This is it! Tomorrow is Election Day. Both candidates are still campaigning heavily on this eve of the election and final polls are showing pretty much a dead heat.
Voters across the country on Tuesday will cast ballots for a variety of races and controversial measures but none so important as the presidential race.
We would like to provide you with this thread to discuss all election results. We just ask that we all show respect for each other’s political views and for the political candidates . Please no personal attacks.
We are all entitled to our opinions. If however, opinions are determined to be disrespectful, inflammatory, or threatening, the comments will be deleted.
You vote is your voice. Don’t forget to vote!
Does anyone want to predict? Not me. Too close.
Romney will win by 51% to Obama’s 49%
It sure looks like it’s going to be a close one. Every vote will count so folks be sure to VOTE!
Stu,
Hope you are right, but Congress races are very important also.
We have many many local races & bonds on our ballot. I voted early, it was 17 electronic pages long, hope folks aren’t rushing through it since the most important bond was the very last thing on the ballot.
Wanting it to be a decisive victory for Romney, but realistically thinking that President Obama will squeak it out. I just pray that it can be decided by our votes and not by endless recounts and lawsuits.
Does anyone look for a delay in calling the race? East coast?
Oh Stu: I so hope you are right.
Snickers: Yes
http://www.themompledgeblog.com/2012/11/cacaphony.html#idc-container
I wanted to share this with everyone. Several months back, IW wrote about “The Mom Pledge.” The Mom Pledge blog has a very timely post about taking The Mom Pledge and applying the principles to our online discussions regarding politics and specifically this election. I hope if you have time you will take time to read it. 🙂
Agree…Congress is very important….just remember Scott Walker recall.
Our ballot was very long too and I’m really glad I took the time to get it done early via absentee. There are so many important races. Honestly, I’m not sure the Presidential election is the most important to me personally, but, of course, it’s one we all share a compelling interest in.
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Wendy, I agree about hoping for a clear decision without any need for lawsuits or interference by politicians or the courts. I also pray that everyone who wants to vote and is qualified to vote CAN vote. Especially, in the areas that are still recovering from Sandy.
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I’m predicting an Obama victory, but the last few elections have taught me anything can happen.
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Happy Voting!
Anya,
Thanks for posting the Mom Pledge. It’s funny over the last few months I have noticed the comments and even the political dialogue has been less heated, less personal. and appears more respectful of others opinions. I hope it stays that way after the election, no matter who wins.
“Sequestration” is the buzz word here in VA. Unfortunately too many can’t define what that means.
A little factoid – no Republican presidential candidate has lost when the election has fallen on Nov. 6th. ;0)
Voted! Paper ballot to avoid the “mistakes” I have seen reported by some electronic voting machines. I am thankful for those that gave their lives to give me this right May God Bless America, and may God bless you on this very important day.
I got to take my 5 year old to vote this morning. She proudly wore her “I Voted” sticker to school. Regardless of who wins the election tonight, Im just glad I got share that first with her. We have tried to keep it simple, but of course she likes who we like. As she gets older we will help her learn to make her own choices.
We had a short ballot. It took no time at all. We have a close race for Senate here in PA. That is unexpected. Casey looked like he was coasting to an easy win this year, but Smith seemed to get momentum after the first Presidential debate.
My oldest two kids are voting this year too.
I have to say, think my little corner of PA will go for Romney, judging by the yard signs and the kids who told me they want Romney to win. Ours went heavily for Obama 4 years ago.
So glad to live in a country where we have the privilege to vote.
This must be so nerve wracking for these candidates. So much campaigning and then you are finally here.
Jodie, that is so cute!
We need a Hail Mary pass!!!
So does all the military votes go to waste because of failed states not getting the ballots to them? Sorry, that is not being a free country!
Although I did not vote for Obama for President I truly hope he can bring the Country together. The race was so close that it just shows how divided the Country is. For an Incumbent this race should have been a “landslide victory” but it wasn’t. People are very unhappy and much worse off then they were four years ago. Unless the President takes a different course, with a Republican House, we will just have four more years of gridlock and nothing will get better. I want President Obama to succeed.
The Divided States of America… :*(
I don’t see a landslide either but I think there were some significant messages. Here in MN we now have a Dem Gov and Dem house/senate. The outgoing Rep House are responsible for the two amendments that were also shot down. So there is a message here.
One of the most interesting statistics I heard this morning was 67% of single women voted Obama. That’s a huge majority in this day and age. That is a demographic that is old and young and everything in between.
Superpac money – 85% of Dem superpac was for negative ads. 91% of Rep superpace was for negative ads. Now I don’t think that means that the Dem $ was 6% better than the Rep. I think that says superpac money goes negative. I hope we see some reform there.
Not the candidate I voted for but it is what it is and I expected Obama to pull it out in the end. You can read the election results a variety of different ways but the bottom line is a win is a win.
Lots to work on for the President and the house/senate so let’s get busy and see if we can bring this country out of debt and get people back to work.
Will things change for any of you now that the election is over?
snickers –
I don’t have to watch all the ads on tv. I think that with the all Dem government here in MN we will see some things we haven’t before. The last time we were all Dem was 1990.
Jodie says:
I got to take my 5 year old to vote this morning. She proudly wore her “I Voted” sticker to school. Regardless of who wins the election tonight, Im just glad I got share that first with her. We have tried to keep it simple, but of course she likes who we like. As she gets older we will help her learn to make her own choices.
*******
Very respectable, Jodie!
I saw that Colorado and Washington legalized marijuana. I have no problem with that. I am wondering what the Federal Government is going to do with that?
Mo-Thanks!
Pam-I think that those in Colorado arent really expecting much to change, since the federal law hasnt. But what I think this does do, is open the door to the federal government legalizing it, with support from the states. Our jails are filled with young kids, (mostly men, and mostly minorities) who are serving long sentences for marijuana possession. For that simple fact alone, it should be legalized, taxed, and regulated just as alcohol is.
My heart goes out to the military and their families. Your sacrifices for serving our country have just exponentially exploded. Sadness……..
Pam: Probably just slap a tax on it like cigarettes.
Living in California…we have had some form of legalized medicinal marijuana for several years. It is very easy to get a Doctor’s note. Although I don’t partake, I am thinking legalizing it and taxing isn’t such a bad idea. My husband feels the same way.
Anya,
When I said the level of dialogue seemed more respectful and less insulting I was just referencing here on the IW board. It seems like the personal attacks have really stopped, which is great. I found the level of discussion on FB and through the emails I received and even speaking with friends and clients had reached a new low in this election, people were really saying some vile and very stupid things so I for one am happy the election is over.
Kmom2 –
The military in my family voted O. They were very concerned about their long term VA benefits because of Ryan’s budget. It was also one of the tipping points in VA going to O. Not sure of the issue you are addressing. Why does your family feel this causes issues for them?
It’s just me, Marie S. I just feel there is no hope for our military with a commander in chief so unwilling to do whatever is necessary to protect them in their time of need. (Benghazi) An administration that practically refused to allow overseas military to even vote and I just feel that if any American’s vote is more important than another, it’s our military’s vote. THey serve directly under the president and I just feel they deserve better. Honestly I can tell you I know nothing about the long term VA benefits under Ryan’s budget and it sounds like I wouldn’t like them either. IT’s just an emotional thing for me. I think our military is and has been treated so poorly by various administrations, citing particularly the clinton’s open disdain for any military personnel. THey are underpaid, under appreciated and now with sequestration will be horribly underfunded. I just feel a mostly thankless job, just got worse. Much worse.
Both of my nephews voted in both presidential elections from Iraq and this tiem one in Afghanistan. Both said no problem ever over there. I asked after 2008. They were not aware of anything other than the fact that some guys hadn’t set up their absentee (even though they had been given all the forms ahead of time, darn kids) and had trouble. But that was a state by state thing. Nothing to do with the national election. And certainly nothing to do with a president that was being elected. I’m not sure who was refused but I know that in MN a military ID was not going to get you an absentee ballot. That was a big part of the push to defeat the amendment.
I bet there are as many different voices in the military as there are in the neighborhood. I do think that we as voters owe them our thoughts when choosing and voting. They deserve decent pay and benefits. That includes the guardsmen/women that are repeatedly deployed and then left with no help in finding a job once they’ve lost the one they left.
May God Bless your military family members, Marie S. May God Bless America.
Congratualtions to the Obama voters! Anybody celebrating in any special ways? Personally, I have never celebrated an election, but if I don’t have to work (and I usually didn’t in the past) I like to watch the Inauguration and enjoy the mood, the fashion, and the traditions.
I was so hoping I would wake up this morning to the news that Romney had somehow pulled out a win. I’m sad for our country, I hope Obama can really turn things around. Everyone needs to forget about policital parties and start working together for the benefit of all Americans
The voters have spoken. Just a few thoughts……It’s very hard to beat the Media and the giveaway of free stuff. A battle was won but there is still a war to be won. Too many lives were given in many foreign lands for us to give up the fight.
I guess we will see over the next few years what the people voted for.
stu – I don’t think anyone will have to wait to see what lies ahead. Yesterday was the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a full blown depression. Here in the DC area…Lockheed Martin & Boeing have started their wave of handing out pink slips. 7k from Lockheed in one day. Boeing to follow. Home prices tumbled… & we’ve already been notified by 2 Drs. that they have closed their private practices & joined hospital franchises. I could go on, but what’s the point?
Can’t celebrate……fiscal cliff looming, debt ceiling……21 NEW TAXES thanks to obamacare……..2013 have to claim the employer paid part of my health insurance as MY INCOME…..seriously……..thanks to the “participation trophy” generation who truly believe it’s possible to get something for nothing and that you should be rewarded for doing NOTHING but showing up!!
Kmom2 –
I don’t know about the 21 taxes but the 2013 employer paid healthcare is an urban legend.
http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/government/a/Hr-3590-Income-Tax-On-Health-Insurance.htm
THanks Marie…I did just find that out too. So sorry folks!
Kmom2 –
No apology needed. I think that it is very, very hard to know what is true. I often go researching if something really affects me and I’m shocked at the number of times it’s just plain wrong. I knew this one because I did look it up. I’m self-employed and healthcare is one of the places where a large company gets more of a tax break than I do even though I’m like my own company. So when I saw this reported I just flipped out. This is my complaint with the media. They shouldn’t just be reporting this stuff, they should check if it’s valid. And I don’t mean hitting Urban Legend or Fact Check.org. They have more resources than we do in vetting these things.
HB,
The bleeding has just begun, 🙁 Two area business plants here, handed out pink slips yesterday here also. 43 without job as of Fri. That’s their Merry Christmas. Obamacare was the reason for the layoffs, and we hear if companies cut to under 30 hours a week, no benefits. You can only arrange the titanic deck so many ways before you jump off. Charity giving will be so low this year, the WH should host a dinner for all the unemployed and their families.
Snickers,
You are so right! On Sat I was at an event where I just happened to be seated near a young woman who was talking about how great the Health Exchanges are going to be! Turns out she is a Phd at one of the Universities and does research and promotes teh Health Exchanges. When I told her that my Husband and I are an Insurance Broker and that our Clients, most who are self employed were paying higher premiums and downgrading their coverage she said it will “even out in the next 20 years due to “reallocation and redistribution”. I told her many Clients were angry that now everyone in CA has to have Maternity Coverage even though they do not need it, including my 26 year old Son( it increased his coverage $27 a month). Her answer was; “what if he got someone pregnant, wouldn’t he feel responsible?” My answer was that is not for the Gov’t to regulate! More stunning was when I told her that one of our Clients who is also a friend, owns three small restaurants in Los Angeles is going to have to keep his full time employees limited to 49 employees because at 50 full time employees he will have to offer Health Insurance or pay at minimum a $2000 fine for each employee which he cannot afford and does not want to pay. Her answer to that was: “Your friend is immoral?” At that point I walked away because I thought I might seriously punch her. I just had to say to her that she should try to work for herself for a year or two and not rely on “theories” or a bunch of excel spreadsheets to find out what the real world is truly about!
Marie….I found your comment in the spam folder. Sorry about that. Just put it through
Holly, so what are your clients supposed to do for the next 20 years waiting for this to “even out”??? Simply amazing! Such stupidity from an educated Phd. Book-smarts, not a stitch of common sense.
Holly,
Spent most of all day yesterday with our lawyer and finacial advisors. Far from rich, but holding on to our Americn dream that we built, sorry, he didn’t build that! I finally just said,
“It’s like getting a Christmas card from the WH, except we are paying for it to come”. The young can jump for joy as the free ticket items that they think they are receiving will be their bills for many years to come. Remember, they are the generation, that never lost a race, got patted on the head for a job well done, even tho they never finshed it, etc. Wonder how that fake gold medal will feel in a few years around their neck, when the debt bogs them down. Without job creators, they will find out what a strong economy looks like when the rug is pulled out from underneath them.
Kmom2,
If we went by what was written in ever book, with out having the common sense to work beyond those words, no one would ever succeed. Telling kids they are worth millions because they have a PHD, is the fault of the Universities that took their money. The sham starts there. Hope parents have remodeled their basements to their kids tastes in life, because they will be moving back.
Exactly Snickers….the “participation trophy” generation!
Last Sunday my Husband and I went to get some lunch. I love to sit outside so we went to a nice area that had a 5 Guys and a Western Bagel next to each other. I went into the Western Bagel ordered and took my food outside. We both noticed that the patio was very dirty, the tables had not been bused, and the trash can was overflowing with trash! When I went inside to get more coffee, I said to the the six young employees that were just standing around: “you know the trash is overflowing and it is really disgusting”, they looked at me dumbfounded and replied: “oh that is not our job”! Another woman started yelling at them and finally said she was taking a picture with her phone and sending it to the Chamber of Commerce. Finally an older gentleman came out with a garbage bag and cleaned it up. None of the young workers came out. This is what the entitlement generation looks like. These kids had no pride in their job and no respect for the Customers. When I called the Corp office to complain the Manager said: “I know it’s bad but we only pay them $8.00 and hour and we are trying to teach them the values they didn’t get at home”! I told him to hire some out of work 50 year olds! Sorry for the rant!
Happy to see so many women getting engaged in the political discussion; good or bad. I do have to pose this question, though. I am a woman, but I am also an immigrant living in NY. I have been here since 1988 and have surely paid my dues to becoming an American, and obtaining my Green Card.
I’d love to see some of your thoughts on what this Election means for not just us women, but for those of us who are marginalized into inferior groups. What are you thoughts?
Pam, I agree with #24. Let’s get to work. Let’s hold our representatives accountable to work together. Compromise is the name of the game in my mind. Nothing will get done without it.
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Holly, you know I agree strongly that nothing is gained (and much lost) when we are not civil to those we disagree with. I struggle with that too sometimes, particularly with those who I believe are backwards in their thinking on social and civil rights issues. I do agree that IW is much more civil than most boards, but I also believe that comes from the fact that most of you agree with each other. There are a small handful of us that could be labeled left of center. When we don’t participate, it seems things are much calmer on this board, but I think something is lost when all we hear are our own opinions regurgitated. For example, although I still believe Obama’s healthcare legislation will do more good than harm, I have learned a lot about the downside and problems in the law from your posts. It goes both ways though. It would be nice if we all opened our ears and hearts a bit more. Trust me, I tend towards a liberal point of view on most issues, but I don’t want a bunch of free stuff handed to me or my child. I work for everything I have and that is the only true way to self-sufficiency.
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I have more to say, but WORK calls. No freebies from the government for me! 😉 I’ll leave with this thought, take it from someone (me!) who was very depressed when Bush won again in 2008. It’s going to be all right! The United States will not crumble in 4 years just because your guy didn’t win. You have the House. We won’t become a socialist or islamic state. Try and drown out the most pessismistic voices you are hearing and let’s try and come together. Off my soap box!
Anya,
I appreciate your post. I may lean Conservative when it comes to business and taxes but socially I am very Liberal, that’s why I am an Independent. I truly believe that both Candidates had good and bad points and the fact that it was so close shows how divided the Country is.
As far as other opinions I think people are open to hearing that, it just really comes down to the tone of the delivery. Have a great day Anya.
We can cheer lead all we want, but the markets are speaking loud and clear. Over 300 points down in the Dow yesterday and on target to be down again today.
In the 30 year treasury auction today, investors were tripping over themselves to get a 2.82% yield on investment, fixed for 30 years! The yields are now down to 2.77%.
Companies are announcing massive layoffs, while others are closing their doors altogether. Now, instead of moving operations to Texas, they are leaving the country.
Most economists are predicting we will go into recession the second or third quarter of 2013.
Hold on to your hats, the good news is just beginning. We may look back on 8% unemployment and a debt of $15 trillion as the good old days.
Anya,
Love ya girl, but I was giving respect to the people who received pink slips today and many more to come. Social issues are fine, take care of the real needy, elderly, feed hungary children, etc. We have been doing that for years. Obamacare and Obamaphones are are not in that list for me. If anyone thinks giving out free phones is a social issue going forward, we are in trouble. Over night our country changed, and we deserve better than this. Have a nice day!
I don’t see how our country has changed “over night.” Do you mean in 2008?
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I also don’t see how a business can give out pink slips solely based on the election of the President? Our economy is very complex. The President plays a part in it, sure, but there so many factors out of his control. Did they have the pink slips ready to go if Romney didn’t win? I think most people understand that Romney was not going to be able to overturn Obamacare, if elected. Maybe push to make improvements or dial it back, but isn’t that something that our representatives can begin the process of with or without Romney???
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I had heard that the market expected the President to be re-elected so I think the downturn we are seeing yesterday (not sure about today) is more complex than just being upset that Obama will be President for four more years.
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Holly, I agree with you! And I don’t mean to paint a whole group of commentators with a broad brush. I know you lean liberal social issues. 🙂 Believe it or not, I do have a solid respect for fiscal conservatism. I have a young adult in my home too, and the job outlook and economy for her is a big concern for me. On the other hand, it does give me peace of mind to know that she can be covered by medical insurance if she were to acquire a pre-existing condition.
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I think there is a lot of misinformation about “Obamaphones.” This Snopes link is a pretty good source of what is true and what is not (for anyone interested in reading). http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/cellphone.asp
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The social issues I was referring to and care about are marriage equality and other issues having to do with leaving consenting adults alone to do as they please if no harm is done. I’m libertarian in that regard.
Anya –
I agree on the social issues. I think that 67% of single women voting for Obama says something. It doesn’t say that 67% are democrats because I don’t think that could be true. Here in MN we had two amendments on the ballot. One was to require voter ID and one to outlaw by constitution same sex marriage. Both failed. People were shocked that they didn’t pass. But I think they filed for the same reason, people just don’t want anyone micro-managing their lives.
We have the highest voter turnout for any state, year after year. We have never had an issue with voter fraud. And there is no such thing as a free ID. If I don’t pay for my ID, then you pay for it. This amendment being struck down was a surprise to the pollsters.
But I think the young vote that showed up to say that they didn’t want marriage in the constitution helped defeat the voter ID. Friends of mine said that the same was true voter ID helping defeat the marriage amendment. People just didn’t want a constitutional amendment.
The demographics of who voted for Obama is very interesting as well.
Yes, Anya…pink slips were ready to go upon the outcome of the election! Obama asked that they be held. Guess what? He got his way.
As to Wall St. thinking Obama had this election…NO! I don’t know where people get their news, but I will make a suggestion…Snopes, Fact Check etc….is NOT the way to go. Try reading say a Wall St. Journal…Business Daily… or Bloomberg…PBS. There is nothing more excrutiating than an electorate that does NOT do their homework.
As for compromise? Compromise WHAT? Sorry…it’s been a BAD day. More of my daughter’s friends (40ish) LOST their jobs today.
HB
I thought everything is going to be better?
I hate to say it but many of the electorate is just ignorant.
Anya, it sounds like you are getting your market information from NPR. I don’t mean that to be sarcastic, simply a statement of fact. The credible business sources, The Wall Street Journal, etc. are correctly blaming the down turn in the market on the presidental election results.
The equity market volume yesterday was enormous. It was not light trading. Today’s monthly 30 year treasury auction had a 2.77 BRC. That is incredibly high and very telling. The market is most certainly going to have some positve days with light trading, but the tide has made a substantial change.
The election of Obama assures several things for businesses: Continued over regulation, full implementation of Obamacare, much higher taxes, continued anti business presidential decrees, etc.
There was a genuine hope that there would be someone in the oval office that was not anti business. While the anti business mantra is popular with the democrats, it is in fact business that creates jobs and enable the government to function through payment of taxes from those businesses and those they employ. Government produces nothing.
Unfortunately, we have an electorate that is not even educated in the most basic of economics, math or finance. It is a sad commentary that many receive bachelor’s degrees without ever taking a college level advanced math, funamental economics or basic finance class.
Obamacare is going to have an enormous price tag for both businesses and many of those in the work force. Many businesses operate on a 2% profit margin. They cannot afford Obamacare.
Given Snopes record of inaccurate and skewed information, I’m suprised you would use them as a reference source. If you feel comfortable with them, well, that is your decision.
Sadly, many Americans think going the way of Europe is a good thing. They make this decision without ever having lived there or realizing they are postured to fall into an economic abyss. So many think we could not become a Greece, Spain, Portugal or soon to be France. We’ve had the luxury of being the worlds reserve currency, so we’ve been able to print money. Our days of being the reserve currency are numbered….we are going to have to pay back that $15 trillion and counting.
Good luck to your daughter. I hope she finds a job.
HB, the pink slips are just beginning. In the last month I’ve spoken to several CEO’s for whom I used to do consulting work. There had been a positive feeling of “morning in America” again. They had been talking about using some of the money that had been on the side lines for expansion. Now, they are probably going to close their US operations and move to Asia.
Stu, it may very well take a full blow depression for Americans to decide to get interested in economics.
I have a close friend that is considered one the world’s premier long wave technicians within the Chicago School (Friedman) of Economics who does consulting for Walmart and several other fortune 100 companies. He is extremely concerned about 2013/14 becoming a 1932/33. I think we better fasten our seat belts.
Anya,
I was not pointing any finger at posters here, yes Obama phones made headlines news. There is a video on the internet, saying you can get in line along with getting food stamps, etc and get an Obama phone! Really, my tax dollars paying for such nonsense, is like telling the kids on the block you can have a free Ipad for the asking. Yes, many companies were waiting for the outcome of the election including myself where the path will lead us in 4 years. When I can’t break even or make a profit in business, I pull the plug. If the left expects me to work and pay their bills, guess what, not doing it. I hope every person has a job, but after today in my own community and area, it’s not to be.
It’s nice to have a discusssion here, both sides are heard, and no offense to anyone.
Now to get poles, lines up, gas, and water and basic things to the coast, those people are cold.
Pie anyone?
https://imperfectwomen.com/classic-chicken-pot-pie/
Anya,
I think Romney was going to overturn Obamacare but keep some of the important changes like making sure that people with pre existing conditions are able to be insured,like making sure the there is no cap on lifetime benefits, and letting children stay on their parent’s insurance until the age of 26. The Congress does not have the power to make changes in the Bill and the Dems are for Obamacare.
This Health Care Bill hurts Business in a variety of ways. First of all, it’s a mandate meaning Employers can no longer choose to provide Health Insurance they “must” provide it. Not only must they provide it but they must provide Insurance that is equal in benefits to the coverage provide by the Gov’t Health Exchange Plans. If they have over 50 employees they either have to pay the coverage amount or pay a $2000 fine per employee. Secondly, if they have over 200 employees they must offer Health Insurance immediately to a new employee, no waiting period of three or six months, no evaluation period. Thirdly for Small Businesses like a “Mom and Pop” or like my Husband, an Insurance Broker, if you earn over $250,000 (even if it is tied in to your Business) your taxes are going to increase, no matter what you end up with. All these factors are going to affect hiring of new employees, changing employees from Full time to Part time and making Entrepreneurs think twice about starting a business. By 2014 over 50% of Small Businesses will drop their Group Coverage and either lay off workers or pay the fine. What this means to the Workers is that they will have to pay more out of each paycheck for Health Insurance.
Pie,
I had that pie and it was yummy!! 🙂
Holly –
The problem is that the list of things that Romney said he would keep are all the items that cost money. The items that he was going to do away with are the ones that pay for those. And of course, I think a big part of the problem was that Romney said a lot of things and often said something else a month later. However the voting analysis doesn’t say that the flip flopping was a deciding factor in the vote.
So far it seems that everyone, including the Republican advisors, are saying that the campaign only appealed to a certain demographic. That demographci was enough to win an election 10 years ago but the US has more hispanics, asians, single females and they didn’t buy what Romney was selling.
Marie,
So what is going to be the answer for all the layoff’s and closed doors today? Thousands have received their pink slips. Now who is going to pay the bill?
Marie,I was just addressing the issue of Healthcare and what Romney would probably do if he won the office. As far as appealing to all the people, I agree he lost votes with Hispanics when he made his comment about the Dream Act an about how people should “self deport” and he lost votes from Women when he said he was against abortion. I personally shuddered when Paul Ryan said:”I want to make abortion illegal” and I turned to my Husband and said :”That just lost them the election”! My Husband disagreed but I knew most women that I knew including myself did not like that comment. The Country needed someone in the middle and though I liked Romney, t the end of the day he was just too conservative.
This is an interesting article: http://cowboybyte.com/14820/forward-to-the-obama-layoffs/ I am retired, but I so feel for those that are not.
Patty, I’ll have some pie! Pie makes everything better! <3
Marie, I didn’t know MN had the highest voter turnout. That is impressive and says a lot about the people who live there. A state that can elect Al Franken and Michelle Bachmann. Says a lot about the independence and diversity of thought that is there.
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I agree with those who recognize that the demographic that the GOP most appeals to these days isn’t sizable enough to win national elections anymore. If you truly believe the economy needs to be in the hands of the GOP/conservatives, then you really need to dig deep and try and understand *why* the aforementioned groups are so turned off by the GOP’s message. Hint: it’s not because we want “free stuff.” It is (partly) because many of your candidates have been downright hostile to non-Christians, non-Whites, non married women, non straights, etc.
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Lastly, I was told to go read the Wall Street Journal…so I did! Of course, I recognize the Wall Street Journal is biased as well – it swings rightward, but it is still one of the best sources of news and information available. There was a very interesting article – “CEOs Have a Message for Washington: Stop It Already.” While there was a diversity of thought there (one CEO was even happy Obama was re-elected, imagine!), one message came through very clear – they want our leaders in Washington (both Republican and Democratic) to begin working together to solve our problems. So it’s not just Pam and me saying it! 😉
Romney was not hostile to any group. Were there idiot candidates in this election….absolutely and they were on both sides.
Just unreal that anyone can get elected with a past performance like Obama’s.
Snickers-
I don’t know how to fix healthcare nor how to stop the layoffs. I know that in 1990 we started to see the outsourcing of jobs. They are outsourced because it’s cheaper. No OSHA, no healthcare requirement, no minimum wage.
The doctors are looking at a future where the majority of their patients are on Medicare and if they want to stay in business they will accept 81% of their current fee for service.
Doctors are not raking it in (generally, I know some specialties do just fine), the hospitals are not raking it in, but insurance companies are reporting record profits.
I know the problem but I do not know the solution. If I did I would sell it to the highest bidder. All of these things affect real people. As recently as 2009 60% of all bankruptcies are precipitated by a personal health crisis. The cost of medical school continues to rise while the ability to pay back a loan continues to fall.
Anya –
You forget we elected Jessie Ventura governor too. And as a matter of fact he did a decent job of it. There was a little election day blurb back in 2008 where NBC followed Mondale to the polls that were in a grade school cafeteria. One side of the cafeteria had a line of little kids ‘registering’ and voting. It was the cutest thing ever.
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I do most of my reading online so I hit left, right and center. It always surprises me what I can read in one place and then read something completing different in another. I do a lot of fact check if it’s something that I care about.
Stu –
The 47% comment of Romney’s would be interpreted as hostile. But a lot of what was interpreted as hostile came from the republican platform. (I’m totally ignoring a handful of nutball remarks on rape) Romney represents that platform. I know from the news left/right that Romney not backing the auto bailout was interpreted as hostile.
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Obama called out the 5 top oil companies as not getting anymore handouts. That’s hostile. He called out all companies outsourcing that the tax break was going to go away. Again, that’s hostile.
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The difference is that the interpretation is that Obama was hostile to a smaller demographic. That’s how he won. Every media outlet said that exit polls said Romney would handle the economy better. Yet they voted for Obama. If the Republicans want a winner they need to answer that question. I do see a lot of finger pointing from the more conservative media. They have 23 months before the next chance to make a change.
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Here in MN we had the republican house put two ballot amendments on that they admitted were to bring out the base so they had more conservatives at the polls than liberals. Now that the numbers are in what happened was the opposite. We had 43K people that didn’t vote for either O or R but voted to defeat the amendments. We had a very conservative county go Romney all the way but still voted to defeat the amendments. It went so badly that we now have a dem house, a dem senate and a dem governor for the first time since the 90’s.
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I don’t think we are dealing with the same voters that we were in 2008. And if a conservative candidate wants to win on a national level then they have to start by defining what they have to offer that demographic. Obviously, that’s just my opinion.
Bibi, I don’t get a chance to interact with immigrants as much as I used to anymore (I did when I had another job.) I DEFINITELY believe we need immigration reform. My husband works for a company that lost an excellent worked when the government deported him. No one knew he was an illegal immigrant. They only knew he was a very good worker.
My grandfather was an immigrant to this country. I am so glad he made the decision to move to the US. So glad!
Big difference between legal and illegal immigration.We need immigrants but we also need those who respect our laws. The first step must be a secure boarder. Then we can figure out what to do with those that are here. A much tougher issue.
The 47% comment although received poorly and framed by the media…. was a very true statement. Conservatives much reach out to the changing American landscape…not change there convictions.
Stu –
I don’t think they should change what they are offering either. That rings hollow to me. They need to look at those convictions and define what they will do for the demographic that they aren’t reaching now.
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Purely shallow side, I do think it would help if the celebrities delivering the message were a little more mainstream. The whole Nugent/Meatloaf/Norris thing really pidgeon holed the demographic that was already onboard.
The fall out begins, CIA director.
This thread has stayed very civil, it’s great to be able to discuss important topics without arguing & fighting.
Just 1 of the many things I like about IW.
Yep, Anya and I can share that pie. 🙂