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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Initial Reax


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I think Newt Gingrich did very well tonight. I think he knows it. He’s right. I’ve heard a number of people say that Rick Santorum had a really strong debate too and even that he ‘won’ the debate. Santorum was basically more on his game than I think I’ve ever heard him. He had a really good debate. I think Newt did better. But here’s the key: Gingrich is in a position to capitalize in a big way on a strong debate performance. I don’t think Santorum is. So it all comes down to a very strong performance by Newt — one I think will likely a clinch a win for him on Saturday night, notwithstanding the tell-all interview coming later tonight.
It all started (and in a sense ended) with Newt’s ferocious broadside against John King for raising the “open marriage” story. (Watch the video here.) The whole thing was a put-up job in reality. But for his intended audience, it was a masterstroke. And it was classic Newt. Take the mammoth offensive whether you have a leg to stand on or not and just go with it. It turned the whole thing into an outrage drama against the “mainstream media.” The cynicism of Newt’s tirade was on display post-debate when he complimented King for doing a great job moderating the debate. But again, doesn’t matter. He nailed it. That set the tone for the debate, virtually ensured that no one would touch the issue for the next two hours and instantly drew off all the Newt-tension hovering over the debate.
There was the one portion where Mitt really held the floor and that was on the tax return stuff. But it was not good at all. I found it genuinely curious that his campaign had not prepared him better for questions that were guaranteed to come up. Watch the video.
But the big thing is that Romney just seemed to shrink over the course of the debate. Like he was a bystander. At some points I almost forgot he was there. I’m curious what other people think. But he just seemed deflated and almost not there for most of the debate. It was Newt and Santorum. That would be fine if if was ten days ago when it really seemed that Romney was home free. But he needed a lot more than that tonight.
I have little doubt that he’ll still end up being the nominee. But I think it’s going to take him longer than we thought.

The Meltdown


Video of Mitt’s epic tax return meltdown. Watch.

Relive It


Here’s video of Newt’s opening fusillade which I think probably won him the debate. Worth watching it again.

Quick Reax


A quick read on where we are so far.
I think Newt basically won this debate and maybe the primary with the opening fusilade against John King about the Marianne tell-all interview. Shameless, hubris, chutzpah, whatever. It was pitch perfect for his intended audience. He took control of the debate and drew down all the tension about when the debate would turn to the open marriage stuff.
A short time later his campaign released his tax returns. Another little ambush set there for Newt.
Mitt’s done fine. But he’s felt like a bystander so far to me in this debate. That’s fine when he’s ahead. But he needs to shake things up, upset Newt’s momentum. And he hasn’t. Not even close.
8:31 PM: Here’s why it won’t be nearly as easy as Mitt claims to get rid of “Obamacare”. Really good piece. Give it a read.
8:07 PM: Smart of Santorum to stamp the word “victory” about Iowa. It really gets under Mitt’s skin.

Solar blast heading our way



Watch video clips of today's solar flare, as seen by NASA spacecraft.
Uploaded by on Jan 19, 2012
Today's M2.6-class Solar Flare produced a nice Coronal Mass Ejection, which appears to be Earth directed. Current forecasts have it to arrive on January 21, 2012 at approx. 22:30 UT (let's give or take 7 hours... it's over 90 million mile journey after all).
Our friends at the NASA Goddard Space Weather Lab are predicting possible strong geomagnetic storms.
A view of the Active Regions 1401 and 1402 over the past couple of days shows the development of those beautiful sunspots. Then two views of the solar flare through the SDO instrument before concluding with views from STEREO Ahead and Behind.

The sun has unleashed a blast in Earth's direction, and that should cause brighter-than-normal auroral displays this weekend. Skywatchers won't be the only ones monitoring the storm: The folks in charge of power grids and orbiting satellites will also be on guard to make sure the disturbance in the (geomagnetic) force won't be disruptive.
Word of today's blast, technically known as a coronal mass ejection or CME, comes via SpaceWeather.com's Tony Phillips. NASA says the outburst sparked an M3.2-class solar flare, as well as a stream of electrically charged particles that is due to interact with Earth's magnetic field on Saturday. "Viewers can be on the lookout for increased aurora," NASA says.
M-class flares are capable of causing brief radio blackouts near the poles as well as minor radiation storms, but it's unlikely that this one will disrupt communication or power transmission networks. The forecast would be different if it were an X-class storm heading our way. As the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year activity cycle in 2013 or so, we can expect to see more powerful solar outbursts.
To keep tabs on the prospects for northern (or southern) lights, check SpaceWeather.com as well as the University of Alaska's Aurora Forecast website. The higher your latitude, the better your chances of seeing the lights. If you miss them, never fear: SpaceWeather.com will surely update its January aurora gallery over the weekend. And if you snag a great picture that you'd like to share, pass it along via the Cosmic Log Facebook page or msnbc.com's FirstPerson in-box.
More great auroral views:

Alan Boyle is msnbc.com's science editor. Connect with the Cosmic Log community by "liking" the log's Facebook page, following @b0yle on Twitter or adding Cosmic Log's Google+ page to your circle. You can also check out "The Case for Pluto," my book about the controversial dwarf planet and the search for other worlds.

Romney and Gingrich battle to clear hurdles to nomination in GOP debate


Emmanuel Dunand / AFP - Getty Images
Republican presidential hopefuls participate in the CNN Southern Republican Leadership Conference Town Hall Debate in Charleston, South Carolina, January 19, 2012, in advance of this weekend's January 21, 2012 Republican presidential primary.

Updated 9:53 p.m.
Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, each battling furiously for a win in Saturday's South Carolina primary, pointedly questioned each other's experience to be president, forcing them to defend their careers and personal dealings at a pivotal debate on Thursday.
Both men were forced to answer standing questions about the challenges they face to winning the nomination and beating President Obama in a spirited debate less than 36 hours before voting begins in the Palmetto State.
The two leading candidates in South Carolina's primary this weekend largely avoided sniping at each other in the first half hour of the debate, but engaged each other more directly as the evening progressed.
Gingrich was pressed to explain his past support for a mandate for individuals to purchase health insurance, and his manner of leadership as speaker of the House, a tenure described by critics as erratic.
But Gingrich scored early -- and decisive -- points in debate with a fiery response to allegations from an ex-wife that drew wild applause from the crowd in attendance.
Romney, meanwhile, had to defend his business record and answer questions as to why he wouldn't release his income tax records, all while relitigating conservative criticism of the health care reform he signed as governor of Massachusetts.
Through this, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, crowned the winner this morning of the Iowa Caucuses after a retabulation of results, was anxious to take on both Romney and Gingrich, distinguishing himself as a steady if not-flashy alternative to the two leading candidates.
The debate, the 17th of the cycle, followed one of the most dramatic days of the 2012 campaign. Thursday saw Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s exit from the campaign trail, the new extramarital allegations against Gingrich, polling data showing Romney’s advantage slipping in South Carolina, and a new declaration by the Iowa GOP anointing former Santorum – not Romney – the winner of its Jan. 3 caucus after certifying official results.

Perry drops out of GOP presidential race, endorses Gingrich

The tone of the forum was set early when Gingrich angrily assailed CNN moderator John King for opening the debate by asking Gingrich to answer allegations made by his ex-wife, Marianne, in an interview with ABC News, saying the then-speaker of the House asked to engage in an "open marriage," or else he would file for divorce.
"I am appalled that you would begin a presidential debate with a topic like that," Gingrich said, earning wild applause from the audience. "To take an ex-wife and make it two days before the primary a significant question in a presidential campaign is as close to despicable as anything I can imagine."

Gingrich angrily rebuffs questions about ex-wife

Gingrich disputed the allegations as "false," and his three fellow Republicans onstage resisted piling on. ("Let's get on to the real issues," former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said.)
Recent pollng of the race suggests that Gingrich has been enjoying a late surge in South Carolina, one that could threaten Romney's bid for a win that, his campaign hopes, would all but seal the nomination for the former Massachusetts governor.
An NBC News-Marist poll released Thursday found Romney leading at 34 percent among likely primary voters in the state, followed by Gingrich at 24 percent, Texas Rep. Ron Paul at 16 percent, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum at 14 percent, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry at 4 percent. But in the latter half of the two-day poll, following Gingrich's strong performance during a Monday debate, Romney's lead winnowed to five points.

NBC poll: Newt Gingrich gains ground on Mitt Romney in South Carolina
South Carolina has correctly predicted the eventual Republican nominee since the inception of its primary in 1980; in each subsequent contest, the winner has gone on to become the GOP standard-bearer.
Romney has sought to project an air of inevitability surrounding his candidacy, but has been dogged by questions about the business practices of Bain Capital, the private equity firm he cofounded, that go to the core of his argument that he is the candidate most experienced to repair the U.S. economy. Romney's work for Bain also made him wealthy, and Romney's GOP rivals have pressed him to release his tax returns.
He dealt with both issues Thursday evening. Romney sought to explain Bain's work in greater detail, highlighting instances in which its work created jobs. He avoided engaging with Republicans, like Gingrich, who have questioned Romney's private sector record.
"I'm someone who believes in free enterprise," he said. "And I'm going to stand and defend capitalism across this country, throughout this campaign. I know we're going to get hit hard from President Obama, but we're going to stuff it down his throat and point out it is capitalism and freedom that makes America strong."
Romney also faced pressure to release his tax returns. He said he would release records -- going back an unspecified number of "multiple" years -- but not until April, by which time the primary may well be settled.
It was Santorum, though, who put the most pointed questions to the two frontrunners. Santorum, who served in Congress while Gingrich was speaker, raised questions about whether Gingrich's conduct as a leader would lead to a "worrisome moment" for the GOP.
"Grandiosity has never been a problem with Newt Gingrich. He handles it very, very well," Santorum said, later adding: "I knew what the problems were going on in the House of Representatives when Newt Gingrich was leading there. It was an idea a minute, no discipline, no ability to be able to pull things together."
That exchange opened up a broader, sharper discussion between the candidates on their backgrounds. Romney characterized Gingrich as a lifelong insider, and again touted his business experience as the best qualification for his candidacy.
"I was in business 25 years. So you're not going to get credit for my 25 years," Romney said. "I don't recall a single day saying, 'Oh, thanks heavens Washington is there for me.'"
But Romney was also put on the spot by Santorum, and later, Gingrich, over his record in Massachusetts. Gingrich accused Romney of continuing to support abortions even after having announced his opposition to abortion rights. And Santorum went on the attack on Massachusetts health care reform.
"It is not a free-market health care system. It is not bottom- up. It is prescriptive and government. It was the basis for Obamacare," Santorum said.
Romney stumbled at moments and offered wonky answers in response to the criticism, repeatedly vowing that, for whatever his past record shows, he would govern in opposition to abortion rights.
"I did my very best to be a pro-life governor. I will be a pro-life president," Romney said.
Texas Rep. Ron Paul at times fell to the background, having to make quips at moment about not being afforded an opportunity to join the scrum onstage.  At one point, when the moderator was ready to move on after a question on abortion, the crowd complained that Paul hadn't been given an opportunity to answer.
The debate came after one of the most momentus days in the campaign. Perry ended his bid for the nomination and threw his support behind Gingrich, who has shown signs of revival in South Carolina, and who has sought to rally conservatives under the banner of being the best alternative to Romney.
That narrative shaped Thursday night's debate, which saw Gingrich engage in frequent crowd-pleasing answers, dropping references to Ronald Reagan and taking frequent shots at the media.
Whether Romney did much to reverse his slide likely won't be known until Saturday, when South Carolinians head to the polls. Debate settings have been a strength for Gingrich, and he, Paul and Santorum have relished the opportunity to pile on Romney in these settings. (Another debate is scheduled for Monday night in Florida.)
The debate, hosted by CNN and the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, was broadcast at 8 p.m. ET.

Gingrich angrily rebuffs questions about ex-wife




Newt Gingrich opened a pivotal Republican presidential debate with a fiery attack on the media for publishing stories regarding new allegations made against him by an ex-wife.
Gingrich assailed, in no uncertain terms, CNN moderator John King for opening the debate by asking Gingrich to answer allegations made by his ex-wife, Marianne, in an interview with ABC News, saying the then-speaker of the House asked to engage in an "open marriage," or else he would file for divorce.
"I am appalled that you would begin a presidential debate with a topic like that," Gingrich said, earning wild applause from the audience. "To take an ex-wife and make it two days before the primary a significant question in a presidential campaign is as close to despicable as anything I can imagine."
Gingrich disputed the allegations as "false," and his three fellow Republicans onstage resisted piling on. ("Let's get on to the real issues," former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said.)
It was a spirited opening to a debate that capped one of the most politically tumultuous days of the 2012 cycle.

First Thoughts: A stop to Romney's coronation?


A stop to Romney’s coronation?... With certified results from Iowa (though eight missing precincts), Santorum ended up with a 34-vote advantage over Romney… And a new NBC/Marist poll shows Gingrich gaining ground on Santorum in South Carolina… What’s clear from our poll: Debates matter, and there’s another one tonight… Also in the poll: The Bain dog doesn’t bite -- at least for now… But will Marianne Gingrich bite Newt?... How things have changed for the Gingrich camp in a month… And how they’ve remained the same for Team Romney… And breaking down the Obama campaign’s first TV ad.
*** A stop to Romney’s coronation? Just two days ago, it appeared Mitt Romney was well on his way to wrapping up the GOP presidential nomination by the end of the weekend, going 3-for-3 in the first three GOP contests -- something that’s never been done before by a non-incumbent Republican. But breaking news and brand-new polls out of South Carolina suggest that Romney’s coronation might have been premature. First, the breaking news: The Des Moines Register reports that after the certified totals from the Iowa caucuses, Rick Santorum ended up with a 34-vote advantage over Romney with eight precincts’ numbers missing (which will never be certified). The Iowa Republican Party and the Romney campaign are calling the certified results a tie, and NBC News will not declare a winner in the contest (due to the missing precincts). But make no mistake: Santorum came out ahead. Second, brand-new polls out of South Carolina -- including our new NBC/Marist survey -- show Gingrich gaining considerable ground on Romney in the Palmetto State. Now think about it: On Saturday night, it is POSSIBLE that instead of 3-and-0, Romney could be 1-and-2, with that one victory coming in his backyard of New Hampshire.
*** A thought exercise: You’ve got to wonder: Had the headlines coming out of Iowa on Jan. 4 been “Rick Santorum wins Iowa” instead of “Mitt Romney wins…,” what would have been the impact in New Hampshire? Would the race have been closer? Ironically, the change in outcome doesn’t help Santorum, whose campaign has noticeably run out of gas in the last few days -- despite that evangelical endorsement over the weekend. Instead, this news hurts Romney -- and by extension benefits Gingrich.
*** Debates matter: If there’s one lesson we’ve learned in this Republican presidential contest, it is this: The 16 debates -- and counting -- have mattered. A lot. And our new NBC/Marist poll of South Carolina provides even more evidence of that. Overall in the two-day survey (conducted Monday Jan. 16 and Tuesday Jan. 17), Romney gets the support of 34% of likely GOP primary voters, while Gingrich is at 24%, Ron Paul at 16%, Rick Santorum at 14%, and Perry at 4%. But the numbers are strikingly different before and after the debate on Monday, when Romney had an uneven performance and Gingrich had a strong one. On Monday, Romney led Gingrich by a whopping 15 points in the poll, 37%-22%. But on the Tuesday after the debate, that advantage narrowed to just five points, 31%-26%, putting Gingrich in striking distance. In particular, the most conservative parts of the GOP electorate (Tea Party supporters, “very conservative” voters, and evangelicals) broke toward Gingrich in the day after the debate. And guess what: Tonight, we have another debate, the 17th of the cycle.
*** The Bain dog doesn’t bite -- at least for now: While Gingrich gained ground on Romney the day after Monday’s GOP debate, the former Massachusetts governor can take comfort with this finding from the poll: His past work at Bain Capital doesn’t seem to bother South Carolina Republicans. Per the survey, 61% of GOP primary voters (as well as 42% of all registered voters in the state) agree with the statement that investment firms like Bain help the U.S. economy, and they agree that while some companies fail or are restructured, others succeed and that’s how the free market works. By comparison, just a quarter of like GOP voters (and a third of all registered voters) agree with the statement that investment firms like Bain hurt the economy when they take over a company and lay off workers and reduce their pay and when they make money for the firm whether or not the company succeeds.
*** But will Marianne Gingrich bite Newt? And here’s another thing where Romney can take some comfort: Today’s political story -- as well as tonight’s debate -- is going to include a discussion about Gingrich’s second failed marriage. Matt Drudge yesterday revealed that ABC got an interview with ex-wife Marianne Gingrich, who had criticized the former House speaker in a 2010 Esquire interview. Last night, the Gingrich camp responded to the upcoming interview with a letter from Gingrich’s two daughters: “We will not say anything negative about our father’s ex-wife.  He has said before, privately and publicly, that he regrets any pain he may have caused in the past to people he loves. ABC News or other campaigns may want to talk about the past, just days before an important primary election.  But Newt is going to talk to the people of South Carolina about the future.” In an interview on “TODAY” this morning, Gingrich invoked his daughters and refused to say anything negative about Marianne. But do remember: In an interview with NBC’s Chuck Todd, Gingrich declared that he didn’t have a relationship with his second ex-wife.
*** How things change… : Given how the Gingrich campaign has responded so far -- with a quick statement from his two daughters -- it’s striking how much has changed in a month. And it hasn’t been just this story; it’s how the campaign has responded to the Romney camp in recent days. A month ago, heading into the Iowa contest, the Gingrich camp looked haphazard and unable to respond to the attacks hitting them. Now? They look much more sophisticated.
*** … and how they remain the same: And while things appeared to have changed for the Gingrich candidate, NBC’s Garrett Haake observes how similar things have been for Romney – and how history might be repeating itself. In early December, Haake explains, Herman Cain had just dropped out of the presidential race; Mitt Romney was trying to recover from a rough interview with Fox's Brett Baier; and Newt Gingrich's surge was being battled back by Romney surrogates. Now in the final days before the South Carolina primary, Jon Huntsman has just dropped out of the presidential race; Mitt Romney is trying to recover from a rough debate outing (moderated by Baier); and Newt Gingrich's (latest) surge is being battled back by Romney surrogates.
*** Obama campaign plays defense with first ad: So President Obama’s campaign is up with its first TV ad of the cycle -- at a buy of $1.3 million and counting, per Smart Media Group Delta -- and it turns out to be a response to a $6 million blitz by the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity that hits Obama on Solyndra. It’s a very defensive ad, something that the RNC made clear to reporters last night. The Obama camp tells First Read that the objective of their response to make clear that the attack ad is funded by oil executives -- i.e., the Koch brothers -- who want to keep America running on oil, not clean energy. And it believes such a response makes the attack less credible to viewers. A few points on this Obama ad. One, it’s clear that the Solyndra ad was having an effect. Two, this just demonstrates again how important outside groups will be to this campaign. And three, this is just more evidence that 2012 is going to be a negative campaign – full of attacks and responses..
***On the trail, per NBC’s Adam Perez: Two days before Saturday’s primary, all the candidates remain in South Carolina: Gingrich stumps in Bluffton, Beaufort, and Walterboro… Romney visits Charleston… Santorum rallies in Charleston… And all candidates (Romney, Paul, Gingrich, and Santorum) will be in North Charleston for the CNN debate, which begins at 8:00 pm ET.
Countdown to South Carolina primary: 2 days
Countdown to Florida primary: 12 days
Countdown to Nevada caucuses: 16 days
Countdown to Super Tuesday: 47 days
Countdown to Election Day: 292 days




This was a good set of comments and that is why I included them
For-Reel Keystone XL Pipeline agenda:
"The Oil goes to China, Permanent Jobs go to Canada, We Get the Spills, and the World gets Warmer."
1) TransCanada official told CNN (video) that permanent jobs would be in the "hundreds, certainly not in the thousands."
2) Oil from pipeline will go to South America and elsewhere. Pipeline will help Canada oil to access international markets by bypassing the U.S.A....and go on to the highest bidder.
3) Our process of becoming energy independent may be delayed by many years.
4) Meanwhile US oil prices will go up.
5) Bigger profits & pipes of $cash for $Big Oil.
But we reelly want clean energy...
a) In just six weeks, 32,000 clean energy jobs were created by one hundred companies. (Sept-Oct 2011)
b) Over 2.7 million people work in the clean energy sector in the US = more than all of the fossil fuel industry combined.
c) Clean automakers have created more than 151,000 good long-term jobs and saved us $billions in gas.
d) Overall the economy has grown at only half the pace of our clean energy sector. (2003-2010)
e) Clean energy is the global future of job creation.
ALEC+Koch+Keystone Principal Lobbyist Norquist+GOP congressionals:
Are already concocting new legislation and scammier bully tactics to wield against the President in April.
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/ddroitsch/dont_be_fooled_-_the_keystone.html
http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/201111110019
#1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:13 AM EST

Comment author avatarBeverly in ChicagoExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community
The GOP/ Tea Party Candidates: Get Your Kicks From Super Pac Route $2, 012, 212, 666


This XL Pipe line is a route chosen by the GOP/ Tea Potty to make people think it will produce jobs and energy. The truth is it will benefit the KOCHS and Mitch Mc Connell.


Congress’s best salesmen for the pipeline are conveniently the top beneficiaries of Big Oil donations. McConnell, who said he will oppose any payroll bill that doesn’t include the pipeline, is Senate’s biggest recipient of oil and gas money, receiving $199,000 this year. Boehner is one of the top 10 recipients in the House this year, and has taken in $434,050 from the industry over his career.
http://thinkprogress.org/green/2011/12/16/391272/myth-that-keystone-xl-creates-jobs-perpetuated-by-oil-lobby-parroted-by-congresss-oil-recipients/


Newt Gingrich is the most desperate Republican candidate. He is a big, bleached, whale , stuffed with so much hypocrisy it is unimaginable to fathom how he could consider himself a human.


Newt wants to drag his followers down the polluted waters of his venom and deception.
What can Newt's ex-wife tell us we don't already KNOW? By all means Let his ex-wife tell us what we need to know. After all, it's only fair to voters in S.C. Will it be he's a LIAR, the government shutdowns, the temper tantrums, the money scandals; or that he' s a guy with a severe zipper problem?
The GOP/ Tea Party Candidates are truly painful to endure. They make one wanna holler-- that’s a lie”, “that’s wrong”, and “that’s utter bullsh!t" at your TV!!!
But, the gaga cult-like zoombies will clap and drone Dixie tonight as they follow the LIES with blueberrry pie all over their faces.

These million/ billon dollar Super Pac candidates are buffoons fleecing you zoombie cultists about this country and Our President. Notwithstanding the fact, that you who listen to them are truly hopeless. The GOP/ Tea Party Candidates know you zoombies are just as much a bunch of malleable tools as they are. They make you think they could actually be the next president of the United States. Yes, these witless shoddy buffoons, are charlatans, and societal rejects. They all might as well be a person from the streets. In fact, a person would do better by dragging a persos off the street to be a candidate just to save your cast of clownish buffoons and your party.
Therefore, you have the best of the worst of Fox News in 2012 for you gaga cult of zoombies being voodoo-ed into believing that a shooty pipe line is better that tax cuts and unemployment benefits for the rich; and you buffonish candidates can be president.


I'm getting ready to go down that route of hysterical lauhgter called a debate tonight qnd the inrerview.
Nobody but Obama/ Biden 2O12
#1.1 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:15 AM EST

Jobless claims plunged by 50,000 to 352,000 in the week ended Jan. 14, the lowest level since April 2008
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT - SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA
In the week ending January 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 352,000, a decrease of 50,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 402,000. The 4-week moving average was 379,000, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average of 382,500.
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/ui/current.htm
Where are all those seasonable layoff numbers?
#1.2 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:16 AM EST

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Revered Dem icon Slick Willy Clinton is the first prominent lefty liberal to speak the awful truth that I have been telling for a long time now:
MSNBC is really MSDNC, the official cable “news” media mouthpiece for the lefty liberals in the Dem party.
OUCH!!!!
THAT’S gotta hurt for the lefty liberals that believe MSDNC is a fountain of objective truth for those that ‘think(progress.org) for themselves”. It also means that the MSDNC prime time Stooges lineup is on par with Hannity and O’Reilly.
BTW, better watch out Bill, the Nasty Redhead and Bev will be coming after you with their Bobbitt knives drawn.
As I said above: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let the collapsing begin by those FR lefty liberals that can’t handle the truth 3.. 2.. 1
From Politico:
Clinton: MSNBC 'our version of Fox'
By: Mackenzie Weinger
January 18, 2012 12:45 PM EST
Former president Bill Clinton has turned media critic - dubbing MSNBC “our version of Fox.”
Clinton told Esquire magazine MSNBC has become just like Fox News — and he blames the insatiable demand for cable news to have constant content as one of the reasons politics has become so caustic and divisive.
The existence of so many news channels and media outlets, Clinton said, “has contributed to less actual reporting and a louder, more contentious, more divisive public discourse, highlighting conflict, sometimes falsely.”
“I also think that the diffusion of the media has complicated things. For example, I was just watching — I don’t know if you heard what I said in the other room — I was just watching MSNBC, and they had a woman that used to work for me and a couple of other people on there, and they were talking about the Republican primary. And I was laughing. I said, ‘Boy, it really has become our version of Fox,’” he said in the piece in the February issue, which culls from interviews done on November 30 and December 16, 2011.
#1.3 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:16 AM EST

Backhouse, terrific information.
Republican legislators like Boehner, democrats like Mark Begach (sp) and those convinced this is good for us do not understand that Canada's oil will not be the USA's oil simply because a pipeline crosses our country from top to bottom. Drill baby, drill in the USA does not mean WE keep the oil. It all goes on the international market and is sold to the highest bidder.
#1.4 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:22 AM EST

There was a time when race and cultural differences was a scar on the American Landscape. There was place when the time to move beyond race and cultural differences rested on a shore of an American Landscape. And with Republican Candidates coming out this election season with poison and vitriol; with FOX airing dangerous divisive rhetoric; with the RNC supporting the dialogue against minorities and supporters of the Republicans failing to remove the spoiled expired meat from the shelves, these next few months will be rife with more and more and more of the same hate-filled charged poisonous speeches that have been exhibited by Right Wing Extremists that is infecting the entire party.
It is rather unfortunate that the Republicans resort to inciting such resentment among their own people. We have to move beyond all this and become a united country. The sooner these actions are denounced, the sooner we can build dreams instead of waking up to a nightmare.
#1.5 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:22 AM EST

Jody, more info on Congress to follow when I find it.
And American Petroleum Institute President Jack Gerard threatened "huge political consequences" if Keystone XL is not approved.
#1.6 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:24 AM EST

A few months back, when Obama was trying to spend another $500 billion on his Stimulus II (following the total failure of Stimulus I) with money the country didn't have, he ran around the country shouting "Pass this bill!" Wow was that man in a hurry! He couldn't talk about it enough, preach about it enough, or scream about it enough. Obama was in a hurry, it had to get done NOW! Luckily Congress, even the Democrats, saw this as just another waste of money and they produced no additional deficit spending bills for Obama. Obama quietly sulked away and the media buried the story.
Now, with Keystone, the most studied pipeline ever, a project that will produce thousands of jobs, a project with a billion dollar environmental impact statement that is a thousands of pages long, a project that has been studied for years, Obama suddenly gets to dragging his cold tired feet. "It's too fast, it's a arbitrary deadline, it needs more study", Obama whines and he cancels the job producing energy independence producing project. And with it Obama goes back to his same old tired routine, he deflects, he blames the GOP, says government handouts of unemployment checks and food stamps will produce more jobs. None of this so called job creation has happened yet, so it's unclear how he knows this, but Obama's faithful parrots on the Left will certainly repeat Obama's claims ad nauseum.
Maybe know Obama will stop making the statement "I wake up thinking about jobs.". Well maybe he does, like figuring out how to kill them off.
Obama 2012 - "The job killing President"
#1.7 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:24 AM EST

Good morning backhouse
It is so nice to see you are on the case this morning about RepubliCons putting the filthy KOCH BROTHERS over tax cuts for the average American.
Good job!
#1.8 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:25 AM EST

Smiffy,
The state of Nebraska is on the phone. They'd like to explain to you why they're opposed to that "most studied pipeline" route that just got rejected.
#1.9 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:28 AM EST

And American Petroleum Institute President Jack Gerard threatened "huge political consequences" if Keystone XL is not approved
I saw him last night making the threat - that dude is the poster child for PALE - males & stale!
Nice work this morning by Backhouse & Bev on the Keystone disaster!
#1.10 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:28 AM EST

See where Warren The Buffett sent in a $49,000 check to the IRS to "Pay off the debt". Thanks Warren! You make a great example for others to follow. So now ol'Warren is worth something like, oh, $50 billion. That is a lot of money. Now say you Lefty Libs want to mimic Sir Warren, and with each of you being worth about $100,000, to do like Warren does, you'll need to send in one dime. Yup, that's it, 10 cents gets you covered to pay in the same percentage of your wealth that the Great Warren sent in.
Be sure to put a 44 cent stamp on the envelop when you send your dime to the IRS.
#1.11 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:29 AM EST

Beverly, nicely done yerself. More on congressional votes:
http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2012/01/11/402533/oil-dollars-members-of-congress-pushing-keystone-xl-decision/
"In total, Representatives who voted for the pipeline have received $10,922,161 from the oil and gas industry while those who voted against the pipeline have received only $717,552. In other words, those that voted for the pipeline have received 15 times more money from the oil and gas industry."

= More than $10 Million in bribes, to vote in favor of the pipeline.
#1.12 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:30 AM EST

“Michelle Obama, it’s time you showed you cared about suffering in America”. Arianna Huffington
This Has To Stop – Now
Who do these people in the media think they are? Can someone please tell me when they became so GD know it alls?
First of all, is Mrs. Obama the President of the United States? Is she a Senator or a Congresswoman? Does she hold a high profile position at the United Nations?
Arianna Huffington’s ego is unlike anything I have ever seen, and I’ve seen huge egos in my time – especially in the media.
What exactly does Huffington do except sail around the world pushing the Huffington Post. You see photos of her on yachts, you see her with dinner with Darrell Issa, the richest man in Congress. You see her sporting around Hollywood in convertible sports cars. You see her “vacationing” with Newt Gingrich in Europe, the guy she wanted as our President back in the 1990’s.
Is she truly supposed to be taken seriously?
If you listen to her, you can’t help but thinking that she is a little “out to lunch”. She’s not all there. Her and Bill Maher are nobodies. Nobodies. They are in the entertainment business. That’s it.
Arianna Huffington is a closet Republican. You can tell by her mouth.
Mrs. Obama is hugely popular Arianna. You on the other hand are not.
There was a time when we actually liked these people. But it has gone to their heads. And it’s ugly. Democrats do not treat people the way these media jackasses treat people. Democrats don’t talk the way they talk.
It’s not what the Democratic Party is about. These people need to go back to their roots – The Republican Party. We don’t want them.
Mrs. Obama is a lovely warm hearted hardest working First Lady we have even had.
There is racism going on in the media. Mrs. Laura Bush wasn’t treated like this. And she did NOTHING except read books to children. Same with Barbara Bush.
Arianna Huffington - her looking down on people is quite remarkable, especially to someone like the First Lady. The condescension is alive and well in the GOP. Just listen to Huffington.
The know it all who does nothing.
Valerie Harper was interviewed recently and she was asked about the New Year. And she said she was going to work very hard for our President this year; that she thinks he's a great president whose message was that we all together work toward a better America. She, along with countless others, are truly sick of the Arianna Huffingtons of the world.
Welcome aboard Rhoda!
#1.13 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:30 AM EST

Year after year, Congress gives us unbalanced budgets. There's a shortage of dollars to pay for the wonderful items these folks put in the budget. There's a shortage of dollars to pay down the ever-increasing national debt. On the bright side, if we have a shortage of funds, we have a massive surplus of Economics experts who can tell us why and how this is happening. Listen long enough and it becomes clear the reason for our financial distress is because Socialism is a failure OR Capitalism is a failure. It's the ism's.
So they argue. "My ism is better than your ism." "Oh yeah, well my ism is bigger than your ism." Debt increases. "That's because your ism spends money like a drunk." "That's because your ism steals from the poor." Debt increases.
The last thing these guys do is tell the truth. Politicians who parrot this crap need someone or something - anyone or anything - to blame besides themselves. They know that most of their constituents live on dogma food and talking points. They know that most of their constituents are embarrassed to admit they don't understand Economics.
Well, here's a flash. WE DO understand Economics. That's not to say we'll be winning the Nobel Prize in Economics, but we get it.....pretty much. We know that when we work, we're paid for our labor. We take our payment in paper; a check, cash, even an electronic transfer. With that money, that capital, we pay for our food, our shelter, our utilities, our taxes, and other expenses. What's left over is our surplus capital. We're capitalists.
However, we send our kids to public schools. We use public roads, parks, cops, teachers, and firefighters. We pay for a military, research, dams, medical care and retirement for our seniors. That comes from our taxes. We're socialists.
There is no perfect ism to describe our economic system. From today, all the way back to when we started trading our labor for goods and services, there has never been a pure socialist, capitalist, Marxist, Communist, or any other kind of pure economic system. If these systems appear to be differ, it is only in theory. The fact is all these systems are about trading, or as the Economics "experts" have it - resource allocation. That's it. No more and no less.
What all these systems have in common is that someone is going to make a final determination about where these resources go. There is always someone - or a group of someone's - at the top who will control these decisions. Regardless of system, the people at the top wield enormous power. They are the 1%.
The absolutely ridiculous arguments about the favored Republican ism vs. the favored Democratic ism yields a surplus of screaming, arguing, fire, smoke, hate - but a shortage of funds to run government. Has anyone noticed through all the screaming and smoke, the rich just keep getting richer, and the poor keep getting poorer, and the nation continues to plunge into debt?
Socialism, capitalism? Smoke. That's all it is. It's all about Good Old Boys. Very rich, filthy rich good old boys. When they take your money, they take your labor. They take your work and pretend they labor. Looking for an ism to describe this? Try Totalitarianism.
#1.14 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:32 AM EST

JoAnnaSmith1
Obama 2012 - "The job killing President"
JoAnnaSniff1-- the gaga, zombie, fathom, right -wing cult follower of bloviated FOX NOISE LIES!!!!

#1.15 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:32 AM EST

#1.16 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:34 AM EST

See where Warren The Buffett sent in a $49,000 check to the IRS to "Pay off the debt". Thanks Warren! You make a great example for others to follow. So now ol'Warren is worth something like, oh, $50 billion. That is a lot of money. Now say you Lefty Libs want to mimic Sir Warren, and with each of you being worth about $100,000, to do like Warren does, you'll need to send in one dime. Yup, that's it, 10 cents gets you covered to pay in the same percentage of your wealth that the Great Warren sent in.
Be sure to put a 44 cent stamp on the envelop when you send your dime to the IRS.
So, let me get this straight...
For so long we've heard Conservatives bitch and piss and moan about Buffett telling us that the rich should pay more. We've heard them challenge Buffett by saying if he's SOOOOO adamant that he should just send more money.
...and now that he does you want to complain about how much he sends?
In the immortal words of Newton Leroy Gingrich, "Cut the pious baloney!!!"
#1.17 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:39 AM EST

"In total, Representatives who voted for the pipeline have received $10,922,161 from the oil and gas industry while those who voted against the pipeline have received only $717,552. In other words, those that voted for the pipeline have received 15 times more money from the oil and gas industry."
= More than $10 Million in bribes, to vote in favor of the pipeline.
You've lost me on this one. What exactly is your point? That an industry contributes to those congressmen that support their goals? That an industry doesn't contribute to those that oppose their goals? Wow! This is "I never knew there was gambling here" moment.
Either you are clueless, or you have a really immature and childish understanding of our political system. Are you older than eighteen, because the naivety in your statement is mind blowing. Is this the level of "journalism" that thinkprogress publishes? I would suggest that they employ some experienced journalists rather than the youthful propagandists they currently employ. No wonder only the true believers visit this site.
Just curious Backdoor, you truly believe that this was not a political decision by the Administration don't you?
#1.18 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:39 AM EST

Feisty, and for the record:
"The Obama Administration will allow TransCanada to reapply, after an alternative route for the pipeline has been developed." (Wash Post yesterday)
#1.19 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:41 AM EST

In the immortal words of Newton Leroy Gingrich, "Cut the pious baloney!!!"
If its true he sent 50K in addition to his taxes, and then pleads again that he should be taxed more, then those words should be directed to Mr Buffet.
And it's not just his tax statements that make him a hypocrite, it's the fact he's set up trusts to administer his estate to avoid estate tax because in his words "they are more efficient than the government".
BTW I think he should pay more in taxes but his words do not match his actions. This is brilliant PR on his part and you are swallowing it hook, line and sinker.
#1.20 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:42 AM EST

I voted for President Obama in 2008 and I would rather vote for my cat in 2012. I truly cannot believe people really think Pres Obama is not bought off by the major corporations and work for them. Wow. How long did it take for you to stop believing in Santa Claus?
The powers that be want Obama back in because Romney is a joke. The biggest losers in all this? The media. Each one of them: CNN, MSNBC, FOX, WSJ, NYTIMES and Washington Post are all a disgrace to journalism. But, Ralph Nader has been saying this for years.
The only worthwhile news is Dylan Rattigan here (though I think his bosses got on him for bringing up Ron Paul's name) and DemocracyNow with Amy Goodman.
The only electable person is Ron Paul. I hope he keeps going on as I'm voting for him in NJ.
#1.21 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:43 AM EST

Hemorrhoid: and now that he does you want to complain about how much he sends?
Who's complaining Roid? I'm commending!
You send in your dime yet Roid? Or do only need to send a penny?
#1.22 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:45 AM EST

Good morning Backhouse,
A Great start to the day. Wouldn't it be great to have our Nation someday on 100% clean energy and off of oil?
#1.23 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:47 AM EST

Regarding Solyndra -- Would someone please explain the REAL difference between Solyndra and any number of similar projects run by Rick Perry's supporters and backed by Texas taxpayers' money ...
http://swampland.time.com/2011/06/27/the-cracks-in-rick-perrys-job-growth-record/
... or for that matter, Staples, which is Mitt Romney's supposed crowning achievement, and was purchased with taxpayer subsidies?
http://www.salon.com/writer/lee_fang/
Anyone who has ever done business with Walmart knows that Walmart muscles its way into communities with the promise of jobs and uses that promise to seduce local government officials and leverage tons of taxpayer subsidies in the form of tax breaks and infrastructure assistance. Every time a local government unit votes to give Walmart those subsidies, they are in effect picking winners and losers -- because ultimately, the losers will be the mainstreet businesses that will shutter because of Walmart's arrival, and those people who will lose THEIR jobs while Walmart hires others.
http://www.walmartsubsidywatch.org/
Once again, let me ask conservatives, EXACTLY what is the difference?
Because I get so TIRED of your hypocrisy.
Or are you just too doggone lazy and biased to do some basic research?
#1.24 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:48 AM EST

Albany Joe, so what?
If conservatives are allowed a network, liberals should have a place to call home as well. BTW, President Clinton did not say anything about misinformation being provided on MSNBC--independent studies show FOX viewers the most uninformed and misinformed--he merely pointed out that democrats appear on MSNBC. Well, fancy that.
#1.25 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:50 AM EST

"Clueless...childish...immature...naivety...youthful propogandist...Backdoor..."
You didn't insult, denigrate, deflect or lie Enough this morning.
#1.26 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:51 AM EST

Hemorrhoid: The state of Nebraska is on the phone. They'd like to explain to you why they're opposed to that "most studied pipeline" route that just got rejected.
http://blogs.marketwatch.com/election/2012/01/18/nebraska-governor-disappointed-over-keystone-decision/
#1.27 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:52 AM EST

@ Alan, NJ -- After reading your post, accusing Backhouse of political naivety, I am especially interested in hearing YOUR answer to my question immediately above.
Because if anyone is displaying a shocking amount of political naivety -- not to mention obvious bias laced with hypocrisy -- it would be YOU.
The Koch brothers laugh their heads off at shills like you, Alan. Don't be so naive as to think they don't.
#1.28 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:53 AM EST

You send in your dime yet Roid? Or do only need to send a penny?
I happen to be part of the 47% who don't pay taxes!
FTW!!!
#1.29 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:53 AM EST

Comment author avatarDamage123Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community
PAt, Boston- Arianna Huffington is a raging, mindless, dumbass liberal. You knew that, right?
Screwy Louie- As long as Al Sharpton has his own show on MSNBC, you look like a total friggin' idiot complaining about the "divisiveness" of FOX NEWS. When this network dumps his fat butt, apologizes for all of the years of KeithO's venom, and realizes that Tingle Leg Matthews is an unstable fruitcake....THEN you can talk. Until then, shut yer trap about FOX's supposed "divisiveness."
#1.30 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:53 AM EST

Pat Boston MA.
“Michelle Obama, it’s time you showed you cared about suffering in America”. Arianna Huffington
This Has To Stop – Now
Pat,
Thank you so much.
It's not just her it's that damn Glenn Greenwald, the ex-patriot living in Brazil with his exotic boy toy lover 20 years his junior, who trolls the internet daily to just bash the President, the firedoglake hamster, Micheal Moore, Dr.Cornell West and his boy friend Tavis Smiley both of whom have just blacked out with jealousy, and other firebaggers who I just haven't mentioned.
I believe they are some of the petulant ones sending OWS protesters to the White House.

What can the bit!hes complain about today? Certainly, it can't be the XL Pipeline, the continued improvement in the labor market, or the dow.
As far as I'm concerned Ariana is a Dragon Lady who drove her ex husband gay. When she huffs and puffs it's only because she is looking for some one else to exploit. There are some bloggers she has not paid yet.
She is crazy!!!


#1.31 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:54 AM EST

Job1,
Yes, tar sands is the biggest polluter, very dirty oil, dirtiest on the planet.
#1.32 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:55 AM EST

If conservatives are allowed a network, liberals should have a place to call home as well. BTW, President Clinton did not say anything about misinformation being provided on MSNBC--independent studies show FOX viewers the most uninformed and misinformed--he merely pointed out that democrats appear on MSNBC. Well, fancy that.
Only because it was too difficult to find any MSNBC viewers to interview.
Seriously, MSNBC at night is now a joke. Yesterday I watched Morning Joe with Brzezinski, Ignatius and Woodward. Both Joe and Mika led a discussion where their guests were allowed to talk and inform the viewer. THAT was journalism.
#1.33 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:58 AM EST

More trouble for Willard (Marriott) and Perry drops out of the race( will his voters go to Gingrich?) and what's with Iowa? (can't find 8 precincts votes? You got to be kidding, and they called Willard the winner?) What a Cluster ---- the GOP Party is. I love it.
Obama in 2012.
#1.34 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 9:58 AM EST

Hemorrhoid: I happen to be part of the 47% who don't pay taxes!
This is about net worth Noid, not income. Do try to pay attention. That '92 Buick you drive has to be worth something, and the single wide FEMA gave you should have a little value. I'd say a penny will do it for you.
This is a big problem Noids, we all have to contribute. Every little bit helps.
#1.35 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:02 AM EST

Thank you Backhouse - I was just discussing this very thing with my co-worker. I agree with my husband, if this is so important, why not make real jobs out of it? Why dig up the earth (in red states who lobbied the White House to move it from their precious ground) from the top of our country to the bottom - and yes indeed, texas is the bottom of most everything, when you could simply build new refineries across the border from Canada, making the pipeline much shorter, new real jobs in that state, which would not be texass, and a much safer situation all around? i for one don't want that kind of oil -it is not clean oil or anywhere near it and the folks in Michigan are still cleaning up a mess from that kind of oil, so instead of focusing on taking the oil to texass (no new jobs there folks, the refineries are already built and staffed), lets either take it to the closest border state and build a refinery to create real jobs or instead use the money for real sustanable clean energy and the jobs to go with it. I have no stake in my tax money going to benefit anything in texass - heck they want to pull out of the union, let them, they will become little texmex in about 2 weeks.
joanna- you really work for the rnc, don't ya? or is it an oil corporation? Fess up now, we can tell. Joe you are as confused as always, are things that screwed up for ya in albany?
Hope and change are working very well for me and my working middle class family, thanks for asking!
#1.36 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:03 AM EST

I sincerely hope Romney wins. Then we can really have a debate on choice.
Romney is everything that's wrong about the 1%.
1 banks of shore
2 corporation are people.
3 vulture capitalism
4 pay less or nothing in taxes.
5 sends american jobs overseas.
6 out of touch with the common folks.
7 wants to increase our military involvement around the globe.
This is a debate that's worth it.
#1.37 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:04 AM EST

<p>Since you all LOVE to cut and paste, read it and weep:
"Ostentation is the signal flag of hypocrisy."
Edwin Hubbel
"hypocrisy: prejudice with a halo"
Ambrose Bierce
From "TheHill"
Democrats receive more Bain Capital dollars than Republicans
By Alexander Bolton - 01/19/12 05:30 AM ET

Democrats have accepted more political donations than Republicans from executives at Bain Capital, complicating the left's plan to attack Mitt Romney for his record at the private equity firm.
During the last three election cycles, Bain employees have given Democratic candidates and party committees more than $1.2 million. The vast majority of that sum came from senior executives.
Republican candidates and party committees raised over $480,000 from senior Bain executives during that time period.
Recipients include Democratic senators facing tough reelection races this year, such as Jon Tester (Mont.), Claire McCaskill (Mo.), Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and Bill Nelson (Fla.).
The Hill reviewed contributions made from the 2008, 2010 and 2012 cycles.
Romney has collected more money from Bain Capital employees than any federal candidate since the beginning of 2007, amassing more than $166,000 in contributions. He took more than $84,000 from Bain employees in the first three quarters of 2011.
But President Obama received a sizable share as well. He has accepted more than $80,000 from Bain employees since the beginning of 2007. Bain Capital employees gave $27,500 to Obama during the first three quarters of 2011.
The donations were reported to the Federal Election Commission and culled in a database created by the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan group that tracks federal campaign spending.
Obama does not accept money from lobbyists, but does accept donations from Wall Street executives. Campaign finance records show that Democrats collect more money from Wall Street than does the GOP.
The sums collected by Democrats from managing partners and other senior executives at Bain could hamper the Democratic message that Romney is a corporate raider who does not care about workers, charges based on his record as CEO of Bain.
Democrats could be forced to justify attacking Bain — which specializes in buying companies and boosting profitability, often by laying off workers — while accepting campaign funds from the same executives who made the cost-cutting decisions.
"They're going to have a difficult time explaining why they're padding their war chest with contributions from the same executives that they're accusing of hurting jobs," said Brian Walsh, a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Democratic strategists disagree.
"What you have with Romney and Bain is a kid stuck with his hand in the cookie jar. There's no question he had direct involvement in thousands of people losing their jobs and in some cases their homes," said David Di Martino, a Democratic strategist. "That's different than company executives at an investment fund making contributions to Democrats."
Republican presidential candidates, most notably former Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), have led the charge in ripping Romney about his tenure at Bain. But Democratic leaders have also criticized Romney's record in the private sector, and liberal operatives say it will be a major theme of the 2012 election if he wins the GOP nomination.
"Mitt Romney, I think, is more of a job cremator than a job creator," Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said on a conference call with reporters earlier this month. "He was a corporate-buyout specialist at Bain Capital. He dismantled companies. He cut jobs. He forced companies into bankruptcy and he outsourced jobs and sent jobs overseas."
Meanwhile, Rep. James Clyburn (S.C.), the assistant House Democratic leader, last week held a conference call on Romney's record at which he criticized Bain for closing a photo-album factory in Gaffney, S.C.
Despite the donations from Bain officials to Democrats, Romney is clearly on the defensive, according to Darrell West, director of governance studies at the Brookings Institution.
He said Obama will be able to use the bully pulpit to steer the national conversation.
"The president will be focusing on job impact instead of campaign contributions," said West.
Republicans have already tried to make campaign donations an issue in battleground states.
The Montana Republican Party ran television ads in the fall criticizing Tester from accepting more than $200,000 in contributions from lobbyists.
Tester received a $2,500 contribution from Joshua Beckenstein, a managing director at Bain Capital, in June of last year, according to a fundraising report.
McCaskill received $2,500 from Beckenstein in March and $5,000 from Jonathan Lavine, a Bain Capital investor, in June.
Lavine also gave $1,000 to Brown in May of 2010, and $2,500 to Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) in September of last year. Over the last three cycles, he gave nearly $90,000 to the Democratic National Committee, $78,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and $25,000 to sitting Democratic senators.
As of Dec. 21, fundraising reports show Bain employees gave $123,000 to the Democratic National Committee in 2011, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
The Democratic fundraising advantage, however, was offset by at least $750,000 that Bain Capital employees gave to Restore Our Future, a pro-Romney super-PAC, in 2011.
Paul Edgerley, an investor at Bain Capital, gave $500,000 to Restore our Future in May. But Edgerly also donated to former Sen. Chris Dodd (Conn.), who recently served as Democratic chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.
In April and June, he gave two $2,500 contributions to Alan Khazei, a Democrat who was vying to take on Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.). Khazei has since dropped out and endorsed Elizabeth Warren for the Senate Democratic nomination.
In the 2010 cycle, many Bain executives also gave to Steve Pagliuca (D), a managing director at Bain who sought to fill former Sen. Edward Kennedy's (D-Mass.) seat but lost in the primary.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#1.38 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:04 AM EST

joe in albany and for you others who complain about MSNBC. Why come here? You say you its so bad but your here everyday. I can only speak for myself I don't go to your sites everyday and snivel. I wouldn't want to be there anyway. That thought makes my skin crawl. I know its your right to be here if you want, but damn its the same old s#!t. Don't you get tired of posting that s#!t everyday? But if you all do go away it might get boring posting with like minded individuals. Intelligent posting without interruption that would be nice thought.
#1.39 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:07 AM EST

Beverly- The sentence of your tirade that I was able to understand seems to state that Arianna Huffington "drover her husband gay." Really. Would you care to explain to me and your liberal friends here, just HOW that is possible? Are you saying that homosexuality is a choice?
#1.40 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:07 AM EST

Pat, glad you wrote that up.
First Lady is doing unprecedented work for military families, children, everyone, with her Joining Forces and Let's Move iniatives. Michelle is getting dramatic response and traction from businesses & help from every sector, creating jobs for veterans etc. Very determined and focused.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces
#1.41 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:10 AM EST

@ Alan, NJ -- After reading your post, accusing Backhouse of political naivety, I am especially interested in hearing YOUR answer to my question immediately above.
Which one or all three? I'm open to discussion. I am not big on jumping on Solyndra. What I would say is that government, at the federal level, is not good at picking winners, not even good at picking winning industries. The example I use is the Japanese government in the late 1980's invested huge amounts in super computers. What happened was distributed processing won and their investment came to nothing. At the state and local level things are different. For example California's attempt to build a bio-technology industry. It doesn't seem to be working as companies still prefer the east coast and Massachusetts in particular. Seems to because it's where the critical mass of researchers are located. The Walmart example is the hardest because the economics are very specific. Personally I am against tax breaks in this case, similar to sports stadiums, I've never seen a great economic benefit. It would be interesting to see Walmart try this in some of the blighted cities in NJ like Newark, Trenton and Camden. I think the locals would welcome it but to be honest I don't know.
Why do think I'm a shill for the Kochs? You need to get better bogie men than that. Fiscally responsible and socially liberal (in that you can do whatever you want as long as you don't hurt anyone). Still pro-choice because it's a personal decision but has become more uncorfortable on this stance since having kids.
You didn't insult, denigrate, deflect or lie Enough this morning.
What did I lie and deflect about?
#1.42 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:11 AM EST
Thomas Jefferson Johnson: Terry, tell me something. With all this money coming in from both sides, how does anything ever get done?
Terry Corrigan: It doesn't. That's the genius of the system.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104114/quotes
#1.43 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:16 AM EST
  • Go knuckledraggers and billybobs of SC - vote Blingrich!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#1.44 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:20 AM EST
That '92 Buick you drive has to be worth something...
'77 AMC Pacer, thank you very much.
...and let me tell you, that thing is a chick magnet!
#1.45 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:24 AM EST
...and now that he does you want to complain about how much he sends?
______________________________________________
Da Rhoid: Apparently you just don't get the supreme satire of showing St. Warren of the Left's $49,000 contribution towards paying down the debt is the equivalent of the average middle class person sending in 10 cents to pay down the debt.
I want to do my part and prove I'm 10 times as generous as St. Warren of the Left. I'm putting my check for $1.00 in the mail to the Bureau of the Public Debt TODAY.
#1.46 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:27 AM EST

JiA: I want to do my part and prove I'm 10 times as generous as St. Warren of the Left. I'm putting my check for $1.00 in the mail to the Bureau of the Public Debt TODAY.
No, don't encourage them Joe. If they send in more of a percentage than Sir Warren did, they'll be endless complaints from them that they are paying a larger percentage of taxes than "The Evil Rich". The next thing you know we'll have class-warfare and Occupy protesters taking dumps on police cars. Pure anarchy.
'77 AMC Pacer, thank you very much. ...and let me tell you, that thing is a chick magnet!
Use it as a chicken coop do ya?
#1.47 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:38 AM EST
So now that it turns out that Santorum won Iowa, how many pundits do you think will retract their oh-so-insightful and important observation that Romney is the only Republican presidential candidate in the history of the galaxy to win both Iowa and New Hampshire? My guess the number will be somewhere between zippo and nada.
#1.48 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:39 AM EST

joe in albany and for you others who complain about MSNBC. Why come here?
_____________________________________________
I love MSDNC and FR. It's some of the best comedy out there!!!
It even beats Jon Stewart because he knows he is doing comedy. The MSDNC Stooges and FR lefty liberals don't have the first clue as to how Hillaryous they are.
#1.49 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:41 AM EST
IT MUST SUCK TO BE MITT ROMNEY!
Come on folks, give it up for the Mittzter. He just can't catch a break. The only thing he wants in the world is to be President. He would dump Ann, the boys, EVERYTHING (well, except the LDS Church) to be President. He'll say anything, do anything and that's his problem.
WOULD THE REAL MITT ROMNEY PLEASE STAND UP!
He's a living breathing multi-millionaire Ken doll. A pretty, plastic, empty head and like poor Ken, no balls. If Mitt Romney had the cajones he would tell the GOP to stick it where the sun don't shine.
He'd stand up and say, "I'm a Mormon, get over it."
"I was a venture capitalist and I made a pile of money, deal with it. I am the American dream."
"I favor a woman's right to choose and equality for gays and universal health care for all. GET OVER IT!"
He'd still lose the votes he going to lose anyway, but think of how many moderates and even DINO's he'd pick up! He'd be a contender. Right now he's got a one-way ticket to palooka-ville.
Lo siento Senior Mitt, no tiene los cajones. Povresito. (not sure about the spelling of that last one, I get my French and my Spanish confused sometimes)
IT MUST SUCK TO BE MITT ROMNEY! All those millions, houses, cars, looks, beautiful and personable spouse, and FIVE good-looking, smart, sons. All that and he doesn't have the guts to be a man, take a stand and tell people who he really is, a Republican, a Moderate and an American. Love me or leave me.
REALLY, it must suck to be Mitt Romney.
If I were running that campaign he'd have wrapped up the nomination by now and we'd be looking forward to a big win in November. But to do it my way, he'd have to have the guts to punch the Tea Party in the nose and stand up for who he really is.
C'mon Mitt, STAND UP AND FIGHT LIKE A MAN, not a wealthy weasel.
Obama/Biden 2012
#1.50 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:42 AM EST
Alan, NJ --
Why do think I'm a shill for the Kochs?
Because you can't seem to see past the tripe that they peddle, that's why. And your answer about Solyndra is merely deflection because that wasn't my question. My question is why is it different when President Obama picks winners and losers from when conservatives do it -- because it's done ALL the time.
And what on earth does your claim to be "pro-choice" have to do with my question?
You know, here's the deal, Alan. Every time someone calls you out for your evident bias, you immediately hide behind the skirts of what you try to claim as your progressive bona fides. But no one with real progressive values talks like you do, consistently. You're just fooling yourself if you think your viewpoint is balanced. Mine is not, and i admit it. Why can't you just embrace it and be honest about it?
As for why Backhouse is upset, I caught it, too, in the tone of your post, before I even read his post.
That should tell you something. What it should tell you is that some of us are not fooled by your innocent routine.
Albany Joe --
The MSDNC Stooges and FR lefty liberals don't have the first clue as to how Hillaryous they are.
Sure we do. Just about as funny as you are to us.
Or do you really think you're not?
#1.51 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:46 AM EST

Because you can't seem to see past the tripe that they peddle, that's why. And your answer about Solyndra is merely deflection because that wasn't my question. My question is why is it different when President Obama picks winners and losers from when conservatives do it -- because it's done ALL the time.
And what on earth does your claim to be "pro-choice" have to do with my question?
You know, here's the deal, Alan. Every time someone calls you out for your evident bias, you immediately hide behind the skirts of what you try to claim as your progressive bona fides. But no one with real progressive values talks like you do, consistently. You're just fooling yourself if you think your viewpoint is balanced. Mine is not, and i admit it. Why can't you just embrace it and be honest about it?
For a start I am not and never have claimed to be progressive. I am not a shill for Kochs because I don't even know what they stand for and care less. I can make up my own mind. Unlike you I have a range of views and I am not limited by labels. You have drank the kool-aid and are a card carrying member of a party that does not allow dissent. You try and pass yourself off as an independent thinker by complaining about some decisions the Administration has made but in truth you would claim black is white if they said so. You asked me a direct question but as I'm not a conservative I can't give you the predetermined answer you were looking for. My reference to pro-choice was an example of how I do not fit into the one-size-fits-all requirement of today's two-party system. As to having a balanced viewpoint who has? I have my views and I try and keep them consistent regardless of the party. So, if I don't think the government should attempt to pick winners I mean the government, not an Administration of either party.
AND I think this Administration has been as fiscally irresponsible as the previous one. The only reason that this Administration is not the worst in living memory is because of the previous one. It sucks that we have had the two worst Administrations in a row.
As for why Backhouse is upset, I caught it, too, in the tone of your post, before I even read his post
You think I give a @!$%#? He posted a stupid statement.
#1.52 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:03 AM EST

So, Obama killed the Keystone pipeline. I'm sure the unions will pony up with the bucks, but the rank and file voters? I don't think so.
Here's a little piece of news that seems to have gotten lost over the holidays
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-05/hawker-beechcraft-sues-u-s-over-aircraft-contract-exclusion.html
So, why is it a big deal that Hawker Beechcraft is suing over being denied the contract? Is it because they were never given an explanation after investing an awful lot of money on research?
Partially.
The real reason? The contract was given to a Brazilian company- which just happens to be partially owned by George Soros.
Gee, how did that happen?
That's what the lawsuit will tell us.
It is odd, though, that there was a story here on Boeing moving a plant out of Wichita, with the complimentary posts on why job shifting is "bad for America"- at the same time that this was happening- with nary a word about it. How very coincidental that happens to be!
#1.53 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:04 AM EST
Alan, NJ--
You think I give a @!$%#?
How could I be so stupid as to think that?
Later.
#1.54 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 11:55 AM EST
smitty:
You asked; "joe in albany and for you others who complain about MSNBC. Why come here?"
Allow me to answer that question. These are some seriously challenged folks. I put Albany Joe on "ignore" long ago. His taunts are the sort we leave behind in grammar school, and like so many of his counterparts he tends to slant the truth with considerable frequency.
Nonetheless, I was curious about his response so I checked it out:
"I love MSDNC and FR. It's some of the best comedy out there!!!"
As you can see, his response goes a long way toward explaining these folks. Comedy stimulates laughter and smiles - for normal folks. Not for these people. They complain, whine, and then they come back for more. That describes Puritanism at best and masochism at worst, and as H.L. Mencken noted, Puritanism is "The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy." Of course, maybe they're simply masochists.
#1.55 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 12:25 PM EST
Backhouse - Great First Post..
Drill Baby Drill is the biggest Political Red Herring in history. People who think drilling alleviates our energy issues have chosen to bury their heads in the sand and have spent zero time understanding how the Oil Markets work.
The Oil Markets are dictated by OPEC and Big Oil, why in the hell would they saturate the Market with supply so they could have More Overhead and Lower Returns. Answer, They won't. That's why our Oil Markets are trading so High and there is little risk any company will rock the boat, especially when they benefit most.
#1.56 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 2:11 PM EST
Someone has to provide a balance, or this site would be called Costa Concordia! I dont even open fox news or watch anything on Fox besides Bones. I do know who Im voting for and whats going on around the planet. Every ying needs a yang. My neighbors in Detroit want to know one question, who is going to buy them an electric car? In the words of Myra (two doors down) Who the hell is gunna buy me a $40,000 lectric car That I cant fit my fat azz into?
#1.57 - Thu Jan 19, 2012 3:37 PM EST