Steve Benen: …. The candidates seeking the Republican presidential nomination are a pretty scary bunch …. the two-hour display on CNN last night was a depressing reminder of what’s become of the GOP in the 21st century. That said, maybe it’s just me, but I’m starting to find the audiences for these debates even more disconcerting.
Wolf Blitzer posed a hypothetical scenario to Ron Paul, asking about a young man who makes a good living, but decides to forgo health insurance. Then, tragedy strikes and he needs care. Paul stuck to the libertarian line. “But congressman,” the moderator said, “are you saying that society should just let him die?”
And at that point, some in the audience shouted, “Yeah,” and applauded.
…. note that in last week’s debate, the mere observation that Perry has signed off on the executions of 234 people in Texas, more than any other governor in modern times, was enough to generate applause from a different GOP audience.
…. There’s a deep strain of madness running through Republican politics in 2011, and it appears to be getting worse. Those wondering why the GOP presidential field appears weak, insipid, and shallow need look no further than the voters they were choose to pander to.
Full post here
****
Dana Milbank: The applause identified Rick Perry as the crowd favorite when he took the stage in Tampa for Monday night’s Tea Party debate, greeting his lesser rivals as “fellas”. But two hours later, those fellas – and a gal from Minnesota – had made some serious progress toward exposing the broad-shouldered Texas governor as an empty suit.
… The lowest point for the man atop the polls came when Michele Bachmann accused Perry of cronyism, suggesting that he forced girls to receive the HPV anti-cancer vaccine because his former chief of staff was lobbying for the vaccine maker, Merck, which also “gave thousands of dollars in political donations to the governor”.
Perry answered with his trademark boastfulness: “It was a $5,000 contribution that I had received from them. I raise about $30 million. And if you’re saying that I can be bought for $5,000, I’m offended.”
…. On the defensive from beginning to end, Perry resorted to the time honored tradition of making up stuff. When Romney took issue with Perry’s previously-expressed views that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme and unconstitutional, Perry had a comeback: “Governor, you’re calling it a criminal — you said if people did it in the private sector if would be called criminal. That’s in your book.”
The crowd cheered this rejoinder, which would have been effective if Romney had indeed written such a thing. An electronic search of Romney’s book, “No Apology,” found no use of the word “criminal” in relation to Social Security. What he wrote was quite the opposite, saying that if bankers raided trusts the way politicians raid the Social Security trust, “they would go to jail.”
Full article here
Thanks Loriah
Good morning Chips and TOD friends. Does anyone know what time PBO will be in Ohio today.
Morning Cos
The President’s speech in Ohio is at 2:15 Eastern – I’ll be posting the schedule soon. Have a perfect day!
Thx Chips.
I wonder if CNN is proud of teaming with the Tea Party for the debate. It was telling that neither Wolf nor any of the candidates protested to the response of the audience.
As an American I am ashamed of that corporate sponsored debacle. That people are so callous and so incitable is, well frightening. What a bunch of neanderthals.
It was telling for me that Wolf didn’t offer a rebuttal of the outright lies. As a moderator he was a joke.
Good Morning Chips and TOD’ville. Thanks for keeping those of us that can’t follow this stuff as closely with the constant updates. Watching the recap of that Republican Tea Party “Debate” it begs the question…Why is CNN hosting a debate with a Polical PAC?
“Tea Party Express is not a grassroots group; its a registered political PAC that funds right-wing candidates and CNN is helping them.”
http://www.alternet.org/teaparty/152386/when_did_cnn_become_a_shill_for_gop_extremism_and_the_tea_party/
Good morning Chips and TOD’ers
Donna, I was just about to post that link, how disturbing………..
”If you watched the debate via the livestreamed Webcast, as I did, you saw a bit of unintentional video after the debate had ended, when Wolf Blitzer approached Rick Perry, saying he hoped they could “get together soon.” Then Blitzer patted Perry on the shoulder. “You did an excellent job tonight,” he said.”
Morning ChristiMtl
Morning Donna
morning TOD family
doctor said I needed another round of treatment that starts October 3th for another 8 weeks this time
I wanted to THANK each and every one of you who had kind words for me yesterday.THANK YOU
Tea Party Crowd Cheers For Charging Ben Bernanke With Treason (VIDEO)
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/09/tea-party-crowd-cheers-for-charging-ben-bernanke-with-treason.php
Perry, feeling the heat from his Social Security-bashing comments, backtracks. Big-time.
Cantor admits shutdown fights hurt the economy
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/09/cantor-admits-shutdown-fights-harm-economy.php
38 states rigging voting rules for GOP – Chicago Sun-Times
http://www.suntimes.com/news/jackson/7617828-417/38-states-rigging-voting-rules-for-gop.html
Hiya Fred, wishing you the very best with your treatment, and thank you again for all your terrific links.
morning Chip.thank you and anytime
Take care of yourself, Fred! Hugs!
Yes Fred…all the best to you. Blessings!
morning and thank you Jacqueline and Dakota
Yea Fred. i was just thinking about you. Peace, blessings and calm seas.
Fred I hope and pray your treatment is successful. Thanks for all your great links.
thanks a bunch SJ and yes me too.Hope all is well with you
Hi Fred, wishing you all the best for your treatment, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
All the best Fred!
morning Sam and PJ.thanks a lot
God speed Fred,
Your TOD family is praying for you.
Fred, keep your body well nourished and your mind busy during your treatments. And know that we are sending positive thoughts and prayers for your positive outcome. Thanks for all you contribute to our wonderful TOD family.
thank you so much Jojo and GG
Oh Fred, I’m praying with you for permanent healing. Thanks for all you do
“THAT USED TO BE US”
How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back
=============================================================
Last night, Lawrence O’Donnell interviewed Tom Friedman co-author of the book “That Used To Be Us”. It was a very sobering and insightful interview about the state of our political discourse and how it impacts our standing in the world. Bottom line, other countries are passing us by and taking the lead in areas where we have traditionally dominated because of our political gridlock.
During the interview, Tom made a comment that I can’t get out of my head. He said right now it is as if the American people are the KIDS OF DIVORCED PARENTS. It was an interesting analogy.
Can America Get It’s Groove Back?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/44494846#44494846
Tom Friedman is very intelligent. Sometimes he goes overboard criticizing PBO, as a self-aggrandizing move, but sometimes he’s fair. The jury’s still out.
Tea Party Crowd Cheers Letting Uninsured Die
Rick Santorum Explains How GOP Can Attract ‘Illegal — I Mean Latino — Voters
Florida’s Anti-Gay Leader Endorses Rick Perry
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2011/09/12/316976/floridas-anti-gay-leader-endorses-rick-perry/
Texas’ GOP Attorney General Spikes Investigation Into Rick Perry’s Potential Execution Of An Innocent Man
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/09/12/316550/rick-perry-willingham-investigation-spiked/
Former GOP Judge Slams Senate GOP Obstruction Of Judicial Nominees
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/09/12/316829/former-gop-judge-slams-senate-gop-obstruction-of-judicial-nominees/
Once Again, Tom Coburn Feeds The Judicial Vacancy Crisis In His State
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/09/12/316714/once-again-tom-coburn-feeds-the-judicial-vacancy-crisis-in-his-state/
Romney’s Energy Policy Advisor Jim Talent Works For A Lobbying Firm For Peabody Coal
http://thinkprogress.org/green/2011/09/12/316956/romneys-energy-coal-peabody/
Romney adviser pushes coal, has link to industry
http://www.boston.com/Boston/politicalintelligence/2011/09/romney-adviser-pushes-coal-has-link-industry/Vmtsu918Yd0ioJ6QU6nZAO/index.html
Memo To Rick Perry: Social Security Is Not Facing ‘Dire Financial Challenges’
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/09/12/316565/perry-social-security-dire-financial/
After Promising To Focus On Jobs, Gov. Rick Scott Signals He’ll Reject Billions Of Dollars From Obama Jobs Plan
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/09/12/316592/after-promising-to-focus-on-jobs-rick-scott-signals-hell-reject-billions-of-dollars-from-obama-jobs-plan/
Fla. GOP seems to scoff at jobs plan
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110910/NEWS01/109100315/Fla-GOP-seems-scoff-jobs-plan?odyssey=nav|head
Romney Calls For Labor Board To ‘Respect The Rule Of Law’ While Slamming It For Following The Law
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/09/12/316719/romney-nlrb-respect-law/
2012 GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has been no stranger to this line of criticism, saying that the NLRB’s action is a “power grab.”
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/05/13/173950/romney-boeing-unions/
Despite 600,000 Public Sector Layoffs, Darrell Issa Says Government Shouldn’t Try To Prevent Teacher Layoffs
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/09/12/317084/despite-600000-public-sector-layoffs-darrell-issa-says-government-shouldnt-try-to-keep-teachers-on-the-payrolls/
If Banks Paid Their Full Taxes, We Could Rehire All 132,000 Teachers Laid Off During The Recession — Twice
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/03/07/149170/if-banks-paid-taxes/
Romney Accuses ‘Labor Stooges’ At NLRB Of Political Payback
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/09/former-massachusetts-gov-mitt-romney.php
Mitt Romney, in South Carolina, takes aim at NLRB
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/63252.html
Romney Campaign Says Perry Is Backpedaling On Social Security
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/09/romney-campaign-says-perry-is-backpedaling-on-social-security.php?ref=fpa
Cantor To Obama: Let’s Nix More Than Half Your Jobs Bill
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/09/cantor-to-obama-lets-nix-more-than-half-your-jobs-bill.php?ref=fpb
Bachmann called Social Security ‘a tremendous fraud’ in 2010 (it’s a FOX video and it’s long so don’t bother
)
http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/4022434/eliminate-social-security/
Fact: GOP opposed creating 9/11 commission; medical funding for 9/11 emergency workers
http://articles.cnn.com/2002-10-11/politics/911.commission.congress_1_independent-probe-commission-white-house?_s=PM:ALLPOLITICS
Good morning chips and TOD family.
I wonder if the Koch Brothers and other leaders pay these people to attend these debates. Between yelling letting the uninsured dying, I also read that Blitzer questioned Paul about what he said about Benake committing treason and he was applauded by the audience, and in the last debate when members of the audience clapped when Williams asked Perry about Texas executing over 200 people. It’s scary that people that are running for office want to pander to people that hate everything that’s in the first ammendment.
Morning all and a special shout out to Fred this morning:) Hope that you’re feeling ok…and I wish that you didn’t have to go through another round:(
I’m dumbstruck by the ugly callousness of this party that professes to value human life. We see that they don’t.For Ron Paul. A DOCTOR, to break the oath he took, as a doctor…first, do no harm, is very telling.I thought that was the abiding tenant of the Hippocratic Oath. Maybe they should rename it . THE HYPOCRATIC OATH! Dig the hole deeper, guys.Then bury yourselves in it. They all disgust me.
I mean Hypocritical Oath!!
thanks Desert and good morning.I hope you are doing great
Nice explanation: http://www.politicususa.com/en/american-jobs-act-change
Some good job news—–H.H. Gregg, an Indianapolis-based electronics and appliance store, is opening 17 stores in Chicago area on Thursday, bringing 700 jobs. Any store openings and added jobs—-a good thing.
Yes it is!
I sometimes wonder if this freakshow is on purpose – to cleanse the system in 2012, some come 2014 and especially 2016 the GOP can rid itself of the teaparty extremists saying “look you had your candidate in 2012 and he got blown out of the water”.
I do worry that they could speed up this “teachable moment” and parachute in a “sane” candidate before the November 2011 registration deadline. Saying – you all watched this freakshow, now here is a serious candidate – get in line behind him.
There isn’t a redeemable candidate in this current bunch –
Romney as been running for the Presidency since 2005, but probably even before that as he likely had the Presidency in mind when he was running for Governor. He is so wooden and unnatural, a millionaire robber baron who was a liberal Republican in his 50′s and is now trying to be a far right Republican in this camapign.
Newt Gingrich went on a two week vacation right after the kickoff to his candidacy. His campaign went bankrupt once already and he lost all of his senior staffers. He’s not running to win, but to become relevant again to make money after the campaign.
Jon Huntsman is supposed to be the moderate nice guy spends all of his time attacking the President for not being a leader and using a teleprompter. He didn’t have the guts to rebuke the crowd for that display last night – some leader himself. He’s a billionaire from his fathers business whose big break was making those styrofoam clamshell cartons for McDonalds hamburgers. This guy would be great for the environment.
Rick Santorum – Google him. He’s a hard right social conservative with past quotes he cannot run from even as he tries to use more moderate language nowadays. He’s unelectable in a general election.
Michelle Bachmann would have defaulted on the debt ceiling – disqualified and unqualified.
Ron Paul is a libertarian who wants to end any and all federal agencies.
Herman Cain is auditioning for a Fox television gig rather than running the the Presidency. He’s a soundbyte candidate.
Rick Perry called Social Security a ponzi scheme, tried to force 13 yr olds to get a HPV vaccination because of his closeness to the vaccine provider company Merck.
Good morning TODville. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood…..Celebrating 25 years of marriage, to the same woman. Imagine that. i may/or may not be on line if my plans work out(surprise).
Howsomever, since when did the teabaggers become a party. They are a PAC and should not have been on CNN. What the hell were they thinking?
Congratulations yardarm!!!!!! Wow, 25 years – fantastic!
Congratulations on the first 25 years, Yardarm and Mrs. Yardarm! May you have many more years together!
You mean to tell me that a Texas cowboy wear make up. What else is it we don’t know about good old Perry?
Good morning Chipsticks and TOD family. What’s really scary about the audience is that THESE PEOPLE LIVE AMONG U & ME.
I do think Perry would be a dangerous opponent in the election and the part saying he lied and totally misrepresented Romney’s words of SS being criminal in his book when it was essentially the opposite and was so easily believed by the crowd worries me. I do think he would be a stark contrast from our guy, but shudder to think we could get him. Actually I shudder to think we could get any of those on stage and know they are all lying.
The thing that I find thoroughly disturbing about the cheers and applause at the execution of 232 people in Texas and the urging from the Tea Party audience to let a sick young man die, is not so much that they exemplify the party’s character but that there are actually that many people living in this country.
They are not Americans; they are the audience in the ancient and bloody Roman gladiator contests. Fight to the death. Thumbs up. Thumbs down. They no longer sound to me like school yard thugs; they sound simply insane, horrifyingly dangerous to be running around free. Were these people always with us?