2012 Update - Cain Tied With Romney in new CBS Poll – Speculation: Palin Decision – After October 11th.

The rise of the Second Tier to First Tier - Cain with Gingrich? - image bookerrising.net



From CBS News: A poll released today by CBS News shows former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney tied with conservative businessman, Herman Cain. The CBS poll was conducted over a five day period ending October 2nd, and included 1012 adults, however, there was no indication of party affiliation and or voter or intent to vote status. Of the eight GOP candidates, both Cain and Romney are at 17%, followed by Perry at 12%, Gingrich at 8%, Ron Paul at 7%, Michele Bachmann at 4%, Rick Santorum at 3% and John Huntsman at 2%. The undecided are currently at 18%, down from 22% two weeks ago. Herman Cain has shown a meteoric rise in the past two weeks, going from a 5 to 17% tie with Mitt Romney.


CBS Poll from CBS News.com


Marginals are not available on the CBS News website, however, the fluidity of the polls at this juncture is normal, and although there may be “front-runners”, their fortunes are subject to change as debates take place, and positions are solidified. Sarah Palin, former GOP Vice Presidential candidate and Governor of Alaska, has yet to announce her intentions. She had stated in an interview in Iowa in early September that she would make her decision public by September or October. It would not be out of character for Palin to announce as a late entry at the end of October, given her name recognition, and fund-raising ability. The next GOP debate will take place on October 11th, at Dartmouth College sponsored by Bloomberg Television, the Washington Post and WBIN TV. It is unlikely that Palin would make an announcement prior to that debate as she is schedules to speak at the World Knowledge Forum in South Korea, the same day . However, the next schedule debate will take place on the 18th of October, in Las Vegas Nevada. That debate is sponsored by CNN and the Wes tern Republican Leadership Conference.

The best option for Palin to enter the field in October would be after her appearance at the World Knowledge Forum and before the CNN debate on the 18th. This would give time for the current field to have one more showing at the debate forum - which should give Herman Cain a solid advantage over both Perry and Romney, while allowing Gingrich enough air time to gain ground and push ahead of Rick Perry. Therefore, Palin would have the advantage of coming into a level field - using CNN limited data, assuming no changes to the undecided’s, she would pull the undecided’s, while peeling votes from Perry and Bachmann to take the lead going into the November debates. Should Palin decide, against the odds (given her grassroots campaign –in-waiting, and appearances giving every indications she will be a candidate), not to run in 2012, one can see Cain with his populist, upbeat and take no prisoners persona, pulling well into the lead running into November, as he would pull any Palin “undecided’s” to his campaign.

Additional as of October 4, 2011 via Politico: "Sarah Palin-affiliated law firm made early-state deadline inquiries": Note: Palin is the only other candidate that comes to mind, uses this law firm and is considering a run for the Presidency - Those odds just got better.

WV Governors Race - Will the 2012 Special Elections Be a Repeat of 2010? The Rebranding of American Politics

In 2010, the first salvo’s fired from the voters came with the election in Virginia of Republican Robert McDonnell followed by the shock of John Corzine’s, a New Jersey Democrat Icon, loss to Republican newcomer, Chris Christie. The final nail in the proverbial coffin came with the special election in Massachusetts, of Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate, in a 5 point lead over Martha Coakley, which in terms of Massachusetts and the ability of the dead to vote, was a screaming referendum on the Democrat Party. The three together herald the historic gains of Republican’s in the House in 2010.

2012, so far, indicates a similar political landscape, perhaps even more telling than Christie’s win in New Jersey, the win in New York’s 9th District which saw Republican, Bob Turner, with no previous government experience, elected to the office held by Democrats since the 1920’s. Today, West Virginia will go to the polls in yet another special election. Two weeks ago, polls tightened in the W.V. race, with Republican, Bill Maloney, in a statistical tie with current Democrat Govenor, Earl Ray Tomblin, whose had desperate misleading campaign adspulled from the air. Maloney, a businessman, is also not a seasoned politico and one has to take into account that West Virginia, was the home of Robert Byrd the longest serving Democrat in the history of the Senate. With clear skis forcast for the “Mountain State”, a win by Maloney will be akin to an earthquake. Not for nothing, but on January 19, 2009, the weather was fair in the Bay State.

A win today for Maloney, just like the previous two special congressional elections (Mark Amodei, Republican, in Nevada and the New York 9th) will be a referendum, not only on Obama, as many in the press indicate,, but on the Democrat Brand, and in total, the “Washington as usual” brand. This leaves room for speculation on the 2012 race in total, and the dismay of those elite in Washington and both coasts, in both major political parties, who are fearful of a win by candidates who resonate with “the people” such as Herman Cain, or the yet to announce, Sarah Palin.
The fact that “Washington” and the “elites” who run both major political parties, as well as the conventional press, no longer hold sway with the electorate, will make this 2012 election cycle one of the most interesting in memory. Moreover, this portends the historical election of the individual, rather than the “political party”. That would herald a return to the vision of those who authored the Constitution and held political parties in abhorrence, which may be why those Tea Party Candidates, whether running as a Republican or a Democrat (that is not a typo), are replacing those with long ties to political organizations or are career politicians.

2012 GOP Update: Herman Cain Wins Florida Straw Poll, SNL Spoofs Fox (and All Media) Debates, Chris Christie Ponders Run - Palin Silent

Cain and Gingrich - Take them Seriously - image aaiusa.org


2012 GOP Presidential Candidate, Herman Cain, trounced the field of candidates, including Rick Perry and Mitt Romney, in what is being classified as a “surprise” win. One should understand that just perhaps, this early in the game (although by media standards it is “late” in the game” therefore, frontrunners must be chosen, except front runners, generally end up forgotten at this same period of time from an historical perspective), Cain’s future in the nominating process, along with Newt Gingrich, and, perhaps, just perhaps, other candidates who may yet enter, is not surprising, rather expected.

After the poor performance (from this perspective) of both “front runners”, Mitt Romney and Rick Perry, in the last Fox debate, the balance of the field began to take on a whole new meaning to Conservatives, Republicans, Republican Leaning Independents, and yes, Republican leaning Democrats, who are now searching for who makes the most sense to lead this country forward – They understand there is no rush to jump on board with one candidate. Michelle Bachmann put it best at the Fox debate, when she noted that “Conservatives don’t have to settle” and “Obama’s poll numbers haven’t even reached bottom yet” (paraphrased from FOX news debate), as it very true this time. Perhaps that is why, from those who this blog snap polled immediately following the debate (and who make up a cross section of the aforementioned demographics, the big winners were Cain and Gingrich.

It is about choices: making the best choice to move the nation forward, and yes, there is still time for others to enter the debate arena, up until November of this year (filing deadlines).

Although one might want to look at straw polls in general as “paid polls for contestants, and fundraisers for local or state political parties”, there is some meaning to be derived from winning such a poll, those paying to be invested in the poll, as surrounded by the base of that party – in this case, the base in Florida was quite clear – Herman Cain was their choice.

An interesting aside: the debut of Saturday Night Live, featured a segment on “the 8th or 9th GOP Debate, using the usual comedic DNC talking points, in the intro, but the point was well taken: when watching the Fox Debate, it was evident that other than Perry and Romney, the other candidates were largely sidelined or ignored (giving CNN the win so far on debate management and production). Best lines awarded to Florida Straw Poll winner, Herman Cain, with a routine on Pizza delivery. One thing is evident, SNL needs to find less “tired” lead in jokes, and come up with something new – surely there are more than a few jabs of a comedic nature that, not unlike the pizza stunt, would have made this clip more entertaining.



Perhaps that will take place once New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie, decides whether or not to run for the GOP brass ring, in a “few days”, unless of course, those anonymous tips that were used by Politico to push the “story” were pulling a leg somewhere. Christie, who won the seat as Governor in a special election in 2009, had already stated on several occasions that he was not interested, however, given the current field (Cain, Gingrich excepted – so far), then he may feel obligated to jump into the fray.


Silence from the Palin camp(aign)- So Far - image mediaite.com

Additionally, there has been virtual silence from Palin, who, of all candidates (or potential candidates), would be the only one with a clear record on taxes, governing, and yes, bonus, she can debate. Regardless of naysayers in the Republican establishment and skewed polls indicated she would lack Republican support (easily done if one uses a majority of Democrats for a sample – see Fox and McClatchy), the general fascination generated and evident in the MSN, what one does not see, more importantly - the grass roots in place for Palin which is – in two words: astonishing and intimidating. One has to ponder, when Palin is silent for an extended period of time, expect an announcement of some nature. She too has until November, and a smart strategy is to let the early front runners implode, especially when one has had time to organize.

CNN Tea Party Debate Review: Overall Winner – The Tea Party – All Candidates Rumble Showcase Ideas and Mettle – Palin If In - Strategy Brilliant

CNN-Tea Party Express Buses - Normalizing the Norm for America - image: humble libertarian.com


In what had begun as a grass roots revolt against higher taxes, the size and scope of the U.S. Government, government regulations run amok and a return to the U.S. Constitution, the Tea Party Movement (Taxed Enough Already), has been characterized as a right-wing, terrorist, crazy group of individuals, who’s raising political voice, terrorized the media and certain members of Congress and the Obama administration. The transition from fringe to mainstream was completed last evening by CNN News who co-hosted with the Tea Party, what has been to date, the best debate forum by any network, at the Tampa Fair Grounds. Wolf Blitzer took questions from both the audience in Tampa and remote location “watch parties” in three states. The size and scope of the Tea Party was made evident, and the questions posed to the GOP candidates were sound, having more to do with policy than frivolous “What would Jesus do?” questions heard in previous years debates. The pace was fast, yet, Blitzer gave time to all candidates insuring that although the alleged “front-runners” rumbled back and forth (Perry and Romney), each candidate was asked to weigh in – repeatedly. One might have expected such a move from FOX News and/or the ratings hungry MSNBC, in order to boost ratings, rather, CNN, has now become the voice of moderation – we have entered the political twilight zone.

As to winners and losers on technical points, Rick Perry held his own, yet appeared to be somewhat shaken by the repeated questions by his peers of his Executive Order mandating vaccination of pre-pubescent girls against the HPV virus, with an opt out, rather than an opt-in for parents. In addition, Perry’s in-state tuition for those on a pathway to citizenship was met with criticism. During both of these incidents, Romney remained silent, coming at Perry over the issue of Social Security. Romney, who became more apparently ruffled, looked on the verge of losing his temper on several occasions during the discourse. Bachmann appears to be still in the game and then some, appearing confident and much stronger than in the previous debate held on MSNBC, and Santorum, Gingrich and Cain offered reasonable options, along with the most moderate of the bunch, Huntsman. The perennial candidate, Congressman Ron Paul, went off the proverbial rails when he began to cite The U.S. as the cause of the attacks on September 11th, citing Osama Bin Laden – he was consequently, booed by those in attendance, and came off sounding less Libertarian than Progressive. Overall best line of the night went to Newt Gingrich: In an exchange between Romney and Perry regarding the disaster of Social Security and Romney assertion that Perry is “scaring the elderly”, Gingrich shot back: (paraphrased) "Obama is scaring everyone."

In watching the debate one began to have a sense that almost everyone of those individuals on the stage would bring ideas and leadership skills to the table, regardless of where the current standing is in the polls – the exception being, in this opinion, Ron Paul, who although brilliant, does differ from most Conservatives in regards to the root causes of September 11th, foreign policy overall, and the question of open borders. Moreover, it is clearly too early to call a permanent front-runner, as fortunes in the polls, come and go between September and the Debates of November and December, mere months before the first primary and caucuses in 2012.

This leaves room for additional candidates, a la Ronald Reagan, to enter the fray. Immediately following the debate, Sarah Palin weighed in on the debate and the performance of the current candidates, on Fox New with Greta Van Susteren, (video below). Asked and answered at least a thousand times, Palin continues to hold that her entry (or non-entry) into the 2012 field will be a time of her own choosing, not dictated by the media. However, the run-down on all candidates and the overall impression during her analysis was that she was readying to take to the field, as to timing of an announcement that is for Palin to decide. As a strategy, it may prove to be brilliant: first Mitt Romney lead the field, with his background in economics, and a short stint as Governor of Massachusetts, he was closely followed in the polls by Michelle Bachmann, who won the Iowa Straw Poll, and was within points of Romney. Perry entered the race to much anticipation, and shot past Romney, effectively pointing out to anyone with a grasp on reality that Romney has trouble holding his own in this field, and polls gave the favor to Perry, by double digits over the former Bay State Governor.

However, after last evenings debate, questions are clear as to Rick Perry’s management of the Executive order (and a possible tie to cronyism, which, although down home in style, Perry has been in a political office for the majority of his career – double points), and his immigration stance. This took a bit of shine off the Texas Governor. The points scored against Perry, as noted by the Austin Statesman came from “Second Tier Candidates” not his “chief rival”. One can view this as either Romney taking a break and letting the rest of the “pack” beat up Perry, or Romney preferred not to go where the tables could be turned on Romney.

Therefore, as the front runners so often take so many hits, and then begin to slide in the polls, a late entry not only picks up support from those candidates who no longer can sustain a campaign (too early), and /or those top tier candidates who are less appealing than at first glance. This is especially true, if one is in third place in polls, after several debates, having not announced any intentions. Those that want to ensure the nominees now, based on the current field, may have to wait, till the ides of September, or beyond – however, it is most likely that Palin will make an announcement sooner than later in order, in her words (paraphrased) to be fair to her supporters.

Fox Post Debate Palin Video Below

or linkVideo Foxnews.com/Palin vs.crony capitalism

In CNN’s post debate analysis, Bachmann scored the most points – suggest reading the transcript at www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/09/13/gop-debate-analysts/index.htm, for a take on the proceedings from the network who has, as of last evening (and possibly before as the CNN Express travels with the Tea Party Express), most accurately portrayed the Tea Party and its members as viable to the U.S., the World, the Military and Latino’s as it simulcast the debate on all of its channels.

Note: tips being what they are in the world of bloggers previous to the debate, from three different sources - “She will not appear at the debate (referring to Palin) or announce this evening” – “She’s not in Tampa….” When, may or may not be speculation at this point, but out of respect for the Governor, and in light of speculation being just that, one might hold off in noting a specific date mentioned. (In the event that this is not shear speculation) The pre-debate “intel” had Palin in Tampa, about to participate, (from a variety of forums/sites) and or weigh in at some point, which she did, from Alaska.

AP-GFK Poll - Republicans More Vested in Current GOP Fieldtes – 43% Dems Included in Poll – Missing: Obama Clearly Unelectable

From AP-GFK Poll Toplines: Democrats Leaning Towards Republican Candidates - Image: From APGFK Poll PDF Toplines


From the Miami Herald – the Headline: “AP-GfK Poll: Most Republicans happy with GOP field” belies the fact that the majority of those polled were Democrat, or Democrat leaning Independents. The Poll toplines can be found here in PDF. Those with the highest favorability ratings in this particular schematic are: Rudy Giuliani at 50%, Michele Bachman at 35%, Mitt Romney at 39%, Sarah Palin at 36%, Ron Paul at 37% and Rick Perry at 33%. Rudy Guiliani taking a substantial lead in a Republican poll as an unannounced candidate gave this blogger pause. As a result, a closer look at the Toplines revealed the fact that 32% of those polled as Republican’s included only 9% “Strong Republican, as opposed to 43% of Democrats at 13% Strong Democrat, which skews the poll results if, in fact, this poll headline suggests a Republican poll only. That said, with favorability ratings at above 32%, one understands that Democrats are engaged in the GOP candidates. Are they more likely Tea Party Members? The Tea Party, much maligned by the press as well as the Administration and Democrat Congressional Reps and Senators, attract more moderate Democrats and Independents – although no official polling has been done, Tea Party Groups are a mixture of political ideology and parties, all however, are vested the Constitution and Fiscal Restraint, which attributes can be attributed to either major political party moderates.

However, if those Democrats polled are vested in Republican Candidates, across the board, then one has to ponder the fact that up to 18% of Democrats are seriously looking at the GOP field. If this schematic is accurate, any one of the GOP nominees would be the next President, which is in line with Generic Ballots from Rasmussen August, 23, 2011 Generic Presidential Ballot 2012, where any Republican bests the President by a margin of 48%, to 43% (Obama).

In addition, as of this week Gallup’s Presidential Weekly Job Approval, shows Obama holding steady at 40%, which is a low point for the administration. In addition, most pollsters understand that there is a 5 point deficit to that poll, including the margin of error. At this point in time, should the economy fare worse or maintain its current status over the next three to six months, it is highly improbable that Obama will be reelected.

Moreover, the AP/GFK poll headline should have read: “Across the Board, Democrats and Republicans are more Interested in the GOP field than in previous months” – a more accurate headline, however, unlikely to get any attention from the press.

Sarah Palin 2012 – See you In September – From Pundits to the Press Belief that “She’s In” – What Took Them So Long?

Palin, Media in Frenzy, Iowa 2011 image Republican Redefined


Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska, 2008 GOP VP Nominee, and 2010 Congressional Makeover Artist, has indicated for the past twelve months or more, that she was considering a run for the White House in 2012. The Press, meanwhile, was focused on Palin’s daughter Bristol, and her appearance on “Dancing With the Stars, or any other opportunity to slam Palin either directly or through her family. Fox News Pundit, Karl Rove, was especially critical of Palin during this period, making several Fox New appearances, and letting Palin know just what this “old boy, from the old school, Washington Insider” though of her. Palin’s career, highlighted in the documentary “The Undefeated”, gives one the understanding that she is used to being maligned: by the Republican Party by the Press and by the Democrats (the later, only after she accepted the VP Nomination in 2008).
Over the last week, Palin, who had been in Ames IA during the Straw Poll, attending the State Fair, released the video below entitled “Iowa Passion”. Review the video and understand that this is the first shot heard round the Lower 48.



Apparently, Karl Rove, put down his chalkboard and watched the video (of course, there were other indicators, but for the sake of brevity, "Rove now believes that Palin will run for President."

Meanwhile, the media has ramped up watching every move she makes - this time to find a sign and “get the scoop” on her “announcement” – it’s a competitive industry. Knowing how much the press disdains Palin (see her surrounded in video above), it is becoming obvious, as the woes of our nation deepen, and as some of them have privately watched “The Undefeated”, the understanding of her political acumen, and experience, stamina and sheer will to take on the task – she may be the nation’s only hope, makes coverage critical.

From Politico: “Palin's Kansas City mystery tour”

“Sarah Palin apparently made a quick and, for her, unusually headline- and attention-free dash last week into Kansas City last home of the National World War I Museum.” (Politico)

First, the apparently “headline and attention free dash”, meant that Palin managed to evade the very media who is more interested in covering her, than she is being covered. (See Palin at Iowa State Fair, telling media to go follow someone else.) Secondly, the piece proves that any move Palin does make is a) of interest and b) must mean something!!

Yes, she may have wanted a moment of privacy or she’s gearing up her fundraising, or she’s being courted by an incumbent who may have to been as fiscally conservative as their constituents would prefer, and is in need of a little help from Sarah.

By way of example, The Hill Blog is now reporting that Palin’s power has reached the Senate, where Orin Hatch, is now trying to ingratiate himself with Palin in order to ensure his spot in the General Election. He’s facing a primary opponent, and without Palin’s support, may not make it onto the ballot.

She's a Powerful and Fair, Force to Be Reckoned With

She’s known to be outspoken, popular with a large percentage of the populace (not the Standard GOP, nor the White House, or Progressives, or, previously 100% of the media), but it is growing increasingly clear that the nation needs someone who has the ability to right wrongs, regardless of which Major Party Player, or special interest Group is Involved, will stand up for the people, has Tea Party Principals, and has been more thoroughly vetted than any other politician, living or dead (including all members of her family.)
With Sarah Palin, the nation knows there would be a champion of the people, not a champion of a political party. Closing: The Road to The White House, 2012, may be starting “late” in some pundits opinions, however, the fact that several recent two term Presidents did not announce until much later than their pre-primary opponents – Palin is: Tested, Vetted, Proven to Lead, Independent and Hopeful for the Future of the United States of America.

Finally, subscribe to Google News Alerts (Chose Comprehensive All Sources As they Occur), for all current GOP candidates, include Sarah Palin, note the discrepancy: 10 to1 over Romney and Perry, increase in the past week. Any Questions?

Rick Perry - Media Goes Into Overdrive – MSNBC Hosts Embarrass Themselves - Stewart – Jon Stewart – Skewers Media!

Maddow, Shultz and Matthews - One's Fictional "News" Source - image mediaite.com

From: Mediaite.com What’s happened to Jon Stewart? Stewart, a comedienne political pundit, apparently goes to the dark side, as MSNBC, in its usual ridiculous partisan style, makes claims regarding Conservatives that are simply over the top – In the video from Mediaite.com shown below, Stewart shows some commons sense with a bit of humor. Stewarts ratings, have taken late night’s 18-49 year demographic from NBC’s Jay Leno, and with this new twist, and the obvious angst against the media and current economic and political situation, is watched by more in that same Demographic than the target of the clip below – MSNBC.

Rick Perry, upon his entrance to the national stage, immediately shot past Michelle Bachmann and Mitt Romney in the polls, which led to:

”Klein: Is Perry Too European to Be U.S. President?”(Bloomberg)

”Perry can unify some parts of GOP, but all of it?”>(Kansas City Star)

Perry Draws Criticism for Noted Texas Talk(Your News Now Austin)

”Just Because Perry’s Undefeated Doesn’t Mean He’s a Good Campaigner”(From NPR)

”Perry Has Texas in Shambles(From Eastern Iowa Gazette)

The above from one Google News Alert! Considering Rick Perry is averaging 100 plus “Google News Alerts” per day (outpacing: Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich), and the majority is similar to the above – Perry must be thanking God that he’s not a Conservative Woman!! (Or for that matter, any woman who attempts to run for President be they Conservative or Democrat (See Hillary Clinton).

One person who is most likely grateful for the lack of Media angst (although it still exists) would be Sarah Palin, as her bus tour headed back to Alaska for the first day of school (her youngest daughter did accompany the family on this trip), the media was still wondering why?!! Why the “abrupt” decision to halt an Iowa Bus Tour?!!! Perhaps it was the fact that the road was being hogged by Greyhound One, and its caravan of SUV’s? Regardless, for now, Perry is taking the heat off of Palin, and the fact that the media has gone so overboard in such a short period of time, leaves one wondering if Perry’s candidacy was not without some design – When Palin makes her announcement in September, the media will, perhaps be worn out by the Texan, and have little left to skewer Palin (although that won’t happen in the real world).

In reality, the GOP field has a lot to offer the nation, which is why, with each entrant onto the national stage, the media seeks to find someone more suitable, knowing full well that no GOP candidate would suffice, unless Barack Obama quickly changed parties in a last ditch effort to gain reelection.

Moreover, this is not to say that each candidate should not be fully vetted by the public, however, this is made increasingly difficult, as the press is not grounded in reality, rather in ideology - to the point where there is a growing lack of trust in media in general. This obviously does no service to the nation, regardless of partisan politics, the public will vote, and it is increasingly probable that vote would be cast for a Republican. It would be hopped that, in some Utopian world, the media would take a fair and hard look at each candidate comparatively, including Candidate Obama, in order to give the country a fair shot at recovery. That is, if anyone is still listening.

Watch the video; it is both funny and to the point.

Obama Approval Below 40% - Heads to the Heartland – GOP’s Perry, Bachmann on the Move – GOP Candidates Don’t Forsake Massachusetts!!

Perry and Bachamnn - image Newsmax


From The Los Angeles Times, President Obama’s approval ratings have gone to a new low, according to Gallup Polling, at 39% approval, an approval rating somewhat reminiscent of the ratings Carter enjoyed as he began to campaign for his reelection in late 1979. Suddenly, Obama will head to the Heartland in a three state tour, the message based on economics, and the end result of the trip touted as not ‘political’ by the White House. (LA Times). That said, last evenings CBS 11 pm local broadcast of the national news, indicated that the trip was indeed political, given the attention paid to the GOP candidates in Iowa and elsewhere this weekend, one of which will ultimately force him into early presidential retirement. The trip is, according to UPI, funded by the taxpayers, and the President will speak in small venues, with the largest hamlet, with a population of 8,000. Immediacy following this exhausting three day schedule, Obama will be heading towards Martha’s Vineyard for a vacation with his family. Last year the most popular t-shirt on the Vineyard was “Miss Me Yet? With George Bush as the focus, this year, there appears to be no new designs on this island playground of the rich and famous – perhaps it’s the economy?

In contrast, both GOP Newcomer, Governor Rick Perry of Texas, and Michelle Bachmann, Congresswoman and small business owner, were at the same event in Iowa where the tone was polite to one another and no-hold-barred regarding the polities of the Obama administration. Bachmann, coming off her win at the Aims Iowa Straw Poll, shared the stage with Govenor Perry, who announced his intent to run, prior to the start of the polling. He managed to edge out the Wall Street Journal’s front runner, Mitt Romney, and with Bachmann’s win, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty decided to call it quits.

It is interesting that the newscasts from all major networks after the entrance of Perry and the win of Bachmann in the Straw Poll, reference them as “Tea Party”, in accord with Democrat talking head, Debbie Schultz, who weighed in with the fact that all candidates in the GOP were attempting to be like the Tea-Party, and that they were like “Lego’s” (a popular child’s toy). Shultz has her work cut out for her, as the head of the DNC, turning the Tea Party into a villain may be the wrong strategy, but running on Obama’s record, being out of the question at this point, Shultz has little left. One has to wonder, just what did this Florida Congressional Representative do that got her this particular position? Understandably – being the Head Cheerleader for a team going down to the finals in flames is not the most desirable position to hold. It does beg that question.

Therefore, a look at what’s on Press for newcomer, Rick Perry (readers are most aware of what is being said about Michelle Bachmann, a press that despises conservative women more than anything else given the fact that NOW felt compelled to call out Newsweek, on their coverage of Bachmann as being Sexist!) is in order:

From ABC News blog, the note that Rick Perry’s wife told him to enter the race, and do his duty to the country, apparently given the tone of the speech, at the Red State conference, (shown below for reference), the fact that it was a speech that, although red meat for conservatives, was resounding with Independents as well as New York Democrats, and that leaves them little to say about Perry in the race. Next up: Perry’s and Bachmann’s evangelical base – (wait; there are a few hundred stories on that racing to print). There is nothing more frightening to hard core Progressives that the “religious right”, of course, the “Tea Party” is a strong second.

In New Hampshire, Governor Perry appeared to do quite well for his first foray into the granite state (with exception of national media report, therefore one should look to the New Hampshire Union Leader for what most likely occurred: Perry appeared to come across quite well on this, his first excursion into New Hampshire More than a few Massachusetts residents are waiting for his next trip to the Granite State in order to directly volunteer.

No Coincidence, to this point of view Sarah Palin, who will most likely announce her GOP (or Tea Party?) run for the Presidency, at a Tea Party even in Iowa, took a weekend road trip to the following states, by bus, (look for the similarities here), first to Iowa, then to Illinois, and could she possibly be headed to Minnesota? Is Obama stalking Sarah Palin? Considering the ridiculous claims from the left (including the White House and talking head for the DNA, Muppet Wasserman) it is not such an outrageous assumption.

Currently the Wall Street Journal online poll asks: To you think Palin should run (paraphrasing), and the answer, so far is “yes”, by a 51.5 to 48.5. . One has to understand this is the “Mitt Romney” paper of choice, however, as it is now, Palin would bring much to the conversation on the national stage, and she adds one more “Tea Party” “Lego Candidate” to Debbie Wasserman Shultz’s new battle cry. (Lest she be forced to contrast one of these candidates with the Presidents performance).

As first a feminist and a conservative feminist, there would be nothing more exciting that to see two qualified and outstanding women, compete for the GOP Nomination, which would be an historical first, and incidentally will also give fits to Traditional News Outlets as well as Democrats and Republican’s in Washington – what more could anyone ask for?

Note: Below is Rick Perry’s Speech at Red State, worth a listen. Secondly, the “Undefeated” video goes on sale and pay-per-view in December, after viewing the film in a Theater in Plainville CT, one understands it supports two objectives: one, that Sarah Palin, a viable Candidate can and should be a successful candidate in 2012, and 2) do not trust the media when it goes after any candidate running against Obama. Although not implicit in the script or the movie language, with Palin as the focus, every GOP candidate, or Tea Party Candidate, or anyone running against a Progressive Democrat, would be best served to watch this film.

Final Note to all GOP or Tea Party Candidates: Do not, repeat, do not, for once, and leave the Commonwealth of Massachusetts off your schedule. Keep in mind that in 1980, the State of Massachusetts voted for Reagan, and is at the point, where the interest is high. In addition, (check for updates with the Mass GOP), the state is not a winner take all; a Candidate needs only 15% to put them on the ballot. Of course, the thought that there may only be 12% registered Republican’s sounds as if it may be a waste of time, however, consider that has a fairly large Tea Party presence. Suggest visiting (on the way to New Hampshire), Western Massachusetts/Worcester County and the Boston Area, there are volunteers enough for every candidate; the investment should be minimal (unless one wants to really stick it to Axelrod’s other favorite candidate, the Governor Deval Patrick. Several Birds, one stone.


Rick Perry’s Speech at Red State:

Pay Careful Attention to Rick Perry, Governor of Texas – Texas, the “Religious Right” and Influence over Presidential Politics

Palin Endorsement of Governor Rick Perry in 2010, a potential "merger" - image LA Times

Governor Rick Perry of Texas has, in recent weeks, become the most talked about GOP potential Presidential Candidate. He has been given that moniker for several reasons: he's a fiscal conservative who has run one of the largest states in the Union with fiscal sanity; they are working in Texas. In addition he's an avowed evangelical, causing a bit of a stir in liberal circles (the press), and it is fairly certain according to those same sources that he will announce his candidacy in a few short weeks. The brouhaha is his Christianity - refer to the Washington Post quotes below - and the fact that he has all but been given the Presidency prior to even entering the national spotlight.

From 10 a.m to 5 p.m., attendees are expected to pray, abstain from eating and listen to a series of speakers at Reliant Stadium. Organizers said Friday that Perry will address the crowd, as will major Christian conservative figures such as Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council and James Dobson of Focus on the Family.

Back in April of 2008, this blogs Headline read: a Republican President in 2008 against all odds” based on the following premise:
Evangelical leaders such as James Dobson of Focus on the Family were refusing to back any Republican running for the office, to the point where, they were actually “hoping” for (a Democrat) Obama to be the next president.

The reasoning was stunning, simple, and beautifully executed – elect someone like (Hillary) Obama, things would get so bad that the nation would overall reject not only that man, but anyone who was remotely like him. It was an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News – Hannity was begging, cajoling and basically close to tears, as he, better than anyone behind a news desk, fully understands the power of over twenty million voting evangelicals and what they can do to an election. The video is below: These individuals met in Colorado and made those decisions, they were leaders of the various churches.

Watch here:



Meeting with Christian Leaders is, in and of itself, nothing new – both Democrats and Republicans tout faith as part of their personal “identity politics”, from Barack Obama’s Christian Roots, Richard Nixon’s Mormon roots, and John F. Kennedy’s Catholic Roots; the bigger the voting bloc, the better. It is why Congressional Leaders such as Nancy Pelosi (D-CA8) and Senator John Kerry are often seen entering churches (Catholics) with news crews in tow, to insure the “Catholic Vote”. (Which, the majority of Catholics, tend to vote Democrat regardless – with some exceptions in national elections?

However, the “Religious Right” and Rick Perry – is summed up quite nicely in a TIME piece (with obvious left leaning, “run it’s a Christian” adjectives) : ”Behind the Scene Christian Right Leaders Rally Behind Rick Perry read it, the date: July 5th, 2011.

However, Perry is not the first to meet these influential Church Leaders: from the Examiner: October 10, 2010 “Sarah Palin Meets with 50 National Conservative Leaders….”

Among the conservatives in attendance, president of Americans for Tax Reform Grover Norquist and Evangelical Christian activist Ralph Reed.

The assumption continues that Palin is running for President (being a tad more moderate than Perry, and well, this blog’s Title gives reason for obvious bias), however, if Perry has the nod from the so-called Religious Right, this early in the game, then it is a given that he will be the nominee, regardless of who the Beltway Republicans (see Mitt Romney) think will be the nominee.

Although at this moment all is speculation, but, within the coming weeks, as Perry announces, watch for specific endorsements from those very same “beltway Republicans” that would, in effect seal that deal.

At this point, it is all speculation, but what this nation needs at this point is leadership that will inspire, not frighten, and leadership that has experience in running a microcosm of the Federal Government, regardless is that State is Rhode Island! Therefore we welcome the Governor of Texas to the debate table, and it is hoped that Governor Palin will join her Texans counterpart - it would bring the best of what the GOP can offer to the debate arena.

RE: Rick Perry, from this perspective, one can appreciate the fact that he carries a firearm, shoots coyotes and protects his dog. On the other hand, one would like an explanation prior to offering even minimal support, on Rick Perry’s decision as Governor to mandate that all female teens be inoculated with the controversial Gardasil Vaccine: From Real Clear Politics:

In January 2007, Gardasil was put on the "recommended" immunization schedule issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control. Merck immediately mounted a massive lobbying effort of state legislatures around the country to get Gardasil added to their respective lists of state-mandated vaccines.
But in Texas, Gov. Perry chose to bypass the legislature and on Feb. 2, 2007, he issued an executive order making Texas the first state in the country requiring all sixth-grade girls to receive the three-shot vaccination series (which cost about $120 per shot). The move generated a fierce public debate. Conservatives slammed Perry for promoting what they saw as an intrusion by the state into private health decisions of parents and their children. Some also complained that the mandate would encourage promiscuity among teenagers.
Many doctors, including Bill Hinchey, the president of the Texas Medical Association at the time, questioned the wisdom of rushing to mandate a drug that had been on the market for less than a year.
"We support physicians being able to provide the vaccine, but we don't support a state mandate at this time," Hinchey told the Houston Chronicle. "There are issues, such as liability and cost, that need to be vetted first."
The controversy over Perry's decision deepened as it came to light that his former chief of staff was a lobbyist for Merck and that his chief of staff's mother-in-law, Rep. Dianne White Delisi, was the state director of an advocacy group bankrolled by Merck to push legislatures across the country to put forward bills mandating the Gardasil vaccine for preteen girls.

Therefore, to this mind, the Governor has some “explaining to do” – as to why he would mandate in the first place (regardless of what the mandate was medical mandates are contrary to personal liberty, and against most Conservative principles.

That said Mitt Romney mandated Health Care for all Massachusetts Residents.

Palin as Governor, mandates agasint personal liberty.....anyone?

Although: The LA Times sees things a bit differently making the case for a Perry Palin ticket in 2012, which is a ticket that at this point in time, would sweep in all but possibly 10 states.

MSNBC’s Maddow, Matthews and O’Donnell - See Obama Easily Re-Elected – The Press and the Battle Against Conservatives – How it will Backfire

As the 2012 campaign is in the early stages, given the fact that the lazy days of summer have not yet ended, and the GOP field is considered to be fluid at this point, and the primary battles will not begin for another five months, there are no crystal balls available to predict any outcomes at this point, not for one of the GOP candidates who will go on to campaign against President Obama or the outcome of that contest. However, polls can be seen as an indicator of what might take place in the Presidential race of 2012, specifically those that point to a nations view of a sitting President’s job performance, that is unless one factors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Press.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been used by David Axelrod, campaign manager, mentor and political guru for both the State’s Govenor Deval Patrick, but especially, President Obama. To those who view President Obama as unelectable, consider that Massachusetts’s Deval Patrick won re-election with a 39% approval rating, besting the Republican opponent, Charlie Baker, by one point. Axelrod, on the eve of the Massachusetts elections noted that he would be watching the Massachusetts Governors Race, one would think due to his close relationship with Deval Patrick, however, he has been known to repeat strategy – borrowing from Patrick and lending to Obama, right down to the slogans.

The Massachusetts race appeared, on the surface, to be going in the direction of the challenger, however, there was a third party candidate, former Democrat turned Independent, turned Democrat, Tim Cahill, who also ran for the Governor’s race. Cahill, running as an independent, ended up siphoning off enough votes to pull out a “squeaker” for Patrick, this despite the fact that the Northeast in general is known to raid nursing homes, cemeteries and ballot boxes in order to ensure that an incumbent stays in office. Should the need arise, and should one of the Conservative Candidates start polling in double digits against Obama in 2012, watch carefully for an emergence of a third party candidate that suddenly found religion as a moderate conservative. Although the entire nation is not Massachusetts (or so those living here assumed, for years calling the Commonwealth the affectionate moniker “The People’s Republic”), the politics and specifically the strategy has been exported nationwide. Suggested reading running up to 2012: ”The Bluest State: How Democrats Created the Massachusetts Blueprint for American Political Disaster”, by Jon Keller. Although it may appear on the surface, to be partisan, one should understand the Keller provides an interesting perspective on Massachusetts politics which includes both major party and the players involved: in other words, this was written as a warning – one which the rest of the nation did not hear.

Axelrod, being only human, must, therefore, rely on a Progressive Press. MSNBC, which parent company NBC is owned by GE, of Immelt fame, is one of the major “cheerleaders for the President”. Putting aside conspiracy theories regarding Immelt's close ties to the President, and the fact that GE paid no taxes, and exported jobs outside of the U.S. while working as an Advisor to President Obama, it is a stretch that those pundits on the third rated cable news network (MSNBC), are taking cues from anyone, other than their own deep rooted Progressive Ideology. At a recent panel discussion on politicsMSNBC Hosts, Rachael Maddow, Chris Matthews, and O’Donnell predicted that Obama would be reelected the AP story is of itself, not news to anyone who even stops to watch the network for more than 5 minutes, however, it is the fact that the Progressives within the Press, both on air and in print, are of the same mindset. The mindset where one can pick up any daily paper, or listen to any local or national broadcast and find that the “Republican” or “Conservatives” are derided for what-have-you, and the Democrats are held in highest esteem. Should there be a scandal associated with a politician, one finds the word “Republican” inserted before the name of the individual who has an ethics problem, however, if that politician is a Democrat, there is, for the most part, no identification of party. This is nothing new and it has been noticeable by those moderate and independents reading and watching broadcast for the past twenty years. The bias is towards conservatives as well as the State of Israel, read any article watch any political broadcast and that is what one will begin find, the use of subjective adjectives that, inserted carefully deride one party and promote another. The fact that half of the nation (approximately) supports one over the other is apparently lost on those who print and broadcast and they are also gloriously unaware of the fact that this has affected both their ratings as well as their circulation. Just ask the gloating New Corp (they are in trouble, granted, over the whole wire tapping, al la Nixon charge – another bias), who has gained where others have lost, for employing a “balance reporting style”.

Therefore, not one of the candidates in the 2012 GOP field will be given positive press, either in print or otherwise, even if they walked on water, made it rain in Texas, or basically had better, yet much different ideas on how to manage (govern) the nation. From Michelle Bachmann and Sarah Palin, the two most egregious Conservatives due to the fact that they are also women (and should by Progressive think, be supporting abortion rights against pro-life rights), are consistently derided – it is the adjectives, keep in mind, that tell the story to the greater public. With the aforementioned, and the recent attack from the left on “Tea Party” activism – (basically a movement, not an organization that believes we are Taxed Enough Already”), complete with the Vice President of the United States dubbing them as “Terrorists”, (the buffoons, personal opinion), one find each article or broadcast regarding the aforementioned GOP candidate and possible candidate prefaced by “Tea Party”.

Governor Rick Perry, who is on the verge of announcing his candidacy for the Presidency has given the anti-God, anti-fiscal, counter-culture, spread-the-wealth, live-in-a-commune and take me back to the sixties Progressives, a plethora of new articles and broadcasts from which to pontificate on the horrors of a Perry Presidency. He is religious, he is a Texan, a Conservative, a Republican and of course, “Tea Party” (now that they are all “Terrorists”). What of Rick Perry’s Presidential bid and the Media:
See CBS “Will Rick Perry answer the religious right's prayers?” The most feared words a Progressive believes exists in the U.S. is “Religious Right”, then read the article and look for the “key words”.

An excellent article on Perry appeared in the Texas Tribune, this follows his formative years: at Texas A&M, and is the best “biographical” piece one can find on a potential GOP 2012 candidate from the press.

The Monkey Wrench – The American Public.

The public will continue to watch the economy spiral downward, and every indicator from Moody’s to your local grocer, is indicative that it can and will get worse, regardless of Obama not having to deal with any debt ceilings after the debt ceiling has been raised by a dysfunctional Congress, until after the 2012 elections (While worry about the nations finances while on the campaign trail? – By the way – both political parties took part in this decision – never mind the fiscal ramifications.) In that instance Party is generally thrown aside while people cast their ballot for the person at the top of the ticket who would appear to be likely to solve the problem. The most recent example of this phenomenon was the election of 1980, the president: James Carter, the challenger: Ronald Reagan – who, by the way, won Massachusetts. Regan, at the time was cast as the religious, right, nutcase, conservative, not overly bright, he was, after all, only an “actor”, the in-concert press hammered day and night, until the election was over, then they went to work demeaning everything that Reagan did, was about to do, or might have done.
He was easily elected to a second term.

Rick Perry, more than any other possible candidate, is the most likely coming out of the gate, to defy the press and upset the Axelrod model. He is not Ronald Reagan, no one is, but Perry is now the one to watch. Other candidates announced worth watching, sleeper Tim Pawlenty, Michelle Bachmann, and Herman Cain. Darn that Tea Party.

Polling firm references to Consider:

Gallup Polling: Confidence In Institutions: Specifically see Newspapers, Broadcast Television and the Presidency – compare to:

Gallup Polling: Gallup Confidence in Institutions 2010

Gallup Polling Presidential Job Approval

Rasmussen Reports : Presidential Job Approval

Public Policy Polling National Miscellaneous Poll

2012 GOP Update – Who Taxed or Added Fees and State Mandates (or supported Federal Fees) From the GOP, DNC - Still Waiting for Sara Palin!

There’s that tired old adage, two things in life are certain, death and taxes ( Daniel Defoe 1726 and Benjamin Franklin in 1789) and in any reasonable individuals mind, one understands that in order to receive certain services from a state or federal government a tax must be assessed. The original intent was the provision of security, on a federal level, and that was basically the sum of it. What we have today, is a never ending cry from Congress and the Whitehouse (circa 2011), that more is needed: a higher debt ceiling, and alternately from the Republicans: cuts in discretionary spending (spending at the request of a Congressperson – to build parks, bridges, and what not – some of it necessary, much of it not so much).

Currently, only fifty percent of the populace pays Federal Taxes (up from 43.4% in 2006(Tax Foundation), leaving the balance to find ways to make ends meet, as, depending upon the State in which one lives, Federal and State Taxes can add a hefty burden to the monthly personal budget. For example: Massachusetts added a telecommunications tax in 2009, (along with 18 other taxes, that allowed, miraculously one might add, Deval Patrick to be reelected), that tax coupled with a Federal Tax, on an AT&T family wireless plan, with two lines, adds an additional $18.00 to the monthly bill. It also adds to the Cable TV Bill, and Internet Bill, prepaid cell card bill, and the beat goes on). These little added taxes, are in addition to all the other taxes we do pay, income taxes, sales taxes and sundry fees, in order for the state and federal governments to meet not only their constitutional obligation, but over the ledge employee pension, salary and benefits (union), welfare handouts (to include, (Massachusetts) free cell phones, cars, and Triple AAA), and increases in budget for schools that continue to fail, even though MA is in the top of the eleven schools who won Race to the Top grants, and are scoring the highest, the best the students can do is a 50%.

One of these days, the Congress, President and Senate, will understand that the problem is not fixed by throwing cash at it, but addressing the situation. I’m hopeful for my great-great-grandchild’s generation when perhaps someone in government will get the point, or 2012 when they are replaced with someone who might get the point.

Therefore looking quickly (not overly due diligence) at some in the field of GOP and the Incubment, who have taxed, for a variety of reasons - some of the taxes are disguised as “fees”. A Fee is a tax, as long as a government is taking money from a citizen to run the government. Calling a Tax a Fee is just trying to “pretty it up a bit”, but it remains – a tax.

In addition to taxes, there are also mandates; some mandates having to do with ones’ health. As more than 50% of the nation went ballistic when the Obama Administration rammed a mandated health bill through Congress, one should be aware that Republican’s also support mandates. These Mandates generally come with a high price tag, and the erosion of personal liberty.

Rick Perry Mandates: Mandated a then (and continues to be) Controversial Vaccine for Teen Girls: Galvelston Daily News

Tim Pawlenty, (Romney Lite) Likes Fees: he placed a Fee on Cigarettes: for some state program or the other, and well, cigarettes are bad and therefore, no one will mind, except maybe the smokers, and or those who feel Tim should have called it a 75 cent per pack “tax”.

Romney not only mandated the first Statewide Health Care Plan, but included Fee for Employers and individuals who did not follow the mandates guidelines. Known in Massachusetts as the King of Fees, Romney created new, and raised old fees in order to balance the budget – of course, fees, taxes, it’s all semantics.

Even staunch Fiscal Conservative, Michelle Bachmann supported a “Federal Fee” on Cigarettes back in the day.

Again, a fee is a tax, plain and simple, and whether it be on cigarettes, pornography, your license, registration, fishing licenses, telephones, cable going into the house, or your family pet (Massachustts), it is still a tax.

To date one of the only "candidates" who has not announced, also is not a fan of the tax or fee – rather upon taking the Governorship of the State of Alaska, Sarah Palin, reduced taxes and fees , on business and individuals, and forced oil companies to pay the taxes they owed, then turned around and gave each Alaskan citizen a tax rebate.

Barack Obama – need one add anything to the resume of Mr. Mandate, Mr. Deficit, let’s hit 20 trillion! and Mr. Tax the rich, middle class or poor. From memory “we have to eat our peas” (paraphrasing Barack Obama on fiscal restraint). One may like peas, one may also have to get used to paying a tax on those legumes should the President not be replaced by one of the “Fee and Mandate Republicans” (Run, Sarah, Run!!), featured above. If one has to look at a Republican in the field, (suggest waiting until at the latest September before committing to any one candidate), then choose the one that understands that we do need taxes to pay for services, however, that person owns the “fee” or “tax” if one will, and so will the rest of us.

2012 Round-up: Gallup Obama at 44% Approval, 58% Republican’s Have no Favorite for 2012 – Perry and Palin Decisions Pending

Palin and Perry, once announced, field will tighten - image TexasGOPVote.com

Gallup Polling, perhaps one of the most conservative pollsters in the nation (Definition: Conservative: cautious number crunching that goes neither right nor left) continues to see a stagnant job approval rating for the President. He is currently at 44% approval with 49% disapproval, a rating that, in this “late hour” of campaigning for a job one already has, appears rather daunting. In addition, the Gallup “Generic Ballot” projects any Republican bests Obama by a margin of 47 to 39% (with 15% having no opinion – yet). This is considered with all due respect to the Office, a conundrum that is difficult if not impossible to overcome at this late date. Although pooh-poohed away by most Beltway pundits, one need only look at the current state of the economy, the stalemate over raising taxes versus raising a debt ceiling, (which, contrary to the major Democrat pundits and News Agencies of like mind, is not popular with the American Public, in poll after respectable poll), the continuous, almost maniacal support for the President by, what has become to be known as the “mainstream media”, hurts rather than helps both entities, as reports abound regarding high ticket birthday bash in Chicago, and his “expertise” at fundraising for his reelection campaign where USA today reports a “record haul”, meanwhile, the fiddler is playing while the economy burns.

This may be why the generic ballot is tilting more towards “any Republican” by the week, rather than staying stagnant, or declining like the Presidents approval rating. The question remains, however, which Republican? According to the same pollster, Gallup finds that 58% of Republican and Republican Leaning voters simply have not made up their mind as to whom they might support. A poll released July 15th, shows a field of no less than ten GOP Candidates (some of which are unannounced) plus “other” and “no decision”. In that field, Mitt Romney leads with 9%, followed by Michelle Bachmann at 9%, and two yet to announce candidates, Texas Governor Rick Perry (4%) and former Alaska Governor and 2008 VP nominee Sarah Palin (3%) hold the next highest slots in the poll. The pollster finds this puzzling because in prior years, there was a clear favorite or favorites early on, however, in prior years, there were not high profile candidates (Palin) who had yet to announce and not factored is the fact that there were simply fewer candidates for the office at this point.

Both Perry and Palin see August or September of this year as a point where they will either enter the race or no (the latter being unlikely in either case), which, as most conservatives and conservative leaning voters tend to pay attention to their choices, and what may come down the proverbial “pipeline” in a few months, would give those 58% (plus the 7% who are considering “Other”, new options that may just fit the ticket). In other words, they are holding out, waiting to see who is really “in”, and who may end up “dropping out” as the summer ends. One can hazard to guess that by October, there will be a top five, with two to four clear front runners. How maddening that Conservatives are enjoying the choices and the opportunity to examine each and every candidate.

Once all the announced candidates are headed into the first caucus and primary states, and the dust settles in February (Super Tuesday), one can then assume there would be a front runner or possibly two going into the spring of 2012. This will keep the Obama campaign on its toes and the media in a frenzy of “which GOP challenger to the President” need be attacked next. In other words this political season will be a circus for some and a joy for others – the others being those Republicans and Republican leaning voters who have choices.

Looking at the poll as it now stands, with the two not yet announced (meaning not yet committed to the race by most standards) polling at the top, just under Bachmann and Romney, suggests that once announced, those four would be the top tier candidates going into the primaries. As to the focus on fundraising that has gripped the media (Washington Post candidates expense reports), one finds Mitt Romney in the same place as 2008, with the most cash. What is most interesting is that several candidates have more cash on hand in 2012 that Romney’s nemesis, former Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee did in 2008. Huckabee went on to stay in the race, while Romney dropped out in February of 2008, citing his need to “stand aside” for the “party”, while McCain took the evident lead, and Huckabee stayed in the race to keep the spotlight on the GOP and give primary voters in states beyond “Super Tuesday” a “choice” on the ballot. Therefore, money in the campaign, although important, need not be as excessive as say Mitt Romney’s cache, or for that matter, the billions in the President’s re-election purse.

Logistically speaking, the candidate that does emerge (or candidates in this case) will need to resonate with the rank and file (not the beltway or national party), in addition, that candidate must be able to carry the south and the west, most notably those states that have gained significantly in population – Texas for example. The eventual nominee will have to move through the south, and the Midwest with a significant lead(s) in order to cinch the nomination. At this point, were the election held today, one thing is certain, one of the aforementioned would be the next President and should the trend continue (and it is probable despite the pundits and cheerleaders), by August or September one will have a clear notion of who would be able to be the nations CEO. It will be in October that Gallup should be able to breathe a little easier as the field will have narrowed and those 58% will, for the most part, choose. There is no doubt that at least 18% (approx.) will remain undecided up until the bitter end. (Historical trending), choosing only in the final days prior to the actual primary or caucus.

Sarah Palin Documentary “Undefeated” Opens in Theatres this Weekend – The Left and the Right of Reviews Shows Duplicity – Time Outright Lies

Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann - Media Targets - image Minn. Post

The documentary, “The Undefeated”, with a focus on the early political career of Sarah Palin, former Governor of the State of Alaska and 2012 Anticipated GOP Presidential Candidate, opened in select cities this weekend. The reviews by all critics of “movies” were, as anticipated, harsh (nicely put), and whereas they compared a documentary film to the block buster released the same weekend - the epic Harry Potter Series. There is, to someone living in the real world, no possible way to compare the two film genres, however, in a fit of partisan displeasure, the critics had at the film as if it were trying to compete with the Potter series, which it wasn’t, as any sane person would note.

The film was said to be sold out on opening night in all cities, from reports by the AP on Dallas’s opening to the Orange California show to Atlanta (Source: Associated Content), however, that did not stop Time Magazine from printing, what can only be deemed a childish and totally incorrect rant on the documentary and it’s opening:
The article: The Undefeated Fails to Defeat the Box Office Sarah Palin Movie Debuts to Empty Audience relies on one Internet article from the Atlantic Blog – to make assumption after assumption, all of which are false. Time Magazine. Repeat: Time Magazine.

Several of their most ardent 60 or so readers, left comments in kind for the Internet version of the news weekly, with one or two dissenters pointing out either YouTube videos of the Orange California Showing in question (which said You Tube Video appears to show a packed house), and others just left links to the AP and other articles.

That said, a dose of reality is in order: the International Business Times projected $4 million in weekend sales, which for a 10 city opening of a Conservative Documentary speaks volumes.

Meanwhile, as the left unravels, the more that both Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann climb in polls and/or visibility, comedian and commentator, Bill Maher, with his very own show on HBO, went on what was coined by “Gawker” as a “Tirade” against Bachmann and Palin, to include sexual innuendos. One must not wait long for the reviews by the New York Times, or Times Magazine on Maher’s “Brilliant Tirade” – and the beat goes on.

Those that vote, those in the middle that are caught up in rising unemployment, increasing inflation on food and fuel and the usual threat of higher and higher taxes, are viewing, with skepticism every printed or broadcast piece of drivel being pumped out of the “machine” that our once news media industry puts forth as “gospel”. Consumers, used to cutting back now, and seeking the best bang for their buck, are including newscasts (broadcast, print and the web), into the bargain of what is worth the read, the listen. The last gasp of the current news media occurred in 2008 after which, the weekly “surprisingly high unemployment”, etc., etc., etc., ad naseum, began to wear thin – thus the historic upheaval in the House in 2010, and with no ability to fault themselves, one can almost with certainty predict that 2012 will either compare or overshadow 2010.
Those that live in the bubble of protected “think”, and never step foot out of the Beltway of the Mind (journalists, pundits on the DC to NY talk circuit, and entrenched politicians) (one John McCain comes to mind, in his warning to Michelle Bachmann on her stance on the Debt Ceiling), do not for a moment understand that as a whole, the nation is watching, listening and soundly rejecting their prattle and in some instances outright lies and smears.

Disclaimer: This blog has not viewed the “Undefeated” and yet, with the hoopla that is being created by the endless hysteria (for that is what it is), one can bet that as soon as able, it will be viewed, either in a theater, or in a living room. A documentary, is what it is, an opportunity to learn something new (although having researched the former Governor extensively, prior to her debut on the national stage, it may not be an eye opener). What a documentary is not: entertainment by the standards of the critics, (who should and do know better). It may even be the Road to the White House 2012, but chances are, Sarah Palin needs no documentary to take that road, as the economic climate becomes more challenging, as the Republican’s in the Senate go out of their way to compromise, and as the never ending spending and raising of the debt ceiling, implementation of new taxes and total misery of those on the lowest rung to the middle are pinched into obscurity, the options of Politician’s as usual, will be off the table. The people no longer want a “holier than though”, “smarter than the teleprompter”, “Beltway minded” “leader” – the people, the taxpayers are seeking an individual who will identify and, stand up for themselves and the rest of the nation, specifically someone who will prove to be impervious to the barbs from both the right and the left – that brings two to mind at present, and only two – one who has announced and one who is yet to announce. One also has to wonder if the vitriol from the Press would be less disgusting were the two not women? Is it the fact that Conservative Women are standing up and making waves (and if it were a Liberal Woman doing the same, the critiques would be there (a la Clinton) - with two Conservative women however, one can imagine that this will be more than a fair fight - as they will call out the base so called journalists and newscasters for what they are.

2012 Election Update: Massachusetts 2012 Primary Set for March 6, 2012, Pawlenty Airs First Ad in Iowa, Teachers Union Surprisingly Endorses Obama

Romney, Bachmann and Pawlenty - will the later compete in Massachusetts? - image New York Daily


The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has set its 2012 primary date for March 6, 2012, a movethat Democrat Secretary of State William Galvin suggests will give greater influence to the State due to Mitt Romney’s run for the Office of the Presidency.

Apparently, Galvin believes that other states would be watching Massachusetts to see how Romney fares in his “home” state, thereby lending said state more clout. However, it remains to be seen how well Romney actually does in the Bay State (think Tea Party). The Most recent polling data on the Bay State comes from Public Policy Polling June 15th, with 244 likely GOP voters taking part in the poll, Romney lec the field with 49%, followed by Michelle Bachmann at 10% and Sara Palin (unannounced) at 9%. The actual primary results will depend upon the number of the 51.6% of the Bay State’s “Unenrolled” voters who turn out to vote and choose a Republican Ballot. The Commonwealth’s electoral makeup is as follows: 36.48% Democrat, 11.33% Republican, 51.6% Unenrolled, .38% Libertarian and .2% other parties. It is “understood” that the Republican Party in Massachusetts is firmly behind Romney, and unless and until another candidate decides to step foot in the Bay State (Pawlenty, although polling low in PPP at 4%, and had visited the state for a Tea Party Rally in Boston – would actually have to have boots on the ground in the Bay State to put a dent in Romney’s numbers.)

Unfortunately, more often than not, major party candidates tend to avoid the Bay State unless there is a major donor fundraiser event (usually Democrat) in Boston. The Bay State is not a “winner take all” primary state – therefore, any Candidate in competition with Romney might be well served by spending more than 20 minutes in Boston and spend some time shaking a few hands in the once great industrial cities sprinkled about the state – keeping in mind that the majority party – Unenrolleds – rule the roost in MA and decide many a primary and election. (Note to Bachman, Palin and Pawlenty – this state did vote for Reagan twice! (See Jimmy Carter).

Tim Pawlenty has aired his first television commercial in Iowa and has hired political strategist, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, to lead his team in Iowa. The campaign ad speaks to Pawlentys ability to fight the Unions by holding the line against tax increases, The quotes from race42012.com go back to a 208 article from a left blogger entitled: “How Tim Pawlenty Made his Case for VP by Wrecking the Minnesota Economy”:

Voters across the country might be interested to know that no one has been more influential than Pawlenty in reversing Minnesota’s longstanding tradition of using progressive taxes to make prudent but significant investments in our social and physical infrastructure — education, transportation, health care and the environment (emphasis mine).
Among complaints Robson makes about Pawlenty:
“A biennial budget that contained more than $2.7 billion worth of tax relief” (It was more than twice as large, per capita, as any other state tax cut in the nation.)
“The very next year …returned hundreds of millions of dollars through an income tax cut and reduced vehicle license fees”.
“Lowered property taxes”
“Rebated $700 million worth of sales taxes back to citizens”
“Pawlenty had signed a pledge not to raise taxes. As billions of dollars’ worth of state programs were slashed, most of them in health and human services, the governor stood fast on his pledge”
“To dramatize just how radical this no-taxes stance was… Pawlenty has tenaciously rebuffed any income tax increases during his six years in office”

Although the Wall Street Journal, at the same time, posted an article that indicated Governor Pawlenty liked to impose “fees”, and even walked across the aisle more than once to get things done. (i.e. Tax Hikes and fraternizing with the enemy) Anyone who lived in Massachusetts under the Romney Administration understands “fees” all too well – especial when prefaced by the word “Increased”. Additionally, those GOP Governors who are virtually surrounded by Democrats in control of a State Legislature have to walk that walk in order to get anything accomplished.

Finally, the One of the two (yes there are two) National Teachers Unions, the National Education Association, while holding their annual convention in Chicago came out with a strong endorsement of the 2012 Obama campaign yesterday. Apparently after spending a day with Joe Biden, the union had no choice but to offer an early endorsement of the President. What your children will be learning in school between now and the first Tuesday in November 2012, might have little to do with math, science or reading – instead, they will be given a course on rhetoric. However that rhetoric may be wasted on those students faced with increased debt for college (under the government takeover of student loans which was added to the Omnibus bill that also included Mandated Health Care), and/or the inability to find a job in this “economic climate, as well as an ability to vote and a glaring lack of respect for what their teachers may have to say on any given day. One can assume, that unions members will be voting for Obama in this election, however, union membership in the nation is declining and represents only 11.9% of the U.S. workforce. (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Obama also has, what has become to be known as, “the mainstream media” and their members which will, no doubt, be actively supporting his reelection.