# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=307 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 308 --- ## [Handicapping the 2012 GOP presidential nomination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicapping-the-2012-gop-presidential-nomination/571160)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 954\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2012, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicapping-the-2012-gop-presidential-nomination/571160 "2012-04-10T19:52:41Z")
Heard on NPR that it is a recent Republican tradition that the presidential nominating season begins at first the CPAC conference after the midterm elections, which is going on now. Wikipedia sez: Start your engines! … --- ## [No one picks VP candidates to deliver swing states](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-one-picks-vp-candidates-to-deliver-swing-states/618062)
**Author:** [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2012, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-one-picks-vp-candidates-to-deliver-swing-states/618062 "2012-04-10T16:54:52Z")
As I was responding in the GOP Veepstakes thread I thought about the wisdom that a VP candidate from a swing state can help deliver that state. It always seems to be the center of the speculation over who is going to be … --- ## [McCain v Romney. Or Santorum.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-v-romney-or-santorum/615931)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2012, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-v-romney-or-santorum/615931 "2012-04-08T19:34:30Z")
To me, McCain did not present as a particularly appealing national candidate last time around. I bring this up in the context of the current election of course. The McCain campaign was for real, it just lost big. I’m no… --- ## [I think Ron Paul could pull it off](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-ron-paul-could-pull-it-off/606343)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 313\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2012, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-ron-paul-could-pull-it-off/606343 "2012-04-06T06:26:00Z")
So I know a Ron Paul supporter and he makes this argument. Don’t worry about the crazy stuff that Ron Paul talks about because we are electing a president not a king, he would never have the political support to get tha… --- ## [Is Mitt too out of touch or is this nothing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mitt-too-out-of-touch-or-is-this-nothing/617098)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2012, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mitt-too-out-of-touch-or-is-this-nothing/617098 "2012-04-05T22:17:01Z")
Mitt Romney seems to have a problem saying things that emphasize either his wealth or his disconnect with average American thinking. I don’t think the majority of his wealth gaffes (multiple Cadillacs, “I like to fire p… --- ## [Obama clinches Democratic nomination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-clinches-democratic-nomination/617763)
**Author:** [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2012, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-clinches-democratic-nomination/617763 "2012-04-05T16:50:09Z")
It was a long, tough struggle, but hard work and perseverance have paid off for Obama. The results today from Maryland and the District of Columbia have put him over the top. --- ## [Why don't the Democrats grow a backbone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-democrats-grow-a-backbone/616745)
**Author:** [@2ManyTacos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2ManyTacos)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2012, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-democrats-grow-a-backbone/616745 "2012-04-04T16:43:08Z")
Just gonna reference this article: “At least at this point in the story of the healthcare law, just ahead of the US Supreme Court arguments next week, one side has made a much bigger investment toward winning the argume… --- ## [Rick Sancornum vs Mitt Hominey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rick-sancornum-vs-mitt-hominey/617518)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2012, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rick-sancornum-vs-mitt-hominey/617518 "2012-04-02T21:23:24Z")
Who has the public’s ear? --- ## [Bradford West By Election - Galloway wins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bradford-west-by-election-galloway-wins/617249)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2012, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bradford-west-by-election-galloway-wins/617249 "2012-04-02T17:30:45Z")
Well how 'bout that. The Beeb’s man says that Bradford’s a bit of a weird constituency, constantly defying national trends (swung towards Tories while still Labour in early 2000s, and swung towards Labour in 2010), but … --- ## [Effect of the Supreme Court on ACA on the election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-the-supreme-court-on-aca-on-the-election/616982)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-the-supreme-court-on-aca-on-the-election/616982 "2012-04-02T17:01:37Z")
So a lot of people are reading “the individual mandate is in huge trouble, and thus the ACA, and thus Obama himself” into the proceedings at the Supreme Court today. It seems so hard to say, because depending entirely o… --- ## [Meanwhile in Queensland...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meanwhile-in-queensland/616686)
**Author:** [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2012, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meanwhile-in-queensland/616686 "2012-04-01T00:27:30Z")
That is an Australian State. The Labor Govt has been wiped out in an election that has seen it lose so many seats that it may not retain a party status (means loss of cars, secretarial support, all that sort of thing). T… --- ## [Rasmussen: Americans favor tax that is flat and progressive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rasmussen-americans-favor-tax-that-is-flat-and-progressive/616041)
**Author:** [@New\_Deal\_Democrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/New_Deal_Democrat)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2012, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rasmussen-americans-favor-tax-that-is-flat-and-progressive/616041 "2012-03-28T09:19:33Z")
Thursday, March 15, 2012 Most Americans continue to think the middle class pays more than its share in taxes and favor a system where everyone pays the same percentage of their income. Friday, February 17, 2012 Vote… --- ## [Running Against Gov. Etch-A-Sketch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-against-gov-etch-a-sketch/616416)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2012, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-against-gov-etch-a-sketch/616416 "2012-03-28T02:35:35Z")
I’m soooo looking forward to seeing this clip used in commercials. CNN interviewer: “Is there a concern that Santorum and Gingrich might force the governor to tack so far to the right it would hurt him with moderate vot… --- ## [What "Perfect Storm" Circumstances Could Make Individual Southern States Go Blue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-perfect-storm-circumstances-could-make-individual-southern-states-go-blue/615790)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2012, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-perfect-storm-circumstances-could-make-individual-southern-states-go-blue/615790 "2012-03-27T15:26:37Z")
General wisdom is that the GOP can count on winning the South in a Presidential Election. The inevitability of the South’s Electoral Votes, however, only goes to insure defeat when such circumstances arise that the “inev… --- ## [Is Santorum \*trying\* to lose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-santorum-trying-to-lose/616182)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2012, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-santorum-trying-to-lose/616182 "2012-03-25T00:58:18Z")
Look, I won’t be voting for Santorum no matter what. Accept that up front. But I expect someone playing at this fucking level to at least have the basics down. But in the past month he’s apparently worked hard on alie… --- ## [Birthers launch a new attack - on Romney](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birthers-launch-a-new-attack-on-romney/616613)
**Author:** [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2012, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birthers-launch-a-new-attack-on-romney/616613 "2012-03-24T19:47:11Z")
At first I thought this was a spoof but no, apparently a group of Birthers have demanded that California confirm Mitt’s eligibility for office because, well… So at least it’s not just a race thing with them, I suppose. … --- ## [Is Secret Service protection "Welfare"? Ron Paul says it is.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-secret-service-protection-welfare-ron-paul-says-it-is/616499)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-secret-service-protection-welfare-ron-paul-says-it-is/616499 "2012-03-23T19:22:11Z")
He says it here. Isn’t protecting the President and his/her family a matter of national security? Considering how expensive it is, do we really only want men and women with vast wealth to consider the office? I think … --- ## [Does Mitt Romney have a problem with the truth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-mitt-romney-have-a-problem-with-the-truth/615537)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2012, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-mitt-romney-have-a-problem-with-the-truth/615537 "2012-03-22T13:25:13Z")
Rick Santorum thinks so. He says Romney, "went out and didn’t tell the truth… He repeatedly had big government solutions and then went out and told the public bold face he didn’t.” http://www.nationaljournal.com/2012-p… --- ## [Mitt Romney is a Socialist ComMormon!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-romney-is-a-socialist-commormon/615967)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2012, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitt-romney-is-a-socialist-commormon/615967 "2012-03-21T17:51:53Z")
Does America really know anything about this man’s LDS Church and its history?! Law of Consecration: It’s good to be the Prophet . . . United Order: Yeah, right, they’ll tell us that, but we know they haven’t reall… --- ## [Brokered GOP convention?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brokered-gop-convention/613202)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2012, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brokered-gop-convention/613202 "2012-03-21T11:41:51Z")
Several pundits have been suggesting it may happen. Realistic speculation? While none of the "not-Romney"s have great electability, the fact that one or another of them keeps coming up even or ahead of him, despite his… --- ## [Romney, Santorum, Gingrich, Paul, tomorrow night's CNN debate, and Super Tuesday](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-santorum-gingrich-paul-tomorrow-nights-cnn-debate-and-super-tuesday/613546)
**Author:** [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2012, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-santorum-gingrich-paul-tomorrow-nights-cnn-debate-and-super-tuesday/613546 "2012-03-21T03:40:04Z")
That pretty much sums it up. --- ## [Put a fork in McCain: He's forked](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/put-a-fork-in-mccain-hes-forked/609558)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2012, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/put-a-fork-in-mccain-hes-forked/609558 "2012-03-21T01:15:35Z")
How’s McCain going to recover from this one-- “Rick Santorum: John McCain a fiscal fraud.” Santorum is really going for the jugular on this one. He’s not taking any chances anymore. So all you McCain supporters, how do… --- ## [Will Christie be re-elected in NJ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-christie-be-re-elected-in-nj/613628)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2012, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-christie-be-re-elected-in-nj/613628 "2012-03-19T23:14:44Z")
He’s not running this year (I think 2014? Or next year?) Who are his likely opponents? Strengths and weaknesses? WIll his unpopularity translate into a loss? Is he better off not running than risking a loss (in terms… --- ## [How Afraid are All the Democrats. . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-afraid-are-all-the-democrats/615671)
**Author:** [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2012, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-afraid-are-all-the-democrats/615671 "2012-03-19T15:52:33Z")
. . . that flood this board of Obama’s falling poll numbers? You guys seem to be pretty much in denial about everything else, how are you rationalizing this? --- ## [Wisconsin Republicans lose control of state senate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wisconsin-republicans-lose-control-of-state-senate/616018)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2012, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wisconsin-republicans-lose-control-of-state-senate/616018 "2012-03-17T15:57:56Z")
… with the resignation of Pam Galloway, effective tomorrow. The senate will be split 16-16 among Republicans and Democrats, meaning that is it unlikely Governor Walker will get any more legislation through before his re… --- ## [What about the paleoconservative crowd?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-about-the-paleoconservative-crowd/614855)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2012, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-about-the-paleoconservative-crowd/614855 "2012-03-17T12:12:55Z")
You know, the Pat-Buchananites, the America-Firsters, The American Conservative readers, the anti-immigration border-hawks, military isolationists, trade-protectionists, anti-Wall-Street economic-populists – which of the… --- ## [Are Republicans That Afraid of Limbaugh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-republicans-that-afraid-of-limbaugh/615018)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2012, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-republicans-that-afraid-of-limbaugh/615018 "2012-03-17T07:51:44Z")
Santorum makes the case that Limbaugh is an entertainer, therefore, Limbaugh has the right to call people names. Romney initially makes no comment, and only comments after Limbaugh himself “apologizes.” Bachmann refuse… --- ## [Obama's 17-minute campaign ad on YouTube](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-17-minute-campaign-ad-on-youtube/615930)
**Author:** [@With\_Rye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/With_Rye)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2012, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-17-minute-campaign-ad-on-youtube/615930 "2012-03-17T03:54:33Z")
Narrated by Tom Hanks! It’s too polished for my tastes. Lots of still shots of him looking somber and thoughtful. It hits the main points though, with a nice graph of job numbers before and after he took office. --- ## [Who is Newt trying to screw by staying in the race?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-newt-trying-to-screw-by-staying-in-the-race/615818)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2012, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-newt-trying-to-screw-by-staying-in-the-race/615818 "2012-03-17T00:42:37Z")
Romney? The Republican establishment? His new girlfriend? He is really screwing Rick Santorum, and I imagine that Romney is praying to his sacred underwear every night for Newt to stay in. What is Newt thinking? IS … --- ## [Can someone explain why it is controversial that Obama hugged Derrick Bell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-why-it-is-controversial-that-obama-hugged-derrick-bell/615140)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 203\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2012, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-why-it-is-controversial-that-obama-hugged-derrick-bell/615140 "2012-03-16T23:46:17Z")
I just don’t get it, but maybe that’s because I’m a pointy-headed ivory tower liberal. I know liberals all over Twitter have been having a good laugh over this nontroversy, but surely there’s some angle here or Hannity … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=306) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=308)