# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=661 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 662 --- ## [Handicap the chances of a third-party run this year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-chances-of-a-third-party-run-this-year/435885)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-chances-of-a-third-party-run-this-year/435885 "2008-02-04T18:32:45Z")
Nader is making noises for a left-of-the-Dems bid. If McCain gets the Pub nom, I wouldn’t be surprised at somebody making a right-of-the-Pubs bid. We’ve already had speculation in this forum about Bloomberg and an inde… --- ## [Is there no end to the greasiness of the Clintons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-no-end-to-the-greasiness-of-the-clintons/435525)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-no-end-to-the-greasiness-of-the-clintons/435525 "2008-02-04T15:08:34Z")
While Obama honors the pledge he made to the Democratic Party to bypass the Florida primary, Hillary, having made the same pledge, plans to make an appearance tonight to thank people for voting and promise to fight for t… --- ## [A tax on TV's and videogames](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tax-on-tvs-and-videogames/435839)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tax-on-tvs-and-videogames/435839 "2008-02-04T14:30:33Z")
That is what one group in New Mexico is promoting. They propose creating a fund to promote outdoor sports for children by taxing televisions and videogames: At first, this sounded absurd, but considering the tobacco a… --- ## [Latest Polls show Clinton losing women's votes to Obama - why the shift?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latest-polls-show-clinton-losing-womens-votes-to-obama-why-the-shift/435987)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latest-polls-show-clinton-losing-womens-votes-to-obama-why-the-shift/435987 "2008-02-04T06:49:03Z")
The latest gallup polls are showing Clinton is losing women’s votes to Obama. In my neck of the woods Connecticut, I am seeing the same trends - campaigning in New Haven - Home to Yale - is showing exactly what the gallu… --- ## [Does anybody care who Ted Kennedy endorses for President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-care-who-ted-kennedy-endorses-for-president/435379)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anybody-care-who-ted-kennedy-endorses-for-president/435379 "2008-02-04T05:30:48Z")
Ted Kennedy is going to endorse Barack Obama for President. AFAIK, so what? Do you care? Or more generally, is there anyone you respect so much that you would consider changing your vote for president because of their… --- ## [Someone murders your spouse or child. Can you imagine yourself NOT taking vengeance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-murders-your-spouse-or-child-can-you-imagine-yourself-not-taking-vengeance/435668)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someone-murders-your-spouse-or-child-can-you-imagine-yourself-not-taking-vengeance/435668 "2008-02-04T05:00:18Z")
Lest any mods grow vexed, let’s all agree that taking revenge on a murderer by murdering him or her is a bad thing, okay? What I’m interested in is Dopers’ self-assessments of their ability to control themselves. So her… --- ## [What's wrong with my Adderall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-adderall/435934)
**Author:** [@hruka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hruka)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-adderall/435934 "2008-02-04T04:11:58Z")
There seems to be so much debate about ADHD and Adderall (or Ritalin)… that’s what people say. But in reality, it’s not debate from what I’ve seen, just a lot of people agreeing that kids are getting way over-diagnosed w… --- ## [Michael Vick dogs and 'retraining'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-vick-dogs-and-retraining/435124)
**Author:** [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-vick-dogs-and-retraining/435124 "2008-02-04T02:10:53Z")
What a bunch crap. I heard on the news the other day that some of the dogs that were used in the dog fighting mess that Michael Vick was involved in are going to be ‘retrained’ and given to a nice home. This is a perfe… --- ## [Can the Chinese get to the moon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-chinese-get-to-the-moon/435631)
**Author:** [@Hellestal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hellestal)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-chinese-get-to-the-moon/435631 "2008-02-04T01:55:09Z")
The single thing that’s absolutely guaranteed to re-spark US interest in the space program is other countries succeeding in their own programs. Fear of being perceived as “second best” would dynamite the Federal budgeta… --- ## [Is women's figure skating... umm... crotch-oriented?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-womens-figure-skating-umm-crotch-oriented/435310)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2008, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-womens-figure-skating-umm-crotch-oriented/435310 "2008-02-04T00:49:28Z")
Just a superficial impression on my part, but apparently the ideal pose for woman figure skaters is one leg on the ice and the other 180° apart straight up in the air. And of course they always wear skirts, panties and h… --- ## [Is John McCain psychologically capable and qualified to be President? No.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-john-mccain-psychologically-capable-and-qualified-to-be-president-no/435827)
**Author:** [@alterego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alterego)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2008, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-john-mccain-psychologically-capable-and-qualified-to-be-president-no/435827 "2008-02-03T20:48:41Z")
If the election were held today John McCain might win. When I first read about his military experience as a POW, followed by all the things he has achieved in his life, I was impressed. That he has killed people does not… --- ## [Michigan speeding tickets in Feb](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-speeding-tickets-in-feb/434828)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2008, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-speeding-tickets-in-feb/434828 "2008-02-03T18:53:46Z")
The newspapers ran a story lately about a speeding crackdown on Michigan Xways. They will write for 5 over. seat belts anything hanging from the mirror windshield cracks turn signal usage They will have 50 police c… --- ## [Why is it ok to openly ridicule Scientologists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-ok-to-openly-ridicule-scientologists/435050)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2008, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-ok-to-openly-ridicule-scientologists/435050 "2008-02-03T18:50:09Z")
Why is Scientology fair game but other religions are not? --- ## [Why Do People Dislike Modern Architecture?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-dislike-modern-architecture/433539)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 297\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2008, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-dislike-modern-architecture/433539 "2008-02-03T17:38:11Z")
I just saw a new house go up in my neighborhood-and it looks ancient. It has mullioned windows 9of a style from about AD 1600), a brick chimney (1400), and a front entrance withfaux-Greek columsn (300 BC). In short, this… --- ## [The SDMB mock election Debate #4,6,8 & 9: Domestic Issues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-mock-election-debate-4-6-8-9-domestic-issues/435580)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2008, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-mock-election-debate-4-6-8-9-domestic-issues/435580 "2008-02-03T00:17:20Z")
Welcome to the fourth SMDB multiparty 2008 campaign debate. Today we will debate and discuss your policies concerning the remaining Domestic issues. This is combining 4 planned debates and feel free to bring up any othe… --- ## [Convince me about UHC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-about-uhc/435528)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2008, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-about-uhc/435528 "2008-02-02T23:31:28Z")
There are currently a couple of threads in GQ concerning UHC in the US. For those pro-UHC advocates I would like to see the realistic costs for a full implementation of UHC in the US, who it would cover (I assume everyo… --- ## [Have Clinton and Obama sniped at each other too much to allow for a joint ticket?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-clinton-and-obama-sniped-at-each-other-too-much-to-allow-for-a-joint-ticket/434697)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2008, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-clinton-and-obama-sniped-at-each-other-too-much-to-allow-for-a-joint-ticket/434697 "2008-02-02T20:48:16Z")
Seems to me a Clinton/Obama or an Obama/Clinton ticket, in either case folding their campaign organizations and support bases together, would be unbeatable. Which should be obvious to both of them. But they’ve been der… --- ## [Handicap the Dem superdelegate count (and debate the system)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-dem-superdelegate-count-and-debate-the-system/435861)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2008, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-the-dem-superdelegate-count-and-debate-the-system/435861 "2008-02-02T17:29:35Z")
At the 2008 Democratic Convention in August there will be 796 superdelegates, not chosen by the primaries/caucuses. They will make up about 20% of the total convention delegates. Will they (mostly) break for Obama or… --- ## [Southern pride: Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southern-pride-why/435041)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 282\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2008, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southern-pride-why/435041 "2008-02-02T16:27:52Z")
It seems every time there’s a discussion about the Confederate flag, someone will defend its use by saying it’s a symbol of “Southern pride.” But Southern pride makes no sense to me. I don’t feel any Northern pride. I… --- ## [Any last minute endorsements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-last-minute-endorsements/435982)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2008, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-last-minute-endorsements/435982 "2008-02-02T15:42:39Z")
Are there any big names that will still endorse either way in these last days before Super Tuesday? And if so what kind of impact, if any, will they have? What significance, if any, does the inaction of several biggies h… --- ## [Was Jesus's execution inevitable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-jesuss-execution-inevitable/435217)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2008, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-jesuss-execution-inevitable/435217 "2008-02-02T14:04:49Z")
God created Jesus, according to John 3:16, because he loved humans and wanted to give them an “out” from the consequences of their sinful selves. How does Jesus give people an “out”? Apparently by being an impeccable r… --- ## [If Edwards drops out today in New Orleans: Who will he most likely endorse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-edwards-drops-out-today-in-new-orleans-who-will-he-most-likely-endorse/435579)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2008, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-edwards-drops-out-today-in-new-orleans-who-will-he-most-likely-endorse/435579 "2008-02-02T00:59:11Z")
There is speculation Edwards may drop out today at a news conference at noon in New Orleans - the very place he said he’d be runnig for POTUS. If he drops out today, \[or after super tuesday\] who would he most likely end… --- ## [Have Banking Tactics Run Amok?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-banking-tactics-run-amok/435075)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2008, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-banking-tactics-run-amok/435075 "2008-02-01T21:42:25Z")
Should the banking industry be better regulated? They pass out credit cards like candy. They lure you in with appealing (appalling) low rates. You even got an ARM, I bet. They’ve buried America 10x over in debt. So,… --- ## [January 31st Democratic Debate: Discuss](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/january-31st-democratic-debate-discuss/435800)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2008, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/january-31st-democratic-debate-discuss/435800 "2008-02-01T18:11:00Z")
Seems the phrase of the debate is: Senator Edwards and I this, Senator Edwards and I that…from both candidates. They are both stretching for his endorsement and his voters. The crowd seems to have quite a few more appla… --- ## [A Supposition Game: Nader is a ringer for the GOP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-supposition-game-nader-is-a-ringer-for-the-gop/435834)
**Author:** [@EsotericEnigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EsotericEnigma)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2008, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-supposition-game-nader-is-a-ringer-for-the-gop/435834 "2008-02-01T17:52:31Z")
Before I begin, there is no cite on Ralph Nader being in the employ of the GOP. That’s because there’s no evidence of it. It is (probably) not true. This post is about what would happen if it were discovered that he w… --- ## [For the creationists - Did God create man to fall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-creationists-did-god-create-man-to-fall/435785)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2008, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-creationists-did-god-create-man-to-fall/435785 "2008-02-01T15:13:20Z")
Reading another thread on this board, it occurred to me that if creationism is true God must have created man to fall or knew that man would fall by the teeth and digestive tract he would have given us. Do creationist ha… --- ## [What laws/amendments do we need to fix the American democracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-laws-amendments-do-we-need-to-fix-the-american-democracy/435288)
**Author:** [@Satyagrahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satyagrahi)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2008, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-laws-amendments-do-we-need-to-fix-the-american-democracy/435288 "2008-02-01T04:56:58Z")
It would seem that most dopers agree that the American democratic process is in trouble. Some have gone so far to say that the cause has been lost and that we are on the irreversible track to a fascist, corporate-milita… --- ## [The Oklahoma Treason](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-oklahoma-treason/435594)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2008, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-oklahoma-treason/435594 "2008-02-01T02:55:57Z")
I have been following a social issue and legal case recently. This case strikes me on a very fundamental level as being one of national importance. In this particular case, we have seen state officials use and abuse thei… --- ## [The Lord Only Gives You As Much As You Can Handle - biblical basis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lord-only-gives-you-as-much-as-you-can-handle-biblical-basis/435519)
**Author:** [@fatgail](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fatgail)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2008, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lord-only-gives-you-as-much-as-you-can-handle-biblical-basis/435519 "2008-01-31T23:08:28Z")
I’m going through some deep faith questions as of late, as I wonder what it’s all about. All my life I have heard this tired phrase thrown at me, meant in something I guess of a complimentary way, as in, God thinks I’m … --- ## [Why do we see different race at different NFL positions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-see-different-race-at-different-nfl-positions/434869)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2008, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-see-different-race-at-different-nfl-positions/434869 "2008-01-31T22:35:54Z")
I was just looking at the SI top running backs for the NFL draft. They are all black. This got me thinking, why are different positions filed by different races in the NFL. As far as I know all the cornerbacks are black.… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=660) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=662)