Althouse: Someday I'm probably going to have to write a post titled "How Obama lost me."

June 14, 2012

Someday I'm probably going to have to write a post titled "How Obama lost me."

It will be in the tradition of "How Kerry lost me" and "How McCain lost me."

But the first thing that springs to mind, that will definitely be on the long list of links to old posts of mine will be "Do you understand the massive destruction the government is paying for? The destruction of perfectly operable cars?" The video embedded at that link made a crushing impact on me.

155 comments:

Scott said...: Ok; 6/14/12, 10:48 AM
Chris said...: What about this? http://althouse.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-obama-lost-me.html; 6/14/12, 10:48 AM
Anonymous said...: Yeah, I remember "Cash for Clunkers."

Tim Blair called it "vehicular homicide."; 6/14/12, 10:49 AM
Anonymous said...: Really? This video is what did it for you? It wasn't his intensely far left field politics? His under handed Chicago dealings as a "community organizer"? You really needed to see this video that Obama well and truly believes that the broken window fallacy is not a fallacy?

Do all leftists live in such an echo chamber?; 6/14/12, 10:50 AM
Ann Althouse said...: "What about this? http://althouse.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-obama-lost-me.html"

That's a post like this one, predicting that one day I will probably have to write my post with that title.

That post does have that title, but it's not THE post with that title, just a reference to it.; 6/14/12, 10:52 AM
Tom Spaulding said...: Probably? Do you think he can romance you back into voting for him in this economy? How so?

What could he possibly say or do in the next 6 months to make your future 'lost me" post not happen?

What can he say or do that would allow you to hand him the keys again, after 4 years of "failed policies" that Romney will have to "inherit'?; 6/14/12, 10:53 AM
Just asking questions (Jaq) said...: Yeah, but look at the economic growth it created in Germany! What are you? Some kind of xenophobic hyper-nationist?; 6/14/12, 10:54 AM
traditionalguy said...: I sometimes wonder if you were right that Obama was the needed choice in 2008 to get the power of Racist Politics over with and also to make the Bush GOP, that nearly destroyed us, start to look awfully good again by just being pro-American in comparison with International Marxist Messiah Man.; 6/14/12, 10:54 AM
Original Mike said...: Destroying wealth in the name of "stimulus". Obamanomics in a nutshell.; 6/14/12, 10:57 AM
Just asking questions (Jaq) said...: "That post does have that title, but it's not THE post with that title, just a reference to it." - Ann

Aren't you stealing material from Tenacious D now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4an3rpucSos

The "Tribute to the Best Song in the World" starts about a minute in.; 6/14/12, 10:57 AM
Pete said...: I still say the post you're going to write is "How Romney Lost Me."

Mark my words.; 6/14/12, 10:58 AM
Mr. Sheufelt said...: What frosts me is the old clunker I'd been driving didn't qualify because it got too good of gas mileage, as if a 15 year old compact was going to be on the road much longer anyways. And the guy turning in that corvette only had to buy something that got at least 20 mpg to qualify. Right, Obama's all about fairness.; 6/14/12, 10:58 AM
DADvocate said...: Yesterday I bought my daughter a car, an '03 Hyundai. During our search, which involved visiting probably 50 car lots, I mentioned several times to salespeople how hard it was to find a good used car worthy of being driven by my darling little princess. Almost every salesperson said that this progam is still hurting the used car market due to lack of supply.

Also, this program irked me to no end, that someon like myself, who has driven cars for decades that get good mileage and pollute little got nothing, while the high uses, high polluters got $4,500 for any piece of crap or classic car they could get on the lot to use for a down payment. My sister had an old Dodge Ram Charger 4x4 SUV that she had bought years before for $3,000 destroyed to get a Subaru Outback. I had offered her $3,000 for it a couple of times over the years, but I couldn't go $4,500 when she turned it in.; 6/14/12, 10:58 AM
SomeoneHasToSayIt said...: Pardon the raining on your thread, but - HOW COULD HE POSSIBLY HAVE GOTTEN YOU IN THE FIRST PLACE??

I mean really, Ann. The fact that you ever fell for this guy should be an amazing late-in-life wake up call for you.
And it should make you very very humble about your objective judgement skills.

Sorry if that's harsh, but it's true.; 6/14/12, 11:02 AM
F said...: The government's perverse incentive program is being continued with the current relief for bad mortgage program. If you're in arrears on your mortgage and meet a few other qualifications you can get your principal reduced. If, on the other hand, you've been conscientious for years in meeting your mortgage payments at the expense of other things you have foregone -- well you're just plain out of luck. No help for you. Help the irresponsible (among others) at the expense of the responsible. Good lesson from the government, right?; 6/14/12, 11:05 AM
Scott M said...: I still say the post you're going to write is "How Romney Lost Me."

I really have to hand it both to Romney himself and his team. I've been very pleasantly surprised by their agility. Many moons ago, when the primaries were just getting started, I said the main thing I was looking for was someone who could go for the jugular in the debates. While Romney certainly seemed the most electable, I wasn't sure about his debating chops. I'm still not, but between Obama lobbing them straight over the plate combined with Romney's deft handling of breaking balls over the corners, I'm pretty happy with the way things are going.

ABO.; 6/14/12, 11:07 AM
Ron said...: 1951 Althouse should write "How Truman Lost Me"...

could be a new series!; 6/14/12, 11:09 AM
Michael said...: HAHAHA! Cash for clunkers!! Thanks for the reminder. There are so many asinine projects that have been implemented by this administration that it is easy to forget one, even one as asinine as this. I believe we were able to stimulate car buying for six months which then resulted in the next six months being horrible months for the car industry. Meanwhile, perfectly good cars being crushed. At the very least they could have shipped them to Africa. But no. Crushed. The environmental costs of this stupidity could not be calculated.

This administration behaves the way the kids did in the old Andy Hardy movies: they are going to put on a play! Acting out stupid fantasies.; 6/14/12, 11:10 AM
ignatzk said...: Someday I'm probably going to have to write a post titled "How Obama lost me.

Obama claims he did not lose you.

Obama says George Bush made you think he lost you.; 6/14/12, 11:12 AM
greenlantern said...: Yes, I believe this would be a very interesting post. Other ideas for interesting posts:
"How I found out Santa wasn't real"
"Why I don't use a nail gun anymore to fasten my earrings onto my ears"
"How I discovered that the test pattern on my TV didn't change or go away until morning"
"How 'ethnic-cleansing' lost me"
"How I stopped believing in Obama and now just throw my money straight into the toilet"; 6/14/12, 11:17 AM
Anonymous said...: It's time for Obama to write two letters.; 6/14/12, 11:18 AM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: Cash for clunkers was an abomination and frankly I think a sin.

It not only destroyed beautifully designed and constructed vehicles as well as functional not so beautiful vehicles, it was a waste of the energy and materials used. The 'greenies' just wasted and squandered the carbon footprint (ack I hate that term) that it took to manufacture those vehicles. And they discounted/ignored the new and even HIGHER carbon footprint (barf) costs of manufacturing the hybrids.

They also harmed the poor who can't afford to buy a new fuel efficient hybrid or electric car. A person who is living on a marginal income can afford to buy a older car or truck and be able to have years of use. To be able to shell out the 40K or so to buy a hybrid is beyond the means of many. Obama thinks if you can't afford the high cost of gas, you should just buy a new car. Clueless.

A waste of resources. Harming the poor and middle class. All for WHAT? Political posturing.

If the Greenies, were really serious about saving the earth and reducing carbon footprints.....they would recycle. Use old already manufactured things like appliances, clothing, cars. But......NO.....we must destroy those old things and build new stuff that isn't always as efficient.

The EPA celebrates crushing one million working refrigerators. WORKING!!. Refrigerators that a poor family could afford and use. Celebrating wanton destruction.

It is a SIN.; 6/14/12, 11:21 AM
Doc Holliday's Hat said...: Best part of "cash for clunkers" the large spike in sales was followed by just as large a drop in sales shortly afterwards...averaging out to a normal buying trend over that period. Except the normal buying trend wouldn't have cost $3 Billion, nor destroyed many perfectly usable cars, nor affected prices on the secondary car market. So, $3 Billion dollars in waste from a program sold as essential to...what? So Obamanian.; 6/14/12, 11:22 AM
Michael K said...: I gave my daughter and her husband a 1996 Nissan pickup so they would have two cars. I had paid for hers, as well. During the cash for clunkers thing, she said something about turning in the truck. I said, "that's not necessary. Just give it back to me." No more talk. Fortunately, they had never changed the registration and I had control. Of course, they both voted for you-know-who. Nice kids but...; 6/14/12, 11:31 AM
Bob Ellison said...: Cash for Clunkers = DDT ban; 6/14/12, 11:32 AM
Original Mike said...: "How I stopped believing in Obama and now just throw my money straight into the toilet"

Love it.; 6/14/12, 11:33 AM
Anonymous said...: Last night was bliss. The blonde from WH shared all the polling. We are going win, baby! We are going to win in each and every congressional district. No one really wants to change the horse in the mid-stread, as Ron Reagan said. In the debates, we will dismantle and destroy Romney. Biden will have the GOP VP as an appetizer.

Oh, the GOP is so scared of us. We are going to out-raise (we already are) them. The latest polls show that we are going to win by 10%. By election day, starting October 1, will be over 20%.

GOP is nothing. Romney is nothing. The press wants us. The stars on hollywood want us. The profs want us. The students want us.

Who wants Romney? Two words: Who cares?

It is over, baby. Join us. Be part of us. You will be rewarded. Trust me.; 6/14/12, 11:34 AM
Cedarford said...: Obama, the 1st year....

1. Trillion dollar bailouts, and not a single banker or Wall Street con artist is under indictment or any threat to serve a day in jail.
2. The urgent "steroids in baseball hearings" launched by Hollywood's bagman, Henry Waxman.
3. Cash for Clunkers.
4. Claiming the economy was fixed and would soon rebound, Barack and the Queen then embarked on nearly nonstop international travel - for offering themselves up to the Globe for Adoration. (More travel than any previous President).
5. Busy abroad, Obama just told Pelosi - create Obamacare - I'm tied up giving inspirational speeches in Africa. "Whatever you come up with, oh wise First Woman Speaker Ever - I'll sign."
6. Cash for clunkers.
7. The abortions of summits - Crisis Climate Change Summits rife with idiot wealthy Greens arriving in private jets railing at "stupid Americans with their SUVs", Davos New Financial Order summits where the main message Obama took away was America needed to be more like Europe. The delicious Olympics gambit - where it was believed Obama's Star Power would hand the Olympics to Chicago instead of Rio..despite no commitment by the US to financially back the commonly known as bankrupt US city, where the Olympic Committee was treated to videos of black thugs clubbing one another to death with 2X4s.

That was just the 1st year, and things went downhill further after that.; 6/14/12, 11:41 AM
Bruce Hayden said...: Sorry about a little OT, but something else to keep in mind today in the WSJ: Sherk and Zywicki: Obama's United Auto Workers Bailout.

Quick summary - $23 billion or so of taxpayer money and borrowing, in the form of TARP (that was supposed to bail out banks, not hurt them for investing in GM and Chrysler) blown bailing out the UAW, and esp. their pensions and benefits. The result of misusing the bankruptcy system here is that everyone, including salaried workers, suffered, while these two companies still have excessive wage costs - the lowering of which is often the biggest benefit for bankruptcy by large companies. So, the two companies still make inferior vehicles at excessive prices, and their union workers still make too much money. And, we all paid for it.; 6/14/12, 11:42 AM
BarrySanders20 said...: Don't forget the war on Slurpees, Ann.

We were in the grip of some kind of madness with the destruction of functional cars. It seemed so prefect for the left: it allowed them to claim credit for combatting climate change, to prime manufacturing of new cars to prop up the UAW that they had just bailed out, to prompt consumer spending with a rebate, and to eliminate a transportation option for the poor, forcing them to rely on trains and trolleys to get around.

Madness.; 6/14/12, 11:44 AM
tim maguire said...: As others here have pointed out, "Cash for Clunkers" was misnamed.

Whether or not your car was a clunker had absolutely nothing to do with whether or not it qualified for this program.

Another lie perpetuated by a lazy, incompetent, sycophantic media.; 6/14/12, 11:45 AM
Ipso Fatso said...: "I still say the post you're going to write is "How Romney Lost Me."

Mark my words."

What he said.; 6/14/12, 11:45 AM
Bruce Hayden said...: Let me add to my UAW bailout post, that someone in the WSJ comments pointed out that it was a great investment by the union - a couple million in political contributions to get Obama and some other Dems elected, in trade for $20 billion or so in money bailing out their pensions and benefits.

And, for anyone who suggests that the Republicans do this too - can they name a President who has given away anywhere near as much money to his political backers as has this one?; 6/14/12, 11:46 AM
Steve in Philly said...: He made my unborn grandchildren sign a loan so that some guy up the block could get a $4,000 discount on a new car!; 6/14/12, 11:48 AM
Scott M said...: That was just the 1st year, and things went downhill further after that.

Things started picking up speed after the guy who's currently picking potshot kill targets for unmanned drones got the Nobel Peace Prize.; 6/14/12, 11:48 AM
DrSquid said...: I remeber watching that video on a link fm Istapundit one Saturday morning early in the glorious new age of Obama. I thought immediately, this will be the end of him. No one can watch that government sponsored vandalism and believe it's a good thing. Mitt should consider using this in his campaign as an object lesson into the mind of the genius Obama.; 6/14/12, 11:52 AM
Bruce Hayden said...: Right now, I am somewhat glad that I didn't take advantage of the program. I have a mid-90s GMC 2500 (3/4 ton) 4x4 Suburban with better than 200k miles. Still runs, will drive through a lot of snow, goes almost anywhere, can pull out my other two vehicles when they get stuck in the snow, etc. A bit hard to park in the city, so don't take it there much. Clearly at the top of the type of vehicle that the C for C program was supposed to take off the road. But, that would have required buying a new vehicle, and that didn't make sense. And, in the end, it is a nice vehicle to have around, and it doesn't cost much, since I don't drive it in the city where it gets the horrible gas millage.; 6/14/12, 11:53 AM
Carol said...: "to get the power of Racist Politics over with"

Haha, like that will ever happen.; 6/14/12, 11:53 AM
Chip Ahoy said...: So he lost you right off then. And we heard the economists yell all at once, "window pane!" a howl that reverberated across the land.; 6/14/12, 12:01 PM
The Advertising Guy said...: For me, Cash for Clunkers was the tell that Obama was a destroyer whose sole objective is to take down the US from within. I know a lot of people had this theory before but I didn't want to believe it.; 6/14/12, 12:01 PM
JimB said...: I was never onboard with Kerry or Obama. Or Clinton, for that matter. I propose a rule of thumb: Politicians will disappoint all those who believe even a scintilla of what they say. Professional liars IMO.; 6/14/12, 12:02 PM
Christopher in MA said...: 1951 Althouse should write 'How Truman Lost Me.' Could be a new series!

I like that idea. She could post about how Teapot Dome lost her Harding.

Or the Mexican War Zachary Taylor.

Or the Alien and Sedition Acts John Adams.

The mind boggles.; 6/14/12, 12:03 PM
JimB said...: I guess my first try went blooey. Try again. Rule of thumb: All those who believe even a scintilla of what a politician says are doomed to disappointment.; 6/14/12, 12:04 PM
NotWhoIUsedtoBe said...: There's creative destruction, but there's also destructive destruction.

Liberal economics is far too obsessed with sacrifice, which is an idea from the realm of war.

It's not a war, people don't have to give up things, and cars don't have to be destroyed.; 6/14/12, 12:07 PM
JimB said...: Re: Cash for clunkers. Reminds me of the depression era cash for dumping milk on the ground. How this can be productive is a mystery to me: why destroy cars (or milk) that have already been produced and still have a useful life of a few more years?

I am still driving a 2003 Town Car that will be ten model years old this fall. Plan to keep driving to put at least 200,000 miles on it.; 6/14/12, 12:08 PM
chickelit said...: 1951 Althouse should write 'How Truman Lost Me.' Could be a new series!

"How Carter lost me" would be the must telling and prescient part of that series. Too bad it never existed.; 6/14/12, 12:11 PM
Rose said...: From the very beginning, Obama's words have raised the hairs on the back of my neck. He says one thing, while he and his surrogates are actively and intently not only doing the opposite, but setting up entire apparatus to accomplish that opposite goal.

He professes 'centrism,' claims to have 'tried' to reach across the aisle, nothing could be further from the truth.

Every word is a lie, and a carefully prepared leftist way of saying things. Beautiful prose, empty, writhing cancerous ooze within the lovely mirrored vessel.

He believes he is untouchable, and has grown cynical because it has been such a cakewalk, people are so easily draw to follow the pied-piper.

Time to run him out of town.; 6/14/12, 12:12 PM
Freeman Hunt said...: I thought of that post of yours last week when a friend lamented that her husband was having a difficult time finding a decently priced used car.; 6/14/12, 12:13 PM
Anonymous said...: Count me with those who agree Althouse will Make A Stand Against Racism this fall.; 6/14/12, 12:16 PM
X said...: what was especially dumb about the program was paying $4500 cash for a $4500 discount on a product that is routinely discounted.

has anyone done a study on how much below MSRP those cars actually sold for?; 6/14/12, 12:17 PM
Chip Ahoy said...: How Washington lost me. That episode with Half King and the fort at Pittsburgh and the French. Bad show. Bad. A lot of people point to that as the start of the French Indian war.; 6/14/12, 12:19 PM
Tom Spaulding said...: Newt was correct in one of the early primary debates, paraphrased: "Anyone on this stage would be a better president than Barack Obama. He deserves to be fired".

Yes, he deserves it. He's earned it. Judge his performance on his merits, he gets fired.

As did Bush I and Carter. They deserved it, too.; 6/14/12, 12:19 PM
Lem Vibe Bandit said...: Its a ruse.

As sure as Obama was born in Kenya.. Althouse will vote for Obama.. again.; 6/14/12, 12:21 PM
Portia said...: "F said...

The government's perverse incentive program is being continued with the current relief for bad mortgage program. If you're in arrears on your mortgage and meet a few other qualifications you can get your principal reduced. If, on the other hand, you've been conscientious for years in meeting your mortgage payments at the expense of other things you have foregone -- well you're just plain out of luck. No help for you. Help the irresponsible (among others) at the expense of the responsible. Good lesson from the government, right?

6/14/12 11:05 AM"

I don't want to tell you you're FOS but you are. I am in my present mortgage for about 6 years, originally financed for 150k and at about 134k now. The principal was not reduced but I was offered a lower interest rate (from 5.5 to 4.0) recently by Wells Fargo, my current and future lender. It is a government program called HARP.

Also I'd like a link to where people are getting their principal reduced. I'd heard this was only a BofA program and it was the result of a suit or settlement of a suit.

Don't spread mis-information.; 6/14/12, 12:24 PM
Rusty said...: Ya couldn't a had this epiphany 3 1/2 years ago?

Let's vote for Obama!

Why?

.......................He's black!

OK.; 6/14/12, 12:26 PM
Portia said...: Forgot to mention, I am up to date on my payments and have never missed one. It appears you must be to qualify for the HARP program.; 6/14/12, 12:31 PM
Portia said...: BTW, the little pictures of words are at PITA, FYI.; 6/14/12, 12:33 PM
MayBee said...: Portia- before you get hostile and tell someone to stop spreading information, you might want to know there are several programs currently available, and at least one involves principle reduction (PRA) others, like HAMP are for people who are behind on their mortgages.
Yours was because you had a Fannie/Freddie backed loan and are with a participating lender.; 6/14/12, 12:38 PM
Chip Ahoy said...: Do you know what I lost? This is serious. The birds are gone. No birds at all in the neighborhood. I noticed they stopped visiting their feeder yesterday and then I noticed there are no birds at all.

And you know what's worse? You'll never guess so I'll just tell you. There were feathers in one of the planters. One big feather and a bunch of small feathers. Like the remnants of a bird kill but no sign of struggle. And another feather that I stepped on and dragged inside. No pigeons, no crows, no more finches visiting my patio, no hummingbirds, no bluebirds, no ravens no bats. Not even any flying insects right now.

It's eerie.

I concluded it's the fire. I hope they come back soon.

I heard a guy describe the flames that consumed his home. The interviewer was going for the "Your home burned down. How does it feel?" and the guy said, "Oh yeah, it's awful. Everything's gone. But you know what?" His voice changed to convey awe," It was awesome and beautiful." Then the camera swung to the fire in the distance, zoomed into the color of it and the frame filled with fierce vertical orange and red flames.; 6/14/12, 12:39 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: Our auto fleet. All paid for. NO monthly car payments. Low insurance. Low DMV fees. No on board computers to constantly eff up. Easy maintenance. Parts readily available. Each vehicle serves a specific purpose and will last for years more to come.

2000 Chevy Blazer 4x4. My everyday get around car. Good in the snow. Gets halfway decent mileage.

1967 Chevy step side p/u. With V-8 crate motor, new high performance transmission, Flo-Masters, lowered and raked stance, new disc brakes: Hubby's car Purpose. Hot stereo system with satellite radio. Hot rod and looking cool and sounds rad.

1972 Chev K5 Blazer 4x4: Corvette engine, new tranny, Flo-Masters and other upgrades. Needs to be repainted. Mileage....who cares. Mine. Purpose: same as above.

Work vehicles
1985 Chevy Diesel Pick up 4x4. Good for the winter and getting in to look at jobs that are off road and need 4x4. Good mileage

1971 GMC newer V-8 engine and beefed up suspension. Used to haul the tractor and trailers. Work horse.

1976 Chev Utility truck. V-8.Diamond plate bed and tool box tops. New paint and chrome. Air compressor, generator, winch, vises. Work truck hauls all the supplies, tools and parts. Probably going to drop in a new crate motor next year.

1985 Chev one ton dually with utility boxes and hydraulic boom. Terrible mileage but when we take it out for a job it means several thousands of dollars in return.

SO we could have cashed all these in for WHAT? To buy some useless POS that doesn't carry anything, can't haul anything, can't go in the snow and would cost us an arm and leg to register and insure.

No thanks.; 6/14/12, 12:40 PM
X said...: there are 2 different mortgage programs, HAMP & HARP. HAMP is a modification for people who are behind, HARP is a refinance for people who are upside down or home has lost value. If neither of these apply you can refinance normally at even lower rates.; 6/14/12, 12:40 PM
God, An Original A-hole said...: Funny... I read your post, then clicked on my Spiegel in English bookmark, and... Whoop! There it is!

How Obama Has Failed to Deliver

Schade. Schade, indeed! 5 pages of schade!

Personally, I would title my post on the topic like this:

How Obama Lost Me By Ordering the Extra-Judicial Killing of an Innocent 16-Year-Old American Citizen because of the Actions of the Boy's Father

And then there would be no need to write anything at all in the body of the post! Whoop! There it is!; 6/14/12, 12:40 PM
MayBee said...: stop spreading mis-information, of course.; 6/14/12, 12:41 PM
AlanKH said...: Pardon the raining on your thread, but - HOW COULD HE POSSIBLY HAVE GOTTEN YOU IN THE FIRST PLACE??

I mean really, Ann. The fact that you ever fell for this guy should be an amazing late-in-life wake up call for you.

What he said.

Really. Obama was a special interest wonk with brief careers in the Illinois legislatures and the US Senate. He ran on the old "We're going to take the rich guys' stuff and give it to you" snake oil. That was his only idea. Why does a college educated person who doesn't freebase on Noam Chomsky and OWS nonsense vote for someone like Obama? Why?; 6/14/12, 12:45 PM
Dan in Philly said...: You know Ann, I sometimes wonder what you were thinking endorsing Obama in the first place, but then I consider the fact that as a pundit, you have to endorse someone, and as I was watching McCain on TV the other day I shuddered to think that he might have been our prez.

The GOP voters dropped the ball letting McCain actually make Obama seem like a good candidate, which he never really was.; 6/14/12, 12:49 PM
Blue@9 said...: Sheesh, Ann, has your entire history of Presidential elections been one of crushing disappointments?

Could be like a Sade song or something.; 6/14/12, 12:50 PM
chickelit said...: God quoted: Schade. Schade, indeed! 5 pages of schade!

It sounds Freudian; 6/14/12, 12:51 PM
Lem Vibe Bandit said...: More accurately..

How Socialism (stimulus spending) has failed to deliver.

Obama failed because he is a socialist.; 6/14/12, 1:02 PM
virgil xenophon said...: What John M Auston@11:02 said!!!; 6/14/12, 1:03 PM
Scott M said...: How Socialism (stimulus spending) has failed to deliver.

Obama failed because he is a socialist.

What's really frustrating about this aspect of it is listening to the pro-administration pundits talk about how it wasn't enough stimulus. This is just another facet of the old "socialism's just never been done right before" when you confront the left with history's socialist failures.

The administration itself can't admit that it wasn't done right so they have to defend what did happen.; 6/14/12, 1:10 PM
Quaestor said...: "Cash for Clunkers" -- The kind of perfect insanity that only governments can think of. Lots of us are nuts, but only a few of us can make our mad dreams into reality.

When (or should I say if*) a true history of the Obama Administration is written I believe we'll find the "Cash for Clunker" was Obama's idea from the beginning. Nor will I be surprised to learn that "Fast and Furious" was born in the President's imagination as well, which explains Holder's stubborn obfuscation before the House committee. The "Kill List" reveals that Obama has the narcissist's desire to be the author and founder of all he touches. This penchant has been the fatal flaw of many figures in history from kings and generals to business leaders and industrialist. A truly wise leader knows his limitations and isn't afraid to share the glory of success, or the shame of failure.

*Given the overwhelming influence of the soi-disant progressives in the Humanities I fear that anyone who tries to compile a warts-and-all history of Obama and his presidency is bound to discover all manner of obstacles and frustrations in his path. Among the Left the desire to protect a myth is much stronger than any devotion to objective truth.; 6/14/12, 1:16 PM
jimspice said...: And Obama will write a speech title "I'm heart broken."; 6/14/12, 1:17 PM
Kirby Olson said...: In order to get Detroit to work again he decided to destroy the stock of functional cars. It wasn't ecologically correct, in spite of the fact that it was his green czar that came up with it, but maybe it did succeed in getting Detroit wheels in motion once more. At least he didn't target the clunkers from drones.; 6/14/12, 1:20 PM
Henry said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 6/14/12, 1:28 PM
Henry said...: Probably?

My question is what could Obama do now to not lose Althouse?

I imagine the answer as one of his emails:

Dear Ann [she hates being called Ann],

For the last four years I have been a floundering incompetent, quick to embrace the stupidest proposals of my handlers, while utterly unwilling to address the long-term structural budget problems with the government I pretend to lead. Well that's all going to change now. No more scapegoating and excuses. This is my summer of discovery. The buck stops with me. I will learn what I need to learn to do this job and risk all to do it right.

Sincerely, 'Rock' Obama.; 6/14/12, 1:29 PM
MadisonMan said...: jdeeripper: In other words had Mitt Romney been the Republican nominee Ann Althouse would have voted for him."

Ann Althouse: That is true! Even if McCain had picked Romney as VP.

(From the 'How McCain lost me' comments); 6/14/12, 1:30 PM
Christy said...: My mechanic was just this morning explaining that "cash for Clunkers" is one of the reasons he cannot find a new, or rather a working motor for my old car.; 6/14/12, 1:32 PM
Quaestor said...: Chip Ahoy wrote:
A lot of people point to that as the start of the French Indian war.

The French and Indian War, that little colonial dustup? Hell, Washington started the first global war by his attack on the Frogs at Jumonville Glen. Within two years everybody who has anybody was fighting us, the Brits and the Prussians -- here, there, at sea, even in India! But they had it coming; the Frogs get too big for their knee-breeches sometimes, them with their la-de-dah powered peruques and hats with plumes in 'em, and it's up to us loyal colonials to fire the first rounds.; 6/14/12, 1:38 PM
bagoh20 said...: Obama didn't lose you - he used you.; 6/14/12, 1:40 PM
edutcher said...: Madame, you have been writing that post in serial form for the last 2 1/2 years.

Christopher in MA said...

Or the Mexican War Zachary Taylor.

More like James Polk, but, of course, we won that one and it has repaid its investment handsomely.; 6/14/12, 1:41 PM
Shanna said...: Harming the poor and middle class. All for WHAT? Political posturing.

I agree DBQ, of all the things Obama has done, cash for clunkers really made me angry because it’s so WASTEFUL. It hurt to watch them waste money and cars at the same time, for the benefit of people who could afford to go buy a new, expensive car in a recession. It was not green and it harmed the poor (as well as all taxpayers). WTF were they thinking?

In all the (stupid) talk about carbon credits, they threw out Reuse, recycle, rewhateverelse, which was actually a decent, thoughtful idea. (also, nobody in the Obama administration has apparently ever even heard of a cost/benefit analysis)

I really have to hand it both to Romney himself and his team. I've been very pleasantly surprised by their agility.

I too have been pleasantly surprised at Romney. More of this and he’ll have my vote for real, not just begrudgingly.; 6/14/12, 1:42 PM
bagoh20 said...: Althouse is Obama's clunker, or is it the other way around?; 6/14/12, 1:42 PM
Ned said...: Alternative Title: "How I am easily duped, don't really understand the issues or what's a stake and then spend the next months explaining how my choices were rational...and I teach law at a government institution"; 6/14/12, 1:48 PM
Original Mike said...: "SO we could have cashed all these in for WHAT? To buy some useless POS that doesn't carry anything, can't haul anything, can't go in the snow and would cost us an arm and leg to register and insure."

You don't want a (snicker) Smart Car, DBQ.; 6/14/12, 1:56 PM
bagoh20 said...: How empty does your playbook have to be that you would pull this out, tell everyone about it and get your friends to go along with forcing it on the American taxpayer.

And then get reelected.

The Dems got nothing for us that works.; 6/14/12, 1:57 PM
Brian Brown said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 6/14/12, 1:58 PM
Brian Brown said...: Ha ha ha ha ha!

Romney Campaign bus - emblazoned with Romney Campaign logo - is driving around Pres Obama's speech site honking its horn.; 6/14/12, 1:59 PM
bagoh20 said...: I don't know if anyone saw it, but on the linked-to old post I welcomed Bissage back, because in the confusion of working while commenting I didn't realize I was on the 2009 post.

That's creepy. Where is he?; 6/14/12, 2:02 PM
Brian Brown said...: Jonathan Alter on MSNBC:
"one of the least successful speeches I've seen Barack Obama give in several years"; 6/14/12, 2:03 PM
God, An Original A-hole said...: Oh me, I am soooo hoping Romney wins this thing. See, I bought RomneyPorn.com, and am starting to develop it now as a bastion of political cynicism, and if Romney pulls a McCain and blows the election then the domain ain't worth jack squat after November. But if the heretic wins? Then the site can go on for four more years... FORWARD!!!

It is a risk, you know. But I'm going ahead and betting on Gordon Gecko. I'll invest the time and money on the website, and trust that the polygamist can pull this off.; 6/14/12, 2:03 PM
Alex said...: Notice no TT, Alpha Liberal, Ritmo!; 6/14/12, 2:06 PM
Original Mike said...: "one of the least successful speeches I've seen Barack Obama give in several years"

Obama gave a speech?; 6/14/12, 2:07 PM
NorthOfTheOneOhOne said...: @Portia said...
Also I'd like a link to where people are getting their principal reduced. I'd heard this was only a BofA program and it was the result of a suit or settlement of a suit.

Don't spread mis-information.

http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/programs/lower-payments/Pages/hamp.aspx

You may be eligible for HAMP if you meet all of the following criteria:
•You obtained your mortgage on or before January 1, 2009.
•You owe up to $729,750 on your primary residence or single unit rental property
•You owe up to $934,200 on a 2-unit rental property; $1,129,250 on a 3-unit rental property; or $1,403,400 on a 4-unit rental property
•The property has not been condemned
•You have a financial hardship and are either delinquent or in danger of falling behind on your mortgage payments (non-owner occupants must be delinquent in order to qualify).
•You have sufficient, documented income to support a modified payment.
•You must not have been convicted within the last 10 years of felony larceny, theft, fraud or forgery, money laundering or tax evasion, in connection with a mortgage or real estate transaction.

Read it and weep, bitch!; 6/14/12, 2:08 PM
furious_a said...: There's creative destruction, but there's also destructive destruction. -- John Lynch, above.

Let's stipulate that both Republicans and Democrats promote policies that harm the economy. At least when Republicans do it, somebody makes a buck off of it. When Democrats do it, they do it for fun." -- P.J. O'Rourke.; 6/14/12, 2:08 PM
bagoh20 said...: McCain might have been worse, although I doubt it, but even if he was, voting Obama was like playing Russian roulette with 5 bullets, and I could never feel good about voting like that. McCain was bad, but not quite that bad.; 6/14/12, 2:08 PM
Michael K said...: I blame Bush and his stupid Secretary of the Treasury for Obama. When the crash came, a true conservative would have let GM go BK and refused to bail out the banks. Nicole Gelinas in her book, After the Fall, explained how the bad MBS assets could have been auctioned off but TARP stopped all of that because the feds would pay full price. Then, that didn't work so TARP became a slush fund. Lots of it was later paid back but it probably wasn't necessary.

my book review if her book.; 6/14/12, 2:10 PM
bagoh20 said...: "•You must not have been convicted within the last 10 years of felony larceny, theft, fraud or forgery, money laundering or tax evasion, in connection with a mortgage or real estate transaction."

In other words, you should have waited until we made it legal.; 6/14/12, 2:13 PM
jimbino said...: Because of "cash for clunkers" it is hard to find a replacement motor for an otherwise well-preserved 1990 Honda Accord, for example. Non-creative destruction it is!; 6/14/12, 2:16 PM
Jon said...: Jonathan Alter on MSNBC:
"one of the least successful speeches I've seen Barack Obama give in several years"

But Andrew Sullivan declared it a home run.; 6/14/12, 2:17 PM
tastid212 said...: BO was over his head from day one. He wasn't ready; his run was initially for name recognition and awareness. Then the idea of him caught on with bussed in college kids in Iowa. He's so self-absorbed that he named his dog after himself. But he seems to have on soured himself, too. He's not even really into getting re-elected. Now it's more about fundraising among supporters (easy and self-validating!) than leading (hard).; 6/14/12, 2:18 PM
Shanna said...: or single unit rental property

They're doing this on rental property too now? didn't it used to only be on your residence?; 6/14/12, 2:20 PM
Cedarford said...: Many people who voted Obama over McCain would have strongly preferred to vote for Hillary or Romney in 2008.

Besides being a terrible campaigner, McCain ran on his thirst for new, major Neocon wars of adventure in Georgia, Somalia, Iran and "more Heroes!!" to Iraq and Afghanistan "until our Freedom-loving Friends, the noble Iraqis and noble Afghans can take over from what the Heroes did for them".

McCain also admitted that he was so focused on keeping America Safe from Evildoers that he didn't bother knowing much about economic matters...the main thing is that the economy is what provides The Heroes Who Serve with what they need, and McCain knew many mansion owners had bought too much mansion to afford and the best solution to recover prices ould be to give them money so they could get more mansion equity and lower their mortgages to a level where they wouldn't default...

Yeah, that was John McCain, and the more people saw and heard him, the less they liked. Same deal as John Kerry.

Alas, the Jewish progressive media, black racists, and clueless liberals gave us Obama instead of Hillary.
And born again goobers gave us McCain in 2008 vs. Romney.; 6/14/12, 2:20 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: You don't want a (snicker) Smart Car, DBQ.

Ha ha. If I had one I would only drive it if I were to wear a Bozo wig, rubber nose, big floppy shoes and carry a seltzer bottle so I could squirt people.; 6/14/12, 2:23 PM
furious_a said...: Give Prof Althouse credit, at least she isn't teasing us with her Obama disillusionment the way that Peggy Noonan is.; 6/14/12, 2:29 PM
traditionalguy said...: I suspect that you have heard that Obama even cheats at golf. That's it. Done.; 6/14/12, 2:32 PM
Shanna said...: And born again goobers gave us McCain in 2008 vs. Romney.

No, it was republican 'it's his turn' itis that gave us McCain (and has now given us Romney!). If Romney loses, next time it'll probably be Perry or someone else from this year. It's stupid, but consistent (hey, Bob dole!); 6/14/12, 2:36 PM
Richard Dolan said...: If you do, it will probably be a lot shorter than the prior two iterations. You would do well to start with the reasons that Meade offered in 2008 for why Obama had lost him back then. They're all on the money (he's entitled to an 'I told you so' chez meadehouse), as is the top half of his prediction about the '12 Rep team.

Smart man. Listen to him more often.; 6/14/12, 2:37 PM
Nora said...: I'm still struggling to understand how he found you in the first place.; 6/14/12, 2:39 PM
Rabel said...: When you write it, you could pick up a few bullet points from the disillusioned commenters in this Huffington Post article. They seem quite upset with the President.

Another disturbance in the Force; 6/14/12, 2:43 PM
Smilin' Jack said...: Someday I'm probably going to have to write a post titled "How Obama lost me."

You voted for Obama because he was black, and because he wasn't McCain. He's still black, and he's still not McCain. So what's your problem?; 6/14/12, 2:46 PM
Scott M said...: Another disturbance in the Force

That was posted this morning and this is the first I'm hearing of it? I didn't get a sudden headache or ANYTHING.

Oh, and...

Nerd.; 6/14/12, 2:48 PM
I'm Full of Soup said...: Bruce Hayden:
And don't forget that $25-$30 Billion tax credit [for prior year losses]the feds allowed GM to keep. Typically those are not carried forward in a bankruptcy but someone in the Obama admin at the IRS circumvented that for GM.; 6/14/12, 2:49 PM
Bob Ellison said...: Let us not waste time bemoaning past bad decisions. Let us learn from them, and vow to do better.; 6/14/12, 2:49 PM
Scott M said...: Let us not waste time bemoaning past bad decisions. Let us learn from them, and vow to do better.

"This is supposed to be a 'appy occasion."; 6/14/12, 2:51 PM
Bob Ellison said...: LOL, Scott M.; 6/14/12, 2:52 PM
Original Mike said...: "Great tracts of ...land."; 6/14/12, 2:56 PM
Shanna said...: "This is supposed to be a 'appy occasion."

Hee!; 6/14/12, 3:03 PM
BarryD said...: I've never understood how Obama "had" anyone to begin with, other than silly lefties.

I can understand a "lesser evil" vote in either direction, whether or not it was the direction I went with.

But what about Obama is, or ever was, appealing to an intelligent person who isn't a far-left ideologue?

He was full of crap, full of himself, and empty of any real-world experience. No, being an "activist" of whatever sort isn't real-world experience. I mean experience that required more than finding a few wackos who wanted to hear something, and saying it.

What about him was appealing?; 6/14/12, 3:25 PM
George said...: Barry, I voted for him because McCain was clearly at a loss with how to deal with the bank crisis.; 6/14/12, 3:34 PM
Bob Ellison said...: Obama only nationalized the student loan and health care industries. McCain wanted to nationalize the mortgage industry. He would have been an awful POTUS, though probably less awful than the current one.; 6/14/12, 3:36 PM
Original Mike said...: Fair enough, George. It's 2012 now and Obama is clearly at a loss with how to deal with the moribund economy. Who are you voting for this time?; 6/14/12, 3:38 PM
BarryD said...: "Barry, I voted for him because McCain was clearly at a loss with how to deal with the bank crisis."

Right. I can understand and respect a "lesser evil" vote based on all sorts of things. Personally, I think I'd have preferred a President who didn't deal with the bank crisis at all, but I doubt McCain would have had that kind of wisdom, either.

So one way or another, McCain sucked. That doesn't mean that Obama was appealing, which is what I am curious about.; 6/14/12, 3:39 PM
George said...: Mike, I'm voting for Romney, happily.

In 2008 who I really wanted was Hillary. I think she'd have made a very effective POTUS. She certainly wouldn't have pissed away the early Administration on cap and trade or let Pelosi write the stimulus bill.; 6/14/12, 3:42 PM
James Pawlak said...: Some years ago (I think about 1964) the Democrat Party began to leave me and democracy for the false gods of Affirmative Action, Gun Confiscation, Suppression of Free Speech (eg Of Pro-life Democrats at their National Convention), arrogant-and-aggressive-atheism and abortion-upon-demand. The last tie-that-bound me to that Party was loosed when the last fully human, humane and honest Congressman, the truly honorable Clement Zablocki, departed this vail of tears, distrust and dishonesty for his rightful place among the Saints; 6/14/12, 3:46 PM
Original Mike said...: Good man. Now we only need 70,000,000 more.; 6/14/12, 3:47 PM
garage mahal said...: Only half of Americans feel Republicans are trying to ruin the economy purposely to beat Obama. Shockingly low, I'd say. Is treason too strong a word here? [asking for a friend.]; 6/14/12, 3:51 PM
Cedarford said...: BarryD - I think a good chunk of Obama votes were soft votes that simply saw him as the lesser evil, compared to clueless on the economy and thirsty for more wars, McCain.

So I think as a result that if Romney shows he is competent, has good programs ready to go, is decent and trustworthy, ready to lead - the 2008 map can be thrown out.
That big chunk of Obama support is just those that wanted payback for Bush's neglect of economic and fiscal matters so he could be all about "The Heroes and the Evildoers and helping the Noble Iraqis and Noble Afghans" - and saw McCain as just more of what they were sick of - more wars, and neglect of urgent domestic economic matters.

Romney has to watch that the Neocon Cabal doesn't get to him like they got to Bush, and avoid any conservative effort to reclaim Bush as the wise American Churchill. Voters still think Bush left office with a huge steaming bag of shit handed to his successors.; 6/14/12, 3:58 PM
Original Mike said...: Obama had complete control of the government until Jan 2011. The economy started to recover in 2009, then rolled over in the summer of 2010.; 6/14/12, 4:03 PM
BarryD said...: "I think a good chunk of Obama votes were soft votes that simply saw him as the lesser evil, compared to clueless on the economy and thirsty for more wars, McCain."

I think that's accurate.

Come to think of it, I don't recall an election where the deciding votes were cast passionately, since Reagan anyway.

WRT the war thing, I doubt that Romney has much interest in it. The danger would be for him to delegate national defense almost entirely to others, more than for him to actively seek wars, I think.; 6/14/12, 4:06 PM
Quaestor said...: What about him was appealing?

Well, he certainly did not have huge tracts of land.

Too bad Ann didn't write-in "Princess Looki"; 6/14/12, 4:14 PM
Quaestor said...: George wrote:
I think she'd have made a very effective POTUS

In Hillary's case POTUS means

Piece
Of
Totally
Useless
Shit; 6/14/12, 4:16 PM
Original Mike said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 6/14/12, 4:18 PM
garage mahal said...: Obama had complete control of the government until Jan 2011

Wha? Not even close to being true. If you can't break a filibuster, you don't control the senate. You need 60 votes to force cloture and end a filibuster. Democrats never had 60 votes.; 6/14/12, 4:19 PM
Tom Spaulding said...: If you can't break a filibuster, you don't control the senate.

if your ideas are so repugnant that you have to pass them via reconciliation, you're the Obama administration.; 6/14/12, 4:23 PM
garage mahal said...: Correction: Dems did have 60 seats for a total of 67 legislative days.; 6/14/12, 4:26 PM
Original Mike said...: Yeah, Tom had a better answer, but the filibuster is a Senate rule, not a law.; 6/14/12, 4:30 PM
garage mahal said...: if your ideas are so repugnant that you have to pass them via reconciliation, you're the Obama administration.

19 reconciliation bills were signed between 1981 and 2005, 11 of which were signed by Republican presidents, five of which were signed by Democratic presidents, three of which were vetoed by Democratic presidents, and none of which were vetoed by Republican presidents.; 6/14/12, 4:33 PM
Brian Brown said...: 19 reconciliation bills were signed between 1981 and 2005, 11 of which were signed by Republican presidents

Which is wholly irrelevant.

Of course you have no idea what the issue actually is, idiot.; 6/14/12, 4:35 PM
Brian Brown said...: garage mahal said...
Democrats never had 60 votes.

You should make that a bumpersticker and put it on your car, idiot.

It sums up your political coherence perfectly.; 6/14/12, 4:38 PM
Original Mike said...: garage has been full of them, recently. Don't forget "I got mine, what's wrong with you, loser?"; 6/14/12, 4:41 PM
Tom Spaulding said...: 19 reconciliation bills were signed between 1981 and 2005, 11 of which were signed by Republican presidents, five of which were signed by Democratic presidents, three of which were vetoed by Democratic presidents, and none of which were vetoed by Republican presidents.

Awesome useless statistic, of which you are Jedi. Teach me more...what was in those bills?

Which one was comparable to a government takeover of an entire industry, ala ObamaCare?

Context! Context! Context!; 6/14/12, 4:47 PM
Tom Spaulding said...: "It's not over until we have the White House, House of Representatives, and 60 votes in the Senate. Only then will the People have spoken" - Russ FeinMahal; 6/14/12, 4:49 PM
garage mahal said...: Which one was comparable to a government takeover of an entire industry, ala ObamaCare?

I don't know man, even some goopers are talking nicey nice about ObamaCare lately, like, gasp, keeping portions of it. Even Scott Walker! Oh my.; 6/14/12, 4:50 PM
Quaestor said...: garage mahal wrote:
Democrats never had 60 votes.

Not even close? What are you smokin' dude?

Here are the YEA the Senate vote on HR3590:

Akaka (D-HI)
Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Begich (D-AK)
Bennet (D-CO)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Boxer (D-CA)
Brown (D-OH)
Burris (D-IL)
Byrd (D-WV)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Cardin (D-MD)
Carper (D-DE)
Casey (D-PA)
Conrad (D-ND)
Dodd (D-CT)
Dorgan (D-ND)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Franken (D-MN)
Gillibrand (D-NY)
Hagan (D-NC)
Harkin (D-IA)
Inouye (D-HI)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kaufman (D-DE)
Kerry (D-MA)
Kirk (D-MA)
Klobuchar (D-MN)
Kohl (D-WI)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Leahy (D-VT)
Levin (D-MI)
Lieberman (ID-CT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
McCaskill (D-MO)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Merkley (D-OR)
Mikulski (D-MD)
Murray (D-WA)
Nelson (D-FL)
Nelson (D-NE)
Pryor (D-AR)
Reed (D-RI)
Reid (D-NV)
Rockefeller (D-WV)
Sanders (I-VT)
Schumer (D-NY)
Shaheen (D-NH)
Specter (D-PA)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Tester (D-MT)
Udall (D-CO)
Udall (D-NM)
Warner (D-VA)
Webb (D-VA)
Whitehouse (D-RI)
Wyden (D-OR)

That's 60 votes from 60 Democrats, count 'em.; 6/14/12, 4:50 PM
Tom Spaulding said...: I don't know man,

Well, find out, you brought it up. You suck as a source for facts, but incoherent talking points you have in spades. Why is that?

If you think you have a point to make, cut-and-paste is not enough. Changing the subject won't work either.

If you can't defend your ideas, why announce them? I mean, you are a source of amusement, but is that all you got?; 6/14/12, 4:58 PM
garage mahal said...: Not even close? What are you smokin' dude?

I already corrected that. Democrats had a 60 seat majority from September 24, 2009 thru February 4, 2010. That's 4 months. In that time frame the senate was in session for 67 days.; 6/14/12, 5:00 PM
Bob Ellison said...: In that time frame the senate was in session for 67 days.

And look at what they accomplished in that short time!; 6/14/12, 6:17 PM
a psychiatrist who learned from veterans said...: The crushing of cars might be seen as a way to get more work for the UAW by creating some scarcity of autos. Here's a stinging review of the procedural aspects of the auto bailout which says that it was not really of the auto companies but of the UAW* (the link thorough Volokh should avoid a WSJ pay wall). *http://www.volokh.com/2012/06/13/obamas-united-auto-workers-bailout/; 6/14/12, 6:35 PM
Q said...: Really? This video is what did it for you? It wasn't his intensely far left field politics? His under handed Chicago dealings as a "community organizer"

Or his racism. But that's why Ann is ultimately a liberal - the belief that black people can never be racist is hard-coded in liberal DNA.; 6/14/12, 6:36 PM
kcom said...: I love the dispassionate analysis in the Spiegel piece.

"And when former Alaska Governor and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, the great hope of dim-witted America..."

"Last summer, for example, Obama took his biggest beating yet in his bid to achieve national reconciliation when he failed to force the Republicans to compromise on a long-term budget, even though the government was on the verge of bankruptcy."

Hmmm, achieving "reconciliation" by forcing someone to do something?! It reminds me of that old line, "the beatings will continue until morale improves."

"[Tea Party] supporters represent dark clichés of a vapid America, one in which there are plenty of people who would have no objection to many a modern book being burned. The novels of Jonathan Franzen, author of "Freedom" and "The Corrections," could certainly be part of that list."

Yes, there's a book burning at nearly every Tea Party rally. Right? This is out and out slander (or libel) coming from Germany, where there really were book burnings. Have they no shame in making that allusion?

"[PACs] exist because the conservative judges on the Supreme Court felt that there was no connection between large donations and the appearance of corruptibility, and that no one would lose faith in democracy."

I'm no law professor but I'm pretty sure that wasn't the basis of their ruling.

"[The Citizens United ruling] has created a de facto situation in which many of the superrich can now anonymously invest in attack ads that disparage Obama and benefit their preferred candidate, Mitt Romney, who promised tax cuts to the rich long ago."

While many of the other "superrich" can now anonymously invest in attack ads that disparage Mitt Romney. Why exactly was that information omitted in the above paragraph? Just ask Anna Wintour if there are plenty of "superrich" supporting the Dems.

"As a result, campaigns will become even more toxic than they have already become since the Tea Party came into existence."

Yes, because before that the Democrats were high-minded and inspirational. By the way, did I mention that Bush is just like Hitler and all Republicans are racists and they don't like Obama's funny name. Oh, and they bitterly cling to things.

"It isn't too much of an overstatement to say that the Republicans are stubbornly ignoring the will of the people, expressed in the form of Obama's election to the presidency."

It isn't too much of an overstatement to say that Der Spiegel apparently slept through the 2010 elections, when America made it perfectly clear what their will was in regards to the Obama presidency continuing down that path it had started on.

"The Republicans are not at home in the cities, the metropolises along the coasts, where the leftist Occupy movement has also vented its displeasure over Obama's performance. Instead, they derive their support from America's forests and mountains and plains, its rural areas."

Is Spiegel completely unfamiliar with the word "suburbs" (where Obama only got 50% of the vote and John Kerry 47%)?

"Does [America] need a new president? The question is certainly justified. What has Obama done to address his large country's many serious problems? Not enough. Could he have done more, not just at home but in the rest of the world? Probably. Have the Republicans starved him? Undoubtedly. But would their candidate Mitt Romney, the mysterious, filthy rich Mormon, be the better president? Most certainly not."

That second to last line leaves me speechless. Simply speechless. Except to say that nowhere in the article does it discuss Mitt Romney's qualifications so their conclusion to their audience is entirely without any stated basis.; 6/14/12, 6:55 PM
Dear corrupt left, go F yourselves said...: The destruction of the private economy through never ending punitive taxation. That is the modern democrat party.; 6/14/12, 6:56 PM
NotWhoIUsedtoBe said...: I just read the Kerry post, and I felt the same way. The man has an amazing ability to use many words to say nothing. This was the wrong strategy for winning American voters, who don't care for that kind of deception.

Bush certainly pulverized the language, but he was never, ever unclear in his meaning.

Note that Obama is always clear about what he's saying. He doesn't lapse into gobbledygook by default. Perhaps he learned from Kerry's bad example.

Much has been made of the President's eloquence, and by the standard of Bush and Kerry he is eloquent.; 6/14/12, 7:41 PM
Mark said...: Not a good month so far.; 6/14/12, 9:19 PM
Lawyer Mom said...: "Some day"? What day are you waiting for, pray tell?

No more used cars (funny, these cars were "pre-owned" during this clunker of an exercise) for young people, or work for them as mechanics. No more cars for the picayune, it's all about cash-flow to unions. Oh, and I almost forgot: sluggish buses for the poor and high-speed rail for the elite.

So how ridiculous does reality have to get? We're already frogs on simmer.

http://thesublimetotheridiculous.blogspot.com/2011/06/cash-for-clunkers-hurt-poor.html; 6/14/12, 10:28 PM
Peter Hoh said...: Do you understand the massive destruction the government is paying for? The destruction of perfectly operable cars?"

Don't take a close look at the dairy industry, or the military-industrial complex.

Or major league sports leagues, who repeatedly strong-arm states and municipalities into agreeing to destroy perfectly operable stadiums.

FWIW, we used to have a perfectly operable system of street cars in this country.; 6/15/12, 8:54 AM