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The American Political Thread

947K views 22K replies 68 participants last post by  Vader101 
#1 ·
Something I've noted several times is that, while most of us agree it's important to be informed about Canadian politics and to be an engaged citizen, the fact is that Canadian politics are generally pretty boring (this can be a good thing, IMO). The Americans, on the other hand, have turned the dysfunction of their political system into an entertainment industry (although it appears Harper, et al., are determined to reduce the Canadian system to the same level).

So I thought I'd start a thread for discussion of the Reality TV show they call American Politics.

I'll start with this posting I saw on another forum, with respect to the Republican's policies on women's health care, especially with regard to contraception and abortion:
After years and years and years of specifically targeting homophobes, racists, bigots, religious zealots, anti-intellectuals and sociopaths why should we be at all shocked that the GOP picked up a ****load of misogynists along the way?
 
#1,581 ·
Bryanc seems the Scandavians have little trouble with that line drawing to the great benefit of the common weal - something in the water perhaps?? :rolleyes:
 
#1,583 ·
everyone ready for the big (non) event?

I predict a draw, with both sides declaring their candidate the winner.

After seeing some cnn interviews I gotta say, Ann Romney is one crazy looking lady.
We shall see. It shall be interesting to see what sorts of "zingers" Romney has memorized. He campaign manage told CNN that he has some good ones to knock Pres. Obama off his stride and to rattle him.
 
#1,586 ·
Mega-yawner.

Lots of people surprised that Obama didn't bring out the "47-percent" whammy... likely saving it for the next or final debate. Maybe trying to appear presidential and above all the controversies? In any event... booooorrrrrring. I'm also surprised that Obama didn't hit back at the Romney "$716-billion" cut to Medicare line, which non-partisan fact checkers have declared misleading at best. Perhaps explaining it would have taken more than the 2 minutes they were allotted?

On the twitter stream, one person summed up Obama's performance best: "he looked like he just need a strong cup of coffee..."
 
#1,587 ·
I think 10-1 is a serious stretch. Though Obama didn't take the opportunities he could have.

I'd say, it was a draw. Likely each respective side will consider 'their side' as the winner.
I still have my vote firmly committed to the None of the Above camp.
 
#1,588 ·
Mega-yawner.

I'm also surprised that Obama didn't hit back at the Romney "$716-billion" cut to Medicare line, which non-partisan fact checkers have declared misleading at best. Perhaps explaining it would have taken more than the 2 minutes they were allotted?
Some week-long vacation!

The $716 billion is dead accurate. Merely stating that you are going to cut it because you've suddenly become more efficient and magically, your cuts won't affect service is disingenuous. I can unilaterally declare that I will save 10 per cent of my budget by paying 10 per cent less for everything I buy. However, vendors will refuse to sell to me.
 
#1,589 ·
Good grief, what a debacle. Obama is the biggest disappointment tonight. He's unsure of himself, stammering, searching for responses and worse. Give Romney a win of 10-1.

That noted, I fear for the future of the USA under Romney.
As I've said, Obama is not fast on his feet without a teleprompter. I don't believe it was as bad as you say, but I believe Romney had the most to gain from this event--and he squeezed every drop out of it. Thankfully, he was no McCain.
 
#1,590 ·
Some week-long vacation!

The $716 billion is dead accurate. Merely stating that you are going to cut it because you've suddenly become more efficient and magically, your cuts won't affect service is disingenuous. I can unilaterally declare that I will save 10 per cent of my budget by paying 10 per cent less for everything I buy. However, vendors will refuse to sell to me.
Only to you. It;s been widely shown as completely and utterly false. Why people believe such lies is a mystery.

But then, I guess people will believe, just about anything!
 
#1,591 ·
Mega-yawner.

Lots of people surprised that Obama didn't bring out the "47-percent" whammy... likely saving it for the next or final debate. Maybe trying to appear presidential and above all the controversies? In any event... booooorrrrrring. I'm also surprised that Obama didn't hit back at the Romney "$716-billion" cut to Medicare line, which non-partisan fact checkers have declared misleading at best. Perhaps explaining it would have taken more than the 2 minutes they were allotted?

On the twitter stream, one person summed up Obama's performance best: "he looked like he just need a strong cup of coffee..."
I was rather surprised that Obama didn't hit on those items. I agree with you on the fact tat Obama looked like he needed a good cup of coffee.
 
#1,595 ·
The $716 billion is dead accurate. Merely stating that you are going to cut it because you've suddenly become more efficient and magically, your cuts won't affect service is disingenuous. I can unilaterally declare that I will save 10 per cent of my budget by paying 10 per cent less for everything I buy. However, vendors will refuse to sell to me.
so why doesn't the same train of thought follow when Ryan's budget plan makes a $770 billion cut to medicare? somehow that won't affect service? Both campaigns are proposing the same cut.

-----

Overall it was pretty even. Romney did better than most thought he would, so those lowered expectations have somehow been transformed into him "winning". Also pretty easy to do better in a debate when you deny what your campaign has been saying for the last 5 months and flip flop on key policy points.

Obama didn't bring his 'A' game, but has room to grow. Next debate I think we'll see a more aggressive demeanour to call out Romney's inconsistencies.
 
#1,598 ·
Good grief, what a debacle. Obama is the biggest disappointment tonight. He's unsure of himself, stammering, searching for responses and worse. Give Romney a win of 10-1.

That noted, I fear for the future of the USA under Romney.
I think 10-1 is a serious stretch. Though Obama didn't take the opportunities he could have.

I'd say, it was a draw. Likely each respective side will consider 'their side' as the winner.
Sadly, I agree with Sinc, but also with gt. I give it a Romney win at 4-1. Pres. Obama, as gt correctly contended in my opinion, did not take the opportunities he could of had, nor created these opportunities. He was too much the university professor and went on with too many facts and too much information. Of course, Romney was vague, which is exactly what he needed to be in the debate. We shall see how it plays out with the electorate. Paix, mes amis.
 
#1,599 · (Edited)
Every child who grew up with Big Bird is going to bed tonight with their middle finger pointing towards the Cayman Islands. :mad: :ptptptptp :-(
 
#1,600 ·
First, I think this was the warm up ... But Romney was probably 7 out of 10 tonight. He came across as human. Obama looked tired and if truth be known looks like he has Lyndon Syndrome. ( LBJ - tired of being Prez ). There were no big whacks, but body language said much ... You don't win a debate by nodding approval of your opponents points every 3 minutes like Obama did. And as for the moderator .... Get someone whose got some balls to keep these guys on track ....

Second , it was a weak format ... Lock them in a room and let them go at it, then you would see their true colours. I'm think the VP debate will have more fire.
 
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