GOP 2012 – Pre-Debate Prattling – Perry To Debate, Romney’s Economic Plan, Bachmann Loss of Ed Rollins, Paul & the Youth Vote, MSNBC Wed. at 8PM EST

The September 7th Contenders - photo 2012 Presidential Elections.com via Politico



The GOP Debate at the Reagan Library is co-sponsored this cycle by NBC (MSNBC) and Poltico.com. The schedule and pre-debate guide is available at www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/62275.html,and, as noted on Politico each debate presents a “crucial test” for each candidate in the arena. Brian Williams of NBC and Politico’s Harris will be the moderators, and the post debate analysis will be in the hands of MSNBC’s Matthews, Maddow and Sharpton! In this instance, those included are: Michelle Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney and Rick Perry, the next debate will be September 12th in Florida sponsored by CNN and the Tea Party Express which will take place in Tampa Florida.

As each debate passes, one more candidate (or two) shine, while others are forced to face the inevitable, however, it is still too early for those in the current “top tier” to consider doing anything but staying in the game. In past election cycles, debates and early caucus and primary states, generally leave the field depleted, with one or possibly two candidates pushing through to “Super Tuesday”. The debate forum allows prospective voters to hear candidate’s ideas on crucial issues, as well as to view how well they perform under pressure. In the last televised debate on Fox, both Bachmann and Romney appeared to fare the best in this opinion, however, with Rick Perry in the arena, all bets are off. Going into the debate, the latest round of GOP candidate news is, as usual, somewhat biased (sarcasm) and there may be actual infighting among the candidates (also sarcasm – as there is supposed to be jabs, barbs, and remarks made in any political competition – it is the fact that one can deliver a well timed barb, and the fact that one can deflect it with grace and ease, that makes for grand political theater and allow the “rest of us” the ability to decide how well both the attacker and the target sparred – let’s call them verbal gladiators.

From the Press pre-NBC-Politico Debate:

Mitt Romney unveiled his Economic Plan this week and immediately was met with widespread criticism – perhaps the most dismissive from Time Magazine’s Swampland. Included in the article is a quote from Brad Woodhouse of the Democratic National Committee:

If Mitt Romney has expressed a single original idea on the economy in the entire time he has been running for President – for the second time – you could auction it off on eBay in the rare stamp collection area.”

He goes on to tie Romney to the Tea Party (Fear Factor for the Left) (source Time Magazine).

Michelle Bachmann cleaned house, cutting loose two of her campaign officials, yet the New York Times headlines: “Loss of Top Two Aides Raises Questions About Bachmann Campaign; referring to the loss of Ed Rollins, former campaign manager for Ronald Reagan and most recently for Mike Huckabee in 2008. Bachmann, in losing Rollin’s early, does nothing but lighten the campaign load (in this opinion, given the Huckabee experience in 2008). The headline might have better read: Bachman Cuts deadwood from Campaign. Campaign staffers come and go on a regular basis in the early stages of campaigns, and one must remember that this is the early stage of the campaign. Bachmann, although called “crazy” by Time, is smart, savvy and understands her positioning, both in the polls, and most likely with the “Republican Establishment”.

The "Republican Establishment" (i.e. members of the political class) feels it has the right to pick the next GOP candidate – something akin to the Democrats Super delegates, and the wonder of how Obama got elected (except the Republican Establishment does not have an ACORN).

Meanwhile, Ron Paul the Libertarian leaning “Republican” is racking up support as usual, or more than usual, across the youth spectrum, specifically on campus’s. Paul is a very smart man, his understanding of the Constitution and the laws governing the U.S., is exemplary, what he lacks in foreign policy gravitas however, is in equal measure to the aforementioned.

Rick Perry, who shot to the top of the polls upon announcing, knocking Mitt Romney off his pedestal for a moment, (as polls will remain fluid through early 2012), was at first, not attending this debate due to the disastrous wildfires in Texas, however, Texan’s, are tough, and Perry is flying over to California to the debate after all. He receives advise from the Houston Chronicles “Texas on the Potomac”. Included in the article are “Five Things Rick Perry Should Avoid at Tonight’s Debate” (that’s actually the title). It appears that Texas are all in with a native son, (whether that advise is satire, or heartfelt, is often difficult to determine.)

That said, regardless of the media calling each of their own debates – crucial, while constantly harping on the “lateness of the hour” – there are these factors to consider. Debates are crucial in that they winnow the chaff from the wheat, just a bit. However, one must understand, outside of the media and the political junkies, very few people on the street (with exception of those Tea Party Members who actually pay attention) know who these candidates are, and won’t until the Nominating process is at or near it’s end! In fact, during the 2010 election, coming out of the polls, some individuals polls immediately following casting their vote were unable to tell who else was on the ticket, including Vice Presidential candidates. Therefore, as those who pay attention early, are those who again are political junkies, and are also able to forecast a train wreck well in advance (example: The 2008 Democrat nominating process: throwing Clinton under the bus, and Super delegates made up of members of Congress, bypassing the popular vote, and nominating Barack Obama.)

In some bizarre state of political Machiavellian tactics, that may have seemed like a grand idea at the time, however, normally letting those that go to the polls, have their say early in, and through the entire nominating process may be the better of the two ideas (see Republican Establishment).

In this bloggers mind, the candidates tonight who manage to get in barbs remain animated, and engaging, while not going over the top of reality, and maintaining their cool, will win the day. Early Projections: Perry, Bachmann and Romney will come out shinning, Santorum, Gingrich, and Huntsman will be heard, at any cost, and Cain, he may be the wild card. It will be, as a feminist, interesting to see how well Bachmann handles the two “top tier” candidates Perry and Romney, and how much equal time will be given across the board, to all candidates – or if the focus will be on the “Top Two”.

Again, the next debate will be in Tampa Florida, on the 12th of September and hosted by CNN and the Tea Party Express, >Wolf Blitzer will moderate – grab the popcorn!

A Full schedule of all debates is available at www.youdecidepolitics.com/2012, with 3 scheduled in Sept., two in October, one in December in 2011. In 2012, when the primary season begins to kick off: there are, at present, five additional debates scheduled from January through March.

Palin in New Hampshire – Fires Up Crowd Estimated at 1,000 plus – Question of Not If, When She Will Announce

Sarah Palin Fires Up New Hampshire Tea Party - photo Anna Hemond




At first, the crowd in Veterans Park, Manchester, NH was mainly Tea Party Express personnel and press, lots of press, Press from New Hampshire, neighboring New England States, and CNN, as the hour wore on, and the Tea Party rally began, the field started to get crowded. “Embedded” NBC Reporter, Alexandra Moe tweeted “Palin ends speech to over 1,000 in NH: "We will continue to fight for what is right; thank you Tea Party"

Although many in the press were there hoping Palin would announce, thereby getting “the scoop”, so to speak, there is no doubt that Palin is the one to watch from now until she announces. There were a few clues dropped: During her speech the crowd erupted with a chant of “run, Sarah, run” to which she thanked them for “their encouragement” (full CNN video below). That said, there was perhaps, the biggest clue available in the form of a Tea Party Program Book, distributed throughout the crowd. A CNN Tea Party Debate is scheduled for September 12th. A recent post on CNN on September 1st, notes that Palin was invited to attend, however a Palin Representative had not yet responded.

The event drew Tea Party members from Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut, and featured Presidential candidate, Buddy Roemer, as the candidate speaker. The fact that the Tea Party movement in New Hampshire on Labor Day could draw that size of a crowd, speaks volumes about the change in attitude in the region. Comments from those queried who were of an age to recall life under Jimmy Carter, see a route in 2012, of similar proportions.


Crowd packs the stage, left right and center - photo Anna Hemond

Other candidates who had supporters at the event were Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, Bill Hudak who will run in 2012 in the Massachusetts 6th Congressional District (Note: Massachusetts has yet to announce the outcome of the redistricting and which seat will be chopped due to loss of population in the 2010 census), and Christopher Hill, a New Hampshire, an airline pilot, and veteran who is also running for President.

What this blogger brought away from the event was the power that is Sarah Palin, and her ability to strike a note of real life camaraderie with those in the audience. It is, in a word, contagious. Having listed to stump speeches from local to Presidential Candidates for both major parties (including one James Carter), since 1972, without a doubt, Palin delivers. Bottom line, the most inspiring speech to date, and one can anticipate more in the future. In the interest of full disclosure: Shouting “Run Sarah Run appeared to be the only option, as a conservative, as a mother, and as a feminist and one who wishes to see the great nation back on the right track.


(video from CNN)

Link to You Tube Video Palin's New Hampshire Speech

Grass Roots Organizations Organize 4 Palin (find your state)
Students 4 Palin (Campus arm)
Sarah Pac
Team Sarah

Sarah Palin In New Hampshire Today, Media Circles Wagons – Rolls Out Huntsman – Relies on Skewed Fox News Poll Data - Analysis

Palin will roll into New Hampshire today, The Question Remains: When will She Announce? - photo ABC News Blogs

Sarah Palin will speak today in Manchester, New Hampshire at a Tea Party sponsored event – the question of when she will enter the 2012 GOP race is apparently driving American media over the ledge. New Hampshire, from any point of view, is one of the most important, if not the most important “First in the Nation” GOP primary state, and Palin’s speech today is much anticipated, not only from the media, but from both Palin supporters as well as other GOP candidates – on the one hand hoping today will be the day she announces, on the other hand, fearing that she may. The New Hampshire Union Leader’s As Palin returns to NH, questions abound” features the usual political science professor, a quote from a “conservative” and or “Republican” and one of the lowest rung GOP candidates, John Huntsman who is not overly concerned with Palin entering the race. The article also includes polling which indicated that Palin does poorly among Republicans, yet in this instance, admits that things may change should she formally announce.

The poll which all media is abuzz, including the New York Daily News, is a Fox News Poll released on September 1st, which shows Perry leading Romney, followed by – Palin. The poll included 911 registered voters, of which 40% indicated they will vote in the Democrat primary in 2012. In the 2nd question for Republican’s only, Palin is not included in the field of choices, however, question #3, asks all respondents (includes 40% Democrats), if Palin should run for President, of those 74% said no – leading to the headlines: paraphrased: “Palin Loses Republican Support, Republican’s want Palin out of the Race”, however disingenuous this may appear, and it does, (with 40% of at 74% being Democrats), one thing is certain, in Question 28, with Palin included in the race, she places third behind Perry and Romney, without having announced. Perry, if one wishes to recall, was polling being both Romney and Bachmann prior to his official entry into the race.

In this case, one must agree with Palin when she quips ”Polls are for Strippers and Cross Country Skiers”. This is true when polls are skewed only slightly.

On things is certain, Manchester New Hampshire will be the destination today, for the media, who endlessly harangues Palin, yet is obviously obsessed, to Tea Party groups from the newly Red State of New Hampshire as well as nearby States such as Massachusetts (See Partial List of Massachusetts Tea Party Groups), and those who Republicans and Independents and Moderate Conservative Feminists who might want to see Palin Speak – on Labor Day, in the “Live Free or Die, Granite State, where the first in the Nation primary is held.

Will Palin choose today to announce her candidacy for the 2012 GOP nominee? That is up to Sarah Palin, and though the media continues to pound home that she must adhere to their timetable, Palin understands (as do those who recall living through Jimmy Carter’s presidency), the polls on one Ronald Reagan, the media attacks on one Ronald Reagan, and Reagan's November , 1979 entry into the “race” (note: although his biography indicates his “closest circle” knew well beforehand) which resulted in a complete route of Carter the following year.
Many may retort that Palin is no Reagan, and agreed, she is Palin, unique unto herself, and as such, one who slayed dragons, both Republican and Democrats, without regard to political party, and or self aggrandizement. Her entry into the race would undoubtedly change the polls (strippers and cross country skiers alike), and not unlike Reagan, surprise the media and those inside the Beltway.

It is not without some feminist bias that this blog continues to endorse a Palin candidacy, however, it is also not without some thought and research, that leads to the conclusion that Palin, of all candidates would be the best to lead this nation, at this time, without respect for party, but with a great deal of respect for the people whom she would represent. It is the sacrifice she has already made, that must weigh heavy on her decision, and yet those of us who ask her to take the next step, and to put herself in front of the media firing line, do so out of some desperation for our nation, as well as knowledge that she is competent to do the job and lead women, regardless of party, into the 21st century. At times we forget, that women still earn less than their male counterparts, and had only receive the right to vote in 1920, but most importantly, that regardless of party affiliation, and regardless of the wrath of NARAL and other pro-abortion groups (as if that is the only issue affecting women), Palin would lead us forward, and take no flake from the press nor her detractors, without answering in kind, which is what has been lacking in the Office, lo these many years, and through several administrations.

2012 Roundup Palin Heads to NH & IA Labor Day, To Speak at World Conference in Korea, Obama Fumbles Job Speech, Rick Perry - Trojan Horse?

Will Palin Announce in Time to Join the Debate? image newsrealblog

As the President’s job speech and the timing thereof, appear to have caused a bit of consternation amongst all politicos, the appearance of lack of control over a simple speech, further indicates an administration in a campaign that is imploding. First, the President had schedule his “Jobs creation” speech at the same time as the September 7th Republican Convention. After some kickback from within the Republican ranks, as well as pundits such as James Carville, Democrat Strategist, who termed the timing out-of-bounds, noting that the preference of viewers, including himself, would be the Republican Debate, Team Obama decided that a better time would be might be during the NFL Opening game, until there was more dissent, and the final time choice became the pre-game warm-up.

Meanwhile, Sarah Palin is headed to New Hampshire and Iowa to speak at Tea Party Events over Labor Day Weekend. On Monday September 5th, Palin will be in Manchester New Hampshire, following an appearance in Iowa on the 3rd, where she will be a keynote speaker at a Tea Party Rally in Indianola. Speculation has grown as to when the former Alaska Governor and 2008 GOP VP Nominee might announce her intent to run for the Presidency – or not as the case may be – the latest date being the end of September. However, it appears to some news outlets that former GOP Front-runner Mitt Romney, will be in both places at the same time, obviously overshadowed by Palin and or a Palin announcment.

Further, speculation that the announcement must come fairly soon is evidenced (according to some pundits) by Palin’s appearance at the South Korean World Knowledge Forum 2011 which features multiple speakers including Heads of State and Global Business Leaders. One would think that this type of forum might be a place where a prestigious U.S. Presidential Candidate would fare quite well, setting the foreign policy, global business bar fairly high for other candidates. The conference is also scheduled during a GOP debate, which begs the question: will Palin announce her intent to run, or will she be a cheerleader for the eventual nominee? Smart money is on the announcement, the timing of which no one but Palin and her family are privy.

Although asked and answered a million times about an Iowa Tea Party announcement, not one question has been brought to bear about a New Hampshire Tea Party announcement. Therefore, it behooves one to speculate on that particular aspect of a possible announcement in New Hampshire post Labor Day Weekend. The reasoning: timing and taking the sails out of the pundit’s winds, such as Karl Rove who had chosen Iowa. In addition the New Hampshire landscape will be chock full of politicians, including the aforementioned Mitt Romney. Of special interest, her New Hampshire speech is schedule right before the Presidential Debate on the 7th, giving Palin time to possibly join the party at the Reagan Presidential Library. The Debate is hosted by Politico and NBC News. Why would Palin be able to attend at this late date? She may have received an invitation from

Former first lady Nancy Reagan (who) sent an invitation to the presidential hopefuls who meet the eligibility standards, which require that a candidacy be formally announced and that a candidate captures at least 4 percent in one of eight national polls.

(Politico)

This insertion into the Debate Schedule which also is Rick Perry’s debut, would turn this debate from a “barn-burner” (quoted: James Carville) into possibly one of the highest rated debates in history. Other candidates included are Romney, Cain, Bachmann and Paul (all of whom have done well in one or more of the eight polls In addition, it would be a coup for Palin to knock out one debate ball park before heading off to Korea’s World Knowledge Forum as a bona fide Candidate for the U.S. Presidency. Again that’s speculation and her announcement may come simply via You Tube (or a quick press conference) from her home in Wasilla, Alasak sometime before the end of October. That said the former (although speculation) would place Palin in a key position to upend the pundits, dominate a debate and hit the world stage running.

What of the current front-runner, Governor Rick Perry? An interesting op-ed piece at Politico by Paul Goldman and Mark Rozell puts forth the theory that Perry’s candidacy actually may help Michelle Bachmann. The scenario is laid out in such a manner that should Bachmann best Perry in the Iowa Caucus, she may go onto take the nomination, not unlike Obama, Carter and Clinton. However, there is another point of view vis a vis the relationship between Perry and Palin that bears some scrutiny. Perry, who is billed as a Tea Party Candidate, and has bona fides in that respect, is also known in Texas as a career politicians and aggressive campaigner. Moreover when Perry appeared to be on the verge of losing the governorship to Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Palin stepped in and rallied the base – which put Perry in the position for this run. Perry is viewed on the national (media) stage (by independents and Democrats) as someone who is far right of the mainstream, mixing religion with state politics (true or not, the Prayer rally for rain may have given that impression), his views on seceding from the Union, his views on Social Security as a Ponzi scheme (although he may have hit the nail on the head), all lead to a candidate as frontrunner who is just not acceptable to the all important independent voter.

Additionally, front runners lose that status as new challengers emerge, especially one that would, by virtue of Rick Perry being Rick Perry, appear to be the middle ground candidate, one who has the peoples interest in mind, one who has governed effectively, one who has succeeded in ridding her state of corrupt politicians, from both parties – one Sarah Palin. Perry, in his extreme right state of appearance, gives Palin the appearance of moderation. In addition, Perry has taken the wind out of Romney’s sails, so to speak, and should Palin announce, there would be the potential for Perry to drop in the polls. Should this occur, Romney would also decline, in theory, following suit, giving Palin, with the highest name recognition of any candidate, the lead. (The same can be said vis a vis Bachmann and Perry.)

What is certain, the incumbent will be a one-term president, the poll numbers continue to decline, and Democrats are praying that Hillary Clinton resigns tomorrow and mounts a challenge. From Vermont’s Sander’s to the Los Angeles Times looking for clues in a recent White House Press briefing, all eyes are on the former first lady, to take a stab at saving the brand and the White House. That said, it is doubtful that, with her close association with Obama (be it forced or a case of “keeping ones enemies closer”), it would allow the GOP opponent to cast Clinton in an Obama light, which regardless of her popularity, would render her unelectable – perhaps.

Gallup – Obama Approval Slips Amongst Women – What are the Odds? Clinton, Bachmann, Palin. Polling on the Street from Dallas to Miami

Any on of these women is the preference in 2012 among a broad Demographic - non-scientific blogger poll - image political news now


From :CNS News, comes an article regarding the Presidents approval among women, slipping as he round out 2012. The Polling data from Gallup shows that Obama among Women has slipped 4 points since July of this year, to a low of 41%. The old adage, the “buck stops here”, applies, both in terms of the President’s poll numbers and the working women’s pocketbook. As costs rise across the board on food, housing and clothing, one can anticipate that those numbers will decrease, especially with more than one woman in the race for the Presidency. As of this moment, Michelle Bachmann, is the only woman who has formally announced her candidacy - and a recent Quinnipiac poll suggests that, although Rick Perry and Mitt Romney lead the “pack” for the Republican primary vote, both Sarah Palin (unannounced) and Bachmann, come in third and fourth..

However, is it truly a boy’s club situation, when the nomination of the next GOP presidential candidate, along with a possible run by Hillary Clinton against the incumbent, Obama, rests with the nation’s largest “silent majority”?
Palin, has yet to announce her intent, (Washington Post)although the most recognized “candidate” in most polls, she has a ways to go as far as her favorability amongst core Republicans and Republican leaning Independents. According to a Washington Post article today, Palin will be in Iowa and New Hampshire to address Tea Party groups, yet will not formally announce until end of September. (This is plenty of time, al la Ronald Reagan). Although her polling to date, shows her in the field, lagging behind front runners, that may be due to the fact that she has not announced, rather than any other factor.

Rumors of Hillary Clinton getting back into the Presidential political fray and challenging Barack Obama have resurfaced. With Democrats growing increasingly skeptical of Obama’s chances of reelection (fading), looking for the candidate who a)should have won in 2008, and b) would have done a better job with the economy, etc., makes Hilary the obvious choice. So much so that a Facebook Pace of Clinton Supporters has emerged, and they are taking donations - $20.12. The page fan site is currently low at 1400, however, it goes without saying that Clinton remains extremely popular among Democrats, especially women, and has cross-over potential among both Independents, and some Republicans. She has, however, continually denied any ambition to challenge Obama in 2012 – that said, with pressure mounting, and her party and the nation is a shambles, one might have to ask, would she stand on the sidelines?

Is the United States ready for a woman to lead? According to a recent Rasmussen Poll 73% of the participant would see a women elected within the next 10 years: missing from the questions – would one vote for a women in 2012?

As the President’s polling numbers show, across multiple pollsters, that he is most likely unelectable in 2012, the field of potential GOP becomes one for scrutiny across all party lines, as one will most likely be the next President. At the moment, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas leads the field, with Mitt Romney, a close second, and as noted both Bachmann and Palin (unannounced) in the mix. A recent survey (unscientific) on this bloggers part, took place over the past few days, traveling from Massachusetts to Dallas Texas, to Miami and back. In the process, asking preference for 2012 and specifically questions regarding the Governor of Texas while in Dallas, this is the general consensus. A good percentage of the queried in Texas find their current Governor to be a “career politician”, and indicated that their preference would lay elsewhere, although with no clear signal as to which candidate in cases where the respondent was a male.

However, among women, especially Latinos, there was a common theme – it is time for a woman to take the helm. It was not a question of which woman, at this point, and these women queried, focused heavily on the economy, giving poor grades to both Presidents’ Bush and Obama, prior to noting that Bachmann seemed competent, a few who knew of Sarah Palin, would give her the grade, and several hoped for a Clinton return to the ring. The most comprehensive interview given, brought up the fact that women were leading, and moving the economy in the right direction Latin American. The choice was, any women that has governed, would be the preference for this Latina, who spoke of the rising costs of goods, the fact that she and others were working and paying taxes while there was a huge percentage of Americans who did not, and that it was time to give someone else a chance. The idea that giving a chance to a woman was most appealing, and that this individual was expected only to try and fix the problem, was interesting in the pragmatic manner in which this particular respondent viewed the political fortunes of the current and future Presidents. What was particularly astounding (given the Media reports and Demographics) is several of the Latino’s queried, sounded more “Tea Party” than independent, and that the focus on fiscal responsibility, entitlements and job growth, was in step with those asked in Massachusetts in recent months. (Tea Party)

Again, although spot polling of men and women, virtually on the street, gives one a sense of what people may be thinking in one part of the nation or another, and is, again, non-scientific, those queried do belie the prevalent media think –additionally, one finds that those queried, specifically of Hispanic/Latino decent are extremely patriotic, are not interested in seeing Obama get a “second chance” and are interested in looking at which women are running (this also crosses gender demographics.)

One would hope that those women who are announced, or yet to be announced, make good use of internal polling, specifically the growing Hispanic/Latino bloc, as well as a general poll, similar to Rasmussen. Finally, regardless of who receives the Republican nomination, that individual, in 100% of those queried, will receive the vote. Finally, do not ignore Massachusetts, although thought to be a strong “blue state” and “Safe Democrat”, it is not a winner take all state, and goes towards delegates at the national Republican convention. There are two specific reasons: one to pick up extra delegates (needing only 15% of the primary vote to qualify for delegates), and 2) should the primary produce significant numbers for Massachusetts it would broadcast a strong signal to the balance of the nation that a Reagan tip election is at hand.