# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=299 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 300 --- ## [After Obama wins, can the Republicans continue being obstructionists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-obama-wins-can-the-republicans-continue-being-obstructionists/632266)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2012, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-obama-wins-can-the-republicans-continue-being-obstructionists/632266 "2012-08-23T21:51:14Z")
I say they can. It makes no sense, but nothing they do strategically (long-run) makes much sense to me. If Obama wins, will McConnell come out the next day and express something more like “OK, we tried to make him a one… --- ## [The rightwingers here have gotten what they wanted!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rightwingers-here-have-gotten-what-they-wanted/631952)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2012, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rightwingers-here-have-gotten-what-they-wanted/631952 "2012-08-23T18:05:27Z")
I’m a lazy guy, so I’ve been resisting working for, or contributing to (I’m also cheap), the Obama campaign again. (Last time around, my GF and I traipsed through Easton PA, knocking on doors of potential Dem voters to r… --- ## [First Wives Candidates Debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-wives-candidates-debate/631740)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2012, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-wives-candidates-debate/631740 "2012-08-23T12:21:18Z")
Ha anyone ever proposed this ? It would be a real hoot. Michelle vs Ann. They both strike me as tough and capable. Moderated by Barbara Walters ? What say you ? PS typo in title. One debate would suffice. --- ## [Observation : Political Equivocators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/observation-political-equivocators/632054)
**Author:** [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2012, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/observation-political-equivocators/632054 "2012-08-23T10:10:12Z")
One recurring meme I seem to encounter - from my mother, several friends, various places online - is that “both sides are bad.” I would elaborate, but the people who advance this idea never really do. All politicians ar… --- ## [U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.)'s reelection campaign](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-sen-maria-cantwell-d-wash-s-reelection-campaign/631602)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2012, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-sen-maria-cantwell-d-wash-s-reelection-campaign/631602 "2012-08-22T20:23:02Z")
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/senate/wa/washington\_senate\_baumgartner\_vs\_cantwell-3012.html I got on her fundraising mailing list somehow. Washington State’s junior U.S. Senator is running against GOP … --- ## [Obama or Media: Who Is More Responsible for Perpetuating Such a Lie to Seniors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-or-media-who-is-more-responsible-for-perpetuating-such-a-lie-to-seniors/631985)
**Author:** [@TheSlapIsBack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSlapIsBack)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2012, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-or-media-who-is-more-responsible-for-perpetuating-such-a-lie-to-seniors/631985 "2012-08-22T07:48:08Z")
If the Obama Administration is breaking the law with their 8.3 billion dollar Demonstration Project why is it not being covered? Is it not the responsibility of the media to inform senior citizens that they are not only… --- ## [Biden in town](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biden-in-town/632228)
**Author:** [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2012, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biden-in-town/632228 "2012-08-22T00:20:03Z")
Obama was in town (Minneapolis) a few weeks back. I work at the north (river) end of downtown. He was scheduled to stop at some restaurant a stone’s throw from the Federal Reserve Bank (hugely convenient for the Secret… --- ## [Will the choice of Paul Ryan as VP doom Florida for Romney?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-choice-of-paul-ryan-as-vp-doom-florida-for-romney/631161)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2012, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-choice-of-paul-ryan-as-vp-doom-florida-for-romney/631161 "2012-08-21T21:58:58Z")
I remember the special House election last year for old Jack Kemp’s seat became a referendum on Paul Ryan’s Medicare plan and the Dem won in an upset. Will the same happen in Florida? Can Romney win without Florida? --- ## [Biden's running-mate in 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bidens-running-mate-in-2016/631858)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2012, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bidens-running-mate-in-2016/631858 "2012-08-21T21:30:29Z")
Assuming he’s the nominee, any guesses as to a running mate? I’ll predict Elizabeth Warren. --- ## [Swap Biden for Clinton?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swap-biden-for-clinton/631667)
**Author:** [@CloudTectonics](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CloudTectonics)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2012, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swap-biden-for-clinton/631667 "2012-08-21T21:09:16Z")
Don’t know about y’all but I’ve been seeing so much of this kind of speculation lately. Most recently here… http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/today-day\_650058.html I’m curious about a couple things… How likely do pe… --- ## [Is it really necessary to portray the election of the opposing candidate as the end of humanity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-really-necessary-to-portray-the-election-of-the-opposing-candidate-as-the-end-of-humanity/631121)
**Author:** [@greenslime1951](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenslime1951)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2012, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-really-necessary-to-portray-the-election-of-the-opposing-candidate-as-the-end-of-humanity/631121 "2012-08-21T16:37:39Z")
How about this: each candidate acknowledges that the other is a highly competent, successful individual, and is well-grounded morally and ethically. That while the candidates’ political philosophies may differ, each has … --- ## [WTF: Naked Republican party in Israel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-naked-republican-party-in-israel/632018)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2012, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-naked-republican-party-in-israel/632018 "2012-08-21T07:47:08Z")
Story here The approval rating of congress can’t go much lower than the ten percent rating they have now. This surely can’t be what Romney wanted going into the convention next week, although I guess it does get the is… --- ## [Veep announcement \[Romney picks Paul Ryan\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veep-announcement-romney-picks-paul-ryan/631157)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 541\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2012, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veep-announcement-romney-picks-paul-ryan/631157 "2012-08-20T00:30:43Z")
Fox says it’s Paul Ryan. Which means all entitlement programs all the time. --- ## [Why is the upper Midwest shifting Republican?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-upper-midwest-shifting-republican/630083)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2012, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-upper-midwest-shifting-republican/630083 "2012-08-19T22:30:49Z")
I have noticed that Wisconsin and Minnesota have become more red lately. In Wisconsin Russ Feingold lost his senate seat, and it looks like Herb Kohl’s seat may go Republican as well. Their is also Scott Walker in the go… --- ## [Turns out Romney isn't an a@@hole after all! I read it in an email.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turns-out-romney-isnt-an-a-hole-after-all-i-read-it-in-an-email/622708)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2012, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turns-out-romney-isnt-an-a-hole-after-all-i-read-it-in-an-email/622708 "2012-08-19T21:58:29Z")
I got this little story in an email from a friend yesterday: So, I’m supposed to be impressed because Romney helped out a friend who is just like him. I mean, suppose that it was the janitor’s kid who turned up missin… --- ## [Mitt Romney would 'respect' Israel strike on Iran, aide says](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-romney-would-respect-israel-strike-on-iran-aide-says/629793)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2012, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-romney-would-respect-israel-strike-on-iran-aide-says/629793 "2012-08-19T21:06:05Z")
One more reason to vote for Mitt. He’s just full of respect. --- ## [Which candidate will the unemployed vote for? (not should)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-candidate-will-the-unemployed-vote-for-not-should/631890)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2012, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-candidate-will-the-unemployed-vote-for-not-should/631890 "2012-08-19T17:50:45Z")
I keep hearing that jobs are the #1 issue. I can buy into that. Are there polls that provide an answer to this question? Personally I expect the answer is something along the lines of 47/47 with 6% undecided. --- ## [Obama's economic record - positive or negative?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-economic-record-positive-or-negative/629908)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2012, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-economic-record-positive-or-negative/629908 "2012-08-19T16:38:40Z")
Facts- Official UE is persistently high at 8.2% with many other jobless unaccounted for. GDP is considerably better than than the -8.9 annual rate of q4 2008 and has been positive since mid-2009. Inflation is nearly d… --- ## [The Good, The Wicked and The LOl: political bumper sticker thread.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-good-the-wicked-and-the-lol-political-bumper-sticker-thread/631959)
**Author:** [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2012, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-good-the-wicked-and-the-lol-political-bumper-sticker-thread/631959 "2012-08-19T14:20:58Z")
Political bumper sticker, post them here. Thanks. --- ## [The Libertarian Party is suing to have Romney removed from the ballot in Washington.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-libertarian-party-is-suing-to-have-romney-removed-from-the-ballot-in-washington/631844)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2012, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-libertarian-party-is-suing-to-have-romney-removed-from-the-ballot-in-washington/631844 "2012-08-18T14:07:35Z")
Why? Just to be a pain? To make some kind of point? Romney isn’t likely to win Washington anyway. One thing I’m not clear on is if this would affect candidates for office other than President and VP. The last sentenc… --- ## [The strongest possible case against campaign finance reform](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-strongest-possible-case-against-campaign-finance-reform/631861)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2012, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-strongest-possible-case-against-campaign-finance-reform/631861 "2012-08-18T07:47:22Z")
Exhibit A: Exclusive: White House studying potential oil reserve release http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/17/us-usa-oil-reserves-idUSBRE87F13T20120817 Exhibit B: Labor Dept. says no need for warning on layoffs … --- ## [Wil it matter that Obama is the only protestant of the four party candidates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wil-it-matter-that-obama-is-the-only-protestant-of-the-four-party-candidates/631835)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2012, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wil-it-matter-that-obama-is-the-only-protestant-of-the-four-party-candidates/631835 "2012-08-18T03:37:49Z")
Normally, it would. These are no normal times though. --- ## [This election is not about the economy, it's about religion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-election-is-not-about-the-economy-its-about-religion/631430)
**Author:** [@Clu-Me-In](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clu-Me-In)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2012, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-election-is-not-about-the-economy-its-about-religion/631430 "2012-08-17T19:46:49Z")
This election is not about the economy, nor is about jobs or about the deficit or about anything other than who will nominate the next Supreme Court Justices. The Republican righties want a few more ultra-right wing Just… --- ## [Paul Ryan, GOP Intellectual Leader?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-ryan-gop-intellectual-leader/631689)
**Author:** [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hentor_the_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2012, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-ryan-gop-intellectual-leader/631689 "2012-08-17T17:18:34Z")
Paul Ryan has been put forth as the GOP’s intellectual leader and as a wonky budget wiz. When his plan(s) were put forward in the past, they were eviscerated. Since his nomination as VP, however, there seems to have be… --- ## [Is Mitt Romney a chicken hawk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mitt-romney-a-chicken-hawk/631690)
**Author:** [@Sekigahara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sekigahara)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2012, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mitt-romney-a-chicken-hawk/631690 "2012-08-17T17:13:11Z")
Isn’t it hypocritical for a candidate who received four draft deferments from the Vietnam War (including one for the puproses of prosletyzing Mormonism in France) to campaign as a defense budget hawk? Cites: Mitt Romne… --- ## [How many of you/of the populace could switch sides?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-of-the-populace-could-switch-sides/631741)
**Author:** [@greenslime1951](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenslime1951)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2012, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-of-the-populace-could-switch-sides/631741 "2012-08-17T15:33:19Z")
I presume just about everyone has one or the other presidential candidate as their personal favorite, one for whom they will vote barring some stunning revelation, scandal, etc. My question is: Do you feel there is a si… --- ## [Does Paul Ryan want to make the US a tax-free zone for billionaires?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-paul-ryan-want-to-make-the-us-a-tax-free-zone-for-billionaires/631597)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2012, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-paul-ryan-want-to-make-the-us-a-tax-free-zone-for-billionaires/631597 "2012-08-17T10:01:39Z")
Inspired by this article: Mitt Romney Would Pay 0.82 Percent in Taxes Under Paul Ryan’s Plan (my bolding) It looks like Roll Call has also taken a look at the effect of Ryan’s policies on Romney’s taxes: Paul Ryan’s … --- ## [Who Writes Joe Biden's Speeches?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-writes-joe-bidens-speeches/631623)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2012, 8:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-writes-joe-bidens-speeches/631623 "2012-08-17T08:34:17Z")
I mean, he does use a teleprompter-is somebody watching what this dope is mouthing? Joe (apparently) thinks that Virginia includes NC; he also thinks that the present century is the 20th. I also liked his remarks about h… --- ## [Paul Ryan's legislative record](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-ryans-legislative-record/631307)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2012, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paul-ryans-legislative-record/631307 "2012-08-17T02:23:48Z")
Fair game, I think, now that he’s a candidate for Vice President (and indirectly for President). Let’s look at his record. Paul Ryan has represented Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional district for thirteen years. In that tim… --- ## [Romney's Work for Welfare Ad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romneys-work-for-welfare-ad/631435)
**Author:** [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2012, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romneys-work-for-welfare-ad/631435 "2012-08-16T14:26:33Z")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F4LtTlktm0 I’ve seen this ad playing in Florida. What strikes me as remarkable is that that the ad opens with a picture of President Clinton and talks about how President Clinton and a … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=298) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=300)