I enjoyed watching Rudy and Mitt voice their strong opinions on gun control and a woman's right to choose. Their strong convictions on the subjects are inspiring and it is such a shame to see them backpedaling, now that they are contenders for the White House. However, how many of us, and the public in general, have changed their views on extreme matters, dear to this country, like... the war and this insane Administration, once viewed so positively by half of the country who voted him in. I know many Repubs have begun to question Bush's sanity and decision making - finally. We are all flip-floppers, to an extent. Perhaps we are just evolving, as are the candidates. Time will tell, I suppose.

Since both of these candidates take the side of Democrats on these two issues, isn't that a good thing?

Unless of course you believe they have truly changed that is .... but really - either way, that's good for the democrats right?

I mean, if they haven't changed you get a pro gun control or pro choice Republican ... if they have changed you didn't lose a thing since they are Republicans anyway and all the others will be pro life and against gun control. Right?

Certainly there are no democrats running (i.e. former Muslims, pro-war Senators etc.,) that have changed position on anything - right?

There are no former Muslims running. You've been suckered by Rush and Sean. Look it up.

But to your point... it doesn't matter specifically what they say or what they changed their position to. The point of the ads will be to switch back and forth between what they said then and what they are saying now. It will be an attack on integrity not issues.

And your final point of democrats never changing their positions? If Hillary wins this will be true. Her position(s) has always been to say whatever the polls seem to say her position should be. There has been absolutely no waffling or deviation from those position(s)!

“If Hillary wins this will be true. Her position(s) has always been to say whatever the polls seem to say her position should be. There has been absolutely no waffling or deviation from those position(s)!”

I think I heard Rush say that about her and Bill ten or fifteen years ago.

Assalamu Alikum,

I make it a point not to respond to bloggers; however, I feel in this case I must.

Barack Hussein Obama's father, also named Barack (Swahili for "One who is blessed by God," and perhaps via Arabic and Semitic roots related to the Hebrew baruch, "blessed") Obama, left his rural Luo-speaking village and his Muslim father to become an "agnostic" and study economics abroad.

His son, Barack Hussein Obama, was two when the elder Barack left the boy and his mother to return to Harvard University and then to Kenya, where he became a globe-traveling economist for the government.

Barack's mother later married yet another Muslim, Barack's step-father.

In addition to Barack Hussein Obama (whom you brought in to this discussion not I), Muslims believe we are ALL born Muslim. It is interesting that you assumed I was talking about Obama.

So, despite your error of assuming I was referring to Barack, due to ignorance and prejudice no doubt, I was actually referring to you JeffC. You were born a Muslim and have become an infidel.

Yaxshi Qoling

You said: “In addition to Barack Hussein Obama (whom you brought in to this discussion not I)” followed by: “It is interesting that you assumed I was talking about Obama.”

Look at my post or get someone close to you to read it for you. I never mentioned Obama. I said, “There are no former Muslims running. You've been suckered by Rush and Sean. Look it up.” Yes, I knew you were referring to Obama because you have been suckered and do not have the background to analyze the subject; but I did not mention him.

However, the stupidest thing was your writing this: “So, despite your error of assuming I was referring to Barack, due to ignorance and prejudice no doubt, I was actually referring to you JeffC. You were born a Muslim and have become an infidel.”

Stunningly silly.

However, I liked your parting phrase “Yaxshi Qoling”. Peace to you too brother. But Uzbek is not my forte; I like Latin.

Te futueo et caballum tuum.

Surpise, surprise, Surpise, you have a fondness for Obama.
Not that there is anything wrong with that. He's a democrat and of "true" african descent, via his absent father, so I'll let you have your say about that, however, my comments regarding Obama's drug use, was made for two purposes.

His prior drug use, which was more than experimental, happened to be more than causal use. I have no problems with his disavowment of the drugs now, and I believe that his prior indiscretions have no basis for disqualifying him for the Presidency. What I have a problem is that it was the Dems that used to use this sort of thing for their own fodder.

Supreme Court nominee Douglas Ginsberg withdrew his nomination for smoking pot many years before. The Democratic controlled Senate would hear no more on the matter. And of course, Bill Clinton, in his "triangulating" clintonesque style, merely said he never inhaled.

So my issue with Obama, and Hillary and Edwards, is their lack of experience. (Other than they are socialists.) They all have some legistlative experience, but none have any managerial experience whatsover. Unless you call firing the entire white house travel agency so that you can hire your friends to take it over, are credentials for management. Or hiring a bar tender/bouncer to be in charge of overseeing the FBI files on every Republican member of Congress is worthy of her resume.

Unfortunately, Obama's experience is even less than Hillary's. She at least rode the coat tails of Bill, and trust me, she ran more of the government than anyone is willing to admit. Look how well she ran the Monica Lewinski/Paula Jones ordeal.

So, Obama's drug history isn't that important, unless of course, you ocnsider what all the Democrats thought was important to Bush, i.e. DUI exposed on even of election, that occurred 25 years prior. Oops, am I not supposed to give you an answer that actually answers your question? Sorry, I'll just reply by using the talking points found on the Daily Kos website.

And the moment you find it necessary to take this conversation to a level, that I have already said was inappropriate, then that is the last time I'll reply. Dog out my facts, my candidates, my contradictions, but keep light hearted debate among political enthusiasts.

Thanks

If couples would just lay the ground rules like you have before they dive in, there would be far fewer fights due to unrealistic expectations. I'll show you what I mean:

You wrote:

"Dog out my facts, my candidates, my contradictions, but keep light hearted debate among political enthusiasts."

Young couples could apply it as such: Girl to guy: You can kid about my clothes, my tv shows, or my singing, but you say one thing about my weight and it's curtains!

Guy to girl: pick on my truck, my favorite boots, or the way I hog the remote, but you say one thing about my bald spot or my waist line and we'll be in separate beds.

I'll gladly abide by the ground rules. Please don't comment on my baldness.

You missed the mark here:

"Surpise, surprise, Surpise, you have a fondness for Obama.
Not that there is anything wrong with that. He's a democrat and of "true" african descent, via his absent father, so I'll let you have your say about that.."

If you notice my entry to Tug, I am a Bill Richardson guy followed by Obama, Edwards, and Biden. The reason I addressed your comments on Obama is he is an apples to apples comparison with our current republican president when it comes to use of controlled substance in their youth. How do I comment on things that haven't happened (Hillary spitting on troops and Durbin calling our troops Nazis)? And, of course, Obama doing lines in front of students. I'm not really sure why you cheapened your comments with those statements, but I felt the drug issue will be one that Obama must answer if he ends up the nominee. He'll also have to convince white voters that he won't think of himself as a black president, but simply The President. Rudy will have to answer the Judith Regan, Bernie Kerick, News Corp, and gun control questions (and those will be t u f f). Hillary will always have the ghost of her husband's legacy, good and bad. Romney, like it or not, will have to address his faith to give confidence to those who don't feel comfortable with a Mormon president. Fred is going to have to find some charisma because we need a coach that gives a better pep talk. And I think John Edwards should see Barry Bond's strength coach and start giving off a bit more testosterone to fend off the image Ann Coulter has made for him in conservative circles. A tatto might help; on his neck like Dave Navarro.

Hack

Hack, I want to like Bill Richardson, I really do. But have you heard the guy speak? He is without a doubt the most uninspiring speaker of any of the announced candidates. He doesn't mangle words like Bush, his speeches and responses are simply...bleh.

I think one of the unspoken (pun intended) requirements of the job of president is to be able to inspire the country. I don't see that with Richardson. In all other respects Richardson is a formidable candidate, he actually has substantial leadership experience. How he ever got that far given his lack of public speaking skills baffles me.

Somewhat related, have you heard Fred "Fredrick of Hollywood" Thompson speak? He's just as bad...sentences that trail off, meandering phrases that appeared cobbled together, etc. I winced at that speech he gave that was posted on YouTube when he whines that no one applauded him.

I like the inspirational ability of Barack Obama and the statement it would make to the world that we could elect a man that destroys our perceived stereotypes, but experience does weigh in as well. I really think the southern drawl hurts Edwards even though I like him quite a bit. It gives points he tries to make a somewhat nagging tone. I really like Joe Biden because he says what's on his mind, good or bad. I don't know if he could be as uniting as Barack or Bill. By the time this is said and done, I think we all will be so sick of debates and political adds that we'll vote just to make the adds go away!

Cheers

Kevin "Hack" King

Just like you Republicans to hate children and rather see them die than get help from a kind and generous politician like Hillary!

If you want to see some real pandering, check out this:

Huckabee at the NRA

I love the part where the angle sat on his bullet and guided it into the neck of the poor antelope.

Your Friend! J

I don't know Jeff, but I think these two examples are different.

Hillary's is exploiting a person's child's health to indulge the insecurities that many on the left share. I.E. health insurance, job security, having to work for a living or be responsible for one's own actions.

While Huckabee seemed to be merely agreeing with the principles of the NRA, for which he had already demonstrated a kindred spirit.

I may be wrong but the two seem different.

Huckabee is a cool cucumber though. He is a very gifted orator, and is charming and likable. Which immediately scares me. Novak says he's not really a conservative but just a Christian Right winger, which troubles me.

Otherwise, I like Fred.

If the Dems really wanted to win, I'd have probably picked Bill Richardson. Very knowledgable, likeable and a Governor. Hillary, Obama, and Edwards are all the Drive by Media's choice. The ABC ex-anchor, Simpson, just endorsed Hillary.

One has to admit, that for us political junkies, this year will give us something to argue about. It makes my heart pound.

For example, I bet you remember where you were when you heard the news that the Supreme Court decided to uphold the rule of law and stop the debacle called the Florida Re-count. I was in Helen walking down the street from the German model train building.

Yep, its going to be a year to remember. But then again, 2012 is not that far away, and even Newt is getting ready for that one already.

clicked it twice

Anybody thinking about voting for Hillary, read The Final Days, written by Barbara Olson.

Hope you're having a great day! I'll be quite honest, Tug. no tongue and cheek. I see the worst thing Hillary Clinton can do is have republicans continue to not support her if elected. That would give us the democratic version of what we have currently. But with Hillary as President, there would be no need for veto-proof resolutions to change to a support role in Iraq or begin full investigations on defense contracts and their unaccounted spending. The American people by and large have supported these two policy directions for 3 years now. I don't look at her as the "End of Days" candidate.

Tug, here is my honest fear. We currently are redeploying soldiers from Iraq because we do not have the physical bodies to sustain 160,000+ soldiers on the ground longer. Both Giuliani and Romney have tried to out macho one another on their willingness to deploy troops to Iran or conduct air raids. Exactly which troops are going to support and sustain this? And what is their exit strategy from war number three (because they will not end combat operations in Iraq if elected)? Tug, this seems to me to be much more of a Revelations moment than the prospect of Universal Healthcare.

What do you think?

Cheers, XXXs, and OOOOs

Kevin "Hack" King

Hack, I will never vote for Hillary. I believe in my heart that she will lie and connive to get whatever she wants.

As for the situation in Iraq, I have a nephew in the Navy and I worry about him. He has been in Iraq once and I pray he doesn't have to go back.

I don't have answers, but I do have hope. We have to have hope!

My fear is that some people will vote for someone because of their race or because they're male/female, not for the best candidate. I hope voters will do their research first.

I vote for the person not party affiliation.

What do you think of Mike Huckabee??

xxx's and ooo's to you too

Tug

He is an extremely likeable and honest guy. And he has the drive to stick with his diet! I don't have that.

I do think evolution (or acclimation) occurs. We differ on that. We agree on conservation. But we are far apart on Iraq. That is a deal breaker for me. Iwould not be upset if he is our next pres, but I'm a Bill Richardson, Obama, Edwards, Biden, Clinton guy in that order.

U R D BEST!

Kevin "Hack" King

Anybody know where Huckabee was educated?

_______________

Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of man.

A Baptist University in Arkansas. www.mikehuckabee.com

Southwestern Baptist Seminary. There were two schools.

Thanks. I had looked there (under "About Mike") and saw nothing. I went back and still did not see anything.

I would like to learn that he (a) shares my basic worldview/moral orientation but (b) is sophisticated enough to realize the realities of modern politics (and so would not view his candidacy as an opportunity to push through everything on the more conservative agenda.) If he can demonstrate balance and fairmindedness he might have a chance. (We're all sick and tired of Falwell-style religious strong-arm politics, I think.)

_______________

Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of man.

An evangelistic republican!

May I ask, who do you like? (besides yourself)

then send it to Billary Clinton. She'll pay for it!

He doesn't bother getting insurance to take care of his family or finding a way to pay for the treatment and then goes begging to the Hildabeast. Of course it only takes one phone call from her to get anybody cured of any disease. This ad shows exactly how shallow and pathetic her supporters are.

...that loyal Hilliaryites can be healed of disease by simply touching the hem of her garments?

Pandering and more pandering. This one is pretty low but the season is still young.
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That Huckabee ad was horrible - thanks for sharing! Chuck Norris looks like he's had too many botox injections and can barely get his words out, his mouth is so stiff. And the cheesey 'wild-wild-west' music is way over the top! I had some amount of respect for Huckabee, until I saw this ad. What a goof-ball.

Celebrities are running around endorsing anybody and everybody. Oprah is doing all she can for Obama. Hillary has half of hollywood endorsing her.

Huckabee just took it the next step further, but suggesting that he isn't as stiff shirted as we are "supposed" to think of our politicians. He has a sence of humor and just made a very memorable endorsement stand head and shoulders above all of the Hollywood moguls.

I'm not saying this is the only thing he should be doing, but for God's sake, how does a bit of tongue in cheek campaigning hurt his image?