# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=306 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 307 --- ## [Why the armchair campaign strategy analyzing (instead of) armchair analyzing of political programs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-armchair-campaign-strategy-analyzing-instead-of-armchair-analyzing-of-political-programs/605846)
**Author:** [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2012, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-armchair-campaign-strategy-analyzing-instead-of-armchair-analyzing-of-political-programs/605846 "2012-05-04T15:50:57Z")
My guess is that debating the candidate’s factual viewpoints is a full time job, and besides, only an useful job if you debate someone with the same level of knowledge but on the opposite side of the political spectrum. … --- ## [Did McCain really win white voters by the same margin Dubya did in 2000?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-mccain-really-win-white-voters-by-the-same-margin-dubya-did-in-2000/620619)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2012, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-mccain-really-win-white-voters-by-the-same-margin-dubya-did-in-2000/620619 "2012-05-04T12:10:58Z")
Mark Shields said so on PBS Newshour Friday night: Now granted, George W. Bush did lose the popular vote to Al Gore by a half percentage point (47.9 to 48.4), but for Obama to win by seven points instead of a half poin… --- ## [What would really happen if we elected a billionaire President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-really-happen-if-we-elected-a-billionaire-president/620510)
**Author:** [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-really-happen-if-we-elected-a-billionaire-president/620510 "2012-05-02T17:39:52Z")
It gets suggested or hinted at often enough, but what would really happen if for some unforeseen turn of events, a Trump/Bloomberg/Forbes/Gates/etc. became POTUS? I realize they all have different views on politics, but… --- ## [2012 election is winding down](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-election-is-winding-down/619834)
**Author:** [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2012, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2012-election-is-winding-down/619834 "2012-04-29T17:11:10Z")
It’s primaries today, primaries May 8th and June 5th, the Republican National Convention at the end of August, the Democratic National Convention at the beginning of September, and, finally, Election Day on Tuesday, Nove… --- ## [Newt Gringrich - ever a serious candidate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newt-gringrich-ever-a-serious-candidate/620086)
**Author:** [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2012, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newt-gringrich-ever-a-serious-candidate/620086 "2012-04-29T02:27:40Z")
I’ve just read a thread over in Great Debates about a laughable declaration by Newt Gringrich to the NRA. I’m not 100% knowledgeable about US politics, or Newt himself, but it seems every time I hear his name, it’s attac… --- ## [Do you believe climate change will be a campaign issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-climate-change-will-be-a-campaign-issue/620029)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2012, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-climate-change-will-be-a-campaign-issue/620029 "2012-04-29T00:14:28Z")
I was kind of surprised to see Obama make this assertion. Do you think he’s on the right track to challenge Romney on this front? --- ## [Anchorage runs out of ballots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anchorage-runs-out-of-ballots/617934)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2012, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anchorage-runs-out-of-ballots/617934 "2012-04-28T17:09:22Z")
In the recent muni election in Anchorage, AK, several polling places ran out of ballots and envelopes. It was only several hundred and the election outcome would not have been affected. While Alaska is not the new Texa… --- ## [Mitt Romney says stay at home moms "lack the dignity of work."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-romney-says-stay-at-home-moms-lack-the-dignity-of-work/618844)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 249\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2012, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-romney-says-stay-at-home-moms-lack-the-dignity-of-work/618844 "2012-04-28T13:50:22Z")
Oh wait, that only applies to moms who receive some sort of government assistance. If you are poor and receiving food stamps, raising children as young as two is not dignified work. But if you are middle class or wealt… --- ## [RNC responds to Obama's slow jam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rnc-responds-to-obamas-slow-jam/620028)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2012, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rnc-responds-to-obamas-slow-jam/620028 "2012-04-27T20:32:18Z")
The RNC released its first ad for Romney, which is a “response” to Obama’s slow-jam of the news on Jimmy Fallon. Link. My thoughts: If this is the best the RNC can do, Obama should have nothing to worry about. The Obam… --- ## [46% of Democrats Would Oppose Mormon President](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/46-of-democrats-would-oppose-mormon-president/618207)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2012, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/46-of-democrats-would-oppose-mormon-president/618207 "2012-04-27T02:35:57Z")
http://americannewsreport.com/poll-over-a-third-of-americans-would-not-vote-for-a-mormon-to-be-president-8812739.html Its often assumed that most opponents of a Mormon candidate for President would be Evangelicals. Howe… --- ## [Hey Obama, don’t screw this up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-obama-don-t-screw-this-up/619256)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2012, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-obama-don-t-screw-this-up/619256 "2012-04-27T00:45:03Z")
First, stop painting Romney as a conservative. Sure, pick out a few isolated examples of where he went over the top, but don’t help him reach out to the tea party crowd—you do not want them (and their enthusiasm to man p… --- ## [Texas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas/619987)
**Author:** [@littlespeedysuperbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/littlespeedysuperbike)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas/619987 "2012-04-26T17:01:33Z")
PPP’s poll from yesterday shows Obama to be 7 percentage points behind Romney in Texas, 43-50. Might it be worth making the Republican donors waste a couple hundred mil trying to keep Dallas and Houston red? Texas hasn… --- ## [Most hilarious moment of the Primary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-hilarious-moment-of-the-primary/618822)
**Author:** [@Trepa\_Mayfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trepa_Mayfield)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2012, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-hilarious-moment-of-the-primary/618822 "2012-04-26T04:25:24Z")
So, now that the primary season’s wrapping up and Romney looks to be a shoe-in, it’s time to reflect on what has been the most comedic election season in a long, long time. What was the best? Herman Cain quoting\* the Si… --- ## [Who would you REALLY like to be president](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-really-like-to-be-president/613054)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2012, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-you-really-like-to-be-president/613054 "2012-04-26T00:06:27Z")
Suppose that you could choose anyone living or dead and poof make him president starting January 2012. Who would you choose? I assume the following ground rules through the magic of “don’t fight the hypothetical”" Th… --- ## [Meanwhile in Alberta - is a once-in-a-lifetime electoral shift in the offing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meanwhile-in-alberta-is-a-once-in-a-lifetime-electoral-shift-in-the-offing/618086)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2012, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meanwhile-in-alberta-is-a-once-in-a-lifetime-electoral-shift-in-the-offing/618086 "2012-04-25T21:59:17Z")
I’m curious - what’s the polling in Alberta? the Wild Rose Party seems to be generating a lot of buzz, even the aside from the \[del\]boobs\[/del\] bus issue. Election is April 23rd, right? Is this shaping up to be one of… --- ## [How big a deal is HR347(the anti-protest law)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-a-deal-is-hr347-the-anti-protest-law/619802)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2012, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-a-deal-is-hr347-the-anti-protest-law/619802 "2012-04-25T17:46:30Z")
A friend of mine, who is uber-conservative, posted a youtube video about this new bill that Obama signed that bans/changes some protest laws. My friend’s post ended with “1984 is here!!!”, so you get the kind of…uh, pers… --- ## [Explain why Wisconsin's recall election is actually recalling anything](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-why-wisconsins-recall-election-is-actually-recalling-anything/619057)
**Author:** [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2012, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-why-wisconsins-recall-election-is-actually-recalling-anything/619057 "2012-04-24T02:20:40Z")
To my mind, a recall election should have just one question: do you wish to recall elected official X? If the majority votes no, that’s the end. If the majority votes yes, then the candidate is removed from office and a… --- ## [The 2012 SDMB Presidential Debate--more fun than a barrel full of independents!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2012-sdmb-presidential-debate-more-fun-than-a-barrel-full-of-independents/610368)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2012, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2012-sdmb-presidential-debate-more-fun-than-a-barrel-full-of-independents/610368 "2012-04-23T01:28:06Z")
Good evening! I’verecently re-announced my campaign for the White House, and Snowmaster has stepped up to the plate as well. He’s graciously allowed me to nominate a debate moderator, and I would suggest Rico for no ot… --- ## [Obama's Red State Strategy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-red-state-strategy/615813)
**Author:** [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2012, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-red-state-strategy/615813 "2012-04-20T18:00:19Z")
Give Obama the same states he won in 2008 and give the Republican candidate the same states McCain won in 2008. If Obama wins the same states he won in 2008 then in 2012 he will have 358 electoral votes to the Republican… --- ## [Democratic VP Hypothetical](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-vp-hypothetical/618403)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2012, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-vp-hypothetical/618403 "2012-04-19T00:34:30Z")
Let’s say that for some reason Biden decides he doesn’t want to be VP for another term. Who would be the front-runners for the position, and why? --- ## [Should Romney's six month extension on his 2011 tax return be an issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-romneys-six-month-extension-on-his-2011-tax-return-be-an-issue/618880)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2012, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-romneys-six-month-extension-on-his-2011-tax-return-be-an-issue/618880 "2012-04-19T00:25:30Z")
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-14/obama-says-romney-should-absolutely-release-tax-returns.html The last time I filed an extension it was for three months so when I heard about Romney’s extension I didn’t think mu… --- ## [How Uncatholic is Santorum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-uncatholic-is-santorum/617101)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2012, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-uncatholic-is-santorum/617101 "2012-04-17T20:20:23Z")
So at what point does he stray so far away from the teaching that calling him a Catholic is no longer a close to accurate description? Pope Pope Benedict XVI and other church leaders said it was the moral responsibilit… --- ## [Ask the Senior Obama Campaign Aide](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-senior-obama-campaign-aide/613985)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2012, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-senior-obama-campaign-aide/613985 "2012-04-17T03:00:19Z")
OK, I’m not really, but I’m willing to pretend. So… my White House gig was fun, but now it’s good to be back in Chicago, working on the reelect. Romney and Santorum are busily tearing each other down, the economy is imp… --- ## [Why no DINOs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-dinos/617948)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2012, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-dinos/617948 "2012-04-16T18:09:22Z")
You hear about RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) alot, but never the Democratic equivalent. Why is that? --- ## [We desparately need a 4th party candidate. Why I'm running against Tripler and why I'll win](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-desparately-need-a-4th-party-candidate-why-im-running-against-tripler-and-why-ill-win/610239)
**Author:** [@snowmaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowmaster)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2012, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-desparately-need-a-4th-party-candidate-why-im-running-against-tripler-and-why-ill-win/610239 "2012-04-15T22:32:18Z")
Having just been voted the nominee of the Live Free Or Die Party which I recently made up, I’m proud to stand on these hallowed steps of the Straight Dope in my completely non-native Chicago and formally announce my cand… --- ## [Will Romney condemn Joseph Smith?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-romney-condemn-joseph-smith/618104)
**Author:** [@gamerunknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gamerunknown)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2012, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-romney-condemn-joseph-smith/618104 "2012-04-15T17:48:34Z")
Romney claims to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman in this video. However, the founder of his Church had multiple wives. Do you think he’ll disavow Joseph Smith in public in order to satisfy those that … --- ## [President's actual impact on the economy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidents-actual-impact-on-the-economy/618684)
**Author:** [@RancidYakButterTeaParty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RancidYakButterTeaParty)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2012, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidents-actual-impact-on-the-economy/618684 "2012-04-15T02:13:02Z")
I realize there is no specific correlation, but, in your opinion, how much of an impact do the president’s policies have on the economy? What actions can the president take that have a direct affect on the economy, if a… --- ## [Change your SDMB location to Obama Country!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/change-your-sdmb-location-to-obama-country/616094)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2012, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/change-your-sdmb-location-to-obama-country/616094 "2012-04-13T01:59:43Z")
Many of us did it four years ago, and this seems like a good time to do it again. Hope you will, too! --- ## [Santorum has dropped out of the race](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorum-has-dropped-out-of-the-race/618391)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2012, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorum-has-dropped-out-of-the-race/618391 "2012-04-13T00:58:06Z")
Santorum is out. --- ## [Best Political Ads, 2012 cycle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-political-ads-2012-cycle/616568)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2012, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-political-ads-2012-cycle/616568 "2012-04-12T08:00:22Z")
Nominate your candidates for best (and I suppose worst) political ads of the 2012 election cycle. Here are my choices: This is the Best Ad for a Political Candidate I have ever seen. The 2011 piece is from an independ… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=305) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=307)