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Should Congress Bail Out the Automakers?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:30:32 -0800

If Michigan-bred Mitt Romney doesn't think Congress should bailout the auto industry, then the plan to save Detroit might need a set of jumper cables. Mitt wrote today:

Without that bailout, Detroit will need to drastically restructure itself. With it, the automakers will stay the course — the suicidal course of declining market shares, insurmountable labor, and retiree burdens, technology atrophy, product inferiority, and never-ending job losses. Detroit needs a turnaround, not a check.

But not everyone agrees with Mitt's persuasive case. In an attempt to persuade Congress that it must act, the big-three automakers may have given themselves a flat tire. Yesterday, the CEOs of GM, Ford, and Chrysler flew into Washington on private jets (which cost about $36 million each) so they could make in-person appeals for $25 billion of taxpayer money. Looks like first-class wouldn't suit the first-class beggars.

For more on how much the companies spend on private jets, and for some arguments in support of a bailout,

Day 3: Mitt, Mike, Rudy, and Finally! Sarah Palin Speaks!

CitizenSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:15:27 -0700

Ah! Now this is more like it! The arena was rocking tonight, and it finally felt like a real convention. Fast forward to the end, they loved Sarah Palin — and it's crystal clear the Republicans are fired up! It was a packed line up and here are the highlights: GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele was the first speaker to rouse the full arena saying, "So, do you want to put your country first? Then let's reduce our dependency on foreign sources of oil and promote oil and gas production at home. In other words, drill baby drill! And drill now!" The crowd erupted in a chorus of "Drill baby, drill!"

Mitt Romney (whose hair is just as flawless in person) sounded very Reagan-esque, saying, "Our economy is under attack. China is acting like Adam Smith on steroids, buying oil from the world's worst, and selling nuclear technology. Russia and the oil states are siphoning more than 500 billion dollars a year from us in what could become the greatest transfer of economic wealth in history. This is no time for timid, liberal empty gestures."

Oh, yes. The gloves were off tonight. To see more highlights and the main event, Sarah's big speech,

Would You Welcome Back Mitt?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:00:40 -0800

Yesterday we reported on the speculation that Mitt Romney might be gathering up his army of sons and hopping back in the race. Just when it seemed like the race was heading into its final shake out before the nomination, Ralph Nader, Michael Bloomberg, and Mitt-redux could make the playing field bumpy. Would you be happy to see Mitt back? If not Mitt, which dearly departed candidate deserves a re-do?Source

Would You Welcome Back Mitt?

Yes! Bring Mitt back!

I guess I don't see what harm it would do. . .

No. To quote the honorable Heidi Klum, you're in or you're out.

Not Mitt, but I'll tell you who I'd like to see back in the comments.

Headline: Mitt Romney Set to Endorse John McCain

CitizenSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:36:42 -0800

Mitt Romney is expected to endorse John McCain in Boston today at 3:30 p.m. It's expected that he will also give his 280-290 delegates to bolster McCain's total.

As Romney represents the more conservative wing of the Republican Party, this act could signal that the party is willing now to stand behind the more independently-minded McCain, and present a united front.

Are you surprised? Is this the right move for the Republican race?

Poll: Is Fear-Politics Offensive?

LibertySugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:04:03 -0800

In his speech announcing the suspension of his campaign, Mitt Romney said: Today, we are a nation at war. And Barack and Hillary have made their intentions clear regarding Iraq and the war on terror. They would retreat, declare defeat and the consequence of that would be devastating. It would mean attacks on America.

I find this sort of statement offensive and smacking of fear-politics. I don't think any American wants to surrender to the terrorists, Democrat or Republican.Are you offended by Romney's insinuation that if we elect a Democrat, America will be attacked? Source

Poll: Is Fear-Politics Offensive?

Yes. You can fight terrorism while rejecting Bush's Iraq strategy.

Yes. But the Democrats use fear and should cut it out, too!

No. If we leave before an absolute victory, terrorists will attack US civilian targets.

No. I don't agree with him, but I'm not offended.

Maybe. I think policy differences are fair game, but we shouldn't scare people for votes.

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.

John McCain's Response to Romney's Departure

CitizenSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:33:20 -0800

In front of the same audience that Mitt Romney officially declared his intent to end his campaign this morning, John McCain said this, "I am acutely aware that I cannot succeed . . . without the support of dedicated conservatives." He then quoted Ronald Reagan saying however, "a political party cannot be all things to all people." He asked the strongly conservative audience to judge him based on his record stating, "I am not in the habit of making promises to my country that I do not intend to keep."

McCain has recently been criticized for not being conservative enough for some voters. Speaking in front of the not entirely supportive Conservative Political Action Conference, he joked and said, "I hope we can do this more often." He finished by saying that he would listen to conservative advisers, but cautioned them to patience, as he would ultimately make the decision best for the far-reaching goals of the country.

Do you think McCain intends to keep a more moderate message throughout the campaign, or will he be tempted to infuse his message with more conservative views?

Source

Headline: Romney Officially Quits Race

CitizenSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:09:25 -0800

In a speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference, Romney exited the presidential race, saying "today we are at war." He went on to say, in his fieriest speech to date, that his staying in the race would "forestall a national campaign" and make it easier for Clinton or Obama to win. He said, "it's never been about me. I entered this race because I love America. So I have to stand aside for my party, and my country . . . We cannot allow the next president of the United States to retreat in the face of evil extremism."

He also said, "America is unique in the sacrifice they've made for liberty . . . the best ally peace has ever known, and will ever know, is a strong America."

Does this move surprise you? Dropping out, Romney is set to keep the delegates he's won so far — he has won 11 states so far compared to John McCain's 13 wins. Is this move Romney trying to free himself from the race so he can be a Vice Presidential contender? What's going to happen now?

Source

Lighten Up: Mitt, Mitt, He's Our Man?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:01:19 -0800

Oh, Lordy. I guess it was bound to happen: Obama has his "girl," now Mitt has two? Here they are in a dance routine/cheer that, well, could not be more enthusiastic. And by "enthusiastic," I mean "horribly, terribly, wonderfully embarrassing."

Don't worry, Liberty and I are coming up with a little number of our own. You'll be the first to know!

But seriously though...this makes you want to vote for him—right?

Mitt Romney Loves His iPod, But Isn't a Mac Fan

CitizenSugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:40:01 -0800

Mitt Romney Loves His iPod, But Isn't a Mac Fan Hot on the campaign trail, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney recently chatted with TechCrunch's Michael Arrington about technology-related issues including internet taxes, renewable energy, and tech-growth policies.

Lighten Up: Playing Politics With the Dolly Vote

CitizenSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:03:44 -0800

The wildly popular, wildly accessorized American Girl dolls may have a new hobby: democracy. Anyone who has a little girl (or who's drooled over the catalog themselves) know that each American Girl doll has a very explicit back story—a voting demographic, if you will. According to this hilarious piece in the Village Voice, just being made of plastic, doesn't mean you can't play politics...right, Mitt? Oh relax, I kid, I kid!

Poll: Did Mitt Step Over the Line?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:09:11 -0800

This video shows a heated exchange between Mitt Romney and an AP reporter asking a question about the role of lobbyists in his campaign. Source

Poll: Did Mitt Step Over the Line?

Absolutely not. Mitt was telling the truth, and was completely right to stick up for himself.

Nah. I didn't see what the big deal was really.

A little. He was definitely testy.

Hell yes! The AP reporter was just doing his job.

Check This: Michigan Democrats Vote For McCain

CitizenSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:00:49 -0800

In Michigan's open Republican primary last night, seven percent of the vote came from Democrats. Long popular with Independent voters, John McCain also bested eventual winner Mitt Romney, by scoring 41 percent of the Democratic votes. Romney's win in a state that McCain did well in in 2000 led commentators on CNN to muse that Romney ran for President of Michigan, offering hope about resurrecting the struggling auto industry. McCain, on the other hand, ran for President—talking frankly about global warming and fuel-efficiency—themes that voters in Michigan's struggling economy may have heard as a dead end.

And now the best exchange of the evening, courtesy of the Hotline:
CNN's Wolf Blitzer: "Anybody who says they know who the Republican nominee is going to be, I gotta tell you, they're lying."
CNN's Larry King: "Let's ask somebody who might know -- Senator Lindsey Graham."

That's not what we call "active listening," Larry.
Source

Headline: Romney Wins the First Delegates

CitizenSugar — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:07:25 -0800

Republicans in Wyoming voted in the shadow of Iowa-mania, forgoing half of the state's delegates by ignoring party's date rules, in favor of being the first to weigh in. Though voters and reporters are conditioned to look to Iowa for the first response of the primary season, the eight delegates award to Romney while first, were a quiet blip on the noisy Iowa-radar.

Also gaining delegates, Fred Thompson with one, and—mark this down, as it might be his only one—Duncan Hunter scored one as well.

Wyoming Democrats will hold their contest in March.

Source