The "Obama" of 2016

[Balta1701]

Bayh basically quit the Senate because he thought things were too polarized. I doubt things have gotten any better in his eyes.

He then became a registered lobbyist, Fox News contributor, joined a private equity firm, and also registered as a lobbyist on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

 

So yeah, he really cared about none of that.

[Balta1701]

Elizabeth Warren just doesn't have enough of a national constituency at this point.

According to everyone who knows her she had to be drug kicking and screaming into the Senate run. It seems extremely unlikely she'd have the desire to go through with a national race. I wouldn't blame her one bit if she felt she'd gone as far as she wants to go.

[DukeNukeEm]

My summation of Duke's views:

 

"If I personally enjoy something, the government should pay for it. All other things should be privatized"

 

Great stuff.

Want me to summarize yours real quick?

 

Other people need to buy my food, shelter and healthcare. Ban anyone who doesn't agree.

 

You and Tex should get a room at the Motel 6.

[Balta1701]

You and Tex should get a room at the Motel 6.

Ha! I get it! You called them homosexuals! That's so hilarious! What a great and innovative and wonderful joke!

[caulfield12]

This is starting to become the plot of a very bad episode of Modern Family.

Edited November 15, 2013 by caulfield12

[mr_genius]

Seriously? If you took the blinders off and looked past the Fox narrative, and looked at policy stances, you'd see it.

 

Fiscal policy? Reagan wanted to cut taxes, and did, but he also increased spending pretty dramatically. Furthermore, he was basically the pioneer of block grants to the states. Huntsman's tax plans called for far deeper cuts in taxes AND government spending than Reagan even ever hinted at.

 

Immigration policy? Reagan was in favor of amnesty, and basically starting over. Huntsman wanted, to a limited extent, to remove lots of people (he was never in on the send-them-all-back train though).

 

Foreign Policy? Huntsman was close to libertarian in his views on this, wanted the US to significantly roll back the war machine. Reagan loved the idea of making the military bigger, to intimidate the Soviets and push them off the map economically through competition (and to Reagan's credit, this actually worked, as part of what caused the USSR's collapse). In the current GOP world, it is hard to say which of those are more "conservative", since the Tea Party has this unspoken alamgam of the Rand Paul's and the Neo-Cons. So draw whatever you'd like here.

 

On social issues they were basically the same on abortion, affirmative action. Huntsman did break ranks on gay marriage, but really, there is nothing to compare with Reagan on that because the issue was never large enough to be on the radar during his Presidency.

 

Regulation? Reagan talked about making things better for small businesses, but that was primarily about tax structures. The amount of new business regulations that went in during the Reagan administration is huge. Huntsman made an emphasis of trying to focus on regulating fewer things, better.

 

The environment? This is a tough one to compare. Huntsman did break ranks again by acknowledging anthropogenic climate change... but his way of addressing it was heavily market-based. Reagan also was more into environmental protection than his cohorts at the time, and he oversaw large amounts of new protected lands being added to the system and more regulation of pollution - both of which are now the more "liberal" methods.

 

Need I go on?

 

Your analysis is foolish. I wondered why you love Huntsman so much, then I recently discovered that he is very active on MSNBC (I believe some of his family even works there). NorthsideSox72, rather than watching MSNBC all day and parroting DNC talking points and ranting about the Republicans, put the remote down... read a book, perhaps do some charity, anything will be better than what you are doing. You need inner peace.

 

Anyways, here is the real Converservative comparison between Huntsman and Reagan

 

1) Patriotism: Conservatives like to consider themselves patriotic. Loony Huntsman on the other hand is an extremist. When asked about Americans losing their jobs, he started speaking Chinese and bragging about how China is superior and that he goes to China all the time. That is not patriotism. Reagan was a beacon of patriotism. America and Apple pie.

 

2) Religion: Most "Conservatives" are religious within a framework of what is the current norm. That's pretty much a standard of "conservatives" everywhere; they want to conserve the way things are. Huntsman is a member of what many would consider a loony outsider cult. That certainly isn't conservative. Reagan stated that he believed in what is the religious norm in America at the time (Christianity). A conservative move.

 

3) Taxes: Conservatives support lower taxes, Reagan sure did. Huntsman wants to increase taxes on the middle class. This one is a no-brainer on who is more conservative. Reagan wins this round easily.

 

4) Immigration: Reagan did give out Amnesty, which is not conservative. Huntsman wants to replace U.S. workers with overseas guest workers. But what Reagan did is a more conservative move in comparison, Huntsman is just loony on immigration. Reagan wins again.

 

I could go on, but I won't. I think you know I'm right

Edited November 15, 2013 by mr_genius

[NorthSideSox72]

He then became a registered lobbyist, Fox News contributor, joined a private equity firm, and also registered as a lobbyist on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

 

So yeah, he really cared about none of that.

 

What an odd leap to make. Why can't he dislike the polarization in the Senate, but still want to be involved in politics? Just not as a Senator?

 

Your analysis is foolish. I wondered why you love Huntsman so much, then I recently discovered that he is very active on MSNBC (I believe some of his family even works there). NorthsideSox72, rather than watching MSNBC all day and parroting DNC talking points and ranting about the Republicans, put the remote down... read a book, perhaps do some charity, anything will be better than what you are doing. You need inner peace.

 

Anyways, here is the real Converservative comparison between Huntsman and Reagan

 

1) Patriotism: Conservatives like to consider themselves patriotic. Loony Huntsman on the other hand is an extremist. When asked about Americans losing their jobs, he started speaking Chinese and bragging about how China is superior and that he goes to China all the time. That is not patriotism. Reagan was a beacon of patriotism. America and Apple pie.

 

2) Religion: Most "Conservatives" are religious within a framework of what is the current norm. That's pretty much a standard of "conservatives" everywhere; they want to conserve the way things are. Huntsman is a member of what many would consider a loony outsider cult. That certainly isn't conservative. Reagan stated that he believed in what is the religious norm in America at the time (Christianity). A conservative move.

 

3) Taxes: Conservatives support lower taxes, Reagan sure did. Huntsman wants to increase taxes on the middle class. This one is a no-brainer on who is more conservative. Reagan wins this round easily.

 

4) Immigration: Reagan did give out Amnesty, which is not conservative. Huntsman wants to replace U.S. workers with overseas guest workers. But what Reagan did is a more conservative move in comparison, Huntsman is just loony on immigration. Reagan wins again.

 

I could go on, but I won't. I think you know I'm right

 

Haha, this is awesome. I love mr_genius.

 

[Balta1701]

What an odd leap to make. Why can't he dislike the polarization in the Senate, but still want to be involved in politics? Just not as a Senator?

That's great. Go ahead and do so.

 

There are likely a variety of ways for a person to be involved in politics that don't involve making the polarization you just decried worse by acting as a registered lobbyist.

[southsider2k5]

That's great. Go ahead and do so.

 

There are likely a variety of ways for a person to be involved in politics that don't involve making the polarization you just decried worse by acting as a registered lobbyist.

 

I already think Bayh is worthless anyway, so I don't think any worse of him for showing more hypocrisy.

[Balta1701]

I already think Bayh is worthless anyway, so I don't think any worse of him for showing more hypocrisy.

I can accept that assessment.

[caulfield12]

Your analysis is foolish. I wondered why you love Huntsman so much, then I recently discovered that he is very active on MSNBC (I believe some of his family even works there). NorthsideSox72, rather than watching MSNBC all day and parroting DNC talking points and ranting about the Republicans, put the remote down... read a book, perhaps do some charity, anything will be better than what you are doing. You need inner peace.

 

Anyways, here is the real Converservative comparison between Huntsman and Reagan

 

1) Patriotism: Conservatives like to consider themselves patriotic. Loony Huntsman on the other hand is an extremist. When asked about Americans losing their jobs, he started speaking Chinese and bragging about how China is superior and that he goes to China all the time. That is not patriotism. Reagan was a beacon of patriotism. America and Apple pie.

 

2) Religion: Most "Conservatives" are religious within a framework of what is the current norm. That's pretty much a standard of "conservatives" everywhere; they want to conserve the way things are. Huntsman is a member of what many would consider a loony outsider cult. That certainly isn't conservative. Reagan stated that he believed in what is the religious norm in America at the time (Christianity). A conservative move.

 

3) Taxes: Conservatives support lower taxes, Reagan sure did. Huntsman wants to increase taxes on the middle class. This one is a no-brainer on who is more conservative. Reagan wins this round easily.

 

4) Immigration: Reagan did give out Amnesty, which is not conservative. Huntsman wants to replace U.S. workers with overseas guest workers. But what Reagan did is a more conservative move in comparison, Huntsman is just loony on immigration. Reagan wins again.

 

I could go on, but I won't. I think you know I'm right

 

 

 

Ummmm....he was the Ambassador to China, it's customary for anyone living/working in a foreign country, let alone representing the United States, to learn some of the local language. That's just about being respectful.

 

I guess it's patriotic to belittle anyone who speaks another language other than English these days.

 

He went to China all the time because that was his job, lol. His daughter was supposedly dating Bo Xilai's son.

 

 

 

Finally, I think you'll find most Mormons are more "conservative" in terms of social issues than the average Christian in the United States.

 

Many don't drink alcohol...there is a strong moral condemnation of women having children outside of marriage, etc.

 

You can call it a cult, just like Scientology, but the fact is that most of their moral beliefs are very extreme compared to the mainstream (this is where the whole polygamy argument will be thrown out, which covers about 0.005% of Mormons in the United States and abroad).

Edited November 15, 2013 by caulfield12

[southsider2k5]

I can accept that assessment.

 

Being fully honest, I never bought the reason he stated as why he stepped away. I still think there was either more to the residency thing, or something else was going to get out on him.

[Jake]

Your analysis is foolish. I wondered why you love Huntsman so much, then I recently discovered that he is very active on MSNBC (I believe some of his family even works there). NorthsideSox72, rather than watching MSNBC all day and parroting DNC talking points and ranting about the Republicans, put the remote down... read a book, perhaps do some charity, anything will be better than what you are doing. You need inner peace.

 

Anyways, here is the real Converservative comparison between Huntsman and Reagan

 

1) Patriotism: Conservatives like to consider themselves patriotic. Loony Huntsman on the other hand is an extremist. When asked about Americans losing their jobs, he started speaking Chinese and bragging about how China is superior and that he goes to China all the time. That is not patriotism. Reagan was a beacon of patriotism. America and Apple pie.

 

2) Religion: Most "Conservatives" are religious within a framework of what is the current norm. That's pretty much a standard of "conservatives" everywhere; they want to conserve the way things are. Huntsman is a member of what many would consider a loony outsider cult. That certainly isn't conservative. Reagan stated that he believed in what is the religious norm in America at the time (Christianity). A conservative move.

 

3) Taxes: Conservatives support lower taxes, Reagan sure did. Huntsman wants to increase taxes on the middle class. This one is a no-brainer on who is more conservative. Reagan wins this round easily.

 

4) Immigration: Reagan did give out Amnesty, which is not conservative. Huntsman wants to replace U.S. workers with overseas guest workers. But what Reagan did is a more conservative move in comparison, Huntsman is just loony on immigration. Reagan wins again.

 

I could go on, but I won't. I think you know I'm right

 

Reagan shifted the tax burden to the middle class - his tax cuts benefited the highest earners much more than any other income group, with the effects being moderated more and more as you move down the income ladder. Lowest earners saw their tax rates increase significantly. He also shifted the spending burden to states, where tax rates had to go up to compensate - states are decidedly not progressive in their taxation, thus hammering the middle class even more.

 

 

 

see also:

http://taxfoundation.org/article/state-and...state-1977-2010

http://qz.com/74271/income-tax-rates-since-1913/

[mr_genius]

He then became a registered lobbyist, Fox News contributor, joined a private equity firm, and also registered as a lobbyist on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

 

So yeah, he really cared about none of that.

 

shady business on his part

[Reddy]

Honestly, that is everyone's view of government.

I don't have a car, i believe they should maintain roads.

[Reddy]

Want me to summarize yours real quick?

 

Other people need to buy my food, shelter and healthcare. Ban anyone who doesn't agree.

 

You and Tex should get a room at the Motel 6.

 

I love this kid. Hahaha

 

 

[Reddy]

any chance Bobby Jindal rears his head again? He's actually got a decent record to tout in LA the last few years.

[mr_genius]

any chance Bobby Jindal rears his head again? He's actually got a decent record to tout in LA the last few years.

 

He will.

[StrangeSox]

Being fully honest, I never bought the reason he stated as why he stepped away. I still think there was either more to the residency thing, or something else was going to get out on him.

 

I'm sure his paycheck is substantially larger.

[southsider2k5]

I'm sure his paycheck is substantially larger.

 

Bayh was born rich.

[Jake]

any chance Bobby Jindal rears his head again? He's actually got a decent record to tout in LA the last few years.

 

I remember when he said that Hurricane Katrina was an example of how you shouldn't involve the government in crises. Because, of course, there was apparently too much government involvement in the Katrina effort. Of course, he lives in a state where more people claim that Barack Obama screwed up Katrina than they say the same about George Bush.

 

He also recently tried to implement a plan that would abolish their state income tax while drastically increasing the state sales tax to compensate...which is stupid. It didn't pass, thankfully for non-rich Louisianans. He still says he wants to eliminate all corporate taxes. The latest poll (other than ones that his own consultants release) showed him with a 28 approve/59 disapproval rating within Louisiana.

 

He is anti-amnesty and pro-fence. He supports allowing teachers to teach intelligent design and has signed a bill into law permitting them to do so. He claimed to not want any stimulus funding before accepting a great deal of the funding allocated to his state. So far, he has refused Medicaid expansion, despite the fact it will cost his state nothing in the short term. The CBO estimates that over the next ten years, it may increases the state's expenditures by 2.8 percent, which does not include possible savings from emergency room visits by the uninsured.

 

Anti-abortion under all circumstances, unless the fetus unintentionally aborted while trying to save the mother. Has slashed education funding, both at the primary and post-secondary level. He has implemented a voucher program that has diverted funds away from public schools and is now going to be reviewed up by federal courts because it has disproportionately benefited white children to the extent that it seems to violate desegregation laws (by removing a lot of white kids from integrated public schools).

 

I don't really think he has much of a prayer

 

 

[Balta1701]

Bayh was born rich.

Yeah, because "they already are rich enough" is why the highest-income people in this country are happy to accept a tax increase.

[Reddy]

I remember when he said that Hurricane Katrina was an example of how you shouldn't involve the government in crises. Because, of course, there was apparently too much government involvement in the Katrina effort. Of course, he lives in a state where more people claim that Barack Obama screwed up Katrina than they say the same about George Bush.

 

He also recently tried to implement a plan that would abolish their state income tax while drastically increasing the state sales tax to compensate...which is stupid. It didn't pass, thankfully for non-rich Louisianans. He still says he wants to eliminate all corporate taxes. The latest poll (other than ones that his own consultants release) showed him with a 28 approve/59 disapproval rating within Louisiana.

 

He is anti-amnesty and pro-fence. He supports allowing teachers to teach intelligent design and has signed a bill into law permitting them to do so. He claimed to not want any stimulus funding before accepting a great deal of the funding allocated to his state. So far, he has refused Medicaid expansion, despite the fact it will cost his state nothing in the short term. The CBO estimates that over the next ten years, it may increases the state's expenditures by 2.8 percent, which does not include possible savings from emergency room visits by the uninsured.

 

Anti-abortion under all circumstances, unless the fetus unintentionally aborted while trying to save the mother. Has slashed education funding, both at the primary and post-secondary level. He has implemented a voucher program that has diverted funds away from public schools and is now going to be reviewed up by federal courts because it has disproportionately benefited white children to the extent that it seems to violate desegregation laws (by removing a lot of white kids from integrated public schools).

 

I don't really think he has much of a prayer

 

yeah amongst people with our points of view, but none of what you've mentioned will matter much to the majority of GOP voters