Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:43:34 GMT

I'm not sure how Thompson can legitimately be labeled a "best player" considering he is not even a candidate at this point. So far all he has done is form an exploratory committee and write a few blogs. If he hasn't joined the game, he can't be a "best player" in it, at least to my way of thinking.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:46:31 GMT

Rumors have it that the fix is in with the Diebold Company, and Dubya will be named winner of the "Great Iowa Wrestle-Off Straw Poll".

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Mark Murray — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:47:43 GMT

Good point, Carrie. But given his second-place standing in most national polls, I consider him in that top tier (for now), even if he's not officially in the race yet.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Larry White Elkview, WV — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:51:50 GMT

It will be interesting to see where Dr. Paul places in this straw poll, the campaign has only purchased 800 tickets and is not providing buses for transportation. Any votes he gets over the 800 will show true support since that would be Iowa voters paying for their own tickets and transportation to vote for Dr. Paul.

The complaints about the Diebold machines (which have been decertified in several states) are coming from independent groups, not from the campaign itself. A side note: The GOP wants to charge $180,000 for a recount if a campaign wants one.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

PJ — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:52:36 GMT

"some of the best players (Giuliani, McCain, and Fred Thompson)"...whew...when Rudy (looks good in drag), John (bomb bomb Iran) & Fred (as seen on TV) are your best players.....you need jerry reminding the voters about Bill's BJ and taking cheap shots at Chelsea. The Republican party looks to be in serious disarray. Thanks GW! go jerri girl!

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Ricardo in California — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:53:39 GMT

"An important caveat about the straw poll: It's hardly a scientific poll, since the campaigns entice voters with free entrance fees, free food, and other goodies." Lets see, you have to pay someone to vote for you ....typical GOP ..... what a joke!

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

HMT-MI — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:55:42 GMT

Watching how slow Fred is in getting into this race he would not qualify as a first responder.Imagine if he was the president----not fast in his head or on his feet----would Jeri be running the government?

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Still Crazy After All These Years — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:10:59 GMT

Purple finger and Diebold Machines-"The One-Eyed One -Horned Flying Purple People Eater"-Sheb Wooley

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

TSP, New Hampshire — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:12:37 GMT

It all seems rather pointless to me...there is no way ANY Republican is going to win the presidency come November (unfortunately)

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:12:43 GMT

Why this thing gets the coverage it does is beyond me, when the Iowa Republican party admits its just a fundraiser.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Karen Young, NY, NY — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:13:36 GMT

Can someone explain to me why this is news? This is worst than an exhibition in that the candidates can actually fix the game buy providing $$ and transportation. What a joke, this is no competition

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Campbell — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:20:13 GMT

As of Aug 6th, the latest ABC/WP Ames Iowa poll shows Tancredo finishing second. Tancredo was the only candidate to receive first-place votes other than Romney. This was an Iowa poll taken by the 30 Republican Party officials representing all the counties in Iowa as well as the party's Central Committee. There have been a lot of misleading polls that have been thrown out by the media in the past 48 hours, but in politics that's typical hen it comes down to the wire. I'll keep my ear to the ground in Iowa for that's where it will count.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

John Galt — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:23:33 GMT

Can someone explain to me why Fred Thompson is so popular ? He's not done much politically the short time he was in Office, he's been a Lobbyist, and mediocre Actor. Does appearing in several TV shows and Movies qualify you to be a president ?

Is it really all about name recognition ?

Should MSNBC be doing a better job of publicizing more possible candidates ?

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Larry Walters, NV — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:24:47 GMT

PJ:

->>The Republican party looks to be in serious disarray.

Keep thinking that PJ. Keep thinking that. You, and many others that are thinking this way, are in for a big surprise.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

PJ — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:28:34 GMT

"Can someone explain to me why Fred Thompson is so popular ?" I believe that it simply illustrates how desparate GOPers are. George W has wiped out the GOP for the foreseeable future.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

bb — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:28:42 GMT

Half dead Fred is so popular because he is not the other guys and hes not even running! Boy, the repubs are in great shape. Thanks Tick brain.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

PJ — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:32:24 GMT

Larry: What's the big surprise? GW decaring marshall law, & cancelling the election? That wouldn't surprise me.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Desmond — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:36:51 GMT

Perhaps Fred is so popular because he gave to the Libby defense fund and thus supported one of Bush's insiders. Perhaps Fred is the one the President is really supporting. Perhaps Fred will continue the "New World Order" policy.Perhaps Fred is popular because he was a mole for the Nixon administration (Cheney was part of that Presidency). I still think this is the man the President will make sure gets the nomination.The fix is in.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

mikeeg,abdn,wa — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:39:04 GMT

I have noticed since school is out that there are a lot of 14 year old right wing bloggers about, good for them unfortunately the adult right wingers have never grown past the 14 year old stage themselves..

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

RG — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:42:38 GMT

Fred's popular because he's a known quantity on the right- "one of them". Imagine if Rush Limbaugh announced a 2008 candidacy. There'd be a groundswell. Doesn't mean that Rush would have the slightest qualifications to be president.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

AGdem Anchorage, AK — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:43:42 GMT

In my opinion, F.T. is the only one who has a chance of winning the rep-pri and the national electorial vote. Popular vote?

The GOP will do well, if only because the top tier dems are pretty ick, and the second tier dems cant raise the greeenbacks to get elected.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:53:44 GMT

John - I like him 'cause he was a badass in the movie FEDS. He played the director of the FBI training academy, and he cracked me up. I'd watch him in movies, but that doesn't mean I want to watch him making the State of the Union address.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

PJ — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:55:34 GMT

"unfortunately the adult right wingers have never grown past the 14 year old stage themselves.. "...that's because they flunked 8th grade social studies where you learn about the Constitution, checks & balances & the seperation of powers. The great heritage our our great nation.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Republican Forever — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:00:19 GMT

mikeeg,abdn,was: I have noticed since school is out that there are a lot of 14 year old right wing bloggers about, good for them unfortunately the adult right wingers have never grown past the 14 year old stage themselves

Very true. But we are trying to keep in dumbed down so even you can understand what's going on mike. Sadly, it appears we are still a couple years beyond your intellect.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Dave, Tn — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:01:40 GMT

One thing Republicans still have going for them is democrat stupidity. Democrat's support for Hillary is proof they not only don't mind being lied to, but prefer it.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Ichiro Aoki, San Clemente, CA — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:09:20 GMT

For reader's information:

Republican National Debates:
1- MSNBC Broadcast - May 3, 2007 - Simi Valley, California
On line poll: Ron Paul won
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18661804/

2- Fox News Broadcast - May 15, 2007 - Columbia, South Carolina
Phone poll: Ron Paul second place
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,272493,00.html

3- CNN Broadcast - June 5, 2007 - Manchester, New Hampshire
On line poll: Ron Paul won
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/debates/scorecard/gop.debate/results.html

GOP Straw Polls:
Georgetown SC straw poll: Ron Paul second place
http://georgetowngop.blogspot.com/2007/07/fred-thompson-wins-georgetown-county.html

Cob County straw poll: Ron Paul second place
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/politicalinsider/entries/2007/07/05/a_fourth_of_july_straw_poll_fo.html?cxntfid=blogs_political_insider

Coalition for New Hampshire Taxpayers straw poll: Ron Paul won
http://www.freemarketnews.com/WorldNews.asp?nid=45339

Finally, Ron Paul just won by landslide in the last Sunday's ABC national and live GOP Debate online poll:

"Now that the debate's over, it's time to consider the winners and losers. Who do you think won the Republican debate?

Ron Paul 41,264
Mitt Romney 4,605
Nobody won. I'm voting Democratic. 3,557
Rudy Giuliani 3,249
Nobody. I'm waiting for Fred Thompson or Newt Gingrich to enter the race. 2,967
Mike Huckabee 2,724
Sam Brownback 1,050
Tom Tancredo 776
Tommy Thompson 762
John McCain 746
Duncan Hunter 429
Total Vote: 62,129
Not a scientific survey."

Downloaded from ABC site: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Decision2008/popup?id=3436820&POLL299=1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Please, check other information yourself searching "Ron Paul" in www.youtube.com.

Although, his numbers are low in "scientific" polls and media, which are artificially omitting him, he is definitely a front runner and the only electable GOP candidate.

All other GOP candidates are not being able to connect to the general population at all, which will be essential in the comming general election against the Democrat.

Which one do you believe? A spontaneus online and some straw poll or "scientific" polls paid by some customer interested in the outcome of the results?

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Bush Republican — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:19:27 GMT

Who cares?

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:27:31 GMT

Ichiro,Ah yea but Ron Paul doesnt have a chance in hell of winning. But you go ahead and vote for him on election day if your a repub or even independent.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Chris, Rural Hall, NC — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:30:06 GMT

Mark my words, George Bush will hand the keys to the Whitehouse to Hillary. His incompetance has all but destroyed the once great Republican party. With leaders like George Bush in office the Democrats don't even need to lift a finger to destroy the Republican party.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

PJ — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:32:17 GMT

Thanks Ichiro, Ron Paul does indeed look to be very popular with the people. However his statement early on that 9/11 was a direct result of our own foreign policy (which I agree with) I'm afraid killed his chances with "the powers that be". Sad state of affairs.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

KD, Hamilton, New Jersey — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:44:22 GMT

I'm a registered Democrat, and I have to say that I really like Ron Paul. He is not a neoconservative. I happen to be pro-choice, but I am also pro-American, and if I have to pick my battles I would have to support the Constitution of United States above all other issues.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

mikeeg,abdn,wa — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:53:54 GMT

repub forever, hey good 14 year old come back, when does your school start?

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

mikeeg,abdn,wa — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:02:03 GMT

I see the US has dropped out of the international math and science competition not suprising after reading some of the 14 year old right wing bloggers, maybe they should be studying instead of copying bush/cheney/rove/rush.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Teri B Roseville, CA — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:06:28 GMT

Nothing the repub's do will help them win the election. Nothing! Bush has made that possible. NO one wants another 4 yrs of this crap, so a straw poll is just another way for the Repub's to try and make some money.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Christopher, Madison WI — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:25:02 GMT

Fred Thompson is again showing how lazy and skiddish he is by not putting himself on the official presidential election list. If he was truly the tough gut they all think he is he would register and get on with it. He wants to have his cake and eat it too. Watch from the sidelines to see how he does unofficially then if it looks like he can't win then he can say I was never really running anyway.
Laziest senator in the history or the U.S.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Wade McEntarfer — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:33:15 GMT

You know what all of those Ron Paul polls have in common? They're all internet polls. Ron Paul has a very loyal following on the internet, but that's it.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Republican Forever — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:48:40 GMT

Oh, school has already started mike. You lefties will be taught some lessons over the next year that you won't soon forget.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Concerned Citizen — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:51:34 GMT

It is truly amazing how narrow minded the people who enter these blogs are. Does anyone think for themselves anymore. Are you all ready for checkpoint, curfews and federal country clubs...? You are all in debt and when this economy crashes you are all going to be slaves to the debt that you have incurred. No matter who gets into office we are all going to suffer! It truly makes me sick listening to a bunch of parrots mimicing what they heard from Rush Limbaugh, CNN, Fox News, CNBC, MSNBC, ect. They are all owned by the very people who can't wait to send you all down the river and send their minions out to pick your bones! WAKE UP!!!

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:13:47 GMT

KD, well said. The Constitution is what I believe in also. It is tragic that whenever a crisis arrives it is the first thing that suffers. I would like to remind people it was primarily written by a slaveowner who disliked slavery, an intellectual who had to dumb down some of the language to appeal to other slave-owning Southerners (and many times admitted when he made mistakes), and a man who, as President, doubled the land-mass size of the US despite being told he was spending way too much money for it. He was forward thing Deist (not a Christian) who feared organized religion, a military removed from civilian checks and balances, and an Imperial presidency. It is too bad the same intelligence and quality does not exist in most of people running for office today.

Thomas Jefferson was a visionary but also a man of his times. George Bush claims to be a visionary but he's surrounded himself with those who live in the past and/or who cliam to envision a new world order which will return democracy to the dark ages.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

bb — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:14:46 GMT

What are you gonna do Republican forever, take us to your favorite gay male escort and have us spanked, while you watch- then you'll make us go to your church and pray to be forgiven?

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

James Doew. New Jersey, NJ — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:20:02 GMT

This is the difference between:

Informed Democracts,
Informed Republicans,
and regular zombie Americans.

The above Informed group of people recognise that our foreign policy is so bad that when we go outside of the US we get attacked verbaly by the locals for our politicians wrongdoings. Even though it's not the peoples fault per say.

Without changing that first and then worrying about healthcare and what not we are not going to be peacefull as a nation. We need to stop going into other people houses and telling them to bend over and take it. It's not our place to do.

All you other "idiot" Americans and I am ashamed to say so since I am an American myself need to wake up and recognise that even though you want to remain an "idiot" in your own coutry for the next 20 years without a care about foreigners, there are other people in this world that like to travel and live just like you do. The least you can do is consider what consequences our political wars have towards these people.

Iraq is a great example as we have created a shithole over there with our bad foreign policy and incompeted congress.

WAKE UP AMERICA.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Desmond — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:20:34 GMT

Concerned Citizen, too many special interest groups behind the race.I don't listen to talking heads. I do, however, watch the birds in my back yard.They are a reliable forecast as to when the storm is a brewin'.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Jwerner — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:20:48 GMT

Ron Paul. Ron Paul. Ron Paul.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

mikeeg,abdn,wa — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:23:57 GMT

all 14 year olds will need written parental permission before I will respond to their blogs.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Becktemba, Orange County, CA — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:27:00 GMT

It appears to me that Mitt Romney is the smartest and most capable out of all the Presidential Candidates but because he is a Mormon he is being treated like a Minority Candidate. If a Democrate was at all palatable on social issues (Hillary "I'll get rid of don't ask don't tell) the Democrates would have a lock on the Presidency but as its stands its a peculiar scene at the moment.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

C. I., Columbia, SC — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:31:28 GMT

I certainly believe that it is ridiculous to have a person on the Straw Poll ballot who has not even announced him candidacy. Who am I referring to? Fred Thompson, of course-the lazy, no-good former Senator from Tennessee. However, Governor Romney will undoubtedly win the Straw Poll despite Thompson. Also, it is certainly a shame that Giuliani nor McCain have chosen to participate. This surely means that their chances of winning the Iowa caucuses have dwindled.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:37:23 GMT

Ichiro - It's not scientific for a reason. You didn't even have to WATCH the debate to vote. (I wonder if 60,000 people even DID watch that debate...) Also, does it register if you voted already? I know some online polling sites don't, and you can answer the same question over and over and over again.

No offense. I like Ron Paul well enough, but unless he gets more people OFF the internet and ON the ground for him, raising money, he's going nowhere.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

PJ — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:51:26 GMT

To Concerned Citizen: You make some very good points, you're absolutely correct. But I'm gonna stick up for EVERYBODY here, left, right, whatever....I'm proud of em all...because they CARE. They are trying...to voice what they feel. So many people I see around me, at work, can't be bothered. They don't pay any attention, or have much of an opinion. Ignorance is bliss mentality, apathetic. My hat's off to everyone here for CARING.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Richard, Austin, TX — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:58:04 GMT

"Romney Leadership Team Member Overseeing Straw Poll
I could certainly write volumes about this, but I think the facts paint the picture themselves.

The Iowa GOP is facing possible suit over their use of the same Diebold machines that were just de-certified. Story here.

They are claiming of course, that there is nothing to worry about since the voting procedure will be conducted with the assistance and oversight of the Story County Auditor's Office. Story here.

If we look here we see the Story County Auditor is Mary Mosiman.

Mary Mosiman also happens to be on Mitt Romney's "Romney for President Leadership Team".

So there you have it, the Story County Auditor who will take part in overseeing the voting on the questionable machines is part of a team dedicated to "help Governor Romney share his vision for America".

That's a blatant conflict of interest and this is something we cannot ignore.

PS. It's also worth noting that according to this article, Romney's Commonwealth PAC gave State Auditor David A. Vaudt $1,000 in 2004."

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Dan Toler, Philadelphia, PA — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:58:07 GMT

To those who say Thompson was lazy, etc., I would point out that

A) No-one has traditionally declared this early for past primaries.

but more importantly,

B) The fact that his name is on very little legislation is why I support him! The last thing this country needs in most cases is more laws. How about enforcing some of the ones we have on the books and shipping illegals back to Mexico?

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Mike, Hermosa Beach — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:10:11 GMT

Typical Chuck Todd/Mark Murray, "...some of the best players (Giuliani, McCain, and Fred Thompson) aren't competing."

Best players? If you insist on a comparison to football, you would better describe them as the most hyped, overpaid, overrated, etc.

Todd/Murray are so establishment, it is ridiculous. Enough coverage is given to Rudy McRomneyson such that the public may be fully informed on what the "top tier" had for breakfast; a disgraceful, public disservice.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Jed McKenney, North Platte, NE — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:21:21 GMT

Ron Paul is the only candidate fit to run the country for WE THE PEOPLE!

If you want a candidate who will only serve government, then vote for any of the others.

Put your country, your freedom, your constitution above all else, above your political party.

It's time to put an end to unconstitutional executive orders and everything else going on.

Restore our Republic! Vote RON PAUL!

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Richard, Austin, TX — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:30:00 GMT

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Joe Smoker tabacco Ind. — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:52:37 GMT

To all Republicans for Fred Thompson a vote for him is a vote for smoking so as a smoker I thank you in advance for voting for him.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Bob Sanders, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 19:52:46 GMT

Romney and Rudy are draft dodgers check it out here;

http://mrsircy.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Liam SoCal — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 00:02:28 GMT

How did you like Romney's nonsense about his sons working for his campaign? That somehow, a presidential campaign is a lot like getting shot at or blown up in a war. That has to be one of the dumbest comments he's ever made.

Of course, it still doesn't compare to good ol' McCain's constant kissing up to Bush's failed war. Or Rudy's flogging of "international Muslim terrorists" when he knows strikingly little of any policy beyond New York City. Or Fred's constant hide-and-seek with his campaign. And by the way, most Republican war-hawks are draft-dodgers. Pat Buchanan, for instance, and--dare I say it--George Bush.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Dw. Dunphy, Red Bank, NJ — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 00:48:45 GMT

There needs to be a refresher course in cause and effect, especially in the arena of politics.

I was shocked and dismayed by how early the mechanisms of the 2008 presidential campaign kicked in. Our main campaigners were already set by Christmas 2006. We're into debates now, not next year when electoral concerns and current events could actually sync up in some synergistic fashion - long story short, they'd be more relevant next year than at this particular moment.

How so? Well, unlikely as it may seem, the demeanor of the public could change. What happens if, God forbid, more terrorist attacks and near attacks happen in the U.K.? The current administration becomes more insular and, oddly enough, the public agrees. The Republicans who have been punching the fear 'hot-button' pretty hard would seem to reap the benefit, but also-ran John McCain suddenly sees his alignment with George Bush as asset, not detriment. Meanwhile, all the candidates who distanced themselves from Bush look soft on terrorism, weak, not patriotic. And the Democrats? They're crushed beneath the weight of this year's scorn, branded 'flip-floppers' and are generally regarded untrustworthy. Look, I said this was the unlikliest of scenarios.

But if there is a drastic reversal of fortunes, this extra year of gum-flapping could only be more harmful than helpful. But what is worse is the quality of our current debates. Rather than being moderated by impartial, credible parties, we are seeing these candidates boxed into corners by special interests. Am I saying that Melissa Ethridge shouldn't be concerned whether or not our next president will carefully consider the rights of gays and lesbians, or whether they should or shouldn't be legally allowed to marry? No, Of course she should. Should scientists have the right to ask candidates if they will stand up for stem-cell research? Should women's activists be allowed to ask if abortion rights will be upheld? Should right-to-lifers have a chance to ask if the candidates should consider opposing it?

In all these cases, Americans deserve to be heard, but through an unbiased and credible moderator; certainly not through some of those ridiculous YouTube questions presented by citizens more interested in their fifteen seconds of fame than in their country's future. When someone actually stepped up with a clear purpose, (I'm thinking of the woman with the wig, asking about healthcare and cancer research), they stood toe-to-toe with show-offs, sarcastics and snowmen. I'm not opining for some lost sense of political dignity here. I just expect all viewpoints to be channelled through a single entity, this way all ideas can be addressed fairly and not with all the mugging, antics and "communication bling".

Another downside of having these debates so early, and having the campaigns start so early, is yet more showing off, this time with each state rescheduling their primaries to sync up with a single "Super Tuesday Super-Primary". Whereas before when elections were confined to a proper year, now there's so much time to expand, like an oilslick on a lake, that every state wants to move up just because they can. There is no real incentive to do this beyond showing off to the original heavy political arenas like Iowa and New Hampshire. NH begged off of the controversy yesterday by insisting they'd keep their ballot where it has been. Iowa, on the other hand, inferred their primary would be moved to December... That's December of this year.

I, as much as anyone, desire change in the way our country is being steered, but this trend in state and social self-aggrandizement not only sullies the process but has a real chance of backfiring on those most committed to that change. I'd hate to think that our country could slide even farther away from reform simply because we couldn't show the tiniest bit of self-control.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 02:22:22 GMT

Come on...Romney can't answer a single question with a yes or no!!!Romney should be on a USED Car lot selling Crown Victoria's to old women by telling them they don't look a day over 30, not running for president. He's a flip flopping shyster..count on it.
If he was elected, I would move to England...or maybe France...I have time to think about it I suppose...Maybe I'll call Ron Paul for advice..he would surely give me a STRAIGHT answer

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Dan Deibler, Yorktown, Virginia — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 02:35:42 GMT

I love the guy that said "You know what all of those Ron Paul polls have in common? They're all internet polls." - Wade McEntarfer
It's pretty bad when you can be proven wrong by just scrolling up. Ichiro Aoki mentions seven polls in his post. Three of them were Internet polls, three of them were straw polls like the one in Ames, Iowa this weekend, and one of them was a phone poll. Well I suppose he was half right...almost. The sad thing is that Wade McEntarfer isn't an isolated case. More often than not, people like him are the rule, rather than the exception. Which is fine, don't get me wrong, I support his right to be stubborn and ignorant. Those words aren't meant to sound so insulting. Ignorance is just a lack of understanding and knowledge; Stubbornness just a tendency to maintain a viewpoint despite evidence contrary to it. Unfortunately, however, the "get out the vote" crowd, the "it's your civic duty to vote" crowd, the "vote or die" crowd, and the "if you don't vote, you hate America, Jesus, and babies" crowd have succeeded over the years in convincing people who don't know much about the candidates or the government, to get up and vote in elections. The fact is, if you don't know about the candidates/issues/government/etc., then there's really no reason for you to vote, unless you just want to do so for whatever reason. The people who espouse the belief that you have some sort of obligation to vote are either misguided or have ulterior motives (i.e. the candidate they support has high name recognition, making it likely that an uninformed voter will vote for them because they are more familiar with the name). In 2004, I had not intended to vote because I knew next to nothing about the people running. Some guy in a grocery store made me change my mind. He said that he was going to vote for Candidate A, and that I should go out there and vote as well, not according to his opinions, but rather according to my own. Knowing nothing about the people running, I voted for Candidate B, because between him and Candidate A, I could stand to listen to B talk for longer than I could with A (honest reason). After I voted, I walked outside and thought to myself, "what was the point of that?". All I did was cancel out the vote of that guy in the grocery store who actually had reasons for wanting candidate A to be president. I could have just as easily picked candidate A for an equally irrelevant reason and effectively doubled his vote. The votes of uninformed voters say next-to-nothing about what they want in a president; they merely water down the results or skew them inaccurately. The TV show, "South Park" nailed this issue on the head in a satirical episode in which students held an election to pick their new mascot. They had to choose between, literally, a "giant douche" or a "turd sandwich". The plot centered around one student who had no opinion in the matter. The other students persistently insisted that he had an obligation to vote. Finally, the student realized that they didn't want him to vote and vote freely; rather, they wanted him to vote, with the caveat that he should vote for their candidate. Next time you hear someone say that everyone should vote, ask them what constructive purpose is served by me picking which lever looks shinier?

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Bob Pylant, Austin, TX — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 05:54:46 GMT

I am going to be laughing my a$$ off tomorrow when Dr. Ron Paul places second in the Iowa Straw Poll. Of course Romney will win since he is paying peoples way to vote ($35 per person/vote) and even paying to bus people to the Straw Poll. BUT WATCH AND SEE DR. RON PAUL come in second, if not first!!! Then let the media put a spin on that! Oh yeah, its spammers who keep voting over and over again! Ron Paul DOES HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN because he will be going head to head in a debate with the Democratic Nominee and his stance on pulling out of Iraq, No more federal taxes, Abolish all the departments that are sucking up our monies like Department of Homeland Security (ha what a joke) Fema (what a mis-handled department), Department of Education (like states cant do it themselves), Department after Department would be abolished saving tax-payers BILLIONS IF NOT TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS A YEAR.
Yeah, its radical, yeah its different, but YEAH IT WILL WORK... bring our people home! Just get out of Iraq. Do only what the Consitution of the United States says you can do - (remember that little document We The People.... not we the Politicians...)
Bring Back America to the people!!!! Love Dr. Ron Paul and his revolution, because thats what the revolutions say - I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THE SAME OLE SAME OLE RIGHTS DESTROYING GOVERNMENT AND I WONT STAND FOR IT ANYMORE...

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Brian, Abilene, Tx. — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 06:54:20 GMT

Every single online poll that I have voted in-and there have been MANY-has only allowed me to vote once. The sites register the IP address of the user/computer, so unless people are going en mass to the library and utilizing all of their pc's to vote in these things, there's NO WAY to cheat and inflate the numbers. Believe me, I've tried.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

mike — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 16:52:03 GMT

Thompson is an AIPAC puppet. He travelled to Israel to garner support before deciding he would run. He would let the special interest groups like the weapons contractors, pro-illegal-immigration advocates, and big oil continue their fleecing of America.

Dr. Ron Paul has been working tirelessly for 30 years to reduce the size of government, increase personal liberty and prosperity, stop the federal reserve inflation setup, and return to sound monetary policy (one based on gold-backed currency, not debt-currency).

The lobbyists don't even stop by Dr. Paul's office anymore, because they know he doesn't buy what they're selling. He only cares about America, and returning prosperity to it.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Sam T, Shoemaker, Macon, Ga. — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 18:39:17 GMT

Will some one please ask thease , want to be's. What is the political solutiuon for Iraq ?

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

BarnbasCollins, Collinsport ME — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 18:40:08 GMT

Fred Thompson is leading for one simple reason:
He is a grade B actor on a TV show.

And republicans don't want to vote for him, they
want to vote for Arthur Branch.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Colorado Republican — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 20:45:10 GMT

Mitt Romney will win the Straw Poll by a landslide. Why? Because he's the only one organized out there. He's the only one who has arranged for buses to pick people up that can't make it to the polls, he's the only one that has made any kind of connection with the people in Iowa. Why is this? Because he's down to earth. He's the only one experienced enough and capable of going to Washington and fixing the problems this country faces. He's the only candidate with a proven track record of being able to work with both Democrats and Republicans and still get the job done. That's what we need in Washington! Not some crazy Billary or dirty Rudy.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Steve — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 22:34:22 GMT

Does anyone sincerely want a president who believes that the angel Maroni told some moron that that there were gold tablets upon which were written the basis for a "religion"? A religion that places Jesus and the tribes of Israel in this country? This is what Romney, as a Mormon, believes. Oh, please. The republicans are truly desperate.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Mike, Colorado Springs, CO — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 23:26:07 GMT

I don’t trust the Democrats nor the Republicans. Neither party champions for the middle class. Neither has our interest at heart.

Vote Ron Paul. Vote Libertarian. Vote FairTax.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

John from Phoenix — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 23:50:55 GMT

If Ron Paul gets 20+% of the vote or comes in second, this will put fear into the republican party. Why? Because Ron Paul anti war message is catching on within the party. Huckabee, T. Thompson, Tancredo and Brownback would probably have to consider dropping out.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Domestic Insurgent — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 02:30:50 GMT

Foregoing the much ballyhooed parchment idolatry of those who cling tenaciously to the Constitution, given the sad state of affairs and anemic condition of the Republic, it was best put by Lysander Spooner, to wit:

"But whether the Constitution really be one thing, or another, this much is certain --- that it has either authorized such a government as we have had, or has been powerless to prevent it. In either case, it is unfit to exist."

We need a president who will abide the strict construction of the Constitution, or better yet, adhere to the precepts laid forth in the Declaration of Independence, and respect the rights of the individual and cease with this nonsense of legislating for the "public good". (Mere FDR socialistic banter)

The closest we will get to a strict constructionist is Ron Paul. I will not, however, be voting. Since this government thrives on the uninformed consent of the "governed", I refuse to lend my consent, energy, money, or averment to presumed authority. Hopefully we will have a quiet revolution and again regain the move towards a respect for individual rights. We need a new Constitution as the one we have now has failed to protect us.

The republicans have engaged in chicanery and deceit for years, much acclaim owed to Abraham "save the union by destroying the Constitution" Lincoln. Now, Chancellor Bush is edging ever so closer to martial law. Men of courage and principal went for their guns when circumstances demanded decisive action. Now, disarmed, emaciated, ignorant and fearful, the American citizen is but a federal subject, ala, U.S. citizenship, and waiting ever so trepidatiously for waning federal handouts to maintain their voluntary servitude.

Our best hope is Ron Paul. In the mean-time, it is non-consent, non-participation, and self-defense.

For a real wakeup call regarding our so called “Constitution of limited and enumerated powers”, you should read this:

http://www.amazon.com/Hologram-Liberty-Constitutions-Shocking-Government/dp/1888766034
nse.

I'm all for civil disobedience in the face of encroaching tyranny. Where I depart from Thoreau, King Jr., and Ghandi is that they practiced "non-violent civil disobedience". I too believe more people need to peaceably refuse to "consent", but when faced with coercive reprisals, self-defense is NOT violent, it is necessary. When govt. thuggery is met with defense of self and their numbers begin to dwindle and public outrage takes hold, the tide will turn, hopefully for the better.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

rearose,mtn. view,california — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 05:10:07 GMT

IM NOT SURPRISE ROMNEY WON-STRAW POLLS; IST THIS IS HIS YEAR(2007-BOAR YEAR BORN 1947)SECOND HE SPENT LOTS OF MONEY/FOOD/BARBECUE AND FREE ENTRANCE- BUSH STYLE. DUH.HIS KIDS SPEND TIME IN IOWA A LOT INCLUDING HIS WIFE.HIS KIDS CAMPGINING FOR HIS DAD ROMNEY.WELL TIRD TIME REPUBLICAN?GOD HELP US- UNDER THE REPUBLCAN PARTY THIS COUNTRY IS BANKRUPT AND WORSE. NO JOB CREATION/NO GOOD EHALTH CARE LIED BUSH TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IRAQ WA. SOLDIERS JUST KILLED ALMOST 4,000 DIED-GOSH WHAT WRONG IN THIS COUNTRY.
REPUBLICAN IS OUT THIS COMING ELECTION IN NOVE. GOD HELP US NO MORE REPUBLCIAN PLEASE AND NO MORMONS PRES. PLEASE.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Adele Kalt, New York, NY — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 06:50:52 GMT

Calling Fred Thompson a "mediocre actor" certainly has nothing to do with his ability or lack thereof to fulfill the duties of President. You want to discuss "mediocre"? Ronald Reagan, one of the worst actors in the history of the world was elected twice and proved to be be considerably less than mediocre as President!

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

JT,Mo — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 07:32:18 GMT

I hope and pray the Replican party puts a lot more thought into their choice for president than they have in the last two elections. Raise your hand if you approve of Dubya and his performance. Pay attention. Think. Put America first. Why worry about smoke-screen issues such as abortion or gay marriage when we are engaged in a senseless war that has nothing to do with WMD or terrorism? Our sons (and daughters) are being blown into a fine mist on a daily basis,and billions of dollars are being squandered while Republicans worry about Clinton's sex life.We are being lied to by a corrupt administration,constantly. Why is this behavior condoned? Do Republicans approve of incompetence and corruption?

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Sean, NY,NY — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 07:50:34 GMT

It's interesting to see the shoe on the other foot for a change. Republicans are generally unhappy with their choices for candidates, and Democrats have a strong front runner (whom I do not believe is the best candidate for the Dems). I think President Bush has done some significant damage to the GOP (not to mention the rest of the country).

Republicans are getting what they deserve though - when you support such lightweight candidates b/c they lie and tell you what you want to hear, you have to deal with the repercussions. Remember Bush's promises of fiscal conservatism and reluctance towards "nation building"? Whatever happened to the real conservatives out there? At least you could have a rational debate over policy instead of this nonsense that passes for their agenda

Look at Ron Paul for instance - while I'm a life long Democrat and disagree with most of what he advocates, I truly respect Paul's adherence to strict conservative principles. Yet, most of the GOP openly laughs at his candidacy. He's the only "conservative" in the entire party.

If the Republicans don't wake up and get back to real conservative principles in the next few years, they are going to find themselves collectively marginalized as a party....which is fine by me!

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Carl, Washington PA — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 13:26:55 GMT

The only way that Mitt Romney can win the White House is if he buys a majority of the votes like he did yesterday in Ames, Iowa. Please nominate Mr. Flip Flopper so we can be sure that the next President will be a Democrat. Ron Paul continues to be the only Republican candidate people can truly believe. He does not have the money...so he does not have a chance!

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

The Danimal, Michigan — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 16:58:04 GMT

Robert C. from Oregon, PJ and Ichiro all seemed to be either the most informed and/or the most interesting opinions based on what I saw. It IS interesting that Ron Paul's name wasn't on the ballot (according to the article) even though he has participated in numerous debates and other polls. AND he is on the ballot unlike Thompson. Interesting indeed. I wonder how he would have done had they put HIS name on the ballot. PJ and Robert...GREAT insight.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Shawn Des Moines, IA — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 19:09:54 GMT

You democrats forget that half the people in this country are republicans. And thank god for that.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Ed Blackham — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 19:55:31 GMT

Romney has the leadership experience, not just the political experience. His business background, along with completely fixing the Olympics in SLC, and being governor of a liberal state, qualifies him for the work.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

TJ - Republican — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 20:14:39 GMT

With the poles and how THE PEOPLE have a lower opinion ranking of the Democrats then GW, how can you say all those things about GW. Plus if the Democratic President you voted for had taken Osama when offered, this would be a whole different situation.

Tomorrow's GOP scrimmage

Sean, NY, NY — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 23:39:36 GMT

To Shawn;

You're wrong about half the people in the U.S. being Republicans. It splits 48% to 40% in the Dems favor -look at the polls

http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=15370

To TJ;

The polls do NOT say that "The People" have a lower opinion ranking of Democrats - they say people are unhappy with Congress. Now, if 66% of people want to get out of Iraq, and the Congress can not act on this, then who specifically do you think the people are unhappy with? The answer is Congressional Republicans who are blocking efforts to pass legislation to end the war. I guarantee you that if Congress was able to start drawing down troops, their opinion numbers would start going up. If you don't believe me, then wait til '08 and see what happens to Republicans who are up for reelection