# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=298 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 299 --- ## [Could Montana get the court to reconsider Citizens United?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-montana-get-the-court-to-reconsider-citizens-united/624699)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 660\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-montana-get-the-court-to-reconsider-citizens-united/624699 "2012-08-31T13:03:45Z")
This first came to my attention recently on the Rachel Maddow Show. Click the link for the video clip of Rachel interviewing Steve Bullock, the Montana Attorney General who is is doing his best to continue having Montana… --- ## [Whence Obama's "Desperation" ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-obamas-desperation/632825)
**Author:** [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-obamas-desperation/632825 "2012-08-31T11:23:42Z")
I wanted to ask a question about Romney’s sound bites, and where on earth he is making them from, perspective wise. But then I realize, it’s a more general question. How on earth can Obama be classified as a “Desperate… --- ## [McCain just got done talking about how Obama "missed an opportunity" in Iran . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-just-got-done-talking-about-how-obama-missed-an-opportunity-in-iran/633088)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-just-got-done-talking-about-how-obama-missed-an-opportunity-in-iran/633088 "2012-08-31T03:22:03Z")
. . . to support the protests in 2009 . . . and is missing an opportunity to support the Syrian rebels now . . . Yet all I’ve heard from the RW since the Arab Spring started is about how Obama abused power by intervening… --- ## [President of Ireland lets rip on Tea Party radio host \[2010\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-of-ireland-lets-rip-on-tea-party-radio-host-2010/632360)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-of-ireland-lets-rip-on-tea-party-radio-host-2010/632360 "2012-08-30T22:15:24Z")
Wowee. Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland, was called by Michael Graham (who is apparently a Tea Party radio host), and lets loose on everything from healthcare to Israel. Generally safe for work although the Pres… --- ## [GOP Elites silence hoi polloi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-elites-silence-hoi-polloi/633171)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-elites-silence-hoi-polloi/633171 "2012-08-30T20:06:01Z")
Carney: Republican leaders trample their grass roots in Tampa \[Emphasis added\]: A lot of us have been saying that the elite Patrician plutocrats do not care about the Lumpenproletariat. This action shows how much they… --- ## [Floor fight brewing at the GOP convention?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/floor-fight-brewing-at-the-gop-convention/632858)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 10:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/floor-fight-brewing-at-the-gop-convention/632858 "2012-08-30T10:11:53Z")
While looking at a couple of conservative blogs to find reaction over something I read about, I found this story on one of them. According to this story, if I’m reading it right, there have been some “backroom deals” (a… --- ## [How did Virginia become a blue state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-virginia-become-a-blue-state/630449)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2012, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-virginia-become-a-blue-state/630449 "2012-08-21T01:15:51Z")
My understanding is in 2004 Bush won Virginia by 8 points, then Obama won it by 7 in 2008, and currently polling by 1 ahead of Romney in 2012. So why the shift in Virginia? I’m guessing based on the population there are… --- ## [Mitt and Ann cry when they tithe, but for different reasons.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-and-ann-cry-when-they-tithe-but-for-different-reasons/632510)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-and-ann-cry-when-they-tithe-but-for-different-reasons/632510 "2012-08-29T10:46:06Z")
From Parade Magazine: http://www.parade.com/news/2012/08/26-conversation-with-the-romneys.html From the second page of that article: :smiley: When I first saw this quoted on another website, I was sure it was a joke… --- ## [Romney again says Roe is "settled" law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-again-says-roe-is-settled-law/632870)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-again-says-roe-is-settled-law/632870 "2012-08-29T09:16:05Z")
“I’m in favor of abortion being legal in the case of rape and incest, and the health and life of the mother." And “Recognize this is the decision that will be made by the Supreme Court,” he said. “The Democrats try and… --- ## [Ever been election where both candidates were so disliked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-been-election-where-both-candidates-were-so-disliked/632850)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-been-election-where-both-candidates-were-so-disliked/632850 "2012-08-29T08:42:39Z")
If this is covered in another thread please point me in that direction. Pretty simple question. Obama I think is in the top half for likability, but those who don’t like him are pretty intense about it. And many of thos… --- ## [Obama's Second Term](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-second-term/632873)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-second-term/632873 "2012-08-29T04:56:35Z")
What would a Obama second term be like in terms of legislation? :dubious: --- ## [Hurricane vs GoP Convention](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-vs-gop-convention/632815)
**Author:** [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-vs-gop-convention/632815 "2012-08-29T02:21:53Z")
Isaac is currently a tropical storm, but it is following the same track as Katrina, and I’ve seen some speculation that it could make landfall as a Category 3 Hurricane. That’s a problem for the GoP, and for the network… --- ## [Romney tax poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-tax-poll/632594)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-tax-poll/632594 "2012-08-28T23:22:54Z")
poll to come --- ## [Thomas Sowell goes to the movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thomas-sowell-goes-to-the-movies/632695)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thomas-sowell-goes-to-the-movies/632695 "2012-08-28T19:28:51Z")
So, in this column, Thomas Sowell says he went to see 2016: Obama’s America, based on a book by the same name. I am not familiar with the movie or the book (hadn’t heard of them until I read this column). However, havi… --- ## [Has Romney stated a position on Stem Cell Research?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-romney-stated-a-position-on-stem-cell-research/632889)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-romney-stated-a-position-on-stem-cell-research/632889 "2012-08-28T18:50:20Z")
I’m wondering if he plans to shut down all the stem cell research again? This revolving door gets old. Democrats allow it and then it’s shut down by a Republican. iirc Bush allowed it on existing tissue? But new tissue c… --- ## [Here's the attempt to "Swiftboat' Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-the-attempt-to-swiftboat-obama/631685)
**Author:** [@Truman\_Burbank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Truman_Burbank)\ **Replies:** 308\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-the-attempt-to-swiftboat-obama/631685 "2012-08-28T02:37:23Z")
There are obvious (R) connections detailed in the article, but do you think there is also any credibility to its criticisms of the Administration, and/or traction it may bring to the campaign battle? --- ## [Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist endorses Obama.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-florida-governor-charlie-crist-endorses-obama/632693)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-florida-governor-charlie-crist-endorses-obama/632693 "2012-08-28T02:07:01Z")
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/obama-is-right-leader-for-our-times/1247631 Will this help Obama? I know Crist is an Independent now but he was a Republican until 2010. Is it possible that his endorsement will … --- ## [What would a Romney presidency be like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-romney-presidency-be-like/632623)
**Author:** [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-romney-presidency-be-like/632623 "2012-08-27T21:33:55Z")
My guesses? Elimination of capital gains taxes. At least one more supreme court justice to the right of Clarence Thomas. Overturning of Roe v. Wade. Social security retirement age raised to 70. Deep cuts in medicare… --- ## [Why won't Romney release his tax returns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-romney-release-his-tax-returns/630085)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Lowry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Lowry)\ **Replies:** 702\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-romney-release-his-tax-returns/630085 "2012-08-27T17:26:50Z")
I don’t know how much this has been covered in other threads, but I keep seeing news stories about how Romney only released tax returns from the past two years, and how people keep urging him to release more, including m… --- ## [Romney "No one's ever asked to see my birth certificate"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-no-ones-ever-asked-to-see-my-birth-certificate/632504)
**Author:** [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-no-ones-ever-asked-to-see-my-birth-certificate/632504 "2012-08-27T13:03:22Z")
I see was mentioned in the Gaffe thread, but I think it deserves its own discussion: ‘I love Michigan’ joke or not, Romney appears to have progressed to open race-baiting. This comes a few weeks after one of his advise… --- ## [Is the general quality of candidates running for office in decline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-general-quality-of-candidates-running-for-office-in-decline/632408)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-general-quality-of-candidates-running-for-office-in-decline/632408 "2012-08-27T02:56:40Z")
The current controversy about the rock-stupid comments made by Missouri senatorial candidate Todd Akin regarding rape and pregnancy has again made me seriously wonder if here in the U.S. we’re seeing more people of botto… --- ## [Bush II to Not Attend RNC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-ii-to-not-attend-rnc/628904)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-ii-to-not-attend-rnc/628904 "2012-08-26T21:28:56Z")
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/20/george-w-bush-will-not-attend-republican-national-convention/ This was to be expected, although I wish President Bush would at least comment more on current events. He seems… --- ## [How would an Israeli attack on Iran impact the Presidential election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-israeli-attack-on-iran-impact-the-presidential-election/632668)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-israeli-attack-on-iran-impact-the-presidential-election/632668 "2012-08-26T13:14:56Z")
Of course it could be disinformation, posturing, or plain ole rumoring, but Israeli TV is claiming that the plan is for Israel to attack Iran before the US Presidential election. And of course the logic is sound: if Is… --- ## [Tropical Storm Isaac may wash away the Republican National Convention protesters.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropical-storm-isaac-may-wash-away-the-republican-national-convention-protesters/632633)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 9:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropical-storm-isaac-may-wash-away-the-republican-national-convention-protesters/632633 "2012-08-26T09:33:37Z")
This brought a smile to my face. :stuck\_out\_tongue: Here’s hoping that the storm dampens the worst of the whack job protesters. People have the entire campaign to express their views and be heard. Why do they have to s… --- ## [Romney's gaffes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romneys-gaffes/632476)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2012, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romneys-gaffes/632476 "2012-08-25T11:13:32Z")
A thread solely for compiling and commenting on Mitt Romney’s gaffes during the 2012 election. Let’s start with \[this one: \](http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US\_PRESIDENTIAL\_CAMPAIGN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLAT… --- ## [Republican National Convention - A Meltdown in Progress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-national-convention-a-meltdown-in-progress/632084)
**Author:** [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2012, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-national-convention-a-meltdown-in-progress/632084 "2012-08-25T00:36:13Z")
Things were not going well already for the Romney campaign, locked in a seemingly unbreakable three point deficit in the polls and worse in the electoral college, and the addition of Paul Ryan to the ticket did little or… --- ## [If a hurricane hits during the Rep convention:](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-hurricane-hits-during-the-rep-convention/632435)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2012, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-hurricane-hits-during-the-rep-convention/632435 "2012-08-24T18:42:16Z")
…will that be seen as god’s wrath by the christian right? Or will they conveniently forget to say anything? --- ## [Newslash: Ryan hypocrite AND liar.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newslash-ryan-hypocrite-and-liar/631742)
**Author:** [@InterestedObserver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InterestedObserver)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2012, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newslash-ryan-hypocrite-and-liar/631742 "2012-08-24T09:28:36Z")
"After repeated denials, Paul Ryan has admitted he requested stimulus cash even after sharply criticizing the program. Ryan had denied doing so as recently as Wednesday, when he spoke to ABC’s Cincinnati affiliate, WC… --- ## [Romney's support among African-American voters: Zero percent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romneys-support-among-african-american-voters-zero-percent/632244)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2012, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romneys-support-among-african-american-voters-zero-percent/632244 "2012-08-24T01:55:07Z")
According to the latest NBC/WSJ poll: \ Romney, meanwhile, is ahead with whites (53 percent to 40 percent), rural voters (47 percent to 38 percent) and seniors (49 percent to 41 percent). In a sample of 12 swing … --- ## [Why is there no Romney Alternative?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-no-romney-alternative/629736)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2012, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-no-romney-alternative/629736 "2012-08-23T23:08:59Z")
With no shortage of anti-Obama sentiment, how come it’s Mitt who has stepped up to the plate to face off Obama? He’s been rather tepidly received as the GOP candidate. Why isn’t there some crowd-pleasing demagogue inste… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=297) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=299)