# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=272 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 273 --- ## [The Bank On Students Loan Act](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bank-on-students-loan-act/659679)
**Author:** [@Honesty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honesty)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2013, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bank-on-students-loan-act/659679 "2013-06-13T14:52:41Z")
This is Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s first piece of legislation to address the doubling of interest rate from 3.4 to 6.8. Elizabeth Warren wants to float the student loan interest rate to the discount market rate. You can l… --- ## ["Obama has made himself a lame duck" and the politics of the chained CPI.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-has-made-himself-a-lame-duck-and-the-politics-of-the-chained-cpi/655533)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2013, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-has-made-himself-a-lame-duck-and-the-politics-of-the-chained-cpi/655533 "2013-06-11T04:04:37Z")
That’s what one diary on a well known progressive liberal message board opined on the President’s proposal of the chained CPI, and the (assumed by the poster) necessity of Democrats to reject/run away from that proposal … --- ## [NJ Dem Senator Lautenberg dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nj-dem-senator-lautenberg-dead/660036)
**Author:** [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2013, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nj-dem-senator-lautenberg-dead/660036 "2013-06-10T23:10:58Z")
This means Republican governor Christie gets to appoint a new senator. Christie’s up for re-election this year so this makes an interesting race more interesting. As a NJ resident, I think Christie will probably win the… --- ## [Constitutionally limited Prez winning 3rd term?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constitutionally-limited-prez-winning-3rd-term/651964)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2013, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constitutionally-limited-prez-winning-3rd-term/651964 "2013-06-10T13:16:20Z")
Do you think any of the Constitutionally limited POTUSs would’ve won a 3rd term? The limited ones were: Ike Reagan Clinton W Ike I can see, Reagan was early Altzheimers, Clinton was too wounded by “Zipper-gate” and… --- ## [The abortion issue is a losing issue for Republicans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-abortion-issue-is-a-losing-issue-for-republicans/647999)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 205\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2013, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-abortion-issue-is-a-losing-issue-for-republicans/647999 "2013-06-08T07:26:28Z")
According to this new poll: 54% say abortion should be legal all or most of the time (31% say “all the time”, 23% say “most of the time”). 70% believe the Roe v. Wade decision should be protected (including 57% who str… --- ## [Congress to exempt itself, staffers, from Obamacare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-to-exempt-itself-staffers-from-obamacare/656655)
**Author:** [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2013, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-to-exempt-itself-staffers-from-obamacare/656655 "2013-06-06T14:21:06Z")
Sounds like loony bins but POLITICO is reporting talks and claiming sources from both sides. If true, what does this do to the public’s confidence in Obamacare? I don’t think it could possibly drop Congressional favora… --- ## [Did Antonin Scalia resign from the boy scouts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-antonin-scalia-resign-from-the-boy-scouts/659434)
**Author:** [@Rucksinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rucksinator)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2013, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-antonin-scalia-resign-from-the-boy-scouts/659434 "2013-06-06T03:35:05Z")
My dad (who is very conservative) told me that he got an e-mail saying that Scalia resigned from the Boy Scouts after they voted to allow gay scouts. He opined that it was a hoax because this would force him to recuse h… --- ## [Advertising had little effect on the 2012 election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advertising-had-little-effect-on-the-2012-election/659615)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2013, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/advertising-had-little-effect-on-the-2012-election/659615 "2013-06-03T19:35:27Z")
The maximum possible effect from advertising in 2012 was 1 percentage point of the vote. --- ## [Japanese politics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-politics/659578)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2013, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-politics/659578 "2013-05-31T16:42:22Z")
I just spent a couple of weeks in Japan, and the Osaka mayor Hashimoto was all over the news just about every day since Friday May 17th, because of his remarks which said (paraphrasing, so I won’t put it in quotes): The… --- ## [Should altering classified docs & then leak to Press to stir up scandal hysteria be a crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-altering-classified-docs-then-leak-to-press-to-stir-up-scandal-hysteria-be-a-crime/658605)
**Author:** [@NotfooledbyW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotfooledbyW)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2013, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-altering-classified-docs-then-leak-to-press-to-stir-up-scandal-hysteria-be-a-crime/658605 "2013-05-30T23:55:52Z")
Is it not a crime for House Members to take requested classified materials from the White House for use in a so-called scandal investigation, and then alter those documents and then leak the contents to the Press with th… --- ## [Have the recent scandals screwed the Dems for the mid terms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-the-recent-scandals-screwed-the-dems-for-the-mid-terms/658517)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 206\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2013, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-the-recent-scandals-screwed-the-dems-for-the-mid-terms/658517 "2013-05-29T23:58:31Z")
This sucks. Just as Benghazi was in its death throes, taking the wind out of the TP/Repubs sails, here comes these other scandals, re-energizing and uniting the Republican base. Will this momentum hold til the mid terms… --- ## [I'm running for mayor of San Francisco and I need pointers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-running-for-mayor-of-san-francisco-and-i-need-pointers/652852)
**Author:** [@Elect\_Harold\_Miller\_Mayor\_S.F](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elect_Harold_Miller_Mayor_S.F)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2013, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-running-for-mayor-of-san-francisco-and-i-need-pointers/652852 "2013-05-29T00:29:45Z")
I’m running for mayor of San Francisco and I need pointers, so if ANYBODY can help me, PLEASE do… www.haroldmiller4mayor.com :dubious: --- ## [So, Walker won the election. Will he now be indicted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-walker-won-the-election-will-he-now-be-indicted/624266)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2013, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-walker-won-the-election-will-he-now-be-indicted/624266 "2013-05-28T21:46:55Z")
If so, and if he ends up leaving office, what kind of Governor will current Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefitch be? Here’s Kleefitch: - YouTube --- ## [Pick your least favorite governor and explain why](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-your-least-favorite-governor-and-explain-why/647866)
**Author:** [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2013, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pick-your-least-favorite-governor-and-explain-why/647866 "2013-05-27T17:22:29Z")
Republican or democrat. I saw this done on a political site I frequent and learned a lot. So, I thought I’d employ the Dope’s knowledge and see what comes up. I’ll go with Tom Corbett since I’m from PA. He’s owned … --- ## [Re Bengazi post closed by Marley23 in Elections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-bengazi-post-closed-by-marley23-in-elections/658141)
**Author:** [@David\_H\_Singanas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_H_Singanas)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2013, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-bengazi-post-closed-by-marley23-in-elections/658141 "2013-05-20T04:23:51Z")
Moderator Marley23 did well to close that thread because it was full of the kind of extremism that I saw frequently in USENET. Calling the SecState Hildabeast, Hitlery, and Hilarious is good humor but it is not very e… --- ## [Are we paying the price for such an inexperienced President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-paying-the-price-for-such-an-inexperienced-president/645510)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2013, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-paying-the-price-for-such-an-inexperienced-president/645510 "2013-05-17T17:01:15Z")
I recall Hillary’s quote during her campaign that she and Mcain both had the experience for the presidency. Obama made a great speech in 2002. Voting present in the Illinois House. Then only a couple years in the US sen… --- ## [What Would Your Ideal Political Party Platform Be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-your-ideal-political-party-platform-be/658213)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2013, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-your-ideal-political-party-platform-be/658213 "2013-05-16T20:00:41Z")
Here’s mine: -Abolish the EC -Expand the number of seats in House of Representatives to around 800 (while reducing overall salary) and thus creating smaller districts. Also add a 100 or so seats apportioned proportiona… --- ## [Bush vs. Gore - best background?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-vs-gore-best-background/657052)
**Author:** [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2013, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-vs-gore-best-background/657052 "2013-05-16T16:47:33Z")
Had a discussion the other day about the election of 2002. Gave my opinion that Bush had stolen the election. Was asked for some facts and had to admit I can’t remember most of the gory details! Where can I find the m… --- ## [Sanford defeats Colbert's sister](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanford-defeats-colberts-sister/657758)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2013, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanford-defeats-colberts-sister/657758 "2013-05-14T04:26:04Z")
. . .proving that South Carolina is everything we thought it was, and more. Well, Congress needed another far right ideologue and nutcake to keep us all amused. Link. --- ## [Why is the Italian electorate enamoured of Berlusconi.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-italian-electorate-enamoured-of-berlusconi/651248)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2013, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-italian-electorate-enamoured-of-berlusconi/651248 "2013-05-13T02:14:18Z")
I like the Italians. Great food, pretty women, culturally unchallenged. What the hell do they see in old Silvio? There is a chance he could be back in power in a couple of days and that would make it what? 4th time? The… --- ## [Does Hillary and perhaps Obama end up hung over Bengazi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-hillary-and-perhaps-obama-end-up-hung-over-bengazi/658062)
**Author:** [@smeegoan22](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smeegoan22)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2013, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-hillary-and-perhaps-obama-end-up-hung-over-bengazi/658062 "2013-05-12T00:46:36Z")
Let’s see, she lied, they covered it up, and honestly I think they murdered that Ambassador, and staff. Declined to increase security. Lowered security despite the destabilization in the region. Wanted to ship heat se… --- ## [UK Local elections and the rise of UKIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-local-elections-and-the-rise-of-ukip/657470)
**Author:** [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2013, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-local-elections-and-the-rise-of-ukip/657470 "2013-05-10T08:47:10Z")
Results here. For those who don’t know, UKIP is a far right, anti-immigration and anti-Europe party in Britain. It made large gains in the local county elections we have just had. The results do not reflect the country … --- ## [Stephen Colbert's sister running for Congress in SC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-colberts-sister-running-for-congress-in-sc/647815)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2013, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-colberts-sister-running-for-congress-in-sc/647815 "2013-05-09T01:32:56Z")
Too bad he’s already passed out his super-PAC money. Stephen’s sister Elizabeth is running for a vacant seat in Congress, the seat held until recently by Rep. Tim Scott, who has now been appointed to the Senate. As a D… --- ## [Democrats, should 60 be the new 50?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrats-should-60-be-the-new-50/655993)
**Author:** [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2013, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrats-should-60-be-the-new-50/655993 "2013-04-29T23:42:35Z")
By most accounts, it now requires 60 votes to pass anything in the Senate due to the filibuster. So, my question, largely for Democrats I guess, is do you want to see your party do the same thing if and when they are in… --- ## [Defense Industry Threatens Layoffs right before Election Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defense-industry-threatens-layoffs-right-before-election-day/625175)
**Author:** [@CJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CJJ)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2013, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defense-industry-threatens-layoffs-right-before-election-day/625175 "2013-04-26T16:40:33Z")
And they say it’s the unions who are thugs… How, exactly, is this not extortion? --- ## [2013 Italian Elections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-italian-elections/647875)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2013, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-italian-elections/647875 "2013-04-26T02:46:53Z")
Italy is holding its general elections on 24 and 25 February 2013 after several years of economic hardship and high debt. The main coalitions running are as follows: -A centre-right coalition including Silvio Berluscuon… --- ## [2014 Midterms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2014-midterms/641561)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2013, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2014-midterms/641561 "2013-04-26T01:34:13Z")
We started discussing it over in this thread. --- ## [Venezuela's first post-Chavez election 04/14/13: Maduro v. Capriles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venezuelas-first-post-chavez-election-04-14-13-maduro-v-capriles/654106)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2013, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venezuelas-first-post-chavez-election-04-14-13-maduro-v-capriles/654106 "2013-04-25T15:36:27Z")
Venezuela’s next presidential election approaches. Candidates: Nicolas Maduro – United Socialist Party candidate, Interim President, former VP, Chavez’ hand-picked successor. Henrique Capriles Radonski – Justice First … --- ## [If Hillary wins 2016, what redundancies will exist because of Bill's presidency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-hillary-wins-2016-what-redundancies-will-exist-because-of-bills-presidency/655933)
**Author:** [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2013, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-hillary-wins-2016-what-redundancies-will-exist-because-of-bills-presidency/655933 "2013-04-18T17:42:07Z")
Assume Hillary Clinton is our next president. What, if anything will be a duplication of effort in her administration, given the fact she was married to Bill during his? Are there any ways to save time and money becaus… --- ## [The political tone is just getting worse and worse.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-political-tone-is-just-getting-worse-and-worse/656018)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2013, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-political-tone-is-just-getting-worse-and-worse/656018 "2013-04-23T01:56:28Z")
Some pretty strong words from our President. Shameful day, calling lobbyists liars. This comes from the leader of the Free Word? Delivered from the Rose Garden? I could understand comments like that from posters on the … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=271) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=273)