As far as I know, these are the only two issues which tend to separate McCain from other republicans. On social and fiscal issues … --- ## [Political candidates speaking at churches--wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-candidates-speaking-at-churches-wrong/436295)
**Author:** [@Lillith\_Fair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lillith_Fair)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2008, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-candidates-speaking-at-churches-wrong/436295 "2008-02-09T14:13:48Z")
I’m not sure if this would belong under General Questions or what. It seems traditional for political candidates to speak at African-American churches. Doesn’t this violate the church’s tax-exempt status? Don’t these … --- ## [What will people read into Hillary's self-loan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-people-read-into-hillarys-self-loan/436690)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2008, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-people-read-into-hillarys-self-loan/436690 "2008-02-09T07:08:43Z")
Is it fair to question to ask how she’ll be able to propose the particulars of a multi-trillion dollar budget when she lacks fiscal disciple in her own little camaign? If she spent 5$ million more dollars than she could … --- ## [California Ballot Propositions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-ballot-propositions/436346)
**Author:** [@HoldenCaulfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoldenCaulfield)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2008, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-ballot-propositions/436346 "2008-02-09T01:17:00Z")
This may be a little late, but does anyone have any thoughts on these ballot propositions? I’m usually baffled and/or ignorant about what they are and then I end up voting “No” on them by default, or I just skip over th… --- ## [Today, David Schuster on MSNBC publicly apologized for...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-david-schuster-on-msnbc-publicly-apologized-for/436875)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2008, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-david-schuster-on-msnbc-publicly-apologized-for/436875 "2008-02-09T00:46:40Z")
…some indelicate descriptive he used regarding Chelsea Clinton yesterday. What was it? N.B. I might have misspelled either (or both) principal’s names in this OP. For that, I apologize. Also, I’m a Liberal Democrat, … --- ## [Romney leaves the race...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-leaves-the-race/436700)
**Author:** [@JohnnieEnigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnnieEnigma)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2008, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-leaves-the-race/436700 "2008-02-08T21:47:17Z")
“If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=658) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=660)