# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=273 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 274 --- ## [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 … --- ## [People in 20 states file petitions to secede](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-in-20-states-file-petitions-to-secede/640879)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2013, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-in-20-states-file-petitions-to-secede/640879 "2013-04-16T20:58:32Z")
Sore losers. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/secission-petitions-filed-20-states-190210006.html --- ## [Legalized Marijuana cost Republicans the election. Discuss](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legalized-marijuana-cost-republicans-the-election-discuss/642804)
**Author:** [@aNewLeaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aNewLeaf)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2013, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legalized-marijuana-cost-republicans-the-election-discuss/642804 "2013-04-16T08:46:31Z")
Hi guys- new member, long time reader. Loooong time, pre-Internet. So here’s the thing- Republicans could have won and threw the election away. It’s not that Obama voters are pot smokers (almost said “dopers”), though … --- ## [Longest serving US mayor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-serving-us-mayor/654597)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2013, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-serving-us-mayor/654597 "2013-04-12T23:21:33Z")
Mayor Menino of Boston announced he’s not seeking reelection (I believe in 2014), once he leaves who will be the longest serving mayor in the US (limit to top 100 cities) --- ## [Would Bush 43 win a Congressional Seat today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-bush-43-win-a-congressional-seat-today/651961)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2013, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-bush-43-win-a-congressional-seat-today/651961 "2013-04-12T23:03:38Z")
What if Bush 43 pulled a John Quincy and ran for a Congressional Seat or maybe even a Senate Seat in 2014. What would his chances of winning be? Would his name recognition and street cred as a former pres alone push him … --- ## [Why do Democrats control so few states governments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-democrats-control-so-few-states-governments/651649)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2013, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-democrats-control-so-few-states-governments/651649 "2013-04-12T16:15:54Z")
According to wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_United\_States\_state\_legislatures Republicans legislatures out number Democrats 27 to 17, while Republican Governments (both governor and legislature) outnumbe… --- ## [Most Famous Quotes of the Presidents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-famous-quotes-of-the-presidents/648385)
**Author:** [@minlokwat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minlokwat)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2013, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-famous-quotes-of-the-presidents/648385 "2013-04-12T11:54:17Z")
In a recent article about Obama, it was noted that while a gifted speaker, Obama hasn’t yet uttered a signature line for which he will always be remembered. It got me to thinking. What are the most famous lines of the p… --- ## [Senator Judd](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senator-judd/652539)
**Author:** [@The\_Other\_Jeffrey\_Lebowski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Jeffrey_Lebowski)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2013, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senator-judd/652539 "2013-04-12T03:42:48Z")
Ashley Judd running for US Senate? Looks like she’ll announce in May, during The Kentucky Derby. She is well connected in Lexington, and she won’t have to pretend to be a supporter of the most popular sports team in th… --- ## [pre-poll baker's dozen Dem candidates for 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pre-poll-bakers-dozen-dem-candidates-for-2016/653879)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2013, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pre-poll-bakers-dozen-dem-candidates-for-2016/653879 "2013-04-06T23:50:21Z")
I intend to post a list of possible candidates for the Democratic nomination in 2016, and off the top of my head, I see 13 so far. Could you nominate any more (plausible) candidates, and I will add “other” to the list, … --- ## [Peeps vs George W Bush](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peeps-vs-george-w-bush/654505)
**Author:** [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2013, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peeps-vs-george-w-bush/654505 "2013-04-06T02:07:27Z")
Suspending all constitutional and logistical considerations for a moment, who would win in a presidential race today. Delicious, wonderful marshmallow Peeps or former president George W Bush? Who else do you think shoul… --- ## [Fla Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll resigns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fla-lt-governor-jennifer-carroll-resigns/652843)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2013, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fla-lt-governor-jennifer-carroll-resigns/652843 "2013-04-01T16:13:34Z")
No, not our OMG A Black Conservative. Florida Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll (R) ‘the first African American elected statewide and first woman to serve as lieutenant governor, has resigned amid a gambling, racketeering, … --- ## [Was a Kennedy reelection a sure thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-a-kennedy-reelection-a-sure-thing/653922)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2013, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-a-kennedy-reelection-a-sure-thing/653922 "2013-03-30T05:35:53Z")
In all the “what if” scenarios I’ve seen where JFK avoids getting assassinated, it is assumed that he would go on to win a second term(and in some scenarios, a third). Was a Kennedy reelection that much of a sure thing?… --- ## [Michigan Sen. Carl Levin (D) won't seek re-election in 2014](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-sen-carl-levin-d-wont-seek-re-election-in-2014/652384)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2013, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michigan-sen-carl-levin-d-wont-seek-re-election-in-2014/652384 "2013-03-27T02:05:03Z")
Should be an interesting year in Michigan politics. The currently-unpopular Republican governor, Rick Snyder, is up for re-election, and the 6-term Democratic senator, Carl Levin, won’t be on the ballot for the first tim… --- ## [Myanmar: Portraits of Change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myanmar-portraits-of-change/653787)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2013, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/myanmar-portraits-of-change/653787 "2013-03-25T19:54:59Z")
I stumbled upon this story awhile ago, and was curious to see what my fellow Dopers thought of it. It discusses recent changes in Burmese politics, and how the opening of Burma (also called Myanmar) after decades of mil… --- ## [The drone argument is a hallow ploy to smear Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-drone-argument-is-a-hallow-ploy-to-smear-obama/652696)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2013, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-drone-argument-is-a-hallow-ploy-to-smear-obama/652696 "2013-03-23T15:54:23Z")
Seeing that, basically, no one can be for using drones on innocent American citizens, the republicans have made a genius move to shift the fiscal blame off of them and back onto Obama with the drone arguments. I’m not sa… --- ## [Rubio/Bush 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rubio-bush-2016/651914)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2013, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rubio-bush-2016/651914 "2013-03-22T13:17:13Z")
Seeing that the people of Florida still have a fondness for Jeb Bush and Mark Rubio could push for serious immigration reform before he runs, I seriously think this combo would be the best to go against the Most Qualifie… --- ## [47% video source interviewed Wednesday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/47-video-source-interviewed-wednesday/652780)
**Author:** [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2013, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/47-video-source-interviewed-wednesday/652780 "2013-03-21T06:37:50Z")
The guy who set up the camera and captured what Mitt Romney said to wealthy people when he didn’t think any peons were listening is going to be interviewed on MSNBC’s The Ed Show, 7 PM CST, Wednesday, March 13. Personal… --- ## [State Legislative vetoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-legislative-vetoes/652526)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2013, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-legislative-vetoes/652526 "2013-03-11T16:14:23Z")
The Arkansas legislature over rode the Governor’s veto of an anti abortion bill that is obviously not constitutional. My beloved state will have to pay the legal fees of the ACLU with my tax money when the case reaches … --- ## [Sequestration and the “fiscal cliff”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sequestration-and-the-fiscal-cliff/650106)
**Author:** [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2013, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sequestration-and-the-fiscal-cliff/650106 "2013-03-09T20:59:52Z")
Can somebody explain sequestration, in regards to the “fiscal cliff”, and the likelihood of it happening in the next month? My fiancé works for the feds and keeps getting scary emails about huge budget cuts. I keep telli… --- ## [Actual Fillibuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actual-fillibuster/652270)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2013, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actual-fillibuster/652270 "2013-03-09T20:59:14Z")
With all the moaning that some people here have done about the new-style “fillibuster,” I’m astounded that nobody has bothered to mention Sen. Rand Paul and his old-school fillibuster. It’s over now, but it lasted sever… --- ## [Guess who I invited over for dinner.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-who-i-invited-over-for-dinner/652222)
**Author:** [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2013, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guess-who-i-invited-over-for-dinner/652222 "2013-03-07T15:55:21Z")
IDK, I think the prez had it right the first time but the optics of the situation being what they are, I suppose he has to at least pretend to play nice. Obama Invites Republicans to Dinner in Talks Bid --- ## [Can The Republican Party Ever Win Another National Electon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-republican-party-ever-win-another-national-electon/648154)
**Author:** [@MisterWatson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MisterWatson)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2013, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-republican-party-ever-win-another-national-electon/648154 "2013-03-05T19:22:07Z")
There are various opinions on this and serious discussions are underway in the Republican Ranks regarding what needs to be done to win next time. Essentially there are 3 schools of thought on this. One says to get more… --- ## [GOP establishment fears the monster they created...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-establishment-fears-the-monster-they-created/649337)
**Author:** [@CJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CJJ)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2013, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-establishment-fears-the-monster-they-created/649337 "2013-03-05T18:56:54Z")
This article in the Sunday NY Times detailed how some of the moneymen in the Republican party–a group for the most part corralled by Karl Rove’s various political PACs–are trying to stop Tea Partiers from torpedoing the … --- ## [Republicans block vote on Hagel; WTF?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-block-vote-on-hagel-wtf/650364)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2013, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-block-vote-on-hagel-wtf/650364 "2013-03-05T16:46:34Z")
So, the Republicans voted as a block\* not to end debate on Hagel’s nomination for SecDef. I think we all know that Hagel is going to be confirmed. Even the Republicans are not saying they are blocking the nomination, p… --- ## [What role did interest groups play in elections and politics in the United States?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-role-did-interest-groups-play-in-elections-and-politics-in-the-united-states/651967)
**Author:** [@Paulagrace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paulagrace)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2013, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-role-did-interest-groups-play-in-elections-and-politics-in-the-united-states/651967 "2013-03-04T04:07:43Z")
Hi can someone help me with these questions? What role/impact do interest groups play in the elections and politics in the United States? (b4 n after the creation of super pacs) How did the creation of super Pacs impac… --- ## [Obama should target Republican districts with the consequences of the sequester](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-should-target-republican-districts-with-the-consequences-of-the-sequester/650378)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2013, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-should-target-republican-districts-with-the-consequences-of-the-sequester/650378 "2013-02-28T15:01:14Z")
If Republicans refuse to compromise on the President’s balanced approach to debt reduction and the sequester occurs, I think Obama should target Republican districts with the consequences of the mandatory cuts. Close mi… --- ## [LA Mayor's Race](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/la-mayors-race/650777)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2013, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/la-mayors-race/650777 "2013-02-20T00:00:20Z")
Los Angeles is holding a primary race (really the first round thanks to reform of election laws in California) on March 5th for the mayoral election on May 21st. The major candidates are mostly Democrats: City Council m… --- ## [How do we get Congressmen to do their jobs instead of peddling influence all the time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-get-congressmen-to-do-their-jobs-instead-of-peddling-influence-all-the-time/646911)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2013, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-get-congressmen-to-do-their-jobs-instead-of-peddling-influence-all-the-time/646911 "2013-02-19T02:51:20Z")
Congress is awful because members spend all day talking to rich people. Five hours a day of schmoozing and begging, every weekday, is a waste of their time, and takes away from doing their duties. A good Congressman wou… --- ## [Proposed New Minimum Wage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-new-minimum-wage/650553)
**Author:** [@Bagiocop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bagiocop)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2013, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-new-minimum-wage/650553 "2013-02-17T21:59:47Z")
Suppose a baker makes $5.00 an hour and the bread he makes cost a dollar a loaf. Now, if his wage is increased to $10.00 an hour, doesn’t it follow that the price of the bread he makes will double more or less? Yes, th… --- ## [2013 State of The Union - Let's Go](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-state-of-the-union-lets-go/650142)
**Author:** [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2013, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-state-of-the-union-lets-go/650142 "2013-02-17T05:16:11Z")
Okay, right off the bat, for a bit of superficiality, I officially hate Michelle’s hairdo. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=272) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=274)