# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=303 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 304 --- ## [Do conservatives have the edge in the Supreme Court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-conservatives-have-the-edge-in-the-supreme-court/626781)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2012, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-conservatives-have-the-edge-in-the-supreme-court/626781 "2012-07-10T23:53:09Z")
Until this week, I thought they did, but now I’m not so sure. One decision is just one decision, but what a case! (I may be slightly biased because I have gone without health coverage for years, so I personally benefit… --- ## [Another Romney story: Ann Romney and the drugged horse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-romney-story-ann-romney-and-the-drugged-horse/627319)
**Author:** [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2012, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-romney-story-ann-romney-and-the-drugged-horse/627319 "2012-07-10T21:47:29Z")
I haven’t seen much discussion of a story quietly circulating around the Interwebs (and apparently mentioned in the NYT recently) about a fraud case involving Ann Romney selling a lame horse allegedly doped to the eyebal… --- ## [How is Obamacare the "largest tax increase in US history"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-obamacare-the-largest-tax-increase-in-us-history/626746)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2012, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-obamacare-the-largest-tax-increase-in-us-history/626746 "2012-07-10T17:59:48Z")
I hear conservatives spouting this now. Given their record I assume it is a flat out lie but I am open to some type of rational explanation if possible. Until then it is just election bullshit. --- ## [2012 presidential prediction? Will the Libertarian or Americans Elect candidate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-presidential-prediction-will-the-libertarian-or-americans-elect-candidate/619631)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2012, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-presidential-prediction-will-the-libertarian-or-americans-elect-candidate/619631 "2012-07-10T15:52:14Z")
finish third (behind the two major parties)? I believe both are on all 50 state ballots. Americans Elect is making a big push. Of course we don’t know either parties candidate yet. That is what makes it interesting. --- ## [How much will personality determine the Presidential Outcome?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-personality-determine-the-presidential-outcome/626481)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2012, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-personality-determine-the-presidential-outcome/626481 "2012-07-10T04:22:54Z")
The residential race between Obama and Romney has not truly gotten into full swing, yet. But when it does the personalities of the two candidates will begin to come out more. Obama has proven himself, and his team, are… --- ## [Libya: First post-Revolution national election July 7, 2012](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libya-first-post-revolution-national-election-july-7-2012/627265)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2012, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libya-first-post-revolution-national-election-july-7-2012/627265 "2012-07-09T23:28:24Z")
This is only a preliminary election to a “Public National Conference” that will appoint a provisional Prime Minister and Cabinet. It will also appoint a “Constituent Authority,” which in turn will draw up a new constitu… --- ## [What does "Trees the right height mean"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-trees-the-right-height-mean/626949)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2012, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-trees-the-right-height-mean/626949 "2012-07-09T16:17:29Z")
When speaking in Michigan several months ago, Gov. Romney said, among other things, that in Michigan, “the trees are the right height” and the crowd chuckled. Why does that statement resonate with conservatives in Michi… --- ## [Egypt's first post-Revolution parliamentary elections Monday 11/28/11](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egypts-first-post-revolution-parliamentary-elections-monday-11-28-11/604084)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2012, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egypts-first-post-revolution-parliamentary-elections-monday-11-28-11/604084 "2012-07-08T20:16:43Z")
Many parties contesting. The main blocs seem to be moderate-Islamist, center-right, and liberal-lefty respectively. Meanwhile, it’s like Tahrir Square all over again in Tahrir Square. The protesters want military rul… --- ## [Egyptian presidential election May 23-24](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egyptian-presidential-election-may-23-24/621590)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2012, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egyptian-presidential-election-may-23-24/621590 "2012-07-08T20:14:22Z")
And today two (not the two) leading candidates squared off in a televised debate (ho-hum here, new thing there). And it quickly got acrimonious. Well, it looks like Egyptian democracy is off to a go- . . . off to a st… --- ## [Can Mitt Leverage His Mexican Roots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-mitt-leverage-his-mexican-roots/626972)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2012, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-mitt-leverage-his-mexican-roots/626972 "2012-07-06T18:53:18Z")
His father, George, was born in Mexico. Could Mitt win over a significant portion of Hispanics by appealing to his Mexican roots? Or will he keep mum about his father’s nationality? --- ## [Romney’s tax returns—just the break the Obama camp was waiting for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-s-tax-returns-just-the-break-the-obama-camp-was-waiting-for/609913)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2012, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-s-tax-returns-just-the-break-the-obama-camp-was-waiting-for/609913 "2012-07-05T16:09:23Z")
The Washington Post is reporting that Mitt Romney will be (purportedly) releasing his tax returns in April. They are also reporting that he said he “pays an effective federal tax rate of about 15 percent.” (link). I thi… --- ## [Mitt's Moolah](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitts-moolah/627116)
**Author:** [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2012, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitts-moolah/627116 "2012-07-04T00:03:12Z")
New Vanit Fair article on Mitt and his money here: Investigation: Mitt Romney’s Offshore Accounts, Tax Loopholes, and Mysterious I.R.A. | Vanity Fair I think that if Mitt is running on his ability to make money, then it… --- ## [Electoral map](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electoral-map/627055)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2012, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electoral-map/627055 "2012-07-03T16:15:09Z")
What would the map look like if we filled in the states we can lock in right now? (lock in=We know for a fact who’ll carry it) --- ## [What is the Tea Party up to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-tea-party-up-to/620283)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2012, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-tea-party-up-to/620283 "2012-07-01T15:39:44Z")
I haven’t heard anything about them primarying against any Pub incumbents this year, nor turning out to campaign for them either. Of course, it’s very early for the latter anyway. But has the TP given any sign of showi… --- ## [If Iraq doesn't become an issue again in 2012 then what will become an issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-iraq-doesnt-become-an-issue-again-in-2012-then-what-will-become-an-issue/609059)
**Author:** [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2012, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-iraq-doesnt-become-an-issue-again-in-2012-then-what-will-become-an-issue/609059 "2012-06-30T23:14:54Z")
The economy? If not the economy then what? --- ## [waiting \[for Supreme Court decision on health care law\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waiting-for-supreme-court-decision-on-health-care-law/625510)
**Author:** [@onecut39](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/onecut39)\ **Replies:** 359\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2012, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waiting-for-supreme-court-decision-on-health-care-law/625510 "2012-06-30T18:30:01Z")
As time trickles out with the Supreme court staggering to a healthcare decision I wish to remind the GOP that this is a lose/lose situation. Many of the provisions of obamacare are already in place and are hugely popula… --- ## [Is Obama Swiftboating Romney with the Bain outsourcing/offshoring ads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-obama-swiftboating-romney-with-the-bain-outsourcing-offshoring-ads/626490)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2012, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-obama-swiftboating-romney-with-the-bain-outsourcing-offshoring-ads/626490 "2012-06-29T04:02:09Z")
Face it. Romney’s single qualification to be President is that his business background will enable him to create jobs. So, much like Kerry was done in by the Swift Boat gang in 2004 Romney presents himself an easy targ… --- ## [Conservatives Heckling Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-heckling-obama/625295)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2012, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-heckling-obama/625295 "2012-06-29T03:38:33Z")
Yesterday, the Romney Campaign Bus circled outside Obama’s Ohio economic speech harassing attendees – with reporters on board. Today, a reporter from the GOP-mouthpiece The Daily Caller loudly heckled Obama in the middl… --- ## [Congress: Any chance party-control of either house will change in November?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-any-chance-party-control-of-either-house-will-change-in-november/626644)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2012, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-any-chance-party-control-of-either-house-will-change-in-november/626644 "2012-06-29T00:10:03Z")
For the House of Representatives, RealClearPolitics is calling 172 seats for the Dems, 214 for the Pubs, 49 toss-ups. A majority is 218, so the Dems would have to win almost all the toss-ups to take the House, so, proba… --- ## [A mighty battle-of-the-lawyers is coming over "voter fraud," etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-mighty-battle-of-the-lawyers-is-coming-over-voter-fraud-etc/626472)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2012, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-mighty-battle-of-the-lawyers-is-coming-over-voter-fraud-etc/626472 "2012-06-28T20:51:29Z")
And I mean, on Election Day. And before and after, of course. I expect this election is going to be close enough in a lot of states for the lawyers to really matter, like they didn’t in 2008. If you don’t have a dog … --- ## [Mike Turzai brags about passing voter ID law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-turzai-brags-about-passing-voter-id-law/626416)
**Author:** [@denquixote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/denquixote)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2012, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-turzai-brags-about-passing-voter-id-law/626416 "2012-06-28T15:06:25Z")
"Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) suggested that the House’s end game in passing the Voter ID law was to benefit the GOP politically. “We are focused on making sure that we meet our obligatio… --- ## [If President Obama is re-elected, will any of the "conservative" SC justices retire in his 2nd term?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-president-obama-is-re-elected-will-any-of-the-conservative-sc-justices-retire-in-his-2nd-term/626290)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2012, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-president-obama-is-re-elected-will-any-of-the-conservative-sc-justices-retire-in-his-2nd-term/626290 "2012-06-28T07:09:08Z")
Assuming that President Obama is re-elected, how do you think the make-up of the Supreme Court will change as far as the “conservative” wing is concerned? Who, if anyone will retire? I’ve included Kennedy because he wa… --- ## [Do we need a businessman in the White House?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-need-a-businessman-in-the-white-house/626045)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2012, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-need-a-businessman-in-the-white-house/626045 "2012-06-27T16:40:29Z")
Definitely not. As Michael Lind writes in Salon: Now, can we please hear no more bullshit about Romney’s (rather shameful) private-sector business-management experiences as if it were a selling point?! And no more su… --- ## [538 puts up Presidential election forecast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/538-puts-up-presidential-election-forecast/624551)
**Author:** [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2012, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/538-puts-up-presidential-election-forecast/624551 "2012-06-27T04:09:29Z")
Nate has a long postexplaining how the forecast is constructed (basically it uses polling data and economics indicators to run simulations)and there is a long side-bar with the detailed state-by-state breakdown from the … --- ## [CNN Money: Obama's economy - interesting graphs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-money-obamas-economy-interesting-graphs/625644)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2012, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-money-obamas-economy-interesting-graphs/625644 "2012-06-26T14:53:10Z")
Basically an encouraging picture… but still a long way to go: --- ## [How on earth do you vote for a probate judge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-on-earth-do-you-vote-for-a-probate-judge/626038)
**Author:** [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2012, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-on-earth-do-you-vote-for-a-probate-judge/626038 "2012-06-26T01:46:49Z")
I’m a responsible, civic-minded kinda guy; I don’t shirk jury duty, pay my taxes on time, and have voted in every election I could since 1986. And I try to vote responsibly - I do some reseach, read what the candidates h… --- ## [How Racist Are We? Ask Google](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-racist-are-we-ask-google/624771)
**Author:** [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2012, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-racist-are-we-ask-google/624771 "2012-06-25T16:45:34Z")
http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/09/how-racist-are-we-ask-google/ An interesting bit of research using Google tools done by SETH STEPHENS-DAVIDOWITZ. In some areas President Obama may be losing significan… --- ## [MSNBC Edits Mitt Romney Speech To Make Him Look Silly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/msnbc-edits-mitt-romney-speech-to-make-him-look-silly/625769)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 215\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2012, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/msnbc-edits-mitt-romney-speech-to-make-him-look-silly/625769 "2012-06-25T00:30:41Z")
Like the cite says, Editing down for time is one thing. Selectively editing and mocking based on the selective edit is another. This is h\*rseshit and clear bias. --- ## [Will Iowa REALLY Be Crucial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-iowa-really-be-crucial/625533)
**Author:** [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2012, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-iowa-really-be-crucial/625533 "2012-06-22T00:57:31Z")
The subtitle of this article from Slate.com suggests that Iowa will be crucial in the upcoming presidential election. Will it, with its whopping six electoral votes, really be all that crucial? If the election comes down… --- ## [How are your Congressional elections going?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-your-congressional-elections-going/615279)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2012, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-your-congressional-elections-going/615279 "2012-06-21T22:46:34Z")
Enough about the Presidency. Who’s running for legislative office in your local districts? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=302) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=304)