| Florida Republican primary, 2012 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage | Delegates |
| Mitt Romney | 775,023 | 46.42% | 50 |
| Newt Gingrich | 533,097 | 31.93% | 0 |
| Rick Santorum | 222,790 | 13.34% | 0 |
| Ron Paul | 117,100 | 7.01% | 0 |
| Rick Perry | 6,768 | 0.41% | 0 |
| Jon Huntsman | 6,199 | 0.37% | 0 |
| Michele Bachmann | 3,962 | 0.24% | 0 |
| Herman Cain | 3,494 | 0.21% | 0 |
| Gary Johnson | 1,196 | 0.07% | 0 |
| Totals | 1,669,629 | 100.00% | 50 |
Mitt Romney easily took the Florida primary Tuesday night followed by Newt Gingrich in second, Rick Santorum in third and Ron Paul rounding out the remaining four.
Report from the Washington Post:
TAMPA — Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney claimed a decisive victory in the Florida primary Tuesday, as a conservative electorate chose Romney over former House Speaker Newt Gingrich as the best positioned to take on President Obama in November.
Just 10 days after Gingrich handed Romney a drubbing in the South Carolina primary that had threatened to derail Romney’s campaign, Romney returned the favor in Florida, capturing the biggest prize yet in the Republican nominating contest.
Early results showed Romney holding dominating leads across much of the state. He appeared to swamp Gingrich, despite that exit poll data showed the electorate was dominated by conservative voters who support the Tea Party. Gingrich had pressed the same argument in Florida that had won him South Carolina: That Romney was not a true conservative.
But the key to Romney’s victory may be found in exit poll surveys that showed voters’ top priority was finding a candidate that could beat President Obama. Buoyed by millions in largely negative television advertising, Romney appears to have persuaded Florida voters he was more reliable bet to challenge Obama in November.
Clearly Gingrich's push in Florida struck the wrong chord with voters since polls a few weeks ago showed him edging a lead. In the remaining 7 days that lead seemed to slip. The results from Tuesday night indicate that Gingrich apparently wasn't able to seal the deal leaving enough voters switching back to Romney. Rick Santorum and Ron Paul finished as expected since both campaigns essentially pulled out of Florida setting their sights on upcoming caucus states.
I am so refreshed to see Americans speaking passionately about their candidates. I have not been witness to something like this since Ross P. was running for Office. I am glad that people are finally speaking clearly and concisely about What they Want and Whom they Want as President.
WTG America!
I did not like what I heard from anyone about NASA. It would be nice if they would say that they aren't really informed about how the aerospace industries work. To say that NASA isn't doing anything ambitious isn't true, (we are informed about the new martian mission Curiosity right?); also the DELTA V couldn't be "easily" turned into a manned spacecraft. (We have the Space Shuttle for that.) It's not really appropriate to say you'd fire someone proposing to build a space shuttle of course either. There are plenty of companies that do work on the Space Shuttles and other unmanned crafts. The importance of such industries goes far beyond national defense too.
Is there a way to take the attributes about one person and mesh it with another? I like both Mitt Romney and Ron Paul. I feel that I can trust Mitt Romney's plan to improve the economy, and I like Ron Paul's foreign policy. They both seem like very moral men as well. To be honest, it's going to be a hard battle against Barrack Obama especially for me to decide because I'm not passionately against Obama, I still may stand on the same side on some issues with him.
I need to hear more about education from them. It's just as or more important than our current economic issues. If I don't hear a good plan from anyone running for president about reforming primary education, I don't think I will be satisfied with voting for any one of them. If no one in the republican party gives education as one of their top priorities for this next coming election, Obama or some independent probably will have my vote.
p.s. Does the way Newt talks bother anyone other than me? The things he says just bothers me. Sometimes I just want him to stop talking. Poor Rick, I just can't vote for him either he just seems to like to argue too much for me. (Or maybe it's the way he talks too.)
Ron Paul has stated that if we treat Iran like friends their threat will go away. That is what Obama thought as well. I appreciate Ron Paul's position on many things, but he is naive in the area of foreign policy, and that is the main and perhaps only reason that he cannot win. Libertarians cannot demonstrate how we will keep this country safe. Otherwise I'd be right there.
Deborah
What is REALLY NAIVE is to believe that Iran is some "backwards" 3rd World Country that has absolutely NO capability to inflict MASSIVE CASUALTIES upon an Aggressor(s), if Invaded. Aggressors = United States and Israel.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that Russia and China will just "stand idly by" and let the "Bully" Neo-Cons in the United States and in Israel just "waltz in" and destroy their ally, Iran.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that the US SANCTIONS against Iran will somehow be interpreted as an "Act of Diplomacy", instead of an "Act of War" by the Iranians and the rest of the World.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that if Iran decides to CLOSE and "Install Mine Fields" in the Straits of Hormuz that somehow this is NOT LINKED to the SANCTIONS imposed upon the Iranian People by the United States and Israel.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that the "Dictates" of the United States which DOES NOT PERMIT or ALLOW other Nations from around the World to PURCHASE Iranian Oil, will somehow NOT EFFECT the Price of Gas at the Pump, here in the United States.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that the United States' Policy of Freezing Iranian Assets, CRIPPLING their Economy and DESTROYING their Central Bank wouldn't PISS OFF the Iranians and ultimately UNITE the Iranian People (and other Muslims) behind their current Iranian Leadership and their Mullahs.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that Israel and the United States HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO with recent "covert actions" which ASSASSINATED Iran's Nuclear Scientists on Iranian Soil.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that the Predator Drone which the United States deployed into Iranian Air Space (and was shot down by "3rd World" Iran) was sent there to simply monitor the Weather and NOT to "spy" on the Iranian Government.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that War with Iran will NOT escalate into a Nuclear Conflict and that the "other" Countries in the Region will "surely appreciate" all the Nuclear "Fall-Out" raining down upon their People.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that if the United States and Israel INVADE Iran, that the rest of the World will just "LOVE US SO MUCH" that they'll send us Dozens of Roses and Boxes of Chocolates.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that an IRANIAN INVASION by the United States and Israel is for "Humanitarian Reasons" to promote "Democracy" to the Iranian People and to establish PEACE throughout the Region. It's DEFINITELY NOT solely for the BENEFIT of the "Special Interests", like Weapons Manufacturers, Banks or Oil Companies.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that Israel isn't MANIPULATING our Government and USING our Military (our Young Men and Women) to Fight (and Die) for Israel's Imperialistic Interests in the Middle East.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that a STRATEGIC STRIKE on Iranian Nuclear Power Plants WON'T SLAUGHTER, KILL or MAIM any "Innocent" Iranian Citizens (Men, Women and Children) like what happened to the 1.5 MILLION Citizens in Iraq. ONLY the "Bad Guys" will be Killed.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that Mitt Romney's, Newt Gingrich's and Rick Santorum's Foreign Policies are somehow "crafted" to REPRESENT an "America FIRST and Israel SECOND" Policy that the American People will surely buy into.
What is also REALLY NAIVE is to believe that Ron Paul's "Golden Rule" Approach to Foreign Policy with the Iranian Government would just simply AGGRAVATE the Iranian Government into "Bombing" Israel and the United States in order to "wipe them off the map". Jesus must have not taught us the Truth.
Yup. All this makes so much sense.
The simple fact is, that if America does not take REAL ACTION to get it's financial house in order, than a financial meltdown is inevitable. America will no longer be a super power, Then how do you think China and Iran will behave?
Foreign Policy will be dictated by the foreigners, not the president.
Crime and Violence will multiply
The middle class will cease to exist.
Ron Paul is the only candidate who is willing to make the needed changes in policy.
roller24
You're absolutely RIGHT! The most CLEAR and PRESENT DANGER to our National Security and to our Economy is our Nation's Financial Balance Sheet. (containing $16 TRILLION in DEBT)
Ron Paul is the ONLY Candidate talking about it and has the COURAGE to do something about it. People, who are voting like it's an American Idol Contest, just don't understand Economics.
It's time for Newt to back-out. This isn't about him. We need to all gather around Mitt and give him time to work his strategies against Obama.
Right Karen, if Newt continues for more than two weeks, everyone will know he is doing this to satisfy his ego. It's looking like Romney 2012.
RON PAUL 2012
Newt is still ahead of Romney in the most recent national polls just like he was in Florida about a week ago. Romney has ran the most negative ads in history in Florida to get himself on top. It all boils down to who has the most money I guess.
Everyone is talking about the guy who got the least amount of votes
Why?
So many of you are complaining about how Ron Paul gets no acknowledgement from the media yet no one mentions Rick Santorum, with the exception of someone who is saying he is going to run out of funds. He is actually beating Ron Paul. He doesn't want to get a third party and cheat his way around getting elected by skipping the democratic process.
@ Liberty:
AGREED! How are conservatives making such a huge oversight by ignoring Santorum? It may very well be the lack of media attention, relatively speaking.
Look at Google Trends for Ron Paul and Obama or anyone else running. Paul is who people want to know about. Paul is the only one that will protect us with the Constitution. If you want our country to protect our rights Ron Paul is the only choice. Enough people already know that to make this a landslide victory for him. Just keep going Paul, you're doing fine.
The White House has declared that it will use a "Sole Executive Agreement,” and simply enforce this internet takeover treaty, without sending it to the Senate for consideration. Get your state to remove him from the 2012 ballot.
Just another unconstitutional invasion into our lives and our freedom of speech. We should be getting used to it. Be careful what you say…Big Brother may decide you're a terrorist and lock you up in an undisclosed location for an indefinite period of time with no legal representation?
DON — What is your source for that statement? I'd like a news source…NOT A BLOG. Blogs are seldom unbiased, and in most cases they ain't work a *Bucket of warm spit".
Mitt Romney DOESN'T WANT to be the President to ALL the People. He just "selected" who he CARES ABOUT on CNN.
Learn this Lesson everyone. This how "Plutocrats" Think!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqSrpynRTlk
He neglects to mention the fact that many of the 'middle class' he claims as his focus are now in the 'poor' category. Many have lost their homes in foreclosure after losing their jobs, watched their investments dwindle (if they even had any) and are now seeking assistance from food pantries and applying for food stamps. Even those who have not been taken down by the economy are watching their parents, children, and grandchildren struggle just to survive. As one of those 'baby-boomers', I feel it is time once again for us to change the face of our society. Vote for Ron Paul if you want your children and grandchildren to enjoy the freedoms we enjoyed.
I'm so disspointed.
It's soooooo amazing that 99% of people on this blog and around the country support and believe Ron Paul, yet he lost like Romney is the next great hope.
Have the people in this country really become so asleep?!
It's so damn clear that this is rigged. It's so obvious. Only a child would believe this is a fair election.
America please wake up.
Please watch zeitgeist addendum for free online.
Jp Morgan, Rotchild, walburg, and Rockefeller had ruined the world and we are all their slaves.
Goldman sacks has taken over the government.
We are all owned by the few elite people in this world who have brainwashed everyone.
I still believe in my country. Please vote for Ron Paul. Vote for freedoms the constitution and stop supporting the same corrupt candidates who are going to give you the same government.
Please. Pleasassssssssseee wake the f up people!!!!! Think about your childerens future. Think about ur future. Think about America's future.
This is ur last chance…
In My Opinion, Mitt Romney is the only one who can beat Obama in the general election. Although I like much of what Newt says, I also like much of what Romney says also, but I just cain't get over the fact that if Newt wins the nomination, it will be a shoo-in election for Obama to gain a second term, and that would be a nightmare of biblical purportions for the country and all Americans. Vote for Romney, he's our only chance, I think, to finally send that Chicago thug back where he came from, and out of Washington, where he don't belong.
Go Ron Paul! I want someone who backs the Constitution of the United States of America!
Just for fun (since getting too serious here). Movies that best describe the actions of each:
Ron Paul — Mr. Smith goes to Washington
Newt — The Creature from the Black Lagoon
Mitt — The Incredible Mr. Limpet
Obama — A Night to Remember
Post your picks for fun.
Are people serious when they talk like the person below me on Ron Paul!? If people had a serious interest and desire for Ron Paul to be president he'd have some better figures, so far he's never done better than 3rd in a four horse race!?. So whats the reason behind that? Clear, the people who champion Ron Paul are liberals who know Obama's days in office are numbered and would rather see someone like Ron Paul in office than the rest, hence the reason they can't vote because they aren't republicans!. the mass "Ron Paul 2012" on every internet site reminds me of "obama 2008".
haha, I like ron paul also. I am just curious why you would compare him to a democrat president? Shouldn't the president be someone that the "people" want to be president. Not some 'elite' group (Republican/Democrats) Those are just dumb titles that we as people put on things so that its more interesting.. we like rooting for a team. So in summary to what you are saying, the people want ron paul, the elite republicans (which I side with more if I was to pick a side) don't want ron paul.
haha, but yea quit being so closed minded and picking a team "those damn liberals" "those damn conservatives" we should have a side called "common sense" and it all just comes down to educating ourselves. "work is good, get a job, try to better yourself, if you loose your job we will HELP you, but we will not SUPPORT you" but a lot of people don't see it this way.. "that person is rich, he should give more money for working harder" everyone should have a fair advantage…. We need to stop this liberal/conservative and just have common sense through education. Stop holding our hands, we are all capable of taking care of ourselves, but give us a good/safe sandbox to play in.
What do you mean we are "liberals" and "can't vote"? I'll be voting – for Ron Paul, and I will be voting for him because I feel it's my vote for our Constitution and the future of my children and grandchildren. I don't see that as liberal. I see that as American and defending the structure upon which our great, but declining, country was built.
earn your own money most liberals want food stamps,healthcare,welfare etc…MAE EARN IT LETS ALL VOTE FOR MITT!!!!
Oooo… Did I ruffle your feathers, Jim? I've already 'earned' it, Jim, and I want to keep it. I agree, though, that food stamps, healthcare, welfare, etc. are socialist (liberal) programs. However, you have an entire generation of Americans who were 'forced by our government' to pay into Social Security and Medicare – just as the current workforce is forced by our government to pay into these programs. Mitt Romney, aka Obama Light, is not going to change that, but Ron Paul says there is no provision in our Constitution for these programs. Not exactly a 'liberal' position, and certainly not a popular position, do you think? I asked a few people who lived through the Great Depression how they survived. Generations of families, grandparents, parents, children lived together. Those who worked contributed their earnings to 'the family'. God forbid that in our time, we or our children should be burdened with caring for our parents and grandparents…
@ everybody who wants Paul to be president because he will "protect the constitution." In reality, the president has less power then you think. He can't make laws,he can only pass already passed bills from congress. The supreme court is in charge of deciding if laws are constitutional, so I don't understand how Paul will protect the constitution. Besides, Romney (from a liberal's point of view) is the only candidate who can compete with Obama for the presidency. Not Newt, not Paul, and not Sanatorium.
Yeah. It is up to 'us' to protect our Constitution. How can we do that by voting for anyone but Ron Paul? Not by voting for Mitt or Newt. That's for sure.
Mae — seems they cannot distinguish between today's Liberals (the tyranny of the majority telling an individual what he/she cannot do for the "good" of "their mob society") and Libertarian (respecting the individual's rights (whose actions do not harm others)) — over himself, over his/her own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.
J.S. Mill's 1859 treatise: "On Liberty" — obviously this great work (on which many of our original laws were based) is unknown to these creatures.
Keep posting your SPOT ON observations — I'll do a 180 (and will play devil's advocate)!
For those who think Ron Paul can't put Obama out of the White House, here's a little 'Wiki' for you: “The 2012 New Hampshire Democratic primary was a presidential primary contest, held on January 10, 2012. New Hampshire historically is the first state in the United States to hold presidential primaries, and was forced to move its date up because Iowa, another early state, had moved its caucus to January 3, 2012. As predicted, President Barack Obama, who did not face any major challengers, won the primary, with 82 percent of the vote.
In 2012, 14 'Democratic' candidates qualified for the Democratic primary in New Hampshire, including Obama.
A total of 60,966 votes were cast in the primary. Obama won with 48,970 votes. The total votes cast were 'more than 30 percent fewer than in 1996, the last time that a Democratic president ran for re-election without significant opposition'.
There were 5,908 write-in votes, most of which was for three Republicans. 2,273 write-in votes (4% of the total votes) went to Ron Paul, giving him second place. (Paul also finished second in the Republican primary in New Hampshire, where he got 23% of the vote.) Mitt Romney got 1,808 write-in votes and Jon Huntsman got 1,228.“
Ron Paul has the best chance to beat Obama. Other then the fact that most polls say this, he is the only presidential candidate that would compete with Obama for non-republican votes. People who want Obama out will vote for whoever wins the primary, people who like Obama may still vote for Ron Paul but would not vote for Romney. The ONLY chance of getting Obama out of office is by putting him against Ron Paul. Romney = 4 more years of Obama.
It's obvious from these results that most of the voters in these republican primaries are not listening with a critical ear, and are being the gullible fools who are crushing our last hope to save this dying country by once again voting for people with no integrity or sincerity. This country is going to hell in a handbasket, and these voters are just paving the way. I give up.
The word "Gullible" has been removed from the dictionary.
::snicker::
Remember, folks — if we don't vote, we get what we deserve! Voting for the usurper in chief is a vote for America's destruction. A non-vote is a vote for the Usurper in chief. PICK SOMEONE. Point out that candidate's strengths! Don't tear down the other guy, unless it is on a PROVEN record. Provide links to NEWS SOURCES (not blogs!) . If you're not doing that, you're not part of the solution. You're part of the PROBLEM.
Stuffed Turkey
Gullible? For someone to believe that a "News Source" is somehow "Credible", that person would have to be Incredibly Gullible. News Sources are totally biased. They wish to be "The Kingmaker". Alternative Media is where to turn to for REAL NEWS!
"Alternative Media" — you mean the "NATIONAL ENQUIRER," which reported in 3 Mile Island a hoax, the same as sabotage in the same edition? Give me a NEWS SOURCE. I'll make the judgments! Ron Paul is just another anti-Israel S.O.B. But if you believe "Alternative Media" they still have Obama meeting with the Green Alien from Uranus to discuss the endorsement of the mole-people from Planet X. These same Alternative Media make claims that cannot be backed by any credible source. And when you try to find the sources they used, those sources are found to be non-existent…Kind of like about a third of the electorate when BHO was elected…or "Crowned". They contact these "Sources" with Ouija boards and crystal balls. I* want something I can verify.
Stuffed Turkey
You can stop being an Ignorant Ranter. Most Intellectual People know that Alternative Media has taken the place of the Main Stream Media because of their Bias.
However, I'll try to help you get caught up.
On Youtube, there's Russia Today, the corbett report, media monarchy, Trim Tabs with Charles Biderman, Peter Schiff's report, Gerald Celente, Wide Awake News, Vision Victory, Warren Pollock, Fabian4Liberty, Greenewave TV – to name a few. There are many others that are more CREDIBLE than CNN, FOX, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC, CBS and NBC. They are just "Propaganda Tools". Google the ones listed above. You might find out things that the MSM is "deliberately" keeping from you.
Oh and BTW. Ron Paul is NOT an anti-Israel SOB. If you were to do ANY RESEARCH regarding Ron Paul and Israel, instead of jumping to "whacky" conclusions, you'd find that Ron Paul's Foreign Policy of NO FOREIGN AID TO ANY NATION is actually BENEFICIAL to Israel. Apparently, you didn't know that Israel's Arab neighbors receive 7 TIMES as much as Israel in Foreign Aid. Foreign Aid should stop anyway because we're BROKE! It just goes to show how "misinformed" you are from getting the news ONLY from the MSM. Turn that CRAP OFF and start "Thinking for Yourself"!
Ron Paul 2012
You know, when I first saw your posts, I thought you might just be a misinformed unfortunate.
Ron Paul's own information says he's all for pulling foreign aid to Israel. But doing that is leaving them wide open to an attack from less friendly forces, such as Iran. OH, you didn't think of that, huh?
"Youtube" stuff can be easily faked. I can do it, and I'm no techie. Just like anyone with half a brain and a computer can fake the "Fake Birth Certificate" videos. Our "So-called" MSM are biased, yes. I don't deny that. That's why I want sources, do you see? I balance what I read with what I see and what I have noted in the candidates own actions.
You noted how they took Romney's comment on the poor out of context, right? Then there are those who claim the DFL took away the deductions for Social Security. There are those who claim that Clinton signed a bill that taxed SS. (only partially true!).
Romney helps someone out who's behind in a mortgage… He's accused of buying votes, being a hypocrite. But Obama is doing the same thing with taxpayer money. Where are his accusers? They are silent, and why? Because THEY get a share of the loot!
Do you see? I take ALL information, balance it out. I've done that this year, as I have done every presidential election since I began voting. I know the issues, I know how I would deal with them, and I hope someone out there has the brains to deal with them. But having the brains isn't enough. While Paul is definitely consistent, I find him out of touch with reality.
Now, before you accuse me of being stupid, a democrat or troll, or worse (a plant) let me set a few things straight. I'm a Republican, have been since I can remember. I HAVE voted 3rd party when I believed it was the right thing. I'm not rich. And if you call me ignorant, I think you have a problem with definitions. I'm certainly not a mental midget. I'm a few scant points from genius level. Yes, I can be rather silly at times. It keeps me young. I read, I keep informed of the political situations. Not being able to hear makes it difficult to run around to all events.
True, I'm not an eloquent debater. But when you resort to name calling to try to make me look stupid, you're making yourself appear foolish. That is a DFL tactic. It's an Alinsky tactic. It's a Communist/Social tool. And it is a massive waste on me.
Too bad, though. I think we actually have more in common than a dislike of Obama's policies. I do kind of wish we had a chance to determine what they are.
Stuffed Turkey
OK. Since you disclosed your party and your economic status, I'll start off by reciprocating in kind. I'm also a Republican. I'm a Fiscal and Social Conservative with leanings toward Libertarianism. I'm 53 years young and I'm the father of 4 adult children. I'm also not rich.
Let's put things into proper perspective regarding Israel and Iran. Also, let's look at what is being "propagated" to the American People via the News and the Government. TRUTH and LIES are what is being disseminated.
First, there is ABSOLUTELY NO PROOF that Iran is creating a Nuclear Weapon. The IAEA has said it. I watched it being said again this morning on MSNBC. Ron Paul has said it during the Debates.
Perspective:
Israel – Israel has stockpiled 300+ Nuclear Warheads. Israeli military forces possess land, air, and sea based methods for deploying their nuclear weapons, thus forming nuclear triad that is mainly medium to long ranged, the backbone of which is submarine launched cruise missiles and medium and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Israel is believed to have second-strike abilities in the form of its submarines fleet and its nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, which are buried so far underground they would survive a nuclear strike. Israel allegedly possesses several 1 megaton bombs, which give it a very large EMP attack abilities. Israel developed the ability to miniaturize warheads small enough to fit in a suitcase by 1973.
Iran – Iran is not known to currently possess weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and has signed treaties repudiating the possession of weapons of mass destruction including the Biological Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). On ideological grounds, a public and categorical religious "decree" (fatwa) against the development, production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons has been issued by the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic Ali Khamenei along with other clerics, while it is supported by others in the religious establishment. Iran has stated its uranium enrichment program is exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Israel has REFUSED to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran HAS signed it. Israel REFUSES to allow inspections from the IAEA. Iran is complying with Inspections. What more do you need, Stuffed Turkey? What we're being told by the MSM about Iran is all "War Propaganda"! If a war commences against Iran, MILLIONS of "Innocent" People will DIE! 1.5 MILLION People died in Iraq, most of which were civilian men, women and children – Civilians! Not to mention, Russia and China will be INCREDIBLY PISSED if Iran is attacked. Who knows where this will lead. It's a very dangerous stance to carry on this "Empire" by the United States.
You "claim" you want sources. If you'd watch and listen to the Alternative Media, they list their sources. You don't see the MSM doing that. Do you? NO WAY!
I see you don't like Obama. I don't like him either. But I also don't like Romney, Gingrich or Santorum. To me, they are all the SAME! Just "Google" their Campaign Donors. They're all the SAME money-grubbing Elitists who have "ruined" Our Economy in 07-08. Ron Paul's Largest Campaign Contributors are the US Active Duty Military. Why is that?
I used to be a "staunch" follower of FOX News because of my Conservatism. That is, until they started their "Propaganda Campaign" against Ron Paul. In 2008, I was NOT a Ron Paul supporter. I "held-my-nose" and voted for McCain. However, after the "Crash of 08", I began to "Think for Myself" and begin to research WHY our Economy Crashed and WHY it can NEVER Recover in it's current form.
The MSM wants to "Divide" the American People into a Right/Left Paradigm. ie The Tea Party vs. Occupy Wall Street. So, I started watching different perspectives other than what I was fed from FOX. Then I discovered the Alternative Media, and boy, were my eyes opened! It's NOT all what it seems. The MSM is "in-on-it". That's why they HATE Ron Paul. They're "Scared-to-Death about this man! NOW, I can see WHY! He's "Waking Up" the American People…
Thanks for toning down some of the name-calling, and thanks for not pointing out some typos I could have pointed out myself.
Yes, it CAN be difficult to make choices on nothing but MSM "news." It can be tough to determine what's lie, half-truth, candy-coated truth, flip-flop vs. genuine change of heart, and what is full truth and fact. That's why I try to get info from sources that make sense (Not blogs, pundits, and the like). I try to get all the info. I look at the Congressional record. I compare what has been said (in news) vs. what is reported (congressional record), vs. what is claimed (on campaign websites.)
To borrow a phrase, to be "Fair and balanced" you're going to wind up being biased. And they'll claim you're what you're not.
I ran a program which compared my views with those of various candidates. Imagine my surprise to find myself a "Bachmann" supporter. I'm from MN, originally. I found her too loony for my tastes. Then it said Paul. I just don't agree with him on some major issues. And, sorry, I think he's just too far past his prime to be able to do a good job. But then, to be fair, I thought the same of Reagan.
In Presidential Politics, I've voted 3rd party two times. Once, for Anderson (1980) when I was far more liberal than I am now, and once for Perot.
I think we must agree that to remove our current elected head must be our goal. But with whom we replace him, that is open. But we must unite behind our choice, or face the consequences. Agreed?
BTW: While I choose the name "Stuffed Turkey" — you can call me Chuck. Yes, it is my name.
Chuck
Thanks for your honesty and your forthrightness. I can see you love your Country, and most of all, you KNOW that something is terribly WRONG. It's scarey. We both went through the 1970's with double digit Interest Rates and High Inflation. Those were scarey times, but those times will pale in comparison to what is coming.
When I began my research, I began to study Macroeconomics. I didn't want to, but that's where things lead me. I'm a Service Technician by Trade, so I was a little intimidated by all the terms and numbers. But what I've learned is that there is NO WAY our Economy can EVER Recover. It's a Mathematical Impossibility! So, when I hear the MSM and the Government saying that we're in a "Recovery" or that things are "getting better", I know they're LYING!
Ron Paul is the only one "Telling the Truth" to the American People about the Economy, Government Spending and Borrowing, the National Debt and Budget Deficits. What Ron Paul says may not be what the American People want to hear, but it is, what it is. We are in BIG Trouble! He's been inferring that We All Need To Prepare! Buy food, supplies, and Gold and Silver as a "store" of Wealth. It's going to get REAL UGLY. Probably much worse than the Great Depression. I don't mean to be an "Alarmist", but all we have to do is look at Europe. It's Coming. When? Not too long from now.
Believe it or not, I also studied economics during my college years. I can see what's happening. But I'm powerless to prepare. If you saw my bank figures, and all that, you'd see what I mean. I can't afford gold or silver. I can BARELY afford food! I know the economy can recover, but it's going to be painful, at best!
We need a lot.
1) Cuts in spending
2) Increases in productivity.
3) Increases in trade, decreasing the trade deficit.
4) Increases in energy, ALL TYPES. Don't exclude solar, geothermal, wind, water… But don't let endangered species dictate what can and cannot be done!
5) I could save about 30% if I just had 2 working solar panels. For me, that's about 100 a month.
6) Exploration — off world!
JUST CUTTING GOVT Salaries by 10% (Congress/President/cabinet) could save Over a million a year. Granted, not much. But every little bit helps.
We need to protect the environment, but not at the price of self-extermination. Where do we draw the line?
No, I think we CAN recover…but until the left-wing loons and Environmentalist whackos are in control, it ain't gonna happen.
Ron Paul – Incorruptible!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fmFmDcIO_1Q#!
Chuck B
I cannot believe "Recovery" will actually happen. The $16 TRILLION and Growing National Debt can NEVER be paid back. And it wasn't just the Liberal Democrats who contributed to this MASSIVE DEBT. The Republicans are just as culpable. President Bush "supported" Affordable Housing in 2002 and 2003 which lead to the Housing Bubble that went "Bust". The "repeal" of The Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 by The Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act of 1999 was Sponsored by 3 Republican Senators.
For ANY semblance of Economic Recovery to begin to take place, Deficit Government "Spending" MUST STOP and Government "Borrowing" MUST CEASE. This "Process" can only be started through "Actual" Spending CUTS, which Ron Paul's Plan accentuates.
In order for confidence to be restored in America's Free Market Economy once again, a Balanced Budget needs to be adopted by a Constitutional Amendment. However, the MASSIVE Government Debt of $16 TRILLION (and Growing) is what throws the Government Balance Sheet COMPLETELY out of "whack". This will PREVENT any kind of Balanced Budget from becoming a Reality. The National Debt MUST be either Liquidated or Paid Down FIRST. Unfortunately, there is NO "Political Will" to do this by either Party. Inevitably, all this "Spending" will lead to the "collapse" of the Dollar, run-away inflation and rising prices which will cause severe poverty and the continued loss of jobs.
People will then "take-to-the-streets" as they are in Europe. Austerity will become the NEW American Way-of-Life. The $60-$70 TRILLION of the "Unfunded" Government Mandates (yet to come), will surely "sink" the ship. Maybe, that's their Plan. Perhaps a GIANT RESET with a NEW Global Currency, coupled with a Communist-Style "Banker-Owned" Military, Infrastructures and Natural Resources, is on the horizon.
Chuck
A very good Economic Series to look at is called "The Crash Course" by Chris Martenson. He doesn't "promote" Ron Paul, but he does explain things like the Exponential Function, Compound Growth, Money and Debt for us "lay people" to understand. It's an excellent educational experience. All you have to do is watch and listen.
http://www.chrismartenson.com/crashcourse
If you really want to "go-to-college" (haha), you should view the series called "The Most IMPORTANT Video You'll Ever See" by Albert Bartlett. Chris Martenson mentions him in "The Crash Course". It's an 8 part series, but a REAL eyeopener as to the Mathematics of the Exponential Function.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QA2rkpBSY
Darryl
Incorruptible-
Doug Wead has such clarity what a great asset he is in explaining Ron Paul's message. Did you view part 2? Doug reveals some damming insight into Mitt Romney's method for claiming small doner contributions.
Part 2
http://youtu.be/1ohUow0wL6U
Windisea
Hi. Yes, I viewed parts 2 and 3. Both were GREAT!
Ron Paul may have the best chance of beating Obama, but the problem is he doesn't have enough republican support. Look at the primaries and caucuses! He hasn't won a single one. Mitt Romney is going to win the nomination, and I don't believe he can beat Obama.
Messenger
Romney will lose the General Election because his Policies are NO different than Obama's Policies. Romney will face the same Negative Ad Campaign that he dished out against Gingrich.
As soon as Romney is "crowned" as the Republican nominee by the Media, Obama and Romney will begin to unleash upon each other the most ugly and destructive NEGATIVE Ad Campaigns that the Country has ever seen! But Romney won't have enough money to match Obama's BILLION Dollar War-Chest. Just like Gingrich "Lived and Died" by the Debate Strategy, Romney will "Live, then Die" by the Negative Ad Campaign Strategy.
Voters will become "sick and tired" of these Negative Ad Campaigns. They will simply Tune-Them-Out. If Ron Paul doesn't run 3rd Party, all Campaign Integrity will be lost in the "muck and mire" of the Negative Ad Campaigns. The Media is "In-the-Tank" for Obama and will "position" Obama's Negative Ads where they will be most effective. Obama will then win in a landslide.
Don't play "their" game. Don't allow the media into your head. Vote for who YOU believe is best suited for the job, who best represents the future of a just and free America for ALL. I want big government out of my personal life!!
Beth R.
With the conditions that you've listed, there's only one candidate left to choose from. Ron Paul