Lindsay Graham drops out of Presidential contest - a voice of sanity silenced

By Jack Brummet, Tea-Party/GOP Ed.

It does matter that Senator Graham is dropping out. At times, as hard as it is to believe, Sen. Graham was actually a voice of sanity in the GOP-Tea Party.




As Rachel Maddow pointed out earlier today, 

"Keep in mind, Senate Republicans have, by and large, stayed on the sidelines in the GOP presidential race. Of the 54 Republican senators in the chamber, only 11 have made endorsements (one, John McCain, backed Graham, which actually brings the overall total down to 10 as of this morning). "The chatter on Capitol Hill has been that much of the conference has held back largely out of deference towards Graham, whom they’ve worked alongside for many years. The thinking has been simple: once Graham quits, senators can start intervening in earnest, without fear of hurting their friend’s feelings."

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ATIT's GOP last (wo)man standing scorecard

By Jack Brummet, Election 2016 Ed.

[click to enlarge]

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Ex-Senator Rick Santorum leads by 4+% in early returns from Michigan

By Pablo Fanque, National Affairs Editor

We've been a little down since it looked like Ex-Governor Mitt Romney might actually pull off a victory tonight in Michigan after trailing in all the polls earlier.  In the very early reporting from Michigan tonight, Santorum leads Romney by four+ points (40.8% v. 35.6%).

1% of the precincts reporting:


Santorum 3,622 votes       - 40.8%
Romney 3,162 35.6 votes  - 36.8%
Paul 1,074                       - 12.1%
Gingrich 1,361                 -   7%

Why do we want Santorum to win?  a)  We would love to see him run against BHO; b)  it's kind of fun to watch the Romney campaign unravel; and c)  a Santorum win should make Super Tuesday a whole lot more interesting.

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BHO may skip traditional ads and just "run clips of the Republican debates"

President Obama recently told Univision News that his re-election campaign won't require any attack ads or mud-slinging.

“We may just run clips of the Republican debates verbatim,” he told the Spanish TV network. “We won’t even comment on them, we’ll just run those in a loop.”

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A spooky herd of charlatans, pinheads, and miscreants: The 2012 Democratic and Republican/Tea Party Presidential Candidates

By Jack Brummet, Presidents Editor
with research by Pablo Fanque, National Affairs Editor

On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, we go to the polls (a misnomer now) for the 57th quadrennial presidential election.  About all that seems certain to us is that of the real candidates, Barack Obama, Newt Gingrich, and Mitt Romney will be running.  [ed's note:  you might take this with a few grains of salt--All This Is That completely blew our calls on both the 2004 and 2008 elections].  As far as we know, only Randall Terry, the pro-life activist/founder of Operation Rescue from New York, who jumped from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party [ed's note: why?] has actually announced.
 
We want to put up a list we can revisit once a month or so to keep track of the prospects.
 
The following people have sworn they will not run:
 

• Representative Dennis Kucinich of Ohio
• Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York
• Former Governor Howard Dean of Vermont
• Former Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin
• Former U.S. Senate Nominee Sharron Angle of Nevada: "bottom line, no."
• Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts: Says that he is running for re-election to the Senate.
• Former Governor Jeb Bush of Florida: he was asked whether the door remained closed on a run. "Yes", was his reply.
• Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey: Has many times rejected the idea of running for president, saying he has no desire to run and has more power to get things done as governor of New Jersey. "short of suicide, I don't really know what I'd have to do to convince you people that I'm not running."  But then, last week, he said he could win if he DID run.  In any case, give him props for the best denial.
• Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee: "absolutely not".
• Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina: Told CNN "No, I am not."
• Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana: "I'm not being coy at all. I'm not running for president in 2012. Period. No ifs, ands or buts, no caveats." He says he wants to run for a second term as governor.
• Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia: "I'm not running for anything. I'm thrilled to be governor of Virginia."
• Businessman Carl Paladino of New York: Said he is not running for president.
• Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky: A spokesman said "I can promise you that he is not running for anything."
• Representative Mike Pence of Indiana: Says he will not run, but expressed interest in the governorship of Indiana, saying that his "calling is closer to home."
• Governor Rick Perry of Texas: Has said "I don't want to be president of the United States. I'm not going to run for the presidency of the United States."
• General David Petraeus of New York: "I thought I'd said no about as many ways as I could. I really do mean no... I've tried Shermanesque responses... I've tried quoting the country song, 'What Part of No Don't You Understand?'... I feel very privileged to be able to serve our country. I'm honored to continue to do that as long as I can contribute, but I will not, ever, run for political office, I can assure you. And again, we have said that repeatedly and I'm hoping that people realize at a certain point you say it so many times that you could never flip, and start your career by flip-flopping into it."
• Senator Marco Rubio of Florida: "I wanted to be a U.S. senator, not a vice presidential candidate, not a presidential candidate".
• Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin: Said in an interview, "I'll give you as Shermanesque a quote as I can: I am not going to run for president. I'm just not going to do it. My head's not that big, and my kids are too small."
• Senator John Thune of South Dakota: On his official website, Thune stated: "I have received encouragement from family, friends, colleagues, and supporters from across South Dakota and the country to run for the presidency of the United States... at this time, I feel that I am best positioned to fight for America’s future here in the trenches of the United States Senate."
• Representative Allen West of Florida: "well of course not"

The following people have either formed exploratory committees, are actively visiting the early primary/caucus states, and beating the hustings for donations, and/or have not denied they are running:

GOP/Tea Party

 

• Newt Gingrich - former U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives from Georgia
• Herman Cain - businessman and radio talk show host from Georgia
• Fred Karger - political consultant and gay activist from California
• Jimmy McMillan - perennial candidate from New York
• Buddy Roemer - former Governor of Louisiana
• Ex-Governor Mitt Romney
• Ex-Governor Mike Huckabee
• Congressman Mike Pence
• Governor Tim Pawlenty
• Ex-Ambassador John Bolton
• Ex-Governor Haley Barbour
• Senator John Thune
• Governor Mitch Daniels
• Donald Trump
• Ex-Governor Sarah Palin
• Ex-Senator Rick Santorum
• Congressperson Michele Bachmann
• Former Senator Judd Gregg
• Ex-Governor and U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman, Jr.
• Former Governor Gary E. Johnson of New Mexico
• Representative Steve King of Iowa
• Ex-Mayor Rudy Giuliani
• Ex-Governor Bob Riley
• Representative Ron Paul
• Ex-Governor George Pataki

 Democrats

•  Ex-Senator Mike Gravel of Alaska
• Ex-Congressman Alan Grayson
• Ex-U.S. Senate nominee Alvin Greene of South Carolina

Green Party

 

• Former Socialist Party VP candidate Stewart Alexander

Libertarian Party

 

• R. Lee Wrights
• Stewart Alexander

 "Independent" candidates

 

• Robert "Naked Cowboy" Burck,
• Joe Schriner

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The Four Horsepeople Of The Apocalypse: The Republican Front-runners Romney, Palin, Huckabee, and Gingrich

By Pablo Fanque, National Affairs Editor
Illustration by Jack Brummet, Social Mores Editor

click to enlarge

In the Republican-Tea Party, there is, at the moment, a four-candidate top-tier including Ex-Governor Palin, Former Governor Mike Huckabee, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt "Contract On America" Gingrich.

A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed the four of them all in a pretty tight cluster--with each potentially receiving around 15 to 19 percent of the vote. 

Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty, Haley Barbour, John Thune, Mike Pence, Rick Santorum, Mitch Daniels, Gary Johnson, Chris Christie all pulled from 1 to 5% of the potential voters.

Let's face it. . .the Republicans have to be scared sh**less!   I don't think the Tea Party wing is smart enough to be spooked.  The one candidate that seems mostly likely to be elected--Mitt Romney--is not loved, and the party activists like neither his religion nor the excellent health-care bill he marshaled through in Massachusetts.

Obviously this is an extremely early poll and EVERYTHING can--and probably will--change.  And then remember, too, I published my first list Democratic front-runners at about this same time in the election cycle last time around.  Barack Obama wasn't even on my list. . .just in case you're wondering how solid these prognostications are.

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She's rested, tanned, rich, and ready to rock following Tuesday's wins. The half-term Governor may just be running for the White House

By Pablo Fanque
All This Is That National Affairs Editor

After all the butt-scratching, dissembling, and aw-shucksing about her Presidential plans, Ex-Governor Sarah Palin now says, sure, "I would give it a shot."  But, only if we think she's "the one."

The half-term former Governor made this pronouncement during an interview with Fox News (her sometime employer).  There were, of course, a couple of contingencies:

"If the American people were to be ready for someone who is willing to shake it up, and willing to get back to time-tested truths, and help lead our country towards a more prosperous and safe future and if they happen to think I was the one, if it were best for my family and for our country, of course I would give it a shot."

As you all know, she is highly skilled at getting on TV and energizing the base, but her team's organizational skills run the gamut from pathetic to non-existent.  If she IS going to make an even half-serious run, she needs to get on the ground in the primary states...just as her potential adversaries like Mitt Romney, Haley Barbour, Newt Gingrich, and others are doing.  She found it difficult to study for the VP debates; it's not clear if she has the stomach for the massive operational efforts required to mount a Presidential primary campaign.
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Throwing The Bums Out Does Not Mean Replacing Them With Teabaggers

by Pablo Fanque
All This Is That National Affairs Editor

As we vote in the mid-terms, or to fill Congressional replacement seats left by the deceased, those politicians caught in bed with a dead woman or a live man, and the recently indicted or convicted, we need to remember that throwing the bums out, while often an excellent idea, is less of a good idea when you replace them with one issue bozos, tea-party cranks, and charlatans and mountebanks masquerading as reformers and agents of change.

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And the race is on: The 2012 Presidential campaign has begun. . .The first hat in the ring? Sarah Palin's.

By Pablo Fanque
All This Is That National Affairs Editor

All This Is That's coverage of the 2012 Presidential race begins now. The election campaign kicked off quietly today, when Governor Palin of Alaska launched her website and PAC. What does The Governor's political action committee intend to do? They are. . .



"Dedicated to building America's future, supporting fresh ideas and candidates who share our vision for reform and innovation. SarahPAC believes America's best days are ahead. Our country, founded on conservative principles and the fight for freedom, must confront the challenges of the 21st century with integrity, innovation, and determination.

"SarahPAC believes energy independence is a cornerstone of the economic security and progress that every American family wants and deserves.

"SarahPAC believes the Republican Party is at the threshold of an historic renaissance that will build a better future for all. Health care, education, and reform of government are among our key goals. Join us today!"

It is clear as an unmuddied stream...Sarah Palin is running for President. She will do it by swinging to the far right, or, really, shucking the patina of moderation the McCain Presidential campaign required of its would-be Veep.

Sarah Palin will remind us that she warned us about just what Obama would unleash once the fetters were off. She will use BHO's middle name frequently. She will call him a Marxist, pinko, commie dupe, and naive. If she studies hard over the next couple of years, and if Obama seriously fumbles the ball, she may just have a shot in the primaries.

It will be most interesting to see what her PAC cooks up, and who in the G.O.P. will be on her side. One old pro I don't think we'll see sign up is Senator John McCain. I would have to guess they spoke the last words they spoke to each other were through gritted teeth the night of the election, when McCain put the kibosh on the concession speech she thought she could strongarm him into letting her deliver.

We are on her mailing list and will bring you updates as her PAC swings into action and begins accumulating cash for her Oval Office bid.
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Vote November 4th! In order of preference a) Obama-Biden; b) the Wackos' Ron Paul and Ralph "Dingbat" Nader; or c) McPalin

click to enlarge

Either on November 4th, or now, if you're one of those who live in the eight states with early voting, you need to cast your ballot. If you haven't registered to vote, DO IT TODAY. . .a few states have looser laws, even up to allowing you to register the day you vote. . .but don't count on that. Reigister this Friday. And then vote for the Obama-Biden team. If you must, vote for McBush-Palin, or for one of the wacko side-stream candidates like Ron Paul or Ralph Nader. The third option is to sit on your hands and complain for the next eight, or twelve years.
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Candidate Sarah Palin in the 1984 Miss Alaska contest, swimsuit division

Sarah Heath, who would later become Governor Palin, appears in the swimsuit portion of the 1984 Miss Alaska competition. Apparently there is also footage of her playing flute in the talent competition. We'll let you know when we find it. . .

VP nominee Sarah Palin defends John McCain "the deregulator" (with bonus Palin painting)

In an interview today between Katy Couric of CBS News and Governor Sarah Palin, Couric probed Palin on Senator John McCain's credentials as an economic reformer:

Couric: You've said, quote, "John McCain will reform the way Wall Street does business." Other than supporting stricter regulations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, can you give us any more example of his leading the charge for more oversight?

Palin: I think that the example that you just cited, with his warnings two years ago about Fannie and Freddie - that, that's paramount. That's more than a heck of a lot of other senators and representatives did for us.

Couric: But he's been in Congress for 26 years. He's been chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee. And he has almost always sided with less regulation, not more.

Palin: He's also known as the maverick though, taking shots from his own party, and certainly taking shots from the other party. Trying to get people to understand what he's been talking about - the need to reform government.

Couric: But can you give me any other concrete examples? Because I know you've said Barack Obama is a lot of talk and no action. Can you give me any other examples in his 26 years of John McCain truly taking a stand on this?

Palin: I can give you examples of things that John McCain has done, that has shown his foresight, his pragmatism, and his leadership abilities. And that is what America needs today.

Couric: I'm just going to ask you one more time - not to belabor the point. Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation.

Palin: I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you.

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Behind the scenes: a John McCain thought bubble.

Click to enlarge...and for intelligibilty

Behind the scenes: a John McCain thought bubble. I don't usually like the snarky caption-photograph school of humor, but when I saw this photo of John McCain and his running mate Governor Palin, I had no choice but to do one. /jack
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Revisionist history: Bill Clinton says Hillary didn't want the Veep job

On The View, Bill Clinton says Hillary Clinton did not want to be Barack Obama's VP. Bill also discusses John McCain's support for diplomatic relations with Vietnam during his second term as president. Clinton claims he supports Obama, but goes onto effusively praise "Crazy" John McCain...


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No Politics Tuesday

This Presidential race is about to make me huck.
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Republican convention was most-watched convention on television--ever

Closing night of the GOP convention - click to enlarge


By Pablo Fanque
All This Is That National Affairs Editor



Party unity, a TV ratings bonanza, an "energized base," and the Democrats on the run have resurrected what might have been a moribund convention. A few months ago, John McCain almost dropped out of the race, and the party was in shambles. The Republicans leave Minnesota with a new lease on life and the stunned Democratic Party once again playing catch-up.


According to Rasmussen Reports polls, the choice of Sarah Palin as VP candidate is only slightly more popular that Obama's choice of Joe Biden. However, the buzz seems to belie that, when coming off the convention Obama/Biden seem--for the moment--to be little more than a footnote, and an irritating presence to disposed of later in the fall.


The Rasmussen Reports now say that Palin’s favorable ratings are .a point higher than either man at the top of the ticket. As of Friday morning, Obama and McCain are each viewed favorably by 57% of voters. Biden is viewed favorably by 48%.


Senator Obama, however, vowed yesterday to fight back: "We're not going to be bullied, we're not going to be smeared, we're not going to be lied about," Obama said. "I don't believe in coming in second."


Unlike McCain, Obama is still madly fundraising. Last night, Obama attended a $2,300-per-person party at the .home of party fundraiser Phil Murphy. About 200 people, including the Bon Jovis and New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, attended.


Republican nominee John McCain can raise no more campaign money because he accepted about $84 million in public funding and the restrictions that go with it. Obama turned down the public funding (and broke an earlier pledge to the voters), in hopes he can raise and spend more on his own.


This next eight weeks promise some excellent political theatre.
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John McCain blows a metaphorical kiss to Barack Obama in the McCain acceptance speech

"...to Senator Obama and his supporters. We’ll go at it over the next two months. That’s the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other. We’re dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. No country ever had a greater cause than that. And I wouldn’t be an American worthy of the name if I didn’t honor Senator Obama and his supporters for their achievement. "

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Happy Birthday to Senator John McCain!

click to enlarge

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Shocker: Sara Palin chosen by McCain for VP slot

'
Governor Sara Palin rolling out the new Alaska quarter...

By Pablo Fanque
All This Is That National Affairs Editor


Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain shocked almost everyone by choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Campaign officials fed the news to NBC News this morning. Senator McCain passed over Mitty Romney, Kay Hutchinson, Joe Lieberman, and Tim Pawlenty when he opted for Palin. Alaska Governor Sara Palin has only occasionally been mentioned as a VP possibility, and has not really appeared on the leaked "short lists" of late. What seemed to tip the scales is a) the female factor; b) her pro-life position; c) the babe factor; and d) the "common folk" factor ("Well, shucks, she's just people like you and me"). The anti-abortion governor has less experience than Barack Obama and is virtually unknown outside Alaska and the northwest. But she is Christian, she was mostly unexpected, she's pro-life, she's not a Mormon, was never a Democrat, and has never feuded with John McCain (which sank Hutchinson's chances).

Palin is also currently under investigation by an independent investigator the state legislature hired to find out whether she tried to have a state official fire her ex-brother-in-law from his job as a state trooper.

In an August interview with CNBC’s Larry Kudlow, she could not answer the question of whether she wanted the VP slot:

“until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day. I’m used to being very productive and working real hard in an administration. We want to make sure that that VP slot would be a fruitful type of position, especially for Alaskans and for the things that we’re trying to accomplish up here….”

She is the first woman and the first Alaskan on a Republican presidential ticket. Palin, 44, was elected Alaska's first woman governor in 2006.

Sara Palin has made at least one previous appearance on All This Is That: http://jackbrummet.blogspot.com/2007/04/salute-to-two-political-milfs-governor.html


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John McCain: "Senator, job well done." - Obama rocks the house in his acceptance speech

Senator McCain was in Ohio as Obama spoke, but after a series of negative convention week commercials, his campaign aired a one-night advertisement that complimented Obama and noted the speech occurred on the anniversary of King's famous address. Hey, this campaign showed just a hint of gracia, for the first time in a long time...

"Senator Obama, this is truly a good day for America. Too often the achievements of our opponents go unnoticed. So I wanted to stop and say, 'Congratulations,'" McCain says in the ad. "How perfect that your nomination would come on this historic day. Tomorrow, we'll be back at it. But tonight Senator, job well done."

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