watching the dabate??

[mitch777]

got your popcorn ready?

Sorry Miss P. ...
(wouldn't want to aggravate your, a....., recent "condition".)

Hope to see Romney with both feet in mouth. (again)
OOps, sorry again Miss P.

night all...

[leatherman]

been tweeting and emailing @NewsHour for the last week hoping to get the candidates to talk about something that was left out of the last debates - the Repub and Demo policies of how to deal with HIV/AIDS in America (#DebateHIV)

[mitch777]

i here you loud and strong and i thank you for your focus and effort Leatherman.

unfortunatey, i have serious doubts that the issue will even be discussed.

it takes people with your effort to make a difference!

Thank You!!!

[leatherman]

unfortunatey, i have serious doubts that the issue will even be discussed.

oh I agree. Sadly we won't hear anything on the topic - but not for want of trying. The SC HIV/AIDS task force has been contacting the moderators for all three debates (including the vice-prez one) for about two weeks now. In the last week AIDS United started up their campaign to get this topic included.

It's nice to remember that even though McCain and Obama didn't talk about HIV, President Obama DID put together the National HIV Strategy with real actions and goals for the federal government to take to deal with HIV now (testing and treatment) and in the future (education, prevention, and the cure)

[mitch777]

kudos,

boy, your SC HIV task force hs got "spunk"!

[J.R.E.]

Here we go!!!! 

[leatherman]

The President wasn't very good tonight. He didn't properly challenge Romney on so many things. Luckily Romney was quite obvious in not telling the truth about his proposed policies enough times to balance out... maybe.

[tednlou2]

The President wasn't very good tonight.  Obama could have mentioned the 47%, he could have discussed bringing the auto industry back, and so much more.  He let the $700 Billion assertion go at least twice, without much of a rebuttal.  He let the "death panel" comment go without much of a rebuttal.  He let the "thousands thrown off private insurance" comment go more than once. 

And, Jim Lehrer has run his course.  If I remember correctly, didn't he moderate all three debates in 2000?  I think these debates should be longer--at least a full 2 hours.  And, I'm wondering whether we should go back to a panel of journalists asking questions and doing a "Tim Russert" style of asking questions, challenging the answers, and pointing out fact and fiction.  I've watched Congressional debates, and most of the time, the moderators ask questions and follow-ups.  They ask questions like, "What did you mean by your 47% remark?"  Jim let Romney run all over him. 

[wolfter]

I'm sure the President has worked with a strategist or 2.  Besides, I'm sure nobody switched sides based on the debate.  He is already winning swing states and is in the great position of not having to swing voters, but rather retain those he already has.

Overall, I thought it was all quite mild and I'm surprised Mitt didn't aggressively tout his policies.

[bocker3]

I don't want more or longer debates at all.  There is no actual debate going on -- it simply talking points that may or may not have anything to do with the question/topic at hand.
It is really just a dog and pony show -- a chance to "look" Presidential.  Oh yeah -- and it's a way for the Talking Heads on TV to get more air time.

I suppose I would go with more/longer debates if they had to stop their advertising for the same period of time as they debate.  Living in a swing state SUCKS -- I am soooooo ready for this election season to be over, you have NO IDEA.

Mike

[mitch777]

romney looked wired and the 23 (i think?) primary debates gave him the experience to direct the whole thing.
watching obama was sooo disapointing. he missed way too many oportunities and took very little control in pouncing on all of romney's weak points. (maybe too many to choose from?)
47%
women's health
bain
massachusetts lack of job gains during his time in office
etc.
(i could go on forever it seems, but am worried my computer will run out of ink)

can only hope that the few "undecided" were'nt swayed.

[WillyWump]

Obama:

dissinterested.
detached.
tired.
confused.
back on his heels.

All these and more.

He spent more time staring down at his lecturn then looking at Romney or Lehrer. When he did muster the courage to look at the camera he looked like a deer in the headlights. We all know Obama needs a prompter to half way function, but this was ridiculous.

This debate was horrid for the president.

Now, the good thing, or bad thing depending on who you are for, is that there are 2 more debates. If you remember your history well then you remember Reagan looked just as inept during his first debate with Mondale and then went on to ace the remaining debates and the election.

This should have been the death knell for Romney, but instead it reinvigorated him and his base, and perhaps more importantly his big dollar contributors who had started to pull back.

Time will tell.

-W

[Jeff G]

I'm optimistic . The President has pulled many rabbits out of shabby hats over and over again when everyone said he was defeated , I'm betting he will do the same with this election and the next two debates . There are many more opportunity's for Mitt to put his foot in his mouth again before the election .

[leatherman]

if they had to stop their advertising for the same period of time as they debate.  Living in a swing state SUCKS

ain't that the truth?! I don't even live in a swing state; but I do live close enough to one that we're inundated with those TV ads too. I haven't hardly seen a REAL commercial in months.

[Buckmark]

ain't that the truth?! I don't even live in a swing state; but I do live close enough to one that we're inundated with those TV ads too. I haven't hardly seen a REAL commercial in months.

Living in a non-swing state (Texas), I hardly see any ads.  Which is just as well.  The election cycle just makes me too anxious about the future.  Seeing all those ads would only add to that.

[tednlou2]

Now, the good thing, or bad thing depending on who you are for, is that there are 2 more debates. If you remember your history well then you remember Reagan looked just as inept during his first debate with Mondale and then went on to ace the remaining debates and the election.

-W

I was born in 1990, so I don't know this Mondale person.  Bill Maher tweeted that apparently it is true that the president can't speak without his prompter.  However, I've seen him in interviews be assertive and list facts one by one.  Just saw him do this two weeks ago on 60 Minutes.  I think he fell into the incumbent trap.  And, I think all of Mitten's policy changes threw him off.  Although, he should know full well that what Mitt says today won't necessarily be what he believes tonight.  Mitt has a honesty issue.  I think he wanted to please his parents and all those Mormons that he learned to lie and say what he needed to say to make people like him.

[tednlou2]

I thought about this last night and curious about your thoughts.  It was his anniversary yesterday.  Perhaps he gave Michelle his Air Force One, when he should have abstained.  Sex does drain you and ready you for bed.  Otherwise, it is hard to understand what was happening. 

[mecch]

Michelle should slip him some Ritalin. That was hard to watch. 
Oh, and Romney knew how to bullshit in simple terms.  Who the fuck told them debates were a good time for long winded statistics. They both were in over their heads on figures that meant little to anyone, and each misspoke.  Obama has to make shorter sentences for crissakes.   My eyes crossed then glazed over.

[BT65]

I live in Indiana and see so many ads it's ridiculous.  I'm assuming that's because Indiana is usually red, but in the last election went blue. 

[mecch]

This entire election seems similar to Gertrude Stein's quip about Oakland:
There is no there there. 
Really, for both of them, where's the beef?

[skeebo1969]

[GSOgymrat]

LOL! I do love pancakes!

I think the last time I made it through an entire presidential debate was 1980 when I had to write a school paper.

[wolfter]

I wish they leave the people from Ohio the hell alone.  Several calls a days, most recorded.  I enjoy the live ones though.  When they ask who I'm voting for; I indicate that I keep track of the calls and will vote for the party that called the least".

[Miss Philicia]

I only watch Bravo so there are no political ads. Didn't Ethan Hawke just look dreamy last night on WWHL?

[wolfter]

I only watch Bravo so there are no political ads. Didn't Ethan Hawke just look dreamy last night on WWHL?

It scares me that you're the only other person addicted to Bravo.   I saw Carolynn Manso's home tour today on HGTV.  I pretty much love every show on that network. 

[Miss Philicia]

Can't wait for the return of nelly ole Martyn Lawrence Bullard in Million Dollar Decorators! Returns next month.

And I got to watch Fabio Viviani last night, with his even hunkier best friend Jacopo Faleni. Fabio must be rolling in the dough, even though he never won Top Chef. He was tooling around in a Mercedes and all of his clothes were obviously wildly expensive.

http://youtu.be/l9oTTfvWbvU

[WillyWump]

Perhaps he gave Michelle his Air Force One, 

[tednlou2]

Do you guys remember "Bulge Gate?"  During the first debate between Bush and Kerry, Bush paused unusually long, before answering--long even for him.  Then, photos showed what appeared to be some device in his jacket.  That bulge was very unusual.  Many speculated Rove was feeding him answers.  I've always wondered what was up with that bulge and the delayed responses, while trying to avoid being a conspiracy theorists.

 http://www.politicaljack.com/forums/showthread.php?23418-Remember-Bush-s-quot-BULGE-quot-during-the-Bush-Kerry-debates

[mecch]

Speaking of bulges, I'd pay to see John Hamm and Obama debate soap box style wearing tightie whities and Groucho Marx sunglasses.

[WillyWump]

Do you guys remember "Bulge Gate?"

It's a defibrillator. Either that or he needs secret directions on how to get back to the house when driving around on his ranch ... SEE HERE

[Ann]

I was born in 1990....

Bollocks. No way are you only 22.

[Miss Philicia]

Wait. So now not only does Guilhermina lie about her age, but also Theodore? What is it about these hillbillies and aging issues? So not fetch.

[mitch777]

ok....
so here we go again.
sorry for such short notice (blame it on my fuzzy brain), but you are all invited over tonight to watch Biden and Ryan get it on.
there will be plenty of eats and drinks for all.
simply rsvp one hour prior to debate to give me a chance to run out for last minute supplies.
if for some reason you are unable to attend (can't imagine why), photos of what you missed will be posted tomorrow.
hope to see you all soon!
mitch

[tednlou2]

I am thinking about driving to the debate.  It's not that far from Louisville.  I know we won't get in, but may be great place to pick up guys, behind the Chris Matthews set.  We have a tradition of going to political events, so think we'll go tonight. 

[Ann]

[Miss Philicia]

... uh

[mitch777]

hmmm....

getting a tad bit discouraged at the lack of response to my invite.

have been working my tail off with the preporations.
shopping, cleaning, cooking, choosing the perfect napkins (decided on cloth),
blowing up all of those balloons.

tried to please everyone with the menu.
beluga caviar and foie gras for miss p, ancho adobo tacos de bistec with grilled corn and tomatillo sauce for wumpy, bangers and mash for ann, and jello with fruit coctail for the midwest crowd.

perhaps you are all en route?

still keeping my hopes up.

mitch

[Miss Philicia]

beluga caviar and foie gras for miss p, ancho adobo tacos de bistec with grilled corn and tomatillo sauce for wumpy,

Miss P, naturally, adores foie gras. Now, I'll have to quibble with Guilhermina's pairing as she prefers her tacos hard shell, fake from an El Paso box. Authenticity confuses her palate.

Now I'll be off to select something from my extensive collection of (vintage) Helmut Lang. Season's "first freeze" arrives in 36 hours so I have to unpack sweaters and coats.

[leatherman]

behind the Chris Matthews set.  We have a tradition of going to political events, so think we'll go tonight.

let us know! I'll be looking for you. LOL

simply rsvp one hour prior to debate

it's a loooong drive from SC to Connecticut.
so I'll have to say "sorry I won't be attending" 

[mitch777]

mikie,

excuses, excuses.

just do what most of the other guests are planning.

get out on the tarmack of your nearest airport and hide in the wheel well of the next plane departing to hartford. 

[mitch777]

ps.

dress warm.

miss p. is already searching for her Helmut Lang.

[WillyWump]

Get yer Popcorn ready! Tonights debate is sure to be an entertaining event...I expect Biden to say something really ridiculous and half-way expect him to come out shirtless and all oiled up in an effort from keeping Ryan from catching him.

and then there's Ryan...cant wait to see his screw ups and how he handles the limelight.

Should be great TV

Will be on the look out for Tedderz trying to pick up guys also.

-Will

[wolfter]

I usually vote for the custest one, but this time it comes down to intellect.     I know my state is a swing state and we is kinda smarts....lol

There are too many sheep in both political parties and I'm proud to a member of the thinking party. 

Modified because even I didn't understand my own post.   Damn afternoon cocktails.

[Solo_LTSurvivor]

I usually vote for the custest one, but this time it comes down to intellect.    

Is this the face of a man you can trust 

[Miss Philicia]

*giggle*

[wolfter]

Is this the face of a man you can trust 

There is just something freaky looking about this puppet.  Nice body, but he reminds me of Screech from Saved by the Bell.

[mecch]

Just saw those Ryan photos on D-list, too.
1)  Got a little blip on my gaydar.
2) This dlist quote:  I used to think that the only time a grown man should wear a backwards cap is if he's about to give a beej....and I still think that.
3) He really does look like the gay dudes in their 30's and 40's who try and fail to pull off collegiate.
4) If he wasn't professionally such a douche, I'd say physically he's fine enough. But dude has no calves (not to mention lips).

its all a FREAKING FACADE with these Republicans.

Sad thing is, if we believe The Republic, Ryan doesn't even know what a Potemkin Village is.

http://www.tnr.com/article/magazine/politics/106459/paul-ryan-nasty-philosophy-self-reliance-ayn-rand?page=0,0#

Ryan’s mind is inadequately aerated. His intellectual universe is a conformist, like-minded universe; he gives no indication of any familiarity with, or curiosity about, thoughts and traditions that differ from his own. I am not competent to evaluate his numbers, but no budgetary expertise is required to see that his moral and political concepts are crude and sometimes weird. The passage about “the safety net ... transform[ing] self-reliance into a vice” continues: “The Nation becomes a vast Potemkin Village in which the most important elements—its people—are depleted by a government that increasingly ‘takes care’ of them, and makes ever more of their decisions for them. They take more from society than they provide for themselves, which corrodes society itself, from the inside out. The environment also becomes ripe for exploitation and control by the few who remain ‘ambitious.’” Is Ryan one of the “ambitious”? It is hard to say. The meaning of that sentence, with its Galt-like ominousness, eludes me. It is pretty clear that Ryan does not know what a Potemkin Village is: the entitlements against which he rails are neither artificial nor ornamental.

What's ornamental are fake "hot" middle age dudes who don't bother to work their calves.  Etch-a-sketch political and moral positions.  Do as I say, not as I do..... etc etc.

[mitch777]

i thought Joe did well last night.
Ryan was scarey as usual but still wonder if he was able to pull the wool over the eyes of many.

as for my party...
lots of leftovers!
anyone for soup?

[J.R.E.]

Good grief !!!        Obama took Florida in the last election.  I also have a problem with some of these polls, but according to this one, Romney's ahead.

It was taken before the VP debate, I hope Obama pulls it off on the next debate:

http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2012/10/11/exclusive_poll_romne.html

EDITED:  He needs to get down here ( and quickly),.. with Biden and do some campaigning !!


Ray

[mecch]

"We don't have a setting across this country where if you don't have insurance, we just say to you, 'Tough luck, you're going to die when you have your heart attack,'" Romney told The Columbus Dispatch on Wednesday, explaining why repealing President Obama's health care reform law would not result in catastrophe for sick people who can't buy insurance.

"No, you go to the hospital, you get treated, you get care, and it's paid for, either by charity, the government or by the hospital," Romney continued. "We don't have people that become ill, who die in their apartment because they don't have insurance."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/12/mitt-romney-hospital-uninsured_n_1961701.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

[tednlou2]

The apartment comment was telling.  He believes those without insurance all live in apartments, aka the poor. 

30 Rock made some funny bits about insurance.  Kenneth the Page's mom, played by Catherine O'Hara, came to visit.  She said, "Obamacare is causing us to live longer.  I want to die in the ER of a treatable disease, like any red blooded American."

[BT65]

I've seen some apartments that cost more than a house payment.

[mitch777]

obama better be good tonight!
latest polls show major shift to romney from women.
what??!?

i live in connecticut and liebermans senate seat is a tossup.
glad to see lieberman go with his hawkish views and was REALLY pissed during the health care issue.
but really, linda mcmahon? ugh!

still is incredible how evenly split this country is on the political front.

[tednlou2]

I found this creative.  See if you can click on the Romney tax plan link on this website. 

 http://www.romneytaxplan.com/

[mitch777]

lol.
that goes for every "plan" they have!

[wolfter]

I found this creative.  See if you can click on the Romney tax plan link on this website. 

 http://www.romneytaxplan.com/

love it.

[Miss Philicia]

While it's true that Obama has clearly lost ground in the past two weeks, you have to read the internals of some of the polling for a clear picture. We all have read/heard that national polling is somewhat irrelevant because of the electoral college, but still the national numbers can cause worry. And this is why the internals are instructive, and much moreso than in other elections. The regional breakdown shows quite clearly why his numbers are being thrown off, and that is because there has been a surge of support in the South for Romney. As they were already irrelevant because they were deep red, what you're seeing is a bunch of wasted votes.

Latest Gallup regional breakdown:

East - Obama +4
Midwest - Obama +4
South - Obama -22
West - Obama +6

[mitch777]

while i would like to breath a sigh of relief with the gallup internal polls, momentum nationally gives some people second thoughts.
on a positive note...
perhaps it will inspire more people to get out to vote for Obama.
still...
Obama better not be nodding off tonight.

[mitch777]

ps.
when will those southerners realize that they are being duped by the republican party?
is it the diet?

[mitch777]

on reflection, we northerners produced Palin, Bachman, and countless other A**wipes.

[Jeff G]

ps.
when will those southerners realize that they are being duped by the republican party?
is it the diet?

I have asked this question of many of my relatives and people I meet here in the deep south . One answer I get is that they believe it when a Republican looks into the camera and says they are for christian values .

I am convinced that southern voters vote against their own interest because they fail to understand the issues and rely on what they are told by the party that they and the neighbors have supported for decades now .       

[mitch777]

i don't have an issue with most so-called "christian values" but the far right values seem to be a pick and choose.
love to wear my key west t-shirt:
"too many right winged christians, too few lions"

[buginme2]

I have asked this question of many of my relatives and people I meet here in the deep south . One answer I get is that they believe it when a Republican looks into the camera and says they are for christian values .

I am convinced that southern voters vote against their own interest because they fail to understand the issues and rely on what they are told by the party that they and the neighbors have supported for decades now .     

Read the book " What's the matter with Kansas".

It's about this very topic.  Why do people vote for those (specifically republicans) when it is against their interest.  It's well written and very interesting.

Also for those outside the US, this book was released in the UK and Australia under the title "What's the matter with America"

[Miss Philicia]

You should specifically state economic interests. If one's interests are stopping baby killers and communist African Americans from taking over this God fearing nation then it's in their interest.

[buginme2]

True that

[mecch]

You should specifically state economic interests. If one's interests are stopping baby killers and communist African Americans from taking over this God fearing nation then it's in their interest.

Ahem to that!

[mecch]

Obama, the arugula-eating koran-worshipping half-breed anti-capitalist amoral baby-killing wealth-redistributing affirmative-action benificiary undeserving moocher of ivy league meritocracy middle-brow political-operative sleazy commie pinko fag that he is.

[mitch777]

geez Mecch,

you really put some thought into that.

[mitch777]

now, your thoughts on Romney?
tee hee.

[zach]

Obama, the arugula-eating koran-worshipping half-breed anti-capitalist amoral baby-killing wealth-redistributing affirmative-action benificiary undeserving moocher of ivy league meritocracy middle-brow political-operative sleaze-bag that he is.

"entitled" should be somewhere in there. i've grown to truely hate that word. recently it has become a loaded word that means so much more hatred than is being said

[OneTampa]

OK.  Ready to ruuuuuummmmmble?

The 2nd presidential debate is about to start!

Ms. Candy is talking now.

Will check back in at the conclusion.

 

[zach]

the rematch!! jeez, commentary sounds like they are covering a boxing match

[ds4146]

You would think that because this is supposedly questions from the American people, they would remember this and limit their bullshit rebuts!. Clearly when they can't even listen to or answer the questions of Americans in a short timespan demonstrates why they can't listen long term. So ugly...glad I voted early...Rosanne will make a fascinating President.

[WillyWump]

You really gotta love a president who uses the words "sketchy" and "gang bangers" without batting an eye

[Miss Philicia]

[buginme2]

I felt like I was watching a moment of British Parliament. 

[tednlou2]

Well, the female moderators are sooo much better.  Obama is back! 

There were a few in our group tonight wondering whether he intentionally did so poorly in the first debate, in order to give Romney a false sense of security.  I'm not sure about that, but he was back tonight.  He made so many of the points he failed to do in the first debate. 

I also think Romney's comment about women needing flexible time to do their wife duties may come back to haunt him.   

[wolfter]

Romney came across very aggressive this evening, bordering on bullying and constantly crying about the timer.

I too wondered about the flex time for women comment.  Not only did it not answer the question, it almost borders on agreeing with lesser pay for equal work since women will need to take more personal time.

This election is going to be terribly close.  Ohio is still about evenly split. 

[mecch]

You would think that because this is supposedly questions from the American people, they would remember this and limit their bullshit rebuts!. Clearly when they can't even listen to or answer the questions of Americans in a short timespan demonstrates why they can't listen long term. So ugly...glad I voted early...Rosanne will make a fascinating President.

Like.

Everyone in Washington should get monthly butt fucking and/or enemas, and 4x a year ecstasy or magic mushrooms.

[Jeff G]

Yep , The Pres is back with a vengeance and kicked the magic underwear off the Mittins .   

[Miss Philicia]

George Will, the insufferable conservatard twat, decrees that last night's debate was "immeasurably the best" that he's witnessed over a span of 52 years.

[mikeyb39]

so what do you all think of Obama's chances at this point.  i'm getting a little nervous that folks are gonna put Willard in office.  That really scares me. 

[zach]

aw hell, chances?! its all tea leaves and chicken bones. popular vote doesnt count for shit anyway. electoral college votes the way they want. here in georgia, only twice since '68 has even a single electoral vote gone democrat.

[WillyWump]

so what do you all think of Obama's chances at this point.  i'm getting a little nervous that folks are gonna put Willard in office.  That really scares me.

Now don't kill the messenger but I think it is shaping up to be a landslide, like 320+ electorals,... for Romney.

[mikeyb39]

oh Willy, say it isn't so.....lol

[Miss Philicia]

LOL, please. You know what is throwing off the national poll numbers? the +20 point support in Southern states. The three other regions show +4 for Obama.

Otherwise stick to polling aggregates in the nine battleground states. 320 EV for Romney, don't make me laugh. Even Karl Rove wouldn't say something so moronic.

[wolfter]

I hope everyone is paying attention to their congressional races too.  I watched Ohio's debate between Mandel and Brown and it'll be horried if the little twerp Mandel wins.  He loudly and proudly denounces homosexuality.

[Miss Philicia]

fyi, the numerous battleground polls that came out late Thursday actually increased Obama's chances of winning. Fivethirtyeight, the NY Times blog by Nate Silver (and the only one worth reading) showed Obama going from a 65.7% chance of winning to 70.4%.

[buginme2]

fyi, the numerous battleground polls that came out late Thursday actually increased Obama's chances of winning. Fivethirtyeight, the NY Times blog by Nate Silver (and the only one worth reading) showed Obama going from a 65.7% chance of winning to 70.4%.

I LOVE Nate Silver.  I have such a nerd crush on him.

Anywho, im nervous about Obama losing, but not freaking out just yet.

That last debate though was just too much, I thought Romney was a big ass, he was so disrespectful to the president.  I dont plan on watching the next debate (not that it matters since my state isnt a swing state and its not like im oing to be swayed)

[thunter34]

here in georgia, only twice since '68 has even a single electoral vote gone democrat.

heading to the polls this week, nonetheless.  oh - and welcome back to GA, apparently.

[zach]

thank you tim  only been back a couple weeks

[bocker3]

I hope everyone is paying attention to their congressional races too.  I watched Ohio's debate between Mandel and Brown and it'll be horried if the little twerp Mandel wins.  He loudly and proudly denounces homosexuality.

Yes -- we can't forget about Congress.
Hopefully, we'll stop George "macaca" Allen from returning to the Senate and send Tim Kaine instead.
Unfortunately, I'll be wasting my time vote for my Rep -- no way Cantor will lose -- they just changed his district -- removing some areas more prone to voting Dem and adding more Repub areas.  I hate that he is my Rep.....

As for Romney beating Obama -- not overly worried about that yet.  It's tight, but all the info I see is still pointing to Obama taking enough of the swing states to win.  IF Romney were to win, it will not be by a blowout.

[mitch777]

As for Romney beating Obama -- not overly worried about that yet.  It's tight, but all the info I see is still pointing to Obama taking enough of the swing states to win.  IF Romney were to win, it will not be by a blowout.

i agree, but Obama is not doing as well I had hoped considering, um... his opponent is Romney or anyone else for that matter that was included in the Republican  primary.
biggest bunch of loonies, all with scarey ideas and oblivious to reality.

on a good note...
latest polls in Connecticut shows Murphy is starting to pull away from Linda McMahon.

[GSOgymrat]

Rasmussen Reports did an additional statewide poll in the battleground state of North Carolina which had a 6% lead for Mitt Romney. President Obama was at 46% compared to 52% for Romney. Undecided voters were at 1% in North Carolina but the level of support for Third party candidates was not included in the Rasmussen presidential poll for North Carolina. Rasmussen Reports released their North Carolina presidential poll on October 18, 2012.

I am planning to vote straight Democratic Monday. Of my friend and coworkers I would say about 70% are voting Obama. I think 3 out of the 4 gay people I know in Greensboro are voting for Romney citing the usual reasons: economy, taxes, healthcare, etc.

[mitch777]

I think 3 out of the 4 gay people I know in Greensboro are voting for Romney citing the usual reasons: economy, taxes, healthcare, etc.

I thought gay people were smarter than that no matter where they lived. 
healthcare, really??

[tednlou2]

My Republican friends and family are not excited, at all, about Romney.  Most don't say a word about him.  They don't put Romney bumper stickers on their cars or stick yard signs in their yards, like they did for Bush.  It would be nice if they just stayed home on election day, but I'm sure they'll go vote for him, even though they don't really like him. 

It would thrill me, if KY went for Obama.  However, I know that will NOT happen.  We voted for Carter once and Clinton twice.  We have voted for Dem governors the last 40 years, except for once.  I guess we'll only vote for a Dem for prez, if that person is white and seems like he could live in a trailor next door.  Gore was white, but not redneck enough.           

[mecch]

I think 3 out of the 4 gay people I know in Greensboro are voting for Romney citing the usual reasons: economy, taxes, healthcare, etc.

They are super rich and want that tax cut? And they are against Affordable Care?  And they are gay?

I understand people being upset about the economy and wanting to try a new Prez on that.   

I haven't seen Romney sell a convincing tax plan.   And who in their right mind is against affordable care. 

Romney has avoided speaking straight on all matters.  But I imagine if he were elected, he could speak his mind and say he's all for affordable care and start talking up a way for states to do this without the federal government.  Why people in poor or conservative states would believe their state would bother, beats me.

[mitch777]

Why people in poor or conservative states would believe their state would bother, beats me.

they hold on to pick-and-choose bible quotes and ignore the larger picture of what religion is supposed to teach.

brainwashed by some in the clergy (sad) and the good-old-boy church-going republicans in power.

maybe their eyes will open in the next century?

[GSOgymrat]

They are super rich and want that tax cut? And they are against Affordable Care?  And they are gay?

I can't completely explain their rationale. One friend in particular doesn't like the Federal government forcing people to obtain insurance coverage and feels a national healthcare plan will increase government spending and undermine states rights. He believes the free market system with sparse government intervention works best. He fears Obama is following a more European philosophy of government where people expect the government to take care of them and we could eventually end up like Greece. When it comes to gay marriage he thinks people should be able to do whatever they want and government should stay out of people's personal lives. He is not thrilled with Romney but doesn't think Obama deserves four more years. I can't properly defend his position but that is the general idea.

[buginme2]

Does it bug anyone else that this thread has been going on for weeks now and the word "Debate" is spelled wrong?

[zach]

bothered by the spelling? not at all, seems somehow appropriate to me

@GSO, your friend sounds like a smart guy

[J.R.E.]

Does it bug anyone else that this thread has been going on for weeks now and the word "Debate" is spelled wrong?

Buginme,....You already have a buginyou, why let this bug you LOL !    

Doesn't bather me at all !   

[Mrmojorisin]

I hope everyone is paying attention to their congressional races too.  I watched Ohio's debate between Mandel and Brown and it'll be horried if the little twerp Mandel wins.  He loudly and proudly denounces homosexuality.

 Agreed, I believe the congressional candidate are way more important than who is President. Ideally, he cannot do anything without congressional approval. He cannot introduce a bill unless he has a congressman do it for him. Here in Texas there is a major senate race. The incumbent is retiring so it will be a new face..

[Miss Philicia]

Keep in mind that in 2008 exit polls showed that 28% of gay people voted for McCain, which was up from 20% four years previous to that. And in the 2010 midterm elections 31% voted Republican.

I have no breakdown in the regional preferences for those three elections, but I suspect that if we saw them it would be more stark in southern states.

[buginme2]

Doesn't bather me at all !   

 

This has actually been a pretty peaceful campaign for me since I don't live in a swing state.  The NY Times blog put my state as having a 99.5% chance of voting for Obama.  Thankfully that means neither campaign has run one tv commercial here.  Sometimes ignorance is bliss!!

However, gay marriage is on the ballot here and I have been forced to watch either: gay people are trying to corrupt your children (infuriating) or that gay people arejust like everyone else (also infuriating).

I cannot wait till November 7th I think we can all agree to that.

[mikeyb39]

yes Bug, that is very nice, i'm in Texas and we don't get all those ads or visitations by the candidates, so on that aspect its very nice.   i went to colorado couple weeks ago for work for a few days and the ads are just CRAZY, almost every commercial was a Obama ad and a few Romney ones thrown in.

[Miss Philicia]

The town where I was born/grew up (parents still live there) has had both candidates, and each wife, visit at least once. It's not just in a swing state, it's also in a swing county of a swing state.

[mitch777]

Thank you Zach and J.R.E. for the soupport on my spelling errar.

I really must pay more attenssion after koktale hour.

We all know that it shud have bean spelled "duhbate".

Forgivin?

[zach]

en kase enione mist da dabate

http://www.hulu.com/#!watch/415485

i'm just glad my assault weapons are safe

[mecch]

well the debates are like bait for voters.  so... take da bait

[mecch]

I can understand that bedrock "Amercians" fear things european and socialisty and scary. 
But look at it this way. Currently we got an industrialized developed world that manages to deliver universal care. Maybe 20 or 30 years from now it will all go to hell in handbasket (the dreaded plight of Greece, people seem to think) but during those 20 or 30 years you did what was right for your fellow citizens.
Too much fear of the future and the new and change, leads to too many people getting short shrift while doing nothing.

[buginme2]

If things in the US continue on the same path, at some point the income and health discrepancy will become to much to ignore.   You would think American politicians would have studied history (the American revolution, the French revolution) to know they wont stay in power for long if your people are sick and broke while the privilege class ignores it.

Let them eat cake

[mitch777]

yikes.
no comments?

[WillyWump]

yikes.
no comments?

[mecch]

They both looked presidential, at least.
What happened to Mitt's spray tan? He's looking quite pale. More than once, he also looked like a morph of Beavis and Butt-head. 

Ann is horrific. That is one Stepford wifey Morman. 

Please don't let the USA elect that clown, that soulless robot, that plutocrat cesspool of hypocrisy and empty rhetoric. 

If anything, this shows the difference between the Obamas' meritocracy generation of Ivy grads and the Romney noblesse oblige gentleman C navel gazing dimwits.  I thought Bush was the last time we would see that breed. Won't they all please f*cking retire to Maine or die....

 

[Miss Philicia]

CBS instapoll of uncommitted voters:

Who won the #Debate? OBAMA: 53%; ROMNEY: 23%, TIE: 24% (Margin of Error: 4%; Sample Size: 521)

[tednlou2]

Watching the post-debate coverage with these undecided voters is frustrating.  They come in saying they were leaning toward one candidate, but are now leaning the other way.  Or, they still don't know.  This close to the election, if this is going to be a coin toss for them, perhaps they should just stay home. 

They are low-information voters, but have a lot of power.  By this point, you should know the differences between the two, and how those differences apply to you.  As we know, the differences are HUGE.  I don't understand them.  It appears they are voters who believe they have a duty to vote.  No one should feel they must vote, especially if you're just going to flip a coin.  Or, base your vote on how "respectful" the candidate was or whether he interrupted too much. 

When a right-winger cancels out my vote, I get they were passionate about wanting to take away a woman's right to choose, take away gay rights, give the wealthy even more wealth, or get us into more wars.  It just seems more frustrating when someone cancels out my vote, who just played innie, minnie, miny, moe.     

[mecch]

 http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/undecided-voter/1418227

[bocker3]

Watching the post-debate coverage with these undecided voters is frustrating.  They come in saying they were leaning toward one candidate, but are now leaning the other way.  Or, they still don't know.  This close to the election, if this is going to be a coin toss for them, perhaps they should just stay home. 

They are low-information voters, but have a lot of power.  By this point, you should know the differences between the two, and how those differences apply to you.  As we know, the differences are HUGE.  I don't understand them.  It appears they are voters who believe they have a duty to vote.  No one should feel they must vote, especially if you're just going to flip a coin.  Or, base your vote on how "respectful" the candidate was or whether he interrupted too much. 

When a right-winger cancels out my vote, I get they were passionate about wanting to take away a woman's right to choose, take away gay rights, give the wealthy even more wealth, or get us into more wars.  It just seems more frustrating when someone cancels out my vote, who just played innie, minnie, miny, moe.     

You live in Kentucky -- your vote for Obama already doesn't "matter".  Hopefully my vote for him in Virginia will enable his reelection.

But really -- maybe, just maybe, these undecided voters are actually being thoughtful -- perhaps they like some things about both candidates and dislike some things about both.  Perhaps they like neither and are wrestling with picking the "lesser of 2 evils", in their opinion.

After the never ending political ads, the thing that I am most sick of in this election cycle is listening to people (on all sides), vilify, ridicule and dismiss people with differing opinions from their own.  To suggest that someone should not vote because they lack "passion" or are actually trying to come to a decision, later than you or I, is insane - we need more engagement, not less by all voters.

Mike

[mitch777]

We (hubby and I) pretty much missed the debate.
We were too busy eating and drinking too much on day 1 of our mini vacation in Ogunquit Maine.
First day of vacation tends to be either an early bed night or the complete opposite for stress relief.

Wish it would have been an early bed night.

Seems like Obama must have done a good job from what I am watching this morning.

[tednlou2]

Mike, we will just have to disagree on this.  Studies show undecided voters are low information voters.  Of course they have every right to vote as anyone else.  I don't think everyone should vote, though.  I really don't believe in these campaigns that everyone must vote.  If you're going in and tossing a coin, perhaps you should just go to the park instead. 

I am thinking about voting in Indiana.  I am still registered there and I still have an Indiana license.  My vote would matter more there. 

[buginme2]

Its not just undecided voters although it is frustrating that during a close election so much attention is focused on people who are, as you call them, low information voters (thats very PC of you by the way).   Watching the "focus groups" of undecided voters after the debates is enough to make me crazy.

A huge number of people ignore policy when deciding who to vote for and instead focus on style.  Remember how many people voted for Bush because he was seen as more approachable and the person they would rather have a beer with? 

God bless America

[Miss Philicia]

I am still registered there and I still have an Indiana license. 

Isn't that illegal?

[tednlou2]

Isn't that illegal?

Well, you're suppose to have your license changed within 30 days.  I am waiting for mine to expire to get KY license. 

[Miss Philicia]

Well, you're suppose to have your license changed within 30 days.  I am waiting for mine to expire to get KY license. 

But you seem to imply that you're registered in two states to vote. YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW.

[buginme2]

Is this an example of the rampant voter fraud the republicans are always talking about?  Tisk Tisk

[bocker3]

But you seem to imply that you're registered in two states to vote. YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW.

He is just undecided or has low information on voting laws!
 
M

[skeebo1969]

Well, you're suppose to have your license changed within 30 days.  I am waiting for mine to expire to get KY license.

Look at Teddy live on the edge....  What the hell, ride without your seatbelt on the way over.

[GSOgymrat]

A huge number of people ignore policy when deciding who to vote for and instead focus on style.  Remember how many people voted for Bush because he was seen as more approachable and the person they would rather have a beer with? 

They both looked presidential, at least.
What happened to Mitt's spray tan? He's looking quite pale. More than once, he also looked like a morph of Beavis and Butt-head. 

Ann is horrific. That is one Stepford wifey Morman. 

If an Ivy League grad has succumb to the trappings of fashion what hope have the rest of us? 

[WillyWump]

Today!

I did early voting 

[tednlou2]

Here is SNL's take on undecided voters.  They take my point of view.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQOwFquNLKo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[wolfter]

Today!

I did early voting 

I can't vote yet, I'm still undecided.

[J.R.E.]

I wonder what Obama was thinking, when this picture was taken.

Hey governor, I think you have a little sweat going on with those lips.  This pic of Romney looks so strange. Enlarge it...     







http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2012/10/22/president_obama_mitt.html

EDITED :  fortunately , that sweating last night.  didn't short out any of his circuits.   

NIXON SWEATING:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIdsQACxzN4


Ray 

[leatherman]

I can't vote yet, I'm still undecided.

I filed my absentee ballot today, because I'm going to be a poll worker on Election Day

[GSOgymrat]

Because deep down you know that you deserve to be punished.

 

[mecch]

Stumped.   
Who is that lady?

[GSOgymrat]

Stumped.   
Who is that lady?

http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/roiphe/2012/10/harry_potter_presidential_campaign_romney_is_umbridge_obama_is_dumbledore.html


... So it was sort of relaxing and informative to watch the foreign policy debate with my 9-year-old Violet, who is at that phase of life when she views the world entirely through the lens of Harry Potter.

It started in the last debate when she said of Mitt Romney, after hearing him talk for a few minutes: “He’s Umbridge!” And of course I saw exactly what she meant, the brittle, lacquered, self-satisfied smile of the ambitious Dark Arts professor and passionate ministry bureaucrat, Dolores Umbridge. The saccharine, almost-girlish chuckle. The proclamations she issues at Hogwarts, the self-important talk about “the ministry this” and “the ministry that.” The classes doomed to read out loud instead of learning the spells they desperately need. The moment where she makes Harry write lines into his own skin with a pen that draws real blood, all the while smiling that fake and brittle smile. Then of course there is her interest in Muggle Registration, and protecting “pureblood” wizards from the dilution and compromise of human blood.

Last night at the end of the debate, when Ann Romney came up onstage in her green-patterned, 1950s-style skirt, with her anxious expression and pained smile, Violet saw Petunia Dursley, that manic perversion of ’50s housewifery, meanly maternal, protective of the wrong people. ...

[mecch]

scary who perceptive children are when millions of adults are blind.

[wolfter]

If nothing else, this whole thing has made for some great fodder on Saturday Night Live.  These are some funny ass skits.