While the date of the Florida Primary hasn’t yet been determined, the state will most likely be fifth in the presidential primary season and has been seen as one of the more important primaries. With that in mind, tailoring a message to the Florida electorate is very important. Like other states, there are certain topics that are more sensitive in Florida than in other places. For instance many of our Romney folks believe that Rick Perry’s comments in Fed Up! about Social Security will hurt him with the large elderly population of the state. However, this post is about another candidate, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and her remarks about the Florida Everglades:
Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann says she’d consider drilling for oil and natural gas in the Everglades if it can be done without causing “environmental degradation.”
This is a colossal mistake on the part of the Congresswoman on several levels. First, any kind of drilling near Florida is political suicide since the BP oil spill. The Florida Legislature has killed any and all drilling bills since that fiasco. Moreover, this isn’t just any area we are talking about. The Everglades is one of the natural treasures of this state and Governors of Florida starting with Governor Claude Kirk in 1968 and continuing to this day have strived to protect the area. It’s one of the few things Jeb Bush, Bob Graham, and Charlie Crist agree on. This policy has been strongly supported by both Democrats and Republicans in Florida. In short, it is one of the few things that Floridians agree on; don’t touch the Everglades.
But don’t take my word for it. I give you Congressman Allen West:
U.S. Rep. Allen West told a town hall audience today that Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann made “an incredible faux pas” when she said she is open to allowing drilling for oil and natural gas in the Everglades if it can be done safely.
“When I see her next week, I’ll straighten her out about that,” West said of the Minnesota congresswoman.
West is a member of the House Tea Party Caucus, which Bachmann chairs.
Michele Bachmann’s long-term viability is open to question, especially with the rise of Governor Perry. However, if the Congresswoman is still in the race come Florida, you can bet someone, whether another campaign or an outside group, will blister her over her comments. Two of the debates in September are here in Florida and I would be shocked if someone didn’t ask her a question about this. The Congresswoman better have one heck of an explanation if she doesn’t want to cause herself anymore damage on what should have been an easily avoidable mistake.
August 30th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Tea Party favorability in Kentucky……..40%-46 %. VERY surprising
CraigS
August 30th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
The truth of the matter is that after crushing defeats in New Hampshire and South Carolina – Bachmann isn’t going to be much of a force by the time FL rolls around anyway.
August 30th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Jonathan
You are absolutely on the money. Bachmann and Perry are both way out on a limb very early in Florida. Impact ?
Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio for Romney…..sooner rather than later
CraigS
August 30th, 2011 at 7:24 pm
#3:
Jeb is a rather unusual case. Last time a lot of his inner circle threw their support behind Romney (including his Lt. Governor). But Jeb Jr. has endorsed Huntsman. It would probably make for some awkward family dinners if Jeb Sr. endorsed.
He didn’t last time and I don’t expect Jeb to endorse this time. At least for a while.
August 30th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
#4:
*if Jeb Sr. endorsed somoen other than Huntsman.
August 30th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Stay out of the damn Everglades. As a Floridian, we really do treasure our natural beauty down here, and we really don’t take kindly to federal level politicians inserting their $0.02 into our environmental concerns.
Buzz off.
August 30th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
“Let’s all say Happy Birthday to the Florida Everglades!”
August 30th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
As one of her constituents who a) have met her on several occasions, and b) know 2 people who are good friends of Bachmann, I’ve been saying she would implode for months. The signs have been there all along, but so many failed to see it.
Now, she may have trouble holding on to her house seat.
August 30th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
#8:
After her comments on the census and Obama’s India trip, I had a feeling she’d self-destruct, I just figured it would be over something less blindingly obvious.
August 30th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Meanwhile, over at hotair, news of a z-z-z-zogby poll:
Oh my: Perry 41, Romney 12, Paul 11, Bachmann 9
http://hotair.com/archives/2011/08/30/oh-my-perry-41-romney-12-paul-11-bachmann-9/
Yes, it’s a Zogby poll, my brothers and sisters, but the trend-lines are consistent, are they not? Well, are they not?
August 30th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
Oh, yeah. I can see that. Perfectly plausible if you discount the laws of physics and stuff.
August 30th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Oy!
http://www.zogby.com/news/2011/08/30/ibope-zogby-poll-perry-races-far-ahead-republican-field-4-announced-gop-candidates-tie-or-lead-obama/
It’s an interactive poll – and I don’t necessarily completely trust the methodology.
But holy trend lines, Batman!
August 30th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Jonathan
Jen already said he was going to endorse, last week
CraigS
August 30th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Zogby
Perry 41
Romney 12
Why are we still talking about Romney? Endorsements? LOL! Get outta town!
Has anyone crashed and burned faster than Willard?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
Oh, but just wait until the debates. Then Romney will breakout as the people’s choice, because shut up. Oh, look, a puppy.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
As a Resident of Florida, I don’t think this by itself is enough to torpedo Bachmann, although she will have to back track some. Many Floridians favor Drilling on the coast as long as its out far enough. The BP spill really didn’t effect Florida that Much. However, Floridians will be opposed to any type of drilling in the everglades.
Perry’s comments on Social Security is far worst, and it may have already doomed any chance he has in Florida. No one running for office dare even attempt to attach Social Security and expect to survive here.
For Bachmann and Perry, its win Iowa or go home, its that simple. Perry may be leading now, but if he loses Iowa its over. At least Romney has New Hampshire to fall back to. Don’t count out Romney either in Iowa as his support has never wavered since 2008 and has grown some. Romney will either take 1st or 2nd in Iowa. If Bachmann and Perry split the Evangelical vote, Romney takes Iowa and marches on to New Hampshire. If either Bachmann or Perry take Iowa, Romney will take 2nd and the person in 3rd will be history. There simply isn’t enough Evangical voters to support two candidates in Iowa. Either one will take the lion share or they will both lose Iowa.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Jeb and Marco seem MORE like Perry/Huck guys, ideology speaking.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
I am so confident of Perry’s ascendency as our candidate that I am willing to waste this entire post just pondering the possibilities. Ponder. Ponder. Still pondering.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
You’re so cute. It’s like you truly believe that Romney has a chance. It’s like that internet meme, Can Romney haz a chance?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
So Bachmann falls, who grabs the lion’s share of her supporters?
Shall we ponder?
How can Romney EVER get any good news around here?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:10 pm
As far as these polls ago, remember at this same time in 2008, Rudy was way ahead,followed by Fred Thompson, Then Romney, followed finally by McCain. See how well that worked out for them. Perry has to fill holes in his strategy if he expect to win. First, he is going to have to watch what he says and back track on his book Fed Up! Second he will have to come to terms will his real record, not the phantom that has been put out there. Finally, Perry had better figure out how deal with the Media and how to debate, because he isn’t very skilled at either. Throw red meat bombs to the hard radical right wing may get you head lines but will not win the nomination. Saying the Fed chairman should be tried for treason says he is not ready for the big time.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Get real: Huck clobbered Romney by about 10 in Iowa, expect Perry to do the same or BETTER, folks.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
# Perry/Bachmann for 2012! Says:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
So Bachmann falls, who grabs the lion’s share of her supporters?
Shall we ponder?
How can Romney EVER get any good news around here?
==================================================
Romney is in great shape, don’t know what your talking about. A few bogus polls in the end of August before Labor day isn’t going to change that. Looking at the first few states shows Romney in great shape.
Iowa, minimum 2nd place, maybe first if Perry and Bachmann split the Evangelical vote.
New Hampshire. 1st place
Nevada. 1st Place
South Carolina. 2nd place likely (Maybe first if Perry has already imploded which is very possible)
Floria. 1st Place. Seniors are not going to like Perry calling Social Security a Ponzi scheme.
Michigan. 1st Place
Arizona. 1st Place
August 30th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Translation: Can Romney haz a chance?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Perry’s Bernanke comments are one reason why he’s doing so well. Someone had to say what most Republicans were thinking — Perry had the guts to say it out loud.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Hey, look guys, it’s Bagdad Bob, and he supports Romney! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcwX6Ay-g9Y&NR=1
August 30th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
In the Zogby Poll, Perry beats Obama as well, by 46-44.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
I see where Cuba is going to start drilling in their coastal waters. That means there will be drilling off the coast of Florida. That may make the issue off drilling off the coast of Florida moot. Actually the big mistake she made in Florida was with Hurricane Irene suggesting God was trying to get out attention. No matter what it is a losing proposition. If she was serious then she’s a fanatic, if it’s a joke then it’s in poor taste.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
# Perry/Bachmann for 2012! Says:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Get real: Huck clobbered Romney by about 10 in Iowa, expect Perry to do the same or BETTER, folks.
================================================================
You seem to have so little respect for Hucks ability, I am surprised at you. Never the less, if Perry takes Iowa, which is possible (not by 10 points), then we say goodbye to everyone but Perry and Romney. If Bachmann is able to hold on, then Romney may take Iowa. Remember, Huck is a very good communicator, Perry is not. He has already shown that. Lets also not forget that Huck doesn’t like Perry and may end up endorsing someone else, small Possibility Romney but more likely Bachmann.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Mitt: The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?
Mary: Not good.
Mitt: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?
Mary: I’d say more like one out of a million.
[pause]
Mitt: So you’re telling me there’s a chance… *YEAH!*
August 30th, 2011 at 8:23 pm
# Perry/Bachmann for 2012! Says:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Get real: Huck clobbered Romney by about 10 in Iowa, expect Perry to do the same or BETTER, folks.
=====================================================================
Also, ;you might want to do some fact checking… Here are the results from 2008. The number suggest that Romney has the possibility of picking up not only the support he had but also that of John McCain, Fred Thompson, and Rudy Giuliani all of whom do not fit into the Huckabee/Perry mold. Even if you assume some of Thompson support would go to Perry, just adding Romney, Rudy and McCain support would suggest Romney could easily win Iowa 44 to 41
2008 REsults
# Mike Huckabee – 32%
# Mitt Romney – 26%
# John McCain – 13%
# Fred Thompson – 9%
# Ron Paul – 9%
# Rudy Giuliani – 5%
# Duncan Hunter – 1%
# Alan Keyes – 1%
August 30th, 2011 at 8:23 pm
some people who have jumped into this site lately would do the Republican party a great service if they would simply jump off a bridge.
But somehow, I don’t think we’ll ever be so lucky.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Baghdad Thunder.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
You realize that all of your incantations are meaningless, right? You cannot wish into being a Romney groundswell from the ethers. Romney faces not just a shrewd candidate in the governor from Texas, but a wave.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Hmmm. I would think that she could recover by explaining that after further talking to experts, she has decided that drilling in the Everglades is not feasible. It doesn’t seem that terrible. After all, she did include this:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
# casusit Says:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Never the less, if Perry takes Iowa, which is possible (not by 10 points), then we say goodbye to everyone but Perry and Romney.
You realize that all of your incantations are meaningless, right? You cannot wish into being a Romney groundswell from the ethers. Romney faces not just a shrewd candidate in the governor from Texas, but a wave.
======================================================
Only in your dreams. Remember, these are the same things everyone was saying about McCain in 2008, and how did that work out.
Is it possible that Your Perry Fanatics could actually wait for a Debate, an actual vote, a Poll close to an vote, anything. Your ready to crown Perry based on 2 weeks of data without a single debate.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Craig for Perry,
“So Bachmann falls, who grabs the lion’s share of her supporters?
Shall we ponder?”
You sound like an expectant father. Have you totally ditched Michele for your new stud?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:31 pm
And merely a few weeks ago the Rombots were crowing about how the race was MittyMitt’s to lose. In fact, they were prematurely and pompously postulating vice presidential picks too.
So it’s hard to feel bad for that group now.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:31 pm
Mixing metaphors?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
I won’t stand for this “hands off the Everglades” stance of the Floridians. Every conservative agrees that we need to tap the energy resources America possesses, but suddenly we see Floridians say “not in my back yard.” America needs to pull together as a country and refuse to be a slave to Middle Eastern oil. That means the Floridians are coming on board as well. Eventually, Floridians won’t have a choice anyway, so we may as well force this through now. Once the rest of the country sees how important it is to drill in the Everglades, the electoral votes will come from the other states in the union and Florida’s share of the votes won’t matter at that point.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
Looking back at Perry’s debating past
“Perry is not the best debater that we’ve seen,” Burka added. “That’s one reason why he wouldn’t debate Bill White. He clearly would have been chewed up on state issues.”
“His handlers appear uncomfortable about allowing him to appear unscripted,” former Houston Mayor Bill White said in 2010.
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/politics/looking-back-at-perrys-debating-past
August 30th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
40 – Sure. But I am sure all of the other candidates are happy to let Bachmann take the lead in suggesting such a thing NOW.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
Romney Will Attend DeMint Forum
Jennifer Rubin reports that, “after several weeks of schedule adjustment,” Mitt Romney will now appear at the presidential candidate forum hosted by Sen. Jim DeMint in South Carolina.
However, the Romney camp dismisses the suggestion that this is in response to Rick Perry’s rise in the polls — including a new one showing the Texas governor running way ahead in South Carolina
August 30th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
41 – Bush wasn’t all that goof at debating either.
Did McCain ever capitalize on it in 2000?
For that matter, did Gore?
You Rombots keep lowering expectations though.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:35 pm
hahaha oops. Good*
August 30th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
Matt Y,
“Mixing metaphors?”
Hmmmmm……
In this case, Craig is ditching the expectant mother of his child, Michele, to shack up with his new stud, Ricky P.
Howz that?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
Paul Fallavollita Says:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
I won’t stand for this “hands off the Everglades” stance of the Floridians. Every conservative agrees that we need to tap the energy resources America possesses, but suddenly we see Floridians say “not in my back yard.”
========================================================================
Would you drill in Yellow stone next the old faithful? I hope not. Floridians have supported Drilling off the coast for a long time,but no one would even consider drilling in the Everglades. The Everglades are completely off limits has its eco system is so unique. It is also not necessary to drill there when there is plenty of oil of the coast that Floridians are more than willing to go after.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Huck has said repeatedly that due to his show, he will not endorse till Tampa. It wouldn’t be fair and balanced otherwise.
I agree.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
I guess a lot of you are truly delusional and don’t quite read tea leaves the way you should.
1. 2012 is NOT 2008 and early primary results will have a far different impact on the race this time.
2. Super Tuesday in 2012 doesn’t remotely look like 2008.
3. No body will have a major lead as of April 1
4. Perry’s current polls, as CNN illustrates, are heavily influenced by large margins in the southern states.
5. But, all the southern states have PROPORTIONAL delegate primaries except No Carolina and Arkansas. This includes Texas. 1314 proportionally allocated delegates
6. Most of the Romney states are WTA after April 1. 1108 Delegates all WTA including California, Massachusetts, N. Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington and New York.
So relax, do a little math, and think about what the RNC has really done.
CraigS
August 30th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
No, unless Perry doesn’t win the nomination.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
I think someone ought to front page this Zogby poll.
Kill two birds with one stone. Provide valuable conversation material for a site dedicated to 2012.
And….
Annoy the hell out of the Rombots.
Come on Kavon, can we get an FPP on the Zogby Poll – and the Republican to Obama matchups?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Perry/Bachmann for 2012! Says:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Huck has said repeatedly that due to his show, he will not endorse till Tampa. It wouldn’t be fair and balanced otherwise.
==========================================
He already did a semi endorsement of Bachmann by going to her rally and speaking.. Helped out Pawlenty also. Huck will have his favorites and not so favorites, I promise you.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
I think Bachmann is making herself irrelevant. While I don’t think one can expect Perry to experience the trajectory, it is the most recent example of a surprising surge followed by a plunge. I think Romney decided to attend the Labor Day Forum to test whether Perry’s rise is a bubble that can be popped.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
CraigS,
If Perry is really ahead by 15 or 20 points nationally, it’s NOT going to be a long drawn out contest.
In such a case, things will be over really quickly.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Face it, — the day Perry got in, Michele was instantly on borrowed time. It is what it is.
But it sure was fun competing against the great T-Paw in Ames and those two debates, wasn’t it?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Pablo,
“I don’t think one can expect Perry to experience the trajectory”
One can only hope. But so far Newt, Herman, and Michele have all taken that elevator going up, only to get on the escalator going down.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Matt Y,
I’m pretty sure I didn’t mix metaphors in #56.
Can I get a witness?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
54.
Quicker than anyone imagined pre-Perry.
Hey, the Rombots rejoiced, laughed, and cheered the Huck decided not to run — BUT now look what they’ve gotten themselves into. Perryville.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Perry = Huck on steroids without the pardons
August 30th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
What are you talking about? There was never a McCain wave. At best there was the small consolation that at least it wasn’t Romney who would (mis)represent our party on the national stage.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
Perry’s Waterloo will be on Labor Day
Sen. Jim DeMint said Monday that four GOP presidential candidates plan to attend his forum in South Carolina on Labor Day weekend: Rep. Michele Bachmann (R., Minn.), pizza magnate Herman Cain (R., Pa.), Rep. Ron Paul (R., Texas) and Texas Gov. Rick Perry. All four are known for dishing out red-meat lines to fire up the GOP base.
It will be Mr. Perry’s first time at a forum with other candidates, but the it isn’t a debate. Candidates will be on the stage one at a time and field questions from a three-member panel: Mr. DeMint, a South Carolina Republican who is a tea party favorite, Rep. Steve King (R., Iowa) and Robert P. George, a professor at Princeton University. A local news anchor will moderate the event.
[Romney has now excepted, so Perry is on notice that he actually has to answer questions, scripted answers will not work]
Look for the Forum to be the beginning of the end of Rick Perry as the public at large will be exposed to his inability to answer questions intelligently and directly.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
61 – You and your fellow Rombots are doing a great service to Perry by continuing to lower expectations for debate performances.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Perry/Bachmann for 2012! Says:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Face it, — the day Perry got in, Michele was instantly on borrowed time. It is what it is.
=====================================================
After labor day, you will see Bachmann start to rise again and Perry fall. I promise you, you will be changing your tune soon.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
52.
Huck visited all the tents at Ames.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
# Sojourner Truth Says:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
61 – You and your fellow Rombots are doing a great service to Perry by continuing to lower expectations for debate performances.
==================================================================
No problem, you will soon find out for your self.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
You’re so sweet. Can Romney haz a chance? You just hold your breath until the beginning of the end of Rick Perry happens, K.? It’ll happen anytime now. Keep holding. Holding. Holding. Hooooolding.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
65 – Can’t wait.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
# casusit Says:
You’re so sweet. Can Romney haz a chance? You just hold your breath until the beginning of the end of Rick Perry happens, K.? It’ll happen anytime now. Keep holding. Holding. Holding. Hooooolding.
===============================================
No problem here. Ask yourselves, if Perry is a great debater, why has he avoided it for the last 10 years??
August 30th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Anyone else find it ironic that the guy who Rombots assure us to be the bestest and most brilliant businessman and governor in the whole wide world is now pinning his only rapidly fading hopes on the idea that *somehow* Perry will falter, so that everyone’s back burner candidate just *might* be able to capitalize?
August 30th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Time for this old man to go to bed. Soon the whole world will realize that Perry is an empty suit.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Bachmann telling Floridians what they don’t want to hear is like Perry telling those farmers on Sunday — what they didn’t want to hear about subsidies.
The truth hurts.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
The same reason Romney planned to avoid the Demint debate it until his numbers fell off a cliff.
Front runners have nothing to gain and everything to lose by debates.
August 30th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Mixed metaphors? Does that take scotch or bourbon?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
68.
I’ll go with — he’s been saving it all just for Rambling Romney — for 500, Alex.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Craig,
“Bachmann telling Floridians what they don’t want to hear”
?????
I thought as a Perrywinkle, you were all about States’ Rights®. Who does Michele think she is, intruding on the sacred sovereignty of the most precious of all of God’s creation?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Sojo,
Front runner or not, candidates owe it to the voters to answer questions in a debate.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
I just wonder if Romney is going to be talking about consulting his lawyers or “null sets” or “secret timetables” or being the “candidate of change,” etc…
August 30th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
76 – I don’t disagree with that.
But that’s why.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
62.Sojourner Truth Says:
August 30th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
“61 – You and your fellow Rombots are doing a great service to Perry by continuing to lower expectations for debate performances.”
LOL! At this point, if Perry doesn’t fall of the stage, HE WINS!
August 30th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Matt,
I didn’t say it was right for Perry to take away those poor Iowan farmers subsidies either.
BUT. HE. WILL.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:09 pm
76.
And Romney owes them to show up — glad he finally decided today to face Perry in an extended answer format September in SC.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Jonathan:
As well such questions should be asked. And the answer should be that, thanks to newer directional drilling technology, much of the resources can be tapped without harming the surface environment. And that exploiting such resources takes power from our nation’s adversaries while lowering energy costs domestically.
The whole approach of the NIBMYs and BANANAs and freaked-out ’60s-era environmental activists that there should be absolute zero risk is outdated. The candidates need to explain that rather than pander to those outdated fears.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Why Mitt Romney Will Fail
By Ana Marie Cox
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/aug/29/why-mitt-romney-will-fail
August 30th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Just as Mitt’s performance last cycle, where he came to the debates full of vim and vitriol and frenetic anger, helped propel him to the top of the heap and beyond? Remember how he used to cut in all irritated to defend is record/attack like an ADHD child? How did that work out? If anything, it showcased his irascible impatience.
There are probably some sort of folkloric tales about candidate Mitt back in the day who burnt millions of his own savings on advertisements in attempts to obscure his inherent propensity for rage.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
31,
Baghdad Thunder,
Your numbers are wrong. Nice try though.
Try this on for size:
2008 – Mike Huckabee (34%), Mitt Romney (25%), Fred Thompson (13%), John McCain (13%), Ron Paul (10%), Rudy Giuliani (4%), and Duncan Hunter (1%)
August 30th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
83 We are all a little bit dumber for you having posted that drivel. Who is Ana Marie Cox? This article boils down to: “I don’t like Mitt Romney.” Message received.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
ROMNEY: Don’t mischaracterize my position!
HUCKABEE: Which one?!?!
August 30th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Nice find, ST
My favorite part? Hmmm…
First, if outspoken outliers such as Perry and Bachmann (and even McCain, in his own way) continue to do well in the modern Republican party, there is no longer a “next in line” theory of nominations. And, specifically to Romney, there’s this: voters’ familiarity with his name has failed to make him especially loved: of the announced presidential candidates, Romney has the highest name recognition but lowest “positive intensity” score, as tracked by Gallup. Mitt Romney belongs to a select group of politicians that fails to excite the emotions of the population either direction. (His fellow hopefuls, however, experience no such ambivalence: they loathe him.)
August 30th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Now Mitt has “irasciable impatience” and he “burned” millions of his own savings.
I think I’ve heard everything now. On the one hand, the guy is criticized for being wealthy, and on the other hand, he’s criticized for loving his country more than money. I don’t get it. Haters will be haters though. When Perry shows fire and brimstone its proof of his “passion” and “authenticity”. Hypocrites.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Deroy Murdock’s girlfriend?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
87.
And you can sub Huck’s name with Rick’s come September’s debates.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
89 – We’re just following the Rombot example of wildly flinging mud in every direction to see what sticks
August 30th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Sojo,
“His business background in the context of America’s financial meltdown should have won him the Republican nomination in 2008 – seriously, John McCain? Seriously?”
Now, I’m not disputing the premise that Romney is a bad campaigner, but in point of fact, we weren’t in full financial “meltdown” until the Fall of ’08. In fact, Huckabee was about the only one among the Republicans who was talking recession in 2007, while everyone (including Mitt) scoffed at him. The full wave didn’t hit until Sept or Oct. of 2008. You can find the exact timing on a stock chart, but it was well after the primaries were over.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
93 – You’re right about that and she’s wrong.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
She’s clearly liberal (the UK Guardian) – I just found it interesting that even a leftwinger hits on some of the same points conservatives do about Romney. Even if she does it imperfectly.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
If you want an article discussing Mitt’s electoral problems, that isn’t laughably wrong in its historical context, check this out.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Mitt is beating Obama in Florida. Is that one of those electoral problems you are talking about?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Shouldn’t Romney have forsaw the meltdown as the Ouachita Baptist College fellow did? Why aren’t they teaching a class in Economic Forecasting at Harvard Business School?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
I bet they teach TARP 101 now.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
Hey guys, I’m tanned, rested, and ready! Well, not so much “tanned,” anymore, but certainly rested. Give me a call!
August 30th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
Perry’s letter to Pelosi urging her to pass TARP ought to be the first thing taught.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
97 – Mitt has to win the primary before he ever gets to face Obama. Since the voters seem to like Perry and he’s beating Obama in Florida too, it sort of undercuts the need for Mitt.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
This site has gone downhill since Perry left the race. I hear absolutely NOTHING positive about Rick Perry’s record, only barbs directed towards Romney and his supporters. Will the troika of Perry/Bachmann, SojTruth, and Casuit please humour us with why Perry would make a good President? All I am seeing here is a bunch of endzone celebrations and taunting before the game has even started.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
At this point, a lot of folks are beating Obama — but who iss going to beat surging Perry is the subject matter at hand.
And IA, SC, and FL pretty much wraps it up for the indefatigable Texan.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
Perry entered the race. Sorry, wishful thinking.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
103,
I’m sorry. Let’s go back to the way it was three weeks ago.
Who do YOU think Mitt should choose as his running mate since he is so obviously going to be our nominee?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Aspa,
We’ll tell ya in 2013.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
106.
I think he should choose one of those illegal aliens he likes to hire. Mitt/Pedro ’12
August 30th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
..should get the Hispanic vote. Or could backfire.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
106 Funny. Perry’s lead is going to be temporary so enjoy your little taunts while you can I guess. These things always tighten up. Perry is the best thing to happen to Mitt’s campaign. There is no way he loses New Hampshire now, especially with Perry’s horrible record on illegal immigration and spending.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Hahaha.
VOTE FOR PEDRO!!!
….because we know everyone only ‘tolerates’ Mitt…
August 30th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
109 How do you spend so much time on this site? Do you have a life? Are you 12 years old? Are you 37 and living in your mom’s basement? You can’t possibly have a family and spend this much time stalking your favorite pastors-in-chief?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Never get into a wrestling match with a pig. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it.
JOHN MCCAIN, New York Times, Dec. 29, 2007
August 30th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
But Rommney was about the biggest cheerleader of all for the TARP bailouts. Along with Palin.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
I guess it says something about Michele’s standing that a FPP about her ends up turning into another food fight between Ricky P and Willard. How things have changed…..
Talk about yesterday’s news, not even Craig will talk about her.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Love ‘em and leave ‘em is my philosophy with politicians these days.
But keepin’ my eye on the White House and her as veep, of course.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
This is a perfect example of why none of the Rombot attacks on Perry are working.
Every stance not completely conservative that Romboosters accuse Perry of taking, it turns out to be something on which Romney is even more liberal.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
I never get tired of repeating that Perry is a sitting governor from a state continuous with the GOP regional base, that he is popular among the 2 principal ideological formations of the party (so-cons, T-Partiers), and that he enjoys many years in executive office with a strong record of policies that support economic growth.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Yeah, it seems that every new post, regardless of its topic, somehow turns into a Perry/Romney bake-off. It’s going to be another long primary season, isn’t it?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
ftw.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Craig,
So are you a firm believer again in executive experience?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Short quick posts is the secret.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
118 So you like him because he’s “popular”. He’s not popular in Texas where people know him best. Why do you think that is?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
casuist and perry/bachmann – remember this day and enjoy, as it will be your happiest day. Perry will not be the nominee and will implode as soon as people start to look into his past. Perry and Dirty Harry Reid must have taken the same real estate class.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Matt,
Yep, I’ve been born again.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
casusit,
If he’s such an awesome SoCon, why do you suppose Ricky P said that the rights of states (created by man) trump the right to life (created by God)?
August 30th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
123 – sure he is. He just beat his Republican opponent by 20 and a supposedly strong Democrat by 12.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
You guys aren’t very bright are you. If Romney’s record is equivalent to Perry’s, then and Romney isn’t conservative enough, than neither is Perry, and you ought to be looking for someone else. 118 explains why these people are showing support for Perry. He checks all the boxes, but only if you don’t look too hard. 4 years is a long time. Too bad you won’t get 4 years. Perry is unelectable. Obama will make him look certifiable. Its Christine O’Donnell and Sharron Angle all over again.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
What would you like to bet that Perry carries Texas?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
Why are you Rombats always lecturing other people about their choices? Anyway, as someone else said, there is no universe where Perry is not more conservative than Willard “RomneyCare” Romney.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
126 – If Roe v. Wade is overturned, doesn’t that just mean that the legality of abortion is determined by the states?
I’d rather an “I’m pro-life no ifs ands or buts” approach too. But is that going to win elections?
Isn’t it better to take what we can get?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
Kinky Friedman got over 500,000 votes when he ran as an independent against Perry, Perry got 1.7 mil that is how popular Perry is in Texas, barely beats a dope smokin hippy
August 30th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
If that’s directed at ME, then that’s not what I said.
What I said was that MittWits aren’t going to win the argument because if Perry’s record on conservatism is imperfect, Romney’s is doubly so.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
132 – Perry is happy to receive Kinky’s endorsement just within the past week.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
127 Perry has negative favorability at 42/50 according to PPP in a June 2011 survey, before conservative media decided to anoint Rick Perry the king of the little people. That’s a -8 favorability in a conservative redder than red state. Anyone else from Texas care to dispute that?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Yeah,
They hate him in Texas for setting in motion the climate for half the new jobs created in America.
And they also hate him soooooooo much that they keep putting him in an office for 26 straight years.
They can’t stand Perry at all — wonder what they would do if they actually liked him?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
135 – Fine. He went from 4 to 33 and 1st place in Republican primary polling of Texas.
Just like he’s catapulted to the top nationally.
And Romney was the “front runner” last month.
So?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Yeah,
They hate him in Texas for setting in motion the climate for half the new jobs created in America.
And they also hate him soooooooo much that they keep putting him in an office for 26 straight years.
They can’t stand Perry at all — wonder what they would do if they actually liked him?
Perhaps rename Dallas, Perrytown. Austin, Perryville. And Houston changed to Perrywood
August 30th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
118,
What does “a state continuous with the GOP regional base” mean? Did you perhaps mean contiguous?
For a man of so many words, I’d call a single sentence reply to the question to be quite weak and suggest that perhaps you try again and provide a list of relevant accomplishments, skills, abilities, education, etc. that you believe prepares Mr. Perry for assuming the highest office in the land.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Oops, sorry for the double, folks.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Texans generally do not like Rick Perry. The favorability polls demonstrate that. Massachusetts residents do not like Mitt Romney by a similar rating (40/52), but Texas is a very conservative state and MA is a very liberal state. Tim Pawlenty has a similar rating in liberal Minnesota (40/53). I wish someone would explain why Perry does so poorly in the state given how conservative the state is.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Sojo,
Perry wasn’t just stating the fact that everyone knows- that merely overturning Roe (at least temporarily) returns the issue of abortion to the states. He was saying that is as it should be contending that Real Americans® who believe in the 10th Amendment have to accept the Divine Right of States, even when it isn’t convenient for ancillary concerns like staying alive.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
138 If Rick Perry is responsible for the climate here, I’d like to punch him in the face. Do you know how hot its been here?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
141 – Let’s put it this way. It took 27 years for the voters in Texas to become luke warm on Perry.
Mitt accomplished such a feat in only four.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
135,
We all hate Kos/PPP, ‘member?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
you might want to do some fact checking… Here are the results from 2008. The number suggest that Romney has the possibility of picking up not only the support he had but also that of John McCain, Fred Thompson, and Rudy Giuliani all of whom do not fit into the Huckabee/Perry mold. Even if you assume some of Thompson support would go to Perry, just adding Romney, Rudy and McCain support would suggest Romney could easily win Iowa 44 to 41
=========================================
I think you are forgetting several things. Romney was running a different campaign in 2008. He was running to the right of McCain. Also the turnout in 2008 was much lower. The tea party was not around then. In 2008, the turnout was around 117,000. I suspect in 2012, the turnout will be at least 150,000. Also interesting was that Palin got the largest and most enthusiastic reception at the state fair. Much larger than Perry’s.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
136 – your right……sort of
He inherited the policies in TX that create jobs
and in 26 years of so called “public service” he amassed millions in personal wealth.
Wow, some of you are going to be sorely disapointed when it falls apart, when was the last time the leader at this point ended up with the nomination? George Washington???
August 30th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Yep, my Angels just played three in Arlington.
They were only visiting — but how do you live there?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Lots of air conditioning repair jobs, I bet.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
142 – Well I’m not nearly as keen on elevating states’ rights to that level.
Still, he has a proven track record of social conservatism (I trust him far more than Romney and I trust him far more than Bachmann to actually be able to topple Obama).
Waiting for the liberal justices to kick the bucket and having Perry install so-con jurists to SCOTUS advances the ball in a measurably conservative direction. Realistically that’s all we can hope for.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
147.
Red State said yesterday: Everyone (except for McCain) since 1964 that led after Sept 1st.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
I’ll take those odds — hope Rick can hold on for two more days!
August 30th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Another Perry health care mandate struck down:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/31/us-abortion-texas-idUSTRE77U06F20110831
It would be a good world if everyone would have a sonogram before having an abortion, but it sounds like more government intrusion. Rick Perry is getting between the patient and the doctor once again.
For someone who values freedom, Perry sure has signed alot of mandates. Any of you Texans enjoying that booster seat law requiring a child to be in a booster seat until 8 years old? Wonder how much the child restraint seat industry gave Perry to get that one passed.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
Truth,
Cowboy Kinky Friedman was on Fox News yesterday vouching for Rick Perry’s awesomeness in creating jobs for Texas and soon to be for all of America. Or something like that.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
ANYTHING to protect babies is fine with me.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
149 you must be joking. I don’t think spending all your money to replace an air conditioner stimulates the economy much. The economy can only be stimulated when their are real increases in productivity (supply) or demand (population). Taking eggs out of 1 basket to buy air conditioners only takes money out of one set of goods (entertainment, food, etc.) and puts it into the hands of the air conditioning makers/servicers.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:20 pm
155 How about locking up anyone who is of reproductive age? That would eliminate all abortions.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
“Waiting for the liberal justices to kick the bucket and having Perry install so-con jurists to SCOTUS advances the ball in a measurably conservative direction. Realistically that’s all we can hope for.”
AMEN, ST! That is so doable by Perry. Can’t trust Romney who has already appointed pro abortion judges in MA. As has Palin in AK.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
All this Perry worship far exceeds the intensity of Rombot support of Romney (a certain banned character excluded) on a typical post.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
I like the sonogram idea. Does MA have that?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
156.
You are one weird dude.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:26 pm
A sonogram is government intrusion?
Really?
This from the Rombots who don’t think that RomneyCare is a government intrusion?
Planet Romney is quite the warped world.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
159 – banned?
Who?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:32 pm
This is a perfect example of why none of the Rombot attacks on Perry are working.
====================================================
I do think that Palin can compare her record to Perry. She cut spending when the dollars were pouring in. The only time Perry cut spending was when he had to. As a result when oil prices tumbled from $150 to around $60, she didn’t have resort to budget gimmicks. She just took some money out of reserves. The $12 billion surplus that she left was largely the reason Alaska’s bond rating was raised to AAA. S&P says that Texas’ structural deficits hurt the credit ratings of Texas. Palin used what stimulus money she took for one time projects while Perry used it to plug holes in his budget. Palin got rid of the state chef, chaffeur and paid for a tanning bed in the governor’s mansion. Perry is liing like a King at taxpayer expense. He seems to feel taxpayers should pay for his subscription to ‘Wine and Food’ even though he makes $150,000 a year.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
Red State said yesterday: Everyone (except for McCain) since 1964 that led after Sept 1st.
================================
Reagan, Bush Sr, Dole, and W. were all above 50% in the public opinion polls. Guliani was around 30% which is where Perry is about right now. Looking at history this is far from settled.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Perry,
“ANYTHING to protect babies is fine with me.”
Even trampling the 10th Amendment????
August 30th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
hamaca,
Did CF get banned?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
Matt,
For the next two weeks, Kavon put him on time-out.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
166.
Babies’ lifes? Are you serious?
August 30th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
168 – He needed the break anyway. He was about to have an aneuryism.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
I live in Texas and there is no way I would put my 8 year old in a booster seat. What a stupid law. I am a Romney fan from Texas but of course, as Perry says, a Prophet isnt loved in his city. Perry is one Prophet that I dont love. He belongs in Austin in his zillion dollar rental I’m paying for.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Sojourner, Matt,
Yes, CF was banned for two weeks.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Craig,
“Babies’ lifes? Are you serious?”
Yes. Rick- at least temporarily- seemed to think the 10th Amendment comes first.
I disagree.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
The downside is he may come back with all sorts of pent up feelings ready to unleash!
August 30th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
Frankie,
Perry is heading to 50 at the speed of sound.
Saw a 41 at Zogby today — which is in line with the weekly Perry surge-trends at the scientific pollster sites.
August 30th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
Matt,
Do me a favor and drop Perry’s campaign office an email to get that straightened out.
August 30th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Craig,
They won’t respond unless I open up the checkbook….
August 30th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
That CF kid’s beast of burden is carrying around years and years of hate for Huckabee, then having to switch loads to Perry in midstream.
So much anger for a little punk kid to carry.
August 30th, 2011 at 11:06 pm
August 30th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
I think CF is Aaron from ROS days.
August 31st, 2011 at 12:15 am
Craig,
I’ve been thinking he was Aaron too, but that Aaron had bad grammar, and lots of spelling mistakes.