# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=312 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 313 --- ## [Ron Paul, pros/cons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ron-paul-pros-cons/608888)
**Author:** [@FixMyIgnorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FixMyIgnorance)\ **Replies:** 289\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2012, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ron-paul-pros-cons/608888 "2012-01-13T23:51:57Z")
Fairly straightforward question. It’s hard for me to distinguish which views are insane and which views are reasonable. I’m a staunch atheist, if that gives anyone any idea as to how I view the universe. I’m a man of f… --- ## [Republican Debate in NH-1/7](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-debate-in-nh-1-7/608788)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2012, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republican-debate-in-nh-1-7/608788 "2012-01-13T23:06:24Z")
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/ Watch here. Already had a few notable movements. Ron Paul is having a great day right now. He had a smackdown on Gingrich on avoiding military service (I was married with two kids a… --- ## [Which Candidate Are You Most Like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-candidate-are-you-most-like/609367)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2012, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-candidate-are-you-most-like/609367 "2012-01-13T21:36:17Z")
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/candidate-match-game Huntsman 7/11 73.4% Romney 4/11 53.4% Gingrich 3/11 46.8% Can the thread title be changed to “most like” --- ## [What did Mitt do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-mitt-do/609283)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2012, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-mitt-do/609283 "2012-01-13T16:28:09Z")
I’m not that familiar with what Mitt did at Bain capital. Was hea corporate raider, doing leveraged buyouts, bleeding the company dry, selling off crown jewels and leaving teh husk? Did he take companies private, reha… --- ## [Candidates' Tax Plans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/candidates-tax-plans/609355)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2012, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/candidates-tax-plans/609355 "2012-01-13T02:57:25Z")
http://www.atr.org/candidates-2012.html I’m surprised at the essentially pro-status quo view of Ron Paul on income and corporate taxes. I also find it curious that everybody but Huntsman supports higher taxes on small b… --- ## [Undecided Voters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/undecided-voters/609276)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2012, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/undecided-voters/609276 "2012-01-12T21:18:20Z")
I have been listening to the Republican primary coverage on CNN and one of the things I here a lot about is how the undecided voters and how they broke helped to decide the outcome in Iowa and New Hampshire, and how many… --- ## [Losing candidates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/losing-candidates/609196)
**Author:** [@biddee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/biddee)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2012, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/losing-candidates/609196 "2012-01-12T17:18:59Z")
Is there a specific reason losing candidates don’t offer themselves up for re-election (presidential). For example why didn’t John Kerry come back as a Democratic party hopeful in 2008? He came incredibly close to defeat… --- ## [Which Candidates Do You Support](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-candidates-do-you-support/608792)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2012, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-candidates-do-you-support/608792 "2012-01-12T03:19:05Z")
In order: Jon Huntsman Mitt Romney Newt Gingrich Buddy Roemer Rick Perry Everybody Else --- ## [The conservatives should have drafted Huckabee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-conservatives-should-have-drafted-huckabee/609081)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2012, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-conservatives-should-have-drafted-huckabee/609081 "2012-01-11T21:45:34Z")
So the conservatives were all excited about Michele Bachman then, Rick Perry, then Herman Cain, and now Rick Santorum and each case (other than Rick Santorum) they have come to realize how deeply flawed their candidates … --- ## [New Hampshire primary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-hampshire-primary/608786)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2012, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-hampshire-primary/608786 "2012-01-11T18:21:01Z")
According to Reuters, Hunstman (!) and Santorum are gaining ground, but Romney still leads. Gingrich is not mentioned. --- ## [Michele Bachman halts Presidential campaign](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michele-bachman-halts-presidential-campaign/608390)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2012, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michele-bachman-halts-presidential-campaign/608390 "2012-01-10T22:14:11Z")
An action that surprises absolutely nobody. Bachman is batshit crazy thinking she could be a candidate, much less get elected. --- ## [How much damage will the Gingrich-Santorum pact do to Mitt Romney?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-damage-will-the-gingrich-santorum-pact-do-to-mitt-romney/608567)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2012, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-damage-will-the-gingrich-santorum-pact-do-to-mitt-romney/608567 "2012-01-10T22:11:00Z")
The conventional wisdom is that Romney has an open route to the nomination. But Gingrich has sworn to do what he can to destroy Romney’s chances while leaving Santorum out of it. Intrade wagers say Romney will still wi… --- ## [Conservatives don't think they can't win](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-dont-think-they-cant-win/608505)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-dont-think-they-cant-win/608505 "2012-01-10T19:31:27Z")
The majority of Romney supporters say they picked Romeny primarily because he was the most electable. Many of these folks are self identified conservatives. In other words, they, much like Romney are willing to put asi… --- ## [Santorum's wife had an abortion?!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorums-wife-had-an-abortion/608438)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2012, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorums-wife-had-an-abortion/608438 "2012-01-10T13:49:31Z")
Santorum: Our abortion was different I did not know that. How is he still considered such a strong anti-abortion candidate, and not a massive hypocrite? --- ## [Santorum doesn't think people should use birth control, even married couples!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorum-doesnt-think-people-should-use-birth-control-even-married-couples/608491)
**Author:** [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2012, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/santorum-doesnt-think-people-should-use-birth-control-even-married-couples/608491 "2012-01-10T13:44:43Z")
Link. Dude, do you want to occupy the White House, or what? Here’s a tip, taking positions that easily 90% of the public and even most of your base opposes ain’t gonna get you there. Wotta nut. --- ## [Scenario: Liberals and the non-GOP Right](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scenario-liberals-and-the-non-gop-right/608827)
**Author:** [@Blode0322](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blode0322)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2012, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scenario-liberals-and-the-non-gop-right/608827 "2012-01-10T13:15:19Z")
This question is for liberal Democrats and anyone else who can put themselves in their mindset. Imagine an unusual sort of politician for either party, respected but not famous. Named Pat. I’m not specifying gender, p… --- ## [Gingrich, We Hardly Knew Ye. .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gingrich-we-hardly-knew-ye/584898)
**Author:** [@Profound\_Gibberish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Profound_Gibberish)\ **Replies:** 264\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2012, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gingrich-we-hardly-knew-ye/584898 "2012-01-10T04:30:14Z")
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43343808/ns/politics-decision\_2012/ I was going to post a thread this morning titled “Where the Hell is Gingrich,” but I had to like, work and stuff. I check the news and whammo! Is there a… --- ## [Loyalty oath in Virginia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loyalty-oath-in-virginia/607903)
**Author:** [@zoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoo)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2012, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loyalty-oath-in-virginia/607903 "2012-01-09T21:11:28Z")
They want a loyalty oath to vote in the primary? Are they afraid of some kind of “Operation Chaos”? --- ## [Can the GOP Nomination Go To the Convention?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-gop-nomination-go-to-the-convention/608793)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2012, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-gop-nomination-go-to-the-convention/608793 "2012-01-09T21:05:41Z")
If both Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich win enough states to deny Mitt Romney a majority of delegates without getting a majority of themselves can the nominating contest go all the way to the convention? --- ## [Voter ID laws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voter-id-laws/606256)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2012, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voter-id-laws/606256 "2012-01-09T13:11:39Z")
I have NewsHour on. Lot of snit about voting rights/voting fraud in the US. You know the stereotypes, Democrats want to pack ballot boxes, while Republicans want to exclude undesirables from voting at all. 10% of count… --- ## [How exactly did the NHS devastate the U.K.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-did-the-nhs-devastate-the-u-k/608492)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2012, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-did-the-nhs-devastate-the-u-k/608492 "2012-01-09T07:13:57Z")
The BBC have Santorum saying that the NHS devastated the U.K. Has he expanded on that anywhere? Simple maths will tell you that the NHS costs about £1500 / $2250 per person per year, which is vastly less than Americans… --- ## [Explain How Any GOP Candidate Is More Sincere Than Scott Walker \[edited title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-how-any-gop-candidate-is-more-sincere-than-scott-walker-edited-title/608356)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2012, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-how-any-gop-candidate-is-more-sincere-than-scott-walker-edited-title/608356 "2012-01-08T18:20:56Z")
I know these guys all seem to have such charming and interesting differences. But once a GOP nominee is chosen, don’t you think they will be put through the sausage factory and become the generic GOP product that discern… --- ## [A Tale of Two Presidential Candidates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tale-of-two-presidential-candidates/608519)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2012, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tale-of-two-presidential-candidates/608519 "2012-01-08T02:15:09Z")
For a part of his life, Ron Paul openly associated with racist people and organizations. The most famous instance of this was his newsletters, published with his name in huge letters at the top. Lesser known are facts … --- ## [Iowa Caucuses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-caucuses/608326)
**Author:** [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Replies:** 159\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2012, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-caucuses/608326 "2012-01-07T18:20:37Z")
Interesting start. Very tight between Paul, Romney, and Santorum. Bachmann and Perry are toast. Could be a shocker for Santorum. Romney finishing third would have to be a huge disappointment for him. --- ## [What's the skinny on the candidates in the Iowa caucuses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-skinny-on-the-candidates-in-the-iowa-caucuses/608313)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2012, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-skinny-on-the-candidates-in-the-iowa-caucuses/608313 "2012-01-07T00:09:17Z")
I’m an ignorant foreigner - looking down a list of six names - one of whom could be the next president of the United States - I realise I know next to nothing about them. Why am I bothered? Because when America sneezes, … --- ## [The split-screen nature of the 24-hour news cycle and what it means for the 2012 election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-split-screen-nature-of-the-24-hour-news-cycle-and-what-it-means-for-the-2012-election/608520)
**Author:** [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2012, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-split-screen-nature-of-the-24-hour-news-cycle-and-what-it-means-for-the-2012-election/608520 "2012-01-06T23:07:51Z")
Yesterday, before work, I was having lunch and watching CNN. It was in the afternoon. I glanced at the flatscreen TV and saw the President. I then went to order my lunch. When I sat down to watch the President, I saw Joh… --- ## [SC voter ID law shot down](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sc-voter-id-law-shot-down/607222)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 485\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2012, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sc-voter-id-law-shot-down/607222 "2012-01-06T05:19:53Z")
I’m posting this in the Elections forum, because it’s about voting. South Carolina’s new voter ID law was shut down by the Justice Department today; it seems that South Carolina has a past history of disenfranchising mi… --- ## [Yes, Iowa Democrats ARE caucusing....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-iowa-democrats-are-caucusing/608201)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2012, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yes-iowa-democrats-are-caucusing/608201 "2012-01-05T17:02:54Z")
Just in case you were wondering: http://thecaucuses.com/yourcaucus.php --- ## [Rick Perry anti-gay ad FAIL.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rick-perry-anti-gay-ad-fail/608360)
**Author:** [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2012, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rick-perry-anti-gay-ad-fail/608360 "2012-01-05T08:04:52Z")
You can’t make this shit up. Has this been posted elsewhere? If not, feel free to LOL now. --- ## [Let's start a PAC!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-start-a-pac/608071)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2012, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-start-a-pac/608071 "2012-01-04T21:27:52Z")
New year, full of possibility, including lots of possible suck. I think I’ll start a Political Action Committee. FEC guidelines available here: I don’t think I’ll call it DoperPAC, but I see how one could. What woul… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=311) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=313)