14

Time for Gary Johnson to seize the moment

Posted by $ jbrenner 7 years, 11 months ago to Politics
158 comments | Share | Best of... | Flag

With Cruz dropping out tonight, there are no main party candidates left who behave in accordance with the Constitution. If there is ever a time for someone else to rise up, now is the time. I doubt it will be seized, however.

The GOP RINOs would not allow my county's elected GOP chairman, a Tea Partier, participate at the Florida GOP convention a few years ago. The Florida GOP RINOs also were largely responsible for John McCain getting nominated in 2008. The GOP establishment is now getting its just desserts.

GOP - Rest in Pieces


Add Comment

FORMATTING HELP

All Comments Hide marked as read Mark all as read

  • Posted by $ Olduglycarl 7 years, 11 months ago
    How? the kakistocracy has won! bend over and squeal nice and sweet...

    A close friend was fond of saying: "America will get what she deserves." I guess the people are no longer virtuous enough to deserve freedom as it was intended by our forefathers...I will not bend over...
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by $ blarman 7 years, 11 months ago
    I can tell you this much, I won't vote for Trump or Hillary.

    My prediction: barring an outright indictment of Hillary Clinton, Trump's going to get beat in the Electoral college by 200 votes. He'll lose every key swing state including Ohio, Florida and Nevada. This will be the most lop-sided Presidential race since Reagan and Carter. And you'll also see the lowest voter participation rate in 40 years: there aren't two less disliked people in politics than Clinton and Trump.

    Trump's going to get killed in the debates. He never debated well in the Primaries and his refusal to go one-on-one with Cruz was a mark not only of his pettiness, but his lack of any real policy position. He's not going to have anything to fall back on and the moderators are going to crucify him. And his lack of any real policies separating him from Hillary Clinton is going to result in the same thing we saw with McCain and Romney: losses.

    Bad news lies ahead for America, I fear.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by jimjamesjames 7 years, 11 months ago
      "And you'll also see the lowest voter participation rate in 40 years"
      In Indiana, last night, CRUZ, loser to Trump, got 100,000 more votes than Hillary. I think that enthusiasm will play a part in participation in the General..
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
      • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
        Depends on who the candidates are? At the present time it's two leftists and the only difference is how much damage each will cause.

        The lower voter turnout rate is called 'undervote' and it is a way of rejecting the offerings or leavings of two socialist candidates.

        Now if that 46% Presiential and 50 plus% off year non participation can be raised that is a GOOD thing. NOTA is a valid vote and you don't cast that ballot by participating in rigged election.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by jimjamesjames 7 years, 11 months ago
          As Boss Tweed said, "I don't care which candidate you vote for, I picked both candidates." To that end, I'll fall back on the words of wisdom of my best friend's mom of 50 years ago: "I vote for the SOB that tells me the lies I want to hear." Trumps lies are better than Hillary's.
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
          • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
            But he's only the presumptive liar - the coiled might of the Rules Committee has yet to be heard?

            Trumps numbers minus the winner take all votes are will below 1237. And not a thing he can do about it.
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
            • Posted by jimjamesjames 7 years, 11 months ago
              Agree, the game is still rigged unless the GOP Cartel reaches the point of: "Trump is not what we want but we don't want Hillary more."
              Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
              • Posted by jabuttrick 7 years, 11 months ago
                That point has already been reached. The RNC is a completely partisan organization, i.e. they would support Lucifer himself if he was a Republican. Priebus has already tweeted that Trump will be the presumptive nominee. The Republican convention will be a taxpayer funded Trump lovefest (albeit with a lot of well known Republicans absent).
                Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
                • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                  As lapdogs of the left they are hardly completely partisan unless you mean pro-socialist. No matter what the la dee la tweetie birds are singing. What is a Priebus and why should I care? All eyes now are on the Rules Committee.
                  Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                  • Posted by jabuttrick 7 years, 11 months ago
                    I mean they will support whoever is wearing the red T-shirt regardless of their principles or stands on various issues. Trump will be wearing the red shirt. The Rules Committee will do nothing and the Convention will be a Coronation.
                    Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                    • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
                    • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                      Red is the color of left wing international socialism. La Bandera Rosa the Red Flag is there marching song. Brigada Rosa, By rights it should have been the color of the Democrats. Red Ties make excellent targets though.
                      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                      • Posted by jabuttrick 7 years, 11 months ago
                        Very funny. I was using the red/blue language used by the current US media. They use red to mean Republican and blue to mean Democrat. I was making a point about blind partisanship.
                        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                        • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
                        • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                          So were the Communists. but then the colors were chosen by the former main stream M2F media so it makes some kind of twisted sense. Must have pissed off the socialist left though.
                          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                • Posted by $ 7 years, 11 months ago
                  Ah, but didn't Boehner (certainly a member of the RNC) call Cruz Lucifer just the other day?
                  Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                  • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
                  • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                    Exactly. If they do disallow Trump based on stolen votes which they can and should and declare an open convention with Cruz having also quit that stirs up the pot enough for some movement discussed elsewhere to do not a third part but a Coalition of the disregarded and unrepresented (46% of the available voters) and that might attract the needed $$ recalling the Koch Brothers. Question is do the Libertarians have the ability to pull it off or would it take some one else?

                    The spoiling effect would certainly slice and dice the pundits claims on the outcome and set the stage for the future. IF Democrats also split over Sanders. better yet.

                    Ideally the focus should not be on the candidates so much as spoiling their strategies by despoiling their abilities and with luck forcing the numbers on each party down into the dirt.
                    No credibility no landslide, no mandate just a general election plurality of somewhere around 20% or less of those actually voting as the winners hardly constitutes anything but a complete lack of confidence in the two formerly major parties. Ergo Sum One of them will disappear.

                    See Blarmans comment above.

                    Pragmatic solutions of the moment are the road to certain failure for those who can't see beyond their nose and act to spite their face make that fate.

                    Right now supporting the rules committee of the GOP by making complaints about your vote for whomever being given to someone else would carry a lot of weight. Recall the GOP doesn't want Trump either. Only a segment of socialism is in his camp. Fine with Waddle, Sanders and Trump splitting the socialist vote and The rules committee dumping Trump a fire storm emerges .....

                    Question is who will be the fire department. not those who only preach or debate.
                    Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by $ blarman 7 years, 11 months ago
        Enthusiasm always plays a part - the question is whether or not one can positively harness it. Cruz did a masterful job of that with his campaign. The question now is has Trump burned so many bridges that those who voted for Cruz, Kasich, Rubio, etc. now just stay home?
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by $ CBJ 7 years, 11 months ago
          RE: "The question now is has Trump burned so many bridges that those who voted for Cruz, Kasich, Rubio, etc. now just stay home?" It will be interesting to see if the #NeverTrump crowd sticks together after repeated exposure to Hillary political ads and sound bites.
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by jimjamesjames 7 years, 11 months ago
          I think the vitriol during the campaign (which was disgusting) will have little consequence in the rest of the process. As I explained to my wife, it's like two linemen in a football game, beating the shit out of each other but when the game is over, they hug each other.,,, At least, I hope that's the way it goes.
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Posted by fosterj717 7 years, 11 months ago
            Unfortunately, I don't believe that is going to be the case for one simple reason. In the past, folks have held their noses and voted for the lesser of two evils (I.e., McCain and Romney) after the Establishment destroyed the principled True Conservatives. It is now at the point where a whole bunch of us have had it with voting for the "lesser of two evils"! Evil is evil no matter which way you slice and dice it! I will bet that there will be a very large segment who do not follow the old model and will either vote their consciences or not vote at all.......For what its worth!
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Posted by $ blarman 7 years, 11 months ago
            As far as some of the candidates who dropped out early, that might be the case, but I don't think Cruz or Rubio supporters (or Kasich's either) are going to be as forgiving as you would paint them. If Donald had taken the high road instead of descending into the mud with respect to Cruz' wife or the whole "Lyin' Ted" mantra, maybe, but I think he's burned those bridges and scorched the earth in between. And I noted that Cruz didn't offer his support to Trump in his suspension speech last night.

            The other thing to consider is the polarization in the Republican Party itself this go-around. While Rush has done a pretty good job being non-partisan, Glenn Beck openly campaigned for Cruz while Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter went all in on the Trump campaign. #NeverTrump is pretty powerful in the GOP right now. I don't see a divided party winning an election, and if the GOP doesn't win, I see a good chance of the current fractures becoming permanent and possibly introducing a new political party - probably based on the TEA Party.
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
            • Posted by jimjamesjames 7 years, 11 months ago
              The entire lot were pathetic to let the media drag them into the morass of TV spectacle. And you may be right, that if they don't coalesce to some degree between now and November, the "party" will be destroyed as well as the "movement" trying to save the country. However, I don't see a "new political party" of any kind having any useful influence on the direction of the country in the time I've got left (I just turned 73, yesterday, happy B-day to me)
              Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
            • Posted by DrZarkov99 7 years, 11 months ago
              When I went to Texas A&M, we hated the University of Texas sports teams, but when they were the representatives of the Southwest Conference, we were definitely pulling for them to win. The same thing happens in politics, with a few exceptions.

              Trump, being a pragmatist, won't make die hard conservatives happy, so a few will sit it out, aiding Hillary. Clinton, being an opportunist and pathological liar, won't make the Sanders crowd happy, so a few will sit it out, aiding Trump. However, Trump is already doing something Hillary can't do: he's pointing out some of the issues he and Sanders agree on, which opens the door to potential "Trumpocrats." No way in hades can Hillary claim a single thing she would agree with any of Trump's GOP opponents, so there's no path for Republican crossovers.
              Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
              • Posted by $ blarman 7 years, 11 months ago
                The way the Presidential elections have been for at least the past 16 years is that the Republican has to have a solid base to win. The simple fact is that the Republican candidate starts the race in a major hole (Electoral College). This year, the Republicans were given ideal circumstances to win back the Presidency: a faltering economy and a scandal-ridden opponent. But just yesterday's poll has Donald Trump starting in a double-digit hole. That's not good at all.

                We'll see if any of the old Blue Dog Democrats will cross over to vote for Trump, but my suspicion is that they won't and that conservatives are simply going to stay home. Thought I wish otherwise, I am preparing right now for the dark days ahead of a Hillary Clinton presidency.
                Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
                • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                  And his start point is the start point of the left. So where does that leave the RINO Party. Hopefully no where. Clean up one mess at a time. First get rid of Reublicans then scuttle the rest.
                  Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
              • Posted by fosterj717 7 years, 11 months ago
                You are an optimist and I think that is a bit of wishful thinking on your part. I think that the damage that the Republican party has done to its brand is far worse than many think. It is dying and in its death throes. The Trump candidacy is not the cause but rather it is definitely the manifestation of the terminal nature of the party. Perhaps the same to a lesser extent for the Democrat party as well.

                My guess is that all bets are off on this one!
                Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
              • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
              • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                Politics is an extension of war by other means. We didn't shoot the other side and then hug each other. We shot the other side until there were no names left to take. Otherwise one inevitably had to go at it again. I like my seasons short, to the point, worth while and in groups of one.

                Unfortunately the USSA public thinks there is a reset button on politics and war. The intentional and unintentional outcomes do not allow for that. We die or they die. it was worth it or it wasn't worth it.

                It ain't a GD game. Those that thhk so deserve to die.
                Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
              • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
              • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                And in doing so is proving our case he's a left wing socialist .. so why would I vote for something like that? What makes you think it isn't the 30's. The parallels are ominous.
                Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                • Posted by DrZarkov99 7 years, 11 months ago
                  Wow, and I thought I was a grumpy old man. When should we expect the four horsemen of the Apocalypse? I still trust in the mechanisms (however rusty and jammed up with socialist gunk) present in our government structure to rectify problems. Rigid ideology, of any flavor, is destined to fail, because it assumes all people are essentially the same, and malleable. Seeking workable solutions is the way to get things on the right track again.
                  Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                  • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
                  • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                    Polly Anna hasn't worked for how many decades? Polly Anna will not save you now.

                    I'm at the point I firmly believe the US Public through their chosen representatives should be stripped of their right to send their sons and daughters to war.

                    One tends to get a bit grumpy when the bullets are whizzing by and they read in Stars and Stripes about the waste our efforts represent. Do not speak to me of serving my country. The ultimate insult. Our oath was and for the faithful still is to the Constitution something civilians will never understand. We don't serve you nor the country we serve the Constitution or at least we did back in the old days (plural). This new batch starting with it's leader ship seems to have taken a different definition.

                    Eight years of war from the party that ran on a single plank of get the troops out now.
                    You wan;t grumpy? I'll show you grumpy when you learn to crawl in the mud past the bodies of the dead.

                    Do we need change? Yes we do. No vote for those who haven't voluntarily served. You aren't responsible enough for the great an obligation. The change is a return to the Constitution. We are not cannon fodder anymore. Male or Female. I the Representatives committee voted today to include women in the draft. That's how much they fear the country. You want to keep voting that sort into office. Learn to accept the unintended consequences.

                    The word 'you' is used as general comment meaning you the people of the USSA. If the shoe fits wear it. If the shoe is a combat boot you aren't included except for the question stated. At what point will the military honor it's oath of office?

                    The chips on the table total 24 years infantry. Ante up or Fold.
                    Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                    • Posted by DrZarkov99 7 years, 11 months ago
                      I'm a veteran too (20+ years in Air Force space systems), though never saw a shot fired in anger. I also spent enough time in the nation's capitol to have a healthy dose of contempt for politicians and bureaucrats.

                      It's not that I don't agree with you about how rotten the situation has become. I just am thankful that people like you and I still have the freedom to make our feelings known in a public forum without fear of reprisal. That's rare in the rest of the world, either due to outright oppression, or from an out of control self-censorship in a bloated welfare state.

                      What excites me about the Trump/Sanders "revolution" is that it shows the American voting public still has the cojones to tell the political class to "take a hike." Sanders has socialist dreams that will never come to pass, and Trump is a stranger to government "service," but the latter is more credible, since he understands economics and negotiations.

                      The telling thing for me is that as soon as Vicente Fox, the former Mexican President, realized his insults aimed at Trump might be disrespectful of the next U.S. President, he apologized. The world respects a strong America, and Trump's "alpha dog" persona carries a message that we aren't to be trifled with.

                      All of the ballyhoo about Trump being a potential dictator, he's stated his intent to get the mechanisms of government working like they're supposed to. We've had eight years of the clear danger that would be represented by someone who would assume the trappings of an "imperial Presidency" meant he really was a monarch. After that, a leader with a program manager's mindset would be helping to restore the republic.

                      Clinton is far more dangerous than Trump. She is completely without a moral core, and her untrustworthyness can only result in further decay of the nation, morally and economically.
                      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by jsw225 7 years, 11 months ago
      I'm going to say that you are 100% wrong. More people voted for Trump in this past primary, than any other candidate in the past several election cycles, INCLUDING SUCCESSFULLY ELECTED PRESIDENTS.

      Hillary herself, while she is winning, has gotten less votes than when she did last time WHEN SHE LOST. Add on to that the fact that many of my extreme leftist liberal friends, acquaintances and family members despise Hillary so much that they outright refuse to vote for her in the general election, and it's adding up to be...

      A gigantic landslide for Trump. But there is a cherry on top of the sundae, too. Once Trump wins, Hillary will be put behind bars.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by $ blarman 7 years, 11 months ago
        We'll see in six months.

        Both Trump and Clinton have 100% name recognition and both are net negative candidates, but Trump is much more negative than Hillary: http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2...

        I agree with you that many Democrats do not want to vote for Hillary, but the same is true (and more) about Republicans and Trump. And where the electoral college is already stacked heavily in favor of the Democratic candidate, Trump really can't afford it if 50% of the Republican voters stay home, where Hillary can afford the same thing on the other side of the aisle.

        I also look at Trump's debating skills: they are a joke. If Marco Rubio's quips could get under "The Donald's" skin like that, imagine what Hillary is going to do to him! And he can't just brush aside the debates like he did with Ted Cruz. Nor is he going to face a panel which is nearly as friendly as those in the Republican debates - we saw that with Romney v Obama. He's going to get skewered.

        Don't get me wrong: there is no one - not a single person on Earth - I want to see in the office of President of the United States less than Hillary, but how is Trump going to differentiate himself from Hillary? He's not going to get the Hispanic vote - his immigration policies alienate that base. He's not going to get the black vote (not that any Republican is going to be able to overcome the sheer ignorance in that voting population). He's the one candidate women like less than Hillary. So you tell me where he's going to get the votes to win the Presidency? From Democrats? I'd love to see it happen, but I think it's a pipe dream. Both McCain and Romney were supposed to be able to put more States in play and that ploy failed miserably.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
        We get so much misinformation from the media, which is totally behind Hillary and her bought and paid for machine, thats its difficult to estimate in advance who might win. I think that Trump has settled on upset with the current system, and that is resonating with a lot of people on both repub and dem sides. Trump has my vote
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
      • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
        Did you subtract the votes for other candidates? Who knows maybe the Rules Committee will challenge and reject those votes.

        After all the neither the popular vote nor the State rules on winner take all are legally binding on any party. The complaints about stolen votes are a valid charge. I doubt it but it would be nice to see.

        Then Trump would be a presumptive also ran. Cruz quit and that leaves the convention wide open selecting who ever they want.

        Remember popular vote means zip zero goose egg nada. It's those pesky stolen vote electors from winner take all states who can be ejected by the Rules Committee and there in lies the answer to dumping Trump.

        Which leaves the question of who to select up to the seated delegates at the convention - the rest having been rightfully challenged and ejected.

        Now who would that be?

        Who ever the establishment wants it to be.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by DrZarkov99 7 years, 11 months ago
          I don't think the GOP hierarchy, which was already queasy over a horrible backlash if Trump wasn't given the nomination even if he didn't hit the magic number, would be insane enough to throw out the unquestionable winner of the primary process to put up an establishment toad. That's an absolute RIP for the GOP.
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
          • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
            They will do as they are told as usual but it makes as much sense as the former record of caving we've seen so far.

            You won't lose money underestimating the cupidity of the RINO wing.
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
          • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
            The popular vote and the primary process means what? Nothing. Each party has the unquestioned legal right to select their own candidate under their own rules. Popular vote and State Laws mean nothing more than any poll. That's all they mean.

            Should rules challenge as they are planning his delegates he will have less than Cruz the quitter. which may have been the plan all along., A delegate challenge is rule don only by the rules committee. Plurality wins are not allowed.

            Someone should have read the fine print. Trump is not presumptive but presumptuous and on thin ice.
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by $ puzzlelady 7 years, 11 months ago
      There aren't two less disliked people in politics than Clinton and Trump..." Did you mean "less liked"?
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
      • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
        Exactly. Name two who are disliked to a lesser degree, You may be referring to liked even less. A difficult word choice Let's see if a change would work. There are not two other people in politics who are disliked even more or more disliked or less disliked....Hmmmm i see your point. My humble apologies but the thrust remains the same. No one in politics is despised more than these two because of their position at the moment. The possible exception is the current president the actual exception is the entire congress. Even government employees do not rank as low one would have to be a reporter to equal those depths.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
    • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
      If the Rules Committee accepts all his delegates and that is far from over. So your next queston might be who can smack the doo doo out of hillary in a debate. Go you one better...What female can accomplish that task and remember it's completely open to any once he loses those winner take all votes. No one has the 1237 and they don't allow plurality winners in the convention.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
      If Trump cant beat Hillary, no one could except perhaps Sanders. Cruz couldnt even get enough votes to get the GOP nomination. How would he EVER beat Hillary and her bought and paid for machine ? As to Kasich, he got ONE state- he couldnt beat Hillary's machine.

      Trump has the votes of the people fed up with government. Thats a lot of support. Sanders nearly beat Hillary basically on the same platform of anger against the government.

      Hillary will keep the same cronyism going strong, plus she is a terrible administrator.

      As to the woman card- If we could stick to the real qualifications for president, we would realize its not "womanhood" or "manhood" at all. Makes no difference if you are a man or a woman
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by $ blarman 7 years, 11 months ago
        According to the polls, it wasn't until very recently that any poll had Trump beating Hillary one-on-one. Prior to that, Cruz and Rubio both were beating Hillary, so your point (which you've brought up before) is wishful thinking at best. We'll know in six months one way or the other.

        "Trump has the votes of the people fed up with government. Thats a lot of support."

        But is it enough to get him elected? You don't win elections by advocating merely votes against one's opponent, but votes for you. What says those people just aren't going to stay home altogether? Or vote third party?

        "Hillary will keep the same cronyism going strong, plus she is a terrible administrator."

        No one here is denying that Hillary Clinton is the most corrupt person in the United States and an unmitigated disaster to the Constitution. The question is can Donald effectively sell that message? The real way to do that is to say that you are different, and Trump suffers mightily on policies wherein he can differentiate himself from Clinton. That's been my point all along.

        "As to the woman card..."

        I wouldn't discount it so easily. It is much of the reason Obama got elected: he played the "black" card. And Trump's views towards women don't really allow him to capitalize on Hillary's outright persecution of women - which is the real play of the "woman" card. Clinton was holding a seven. Trump only has a five.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
          Trump is up against a very powerful and well funded establishment headed by Hillary. We will know in a few months.

          We have tried establishment people in government for a long time now. Look where its gotten us. Trying a businessman isnt such a bad idea for a few years. With Hillary, we are going to get more of the same that we had for 8 years now.

          I agree the black card and the woman card are powerful. But look where its gotten us with the black card- a person who is a socialist muslim, and who makes terrible foreign policy decisions. Blackness or womanhood are NOT proper qualifications for presidency. It shouldnt be about women or men- but about people

          Hillary IS crooked, and I hope that comes out during the election process.
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Posted by fosterj717 7 years, 11 months ago
            A business man who has a number of failed businesses, all ending in bankruptcy! Furthermore, what makes you think that he is not of the "Establishment" mold? He has paid money to both Rs as well as Ds and is friends with Hillary & Bill as well as Boehner. His populism shows very little Conservative leanings and his rhetoric about walls and what not do not stand the sniff test as to how he proposes to accomplish anything.

            For these reasons, I think one can surmise that he is a lot of smoke and mirrors and very short on substance. I for one would not hang my hat on any of his stump speech rhetoric but rather I would spend more time looking at his history (can hide from that and can't really embellish it either".......For what its worth!
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
            • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
              Not all his businesses were bankrupt. His current businesses are doing fine. The real mark of a business person is how they get back up once they have fallen. Real estate has bubbles and its easy to be a victim of those bubbles.

              As to buying off politicians, if government didnt have power over him, he wouldnt have to buy them off. He also said that he did buy politicians off, but this system isnt right and should be abolished. Thats an honest thing to campaign on. Lets c if he can in face clean up the cronyism.

              As to the wall, I can understand that if you want to have a country, you have to have borders. The immigration could be stopped immeditely without a wall if they just eliminated minimum wage and freebie welfare for non citizens. Also, stop the process of granting instant citizenship to babies just born over here after being dropped off inside the USA border. Makes the walls unnecessary.
              Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
              • Posted by fosterj717 7 years, 11 months ago
                I am not in total disagreement with you on most of the points you made however, it should be pointed out certain things.

                First of all, Trump being a successful business man and having failed on several occasions and having learned from his mistakes. That is True however, success in business has different meanings. If a person started out with nothing other than his brains and hard work and made billions that is one thing and is very admirable if he did it without cheating or destroying people on the way up.

                On the other hand, being given a great private school education along with a $1mm startup seed fund and then down the road having reach back to over $100mm is not quite as difficult an endeavor.

                Another what I believe is a salient point (something that I have first hand knowledge of) is that there is already a wall if you will across our southern border. It is the law that is not being enforced, not the lack of a viable barrier (electronic) that if utilized to its fullest extent with a viable law enforcement component, we might not be having this conversation now. That is something that is True that Mr. Trump has little if any knowledge of.

                As for buying off politicians and playing their games, that is the stuff books like Atlas Shrugged are made of. Crony capitalism is just that and from where I sit, Mr. Trump seems to fit the bill quite nicely.

                Anyway, I fully respect your thoughtful response.
                Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
                  I really do want to restore our liberties. It would be so refreshing to live in a free country again. If given $1m, I really dont know if I could turn it into $100m- I dont think I am smart enough for that one. I turned $1000 into $10m, but that was with my own inventions. Trump did it with managing people, which I am not nearly so good at !!

                  As to the wall, I read that the actual illegal immigration is slowed to a trickle. We need to restrict minimum wages to us citizens. As wages rise to $15 an hour, there will be a flood of illegal immigration if we dont restrict application of the law to citizens. There should be a guest worker program so people can come here and work, and then go home without worrying about ever being able to come back next "season"
                  Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                  • Posted by $ 7 years, 11 months ago
                    Current Mexican immigration is only low right now because the economy is circling the drain. With an economy that was not on life support, illegal immigration would once again be at unsupportable levels.
                    Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Posted by $ blarman 7 years, 11 months ago
            We are in complete agreement that our current political system is merely a descent into socialism and away from proper governing values. The question that will soon be answered is if anything is going to change in the near future or if the days foreseen in Atlas Shrugged become reality.
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
            • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
              I sincerely hope that we do not follow in the footsteps of the AS novel. It would be such a waste to let the statists just take over. Maybe I am being selfish, but I want to slow down the process as much as I can until at least I am dead. I look at Venezuela and see that happening in the USA. 1 out of 7 are getting food stamps that the other 6 have to work to fund. And the money is being printed here just like in Venezuela. Its very scary, and makes me want to move to some remote place in another country.
              Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
              • Posted by $ blarman 7 years, 11 months ago
                Agreed. One of the things AS didn't address was the rebuilding part. IMHO, that would have made for a great sequel.
                Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
                  Definitely. We need to know how it might be done. Most people have no idea how to rebuild Venezuela, and its crashing big time.
                  Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                  • Posted by $ blarman 7 years, 11 months ago
                    It would start with a government overhaul. It can't happen as long as a dictator is in power. Dictators are loathe to give up their power - even in the face of total collapse.

                    In Venezuela's case, I think what would have to happen is for their oil industry to face some sort of catastrophe (Ellis Wyatt-style) to take down the income base. If that happened, I think things would quickly degenerate. Then the question would be who would arise to lead a revolution and change.

                    One of the things which amazes me about the founding of America is just the character of those men. Here you had people who weren't interested in seizing power over others - an incredibly novel thing no matter what era one lives in. Those men were truly remarkable. I wish we had a similar group we could call on here and now.
                    Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                    • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
                      the founding fathers were revolting against the king of england. They wanted to be done with kissing the butt of the king. Today, its the establishment that is antagonizing people. Both Trump and Sanders picked up on this and got a lot of support. Its way too early to tell if its a real revolution from within, or just some papered over alternative establishment. I do think Trump will shake things up. Remains to be seen if he can actually get rid of some of the cronyism and wasted tax dollars and regultions. I think its worth a shot. Hillary IS the establishment in all its evil forms, and continuing that is not good.
                      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                      • Posted by $ blarman 7 years, 11 months ago
                        "the founding fathers were revolting against the king of england."

                        Not denying that, but the very nature of the circumstances involved was totally different. It was a new land with possibilities for the people to chart their own course. That doesn't exist any longer. The only way to change our course is either to rebuild after a major meltdown or a natural disaster. Simply changing the President isn't going to effect the kind of change we need because the change we need is cultural and widespread.
                        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                        • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
                          Yes, things are different now. Also, those settlers back in the day just came on a boat on a difficult journey and landed in an empty place where they HAD to be independent to survive. Different crowd for sure. Today, people are entitled and used to getting stuff easily from the socialist government.

                          The only thing the president can really do is encourage US to make America great again by getting the government out of the way.
                          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by RobertFl 7 years, 11 months ago
    In order for Gary to win, he has to poll at 15% or better to get on the national debate stage.
    WE, have to start sending donations to the Libertarian Party so they can get ballot access, right now, we're on 34 state ballots - we need 14 more.
    WE also have to start funding Gary.

    If you're not willing to do at least that, we will get the government we deserve fur sure.

    Start practicing saying, "First Dude, Bill Clinton".
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by fosterj717 7 years, 11 months ago
      More important than just sending money is being willing to put some time in going door in your neighborhood, "convincing" people how "YOU" feel and why they should consider your views on a particular candidate! That has more meaning than just paying for an ad. Nothing beats door to door canvassing and speaking from your heart and not just saying hi.

      Politics have gotten away from that type of personal commitment and that is why we have the garbage that we have. Million dollar soundbites only means that people are making decisions base upon silliness dreamed up by Madison Avenue and spouted in 30 second increments, most of which have very little substance meaning "where's the beef?!"..
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
    • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
      I don't mind doing that. All i ask is to be represented in some form other than a dollar bill.

      What are you going to do for the rest of us in the 46% who have turned their back on the system and are not represented. Only answer is exhibiting some leadership and form a coalition.

      Just one little task as a sort of act of faith that the rest of non-libertarians count. For example I am a Constitutionalist who believes it is the center. No party just a strong belief as a retired soldier who took the oath to defend that document.

      Where's the beef? You go to to show something besides where's the money...
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by Herb7734 7 years, 11 months ago
    You are right. G.J. has a great opportunity to at least get the attention of the left and right dissidents. However, It would require much advertising which would require much $$$. A few multi-millionaire sponsors would surely come in handy at this point.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by fosterj717 7 years, 11 months ago
      Actually, if change were in the cards, it will come at the grassroots level! Neighbor to neighbor, district by district, county by county, etc. Now is the time to start really talking to your friends, family and neighbors about substantive issues and work for change at the local level. The rest will take care of itself!
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by Herb7734 7 years, 11 months ago
        That may be a part of it, but this is not a 1930s movie. The reality is that it takes millions just to get attention. We are in an era in which personal communication is done less face-to-face than by personal media. Talking to persons on Face Book, and Twitter will be even more popular by '20, not to mention Instagram, etc. TV spots should start as the coverage building up to the election warms up so that the Libertarian becomes a part of the debates.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by fosterj717 7 years, 11 months ago
          Therein lies the problem!! It is time to get back to face to face communications otherwise this garbage is only going to get worse. It is up to the individual how they are to communicate however, I can tell you that social media is not the panacea that many believe it is......nothing beats face to face, personal communications! For what its worth!
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
        • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
          That's an excuse not a reason. Here's another one from the movies. Winners never quit and Quitters never win.
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Posted by Herb7734 7 years, 11 months ago
            One must deal with reality. Failure to do so and reality can destroy you. (paraphrasing A.R.)
            I said nothing about quitting. Hell, during my career(s) I had at least 4 opportunities to quit, but never did. Instead, I was giving advice on what needed to be done in order to succeed.
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
          • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
            Did not pertain to Fosterj717.

            Most of the social media is a home for air heads and those seeking safe spots. Those whose time is so value less they spend most of it doing nothing.
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
    • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
      Koch Brothers come to mind immediately. give them something to look at worth looking at.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by jabuttrick 7 years, 11 months ago
        The Kochs are supporting nobody right now and seem unlikely to enter the fray. Charles thinks both Hillary and Trump are unsupportable. David may be more sympathetic to the Libertarian Party based solely on the fact that he ran as the LP VP nominee in 1976, but he has made no public statements on the race at all.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by jabuttrick 7 years, 11 months ago
      Also, your $$ would help.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by Herb7734 7 years, 11 months ago
        As a retiree, I'm afraid that my donation would be pretty miniscule.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by jabuttrick 7 years, 11 months ago
          Minuscule is better than nothing, but if you don't currently have the resources, I understand.
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Posted by Herb7734 7 years, 11 months ago
            As you know, retirement income is pretty well fixed. While we have money coming in, the constant rate of inflation keeps us from getting ahead. In any case, we are probably better off than many. However, we keep to a pretty strict budget in order to not only stay afloat, but to maintain a pleasant lifestyle. As to contributions, that also is budgeted so that pre-chosen charities or causes are figured in with a bit of space left over for unexpected causes or events. I have already lived longer than I expected and I'm sure my wife (Wonder Woman) will outlive me by considerable years. Both of us would consider it hell on earth to be beholden to charity, children or government assistance .
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by editormichael 7 years, 11 months ago
    If a man stands with his back too close to the fire, he's the one who has to sit on the blisters.
    Unfortunately, when that's applied to politics, all of us suffer, not just the silly bleeps who voted for the sorry candidates offered by the two old parties.
    Rational people -- surely that includes everyone who visits here -- will this year vote for the Libertarian Party candidate, Gary Johnson, John McAfee, or whoever.
    Oppose voting? In many ways so do I. But I compare it so shooting people: Sometimes you have to -- In Self-Defense.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
    • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
      No it is a vote for another winner take all raid and will be unmentioned in history as to how many. I don't support the left nor any party that asks for money but can't show me they are worth supporting except to regurgitate 'send money.' Are the Libertarians now the 700 club of politics?
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by fosterj717 7 years, 11 months ago
    The Republican party Establishment can take full responsibility for this Trump travesty! If they did what they were supposed to do in 2010, 2012 and 2014, there would be no Trump to discuss. However, because the leadership ship (I.e., McConnell, McCain, Boehner, Ryan, Gramsci, etc.) were so feckless and weak kneed, we are now witnessing the death throes of the Republican party. Good bye and good riddance, it is where it is supposed to be because of leaderships abject failure! The Trump Republican party is now the recreation of the 1854 Whig party, all but defunct! Truth be told!
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
    • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
      And all the chillun's said Amen and Amen and Amen then went home for icecream and watermelons.

      Screw me once shame on you screw me twice shame on me . There will not be a third chance.

      Although I presented third choice of sorts which calls on Trump to show some evidence of his leadership and is it two big brass ones or two marsh mellows he brings as evidence of his leadership skills.

      Personally I think marshmellows and he will forgo the opportunity to remake the GOP in his own image

      One thing to say about Waddle if the Arizona had armor plate equal to those she swings it would never have been sunk.

      But fair is fair I gave Trump his chance Look for "What would It take for me to vote for Trump?" A new thread with space for your opinion.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by bsmith51 7 years, 11 months ago
    Ever met the Chance Brothers, Fat and Slim? I don't have much use for Trump but like Ann Coulter's reasons for supporting him. In a nutshell, when the nation is at risk of destruction, one doesn't worry too much about the particulars of how to save it, one just saves it. Will such saving destroy it anyway? We'll see. One thing is for sure: if the flood of illegals continues, demographics will largely decide our future, as it has throughout world history. Trump at least understands that.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
    • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
      Does he? I see no evidence of that and a growing suspicion his corporatist friends would welcome the continuance of cheap labor. Not to mention the support that would gain from the left looking for cheap votes.

      Your line of reasoning is called pragmatism. So far it lost us the war against terror and lost us basic civil rights. But it did get us TSA and the DHS. The Directorate of Internal Security.

      Smooth Move Ex Lax
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by bsmith51 7 years, 11 months ago
        Well, Cruz (who I supported) is out. G. J. has no chance. We're pretty much down to doing nothing and jumping overboard, or hoping someone can stop the ship from sinking.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by $ Suzanne43 7 years, 11 months ago
    "GOP - Rest in Pieces" I like that! The one thing that I worry about big time is, if either The Hildebeast, Crazy Bernie, or Uncle Joe wins the White House, he or she will be appointing at least one person to the Supreme Court.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
      As far as rapidly expanding socialism- Sanders is #1, Hillary #2. I do think Trump will slow down the process at least a little bit, so I am voting for him. Cruz wouldnt have gotten anything done- the establishment hated him. Trump is anti-establishment but he got popular support for that and basically hijacked the floundering GOP.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by DrZarkov99 7 years, 11 months ago
    I remember Gary Johnson's performance in the 2012 GOP primary debates, and he was less effective at promoting and defending Libertarian positions than Ron or Rand Paul have been. I'm sorry to say he didn't come across as either confident nor competent, having less debating skills than any of the experienced governors that have made a run at the office in the past several election cycles. He may be a good guy who posits the right kind of Libertarian solutions, but he's as weak a candidate as most third party wannbes.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by $ jdg 7 years, 11 months ago
    I think the next step is to try to get some major donors, and some media personalities (Glenn Beck?) into the Johnson camp. With Tweedledum truly running against Tweedledee, the argument "you're wasting your vote" has never made less sense than now.

    I'll still vote for Republicans for Congress and state offices, but only the ones that aren't big spenders, as rated by Club For Growth and National Taxpayers Union.

    I don't think I'll change my mind even if the GOP delegates manage to pull a surprise. Cruz was never that great to begin with, and Rubio is worse.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
  • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
    The out come is The Government Party composed of the ruling socialist statist wing and the enabling socialist corporatist wing has successfully implemented a one party system with a predetermined outcome and got rid of the Bill of Rights and the rest of what ever that document was.

    Nice job America.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by Esceptico 7 years, 11 months ago
    I think McAffee would be a better LP choice. He is truly an outsider, has business experience, is well spoken, and does not think a jewish baker should be forced to bake a cake for a Nazis --- as does Johnson.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by RobertFl 7 years, 11 months ago
      I was taken back by Gary's cake comment at first. But, he did make a point.
      I'm still don't agree 100% with him on that issue, but that's the only flaw I saw.

      McAffee, sorry. He's a software guy. That just isn't enough credentials for me.
      I want to see his veto record. I also think he is BathSit crazy.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
  • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
    Let's look at the numbers since the Libertarians presently posting can't get beyond 'send money.'

    About 5,750,000 results (0.66 seconds)
    Search Results

    Dear Google?

    What Percent of eligible voters register and Vote for the Libertarian Party?


    http://alibertarianfuture.com › 2016
    Feb 7, 2015 - The question is, what percent of libertarians are Libertarians. ... After that the number gets even smaller when it comes to voter ... In that case, Gary Johnson did okay getting 1,275,971 million votes, that's about 9% of this total.
    Let's Look at the U.S. Libertarian Party's Results Over the Past 40 Years
    http://alibertarianfuture.com › 2016
    Feb 10, 2015 - It's time to take a critical look the national Libertarian Party's results ... better than their '84 results as a percentage but not in real numbers. ... That's the highest vote total since 1980 and the highest percentage of the vote since 1996. ... Previous ArticleWhat Percent of Libertarians Vote for the Libertarian Party ...
    Libertarian Party (United States) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberta...
    The Libertarian Party (LP) is a libertarian political party in the United States that promotes civil ... There are 411,250 voters registered as Libertarian in the 27 states (plus ... By other measures, such as popular vote in elections and number of candidates run per election, ..... Year, Popular Votes, Percentage, Number of Seats ...
    There Are Few Libertarians. But Many Americans Have Libertarian ...
    http://fivethirtyeight.com/.../there-......
    Apr 9, 2015 - Nor do very many Americans self-identify as socially liberal but ... They're far closer to being randomly distributed (25 percent of voters in each .... occupy the extra seats as each politician represents less and less total citizens.
    Libertarians say they're the third largest political party | PolitiFact Florida
    http://www.politifact.com/.../liberta......
    Sep 9, 2013 - We spotted a claim about the numbers and growth of libertarians in an announcement ... influence: a group's registration as a percentage of total voters. ... they garnered almost 5 percent of the state's registration as of October.
    Florida campaign shows continued growth of Libertarian votes ...
    https://www.lp.org/.../florida-campai......
    Mar 12, 2014 - Libertarian Lucas Overby won 4.8 percent of the vote in a very tight ... high vote total for a Libertarian in a special election, where voter turnout is lower. ... Since 2012, however, a number of Libertarian candidates have scored ...
    The Five Percent Threshold – Postlibertarian
    http://postlibertarian.com/2012/09/21...
    Sep 21, 2012 - Five percent of the vote is definitely within reach for Gary Johnson this ... increases the amount of funding available to the Libertarian Party to ...

    now where the 46% of the available voter pool represented by those who have no representation. Yet with 5% to 9% well within reach of becoming a legal recognized party.

    Some will join from the disintegrating Republicans but the biggest gain is from that 46%. They aren't Libertarians or they would have signed up . Why not? Is there a place for them? Yes if the Libs are serious about advancing and if they are willing to stick to the main common cause goals such as returning to constitutional rule, free and open elections, ditching money as free speech. Just the basics.

    To date i see no movement to entice me to leave NOTA though I have been sending direct to Johnson and not through any campaign committees. Most cannot articulate a reason why I should.

    For my time and money they are worth working with but not worth working for? Maybe an Independents for Johnson movement might help. It's up to Johnson.

    There's your golden opportunity if you are willing to share some of the control of a coalition style part and leave the minor stuff until later. On the other hand 5% projected is perilously close to 4.9%. There other percentage 9% was a smidgen away from double digits. It's something to work with but perhaps not work for. That's up to Johnson.

    And then there is that damned winner take all vote stealing business .....

    So are you a secular 700 or do you have something to offer?

    choices? you want viable choices. They are all around you ...except for the socialist collective farms. .which is all that's being offered officially. How long do you want to stand in line for a Cabbage Head or Beaten Root.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
  • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
    Back to the open convention with Trumps delegates of the stolen vote variety rejected and Cruz having quit.

    Anyone can then be legally chosen. Now with those of us born outside the USA eligibile I could be chosen ha ha. (No worries there.)

    One doesn't have to be well known and it might be a plus.

    So a Gary Who is possible but not probable. So is a Webb. It's completely up to the seated delegates and with Trumps numbers well below 1237 the Cruz supporters number enlarged and no need to honor any pledges it's a brand new campaign - one week long.

    How cool that would be to end the weirdest candidate selection season in history.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by jabuttrick 7 years, 11 months ago
      Will never happen. The Republican race is over. Accept it and move on to the LP.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
      • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
        Ahh the left has spoken. but not convincingly.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by jabuttrick 7 years, 11 months ago
          That's the first time in my life I have ever been accused of being on the "left." Why in the world do you think the Rules Committee is going to do anything anti-Trump at this point?
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
          • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
            Nothing much the head due stated it publicly but you were asleep. They are planning on challenging winner take all votes and some others. They do have the sole legal right to make those decisions. the state laws do NOT matter neither does the popular vote.

            Where you been playing Ostrich.
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
            • Posted by jabuttrick 7 years, 11 months ago
              When did the "head du[d]e" make this statement? Before yesterday? If so, it doesn't matter. You are correct that the Rules Committee is not controlled by state (or federal) laws or the popular vote. However, any changes to the Rules would have to be adopted by the full Convention. I may have been sleeping, but you are living in a fantasy world. Trump is the presumptive nominee.
              Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
              • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
              • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                Just quoting what was presented by the various news articles in the last two days. A google search will turn them up readily. The rules are already in place ostrich and have been for some time. Trump is the presumptuous nominee until the delegates present their credentials and are admitted or challenged and rejected. Since at least one of them is using one of my stolen votes I vote for the rules committee to reject the theiving son of a bitch. or daughter as the case may be.
                Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
              • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
              • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                Just quoting what was presented by the various news articles in the last two days. A google search will turn them up readily. The rules are already in place ostrich and have been for some time. Trump is the presumptuous nominee until the delegates present their credentials and are admitted or challenged and rejected. Since at least one of them is using one of my stolen votes I vote for the rules committee to reject the theiving son of a bitch. or daughter as the case may be.
                Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                • Posted by jabuttrick 7 years, 11 months ago
                  Oh, it was in a "news article." It must be true then.
                  Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                  • Comment hidden by post owner or admin, or due to low comment or member score. View Comment
                  • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 7 years, 11 months ago
                    Choke on it.

                    About 2,670,000 results (0.30 seconds)

                    Showing results for GOP Rules Committee
                    Search instead for GOP Rules Commitee
                    Search Results
                    rules of the Convention - Republican National Committee
                    https://gop.com/convention-facts/?con...
                    On July 18, 2016, delegates will gather in Cleveland, Ohio for the Republican National Convention. Who are the delegates, what are the rules, and how does it ...
                    RNC Rules & Resolutions | GOP - Republican National Committee
                    https://www.gop.com/rules-and-resolut...
                    Rules & Resolutions. X. Resolutions Adopted by the Republican National Committee ... Further Resources. Rules of the Party · Read the Party Platform ...
                    Spotlight to shine on GOP rules committee at convention | TheHill
                    thehill.com/.../274844-republican-con......
                    Apr 2, 2016 - The 112-member Republican National Convention rules committee is poised to have an outsized role at this year's GOP convention in ...
                    How an obscure committee could decide the GOP nomination - Politico
                    www.politico.com/.../republican-campa......
                    Mar 14, 2016 - “It'll be a bloodbath,” said Tom Lundstrum, an Arkansas Republican who served on the convention Rules Committee in 2012 when rules ...
                    GOP panelists eager to scrap rule that helps Trump - POLITICO
                    www.politico.com/.../republican-conve...
                    Mar 30, 2016 - All four early appointees to the rules committee for this year's Republican National Convention told POLITICO they're prepared to weaken or ...
                    In the news
                    Image for the news result
                    Republican Party Looks for Donald Trump Unity After Indiana
                    TIME‎ - 16 hours ago
                    I tend to think that the Rules Committee ought to keep as much as we have in the rules the ...
                    Cruz backer Mike Lee snags spot on convention rules committee
                    Politico‎ - 2 days ago
                    What are Indiana's Republican Delegate Rules?
                    LawNewz‎ - 2 days ago
                    More news for GOP Rules Committee
                    Convention delegates: 112 people who may decide the Republican ...
                    www.cnn.com/2016/04/12/politics/gop-c...
                    Apr 12, 2016 - Washington (CNN) The Republican National Convention Rules Committee is the most powerful group you've never heard of -- it will set the ...
                    GOP Convention Rules Committee Explained - The Wall Street Journal
                    www.wsj.com/.../gop...rules-committee......
                    Apr 26, 2016 - WSJ's Shelby Holliday explains who makes up the GOP's "Committee on Rules" and why they hold so much power. Photo: Getty ...
                    GOP rejects rule changes before Republican National Convention in ...
                    www.cleveland.com/rnc-2016/.../gop_vo......
                    Apr 21, 2016 - The Republican National Committee's Standing Rules Committee rejected a proposal to recommend switching the parliamentary rules for the ...
                    #NeverCoup: Why this Week's RNC Rules Committee Meeting May ...
                    www.nationalreview.com/.../nevercoup-......
                    Apr 19, 2016 - There's a lot at stake at the RNC's rules committee meeting this week ... RNC Rules Committee Meeting May Determine the GOP Nominee.

                    Searches related to GOP Rules Committee

                    rnc rules committee members

                    rnc national committee members

                    republican national committee rules

                    gop rules committee members

                    rnc rules committee meeting

                    rnc convention rules

                    republican national convention rules committee

                    rnc rules 2012 pdf
                    1
                    2

                    3

                    4

                    5

                    6

                    7
                    Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
    Rand Paul, a supporter of the consitution, dropped out early. Cruz, a self proclaimed religious zealot and supporter of the constitution, just dropped out. Gary Johnson has NO chance of getting traction. Doesnt that tell us all that the culture of the country will not support objectivist principles AT THIS TIME. Politics comes after philosophy, and the dominant philosophy at this point in our history is unfortunately socialism (look at the popularity of Sanders).

    We would waste efforts on Johnson. He wont be elected, and probably wont even get any press because of the small number of voters who would support him.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by $ CBJ 7 years, 11 months ago
      "Gov. Gary Johnson in double digits in Monmouth University poll"
      http://www.lp.org/blogs/staff/gov-gar...
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
        The problem is "gary- who??". If he actually talks about his principles, he wont get traction in a presidential race. Its too soon intellectually in this country. What he CAN do is expose more people to the ideas, and thats good and supportable. He should run but not expect to win. But, if we dont vote for Trump, we will get Hillary this time.
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by $ CBJ 7 years, 11 months ago
          Gary Johnson got 1% in 2012 against an Obama-Romney matchup. This year there are a large number of voters who will refuse to vote for either Hillary or Trump. If the Libertarian candidate starts polling at 3 or 4 percent (or more) because of these voters, it will focus quite a bit of media attention on the LP and its principles without affecting the ultimate outcome of the race.
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
            The attention given to rational values would be GOOD. But I think that can be obtained by supporting Johnson, but not actually voting for him in NOvember. We really DONT want Hillary or Sanders to win the presidental election
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by $ 7 years, 11 months ago
          OK. The US was not worth salvaging anymore anyway.
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
          • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
            A terrible thing to say, given that it means the end to a great experiment in liberty. That said, there is a real question whether it CAN be salvaged at this point. It may have just gone past the point of no return. All we can do is try and slow the process down a little.
            Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
            • Posted by $ 7 years, 11 months ago
              It is past the point of salvage. The point where things might have been salvaged was 2012, but Romney had the audacity to admit the truth - that 47% will vote D because it is in their self-interest.
              Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
              • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
                I hope that isnt right. I suspect Romney was right then, and its over 50% now. Look at the support for Sanders, an admitted pure socialist. Its very scary
                Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                • Posted by $ 7 years, 11 months ago
                  The Obama and Sanders support is my evidence that it is past the point of salvage. With it being over 50% now, as you say, that is further evidence.
                  Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                  • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
                    Cant argue with that. If Hildebeast or Sanders gets elected in the fall, that will signal that we are in a death spiral like Venezuela. It would pay to investigate just what happens when a society gets into the death throes, and how one might preserve ones life in that scenario..
                    Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
                    • Posted by $ jdg 7 years, 11 months ago
                      Latin America in the 20th century is full of examples of what happens then. You survive by being small and hoping they don't notice you.
                      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by DeanStriker 7 years, 11 months ago
    While I like the title here, and also like Gary Johnson, let's face it, folks. Our Libertarian Party has always been shunted aside.
    I'll not join into the eternal discussion about that; just to say that the Dem-Rep monopoly has managed to bend or break the rules such that it's become impossible for any "3rd party" to gain and keep a foothold.
    Having watched 98% of the voters last round vote for socialist tyranny (either Obama or the ABO Romney crowd) while Johnson got just 1%.
    These days, we watch the money go to the D-R monopoly, not the the LP nor to any other "party".
    America has a problem which Voting can never cure. I await the Great Global Collapse ahead, but fear that the majority fools will merely set out to replace this GOVERNment with another to fail yet again. If that's correct, the human species will probably then blow it's last chance to avoid self-extinction.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by term2 7 years, 11 months ago
      Trump and Sanders are anti-establishment people. That really struck a chord in the electorate. I wouldnt be surprised if this is the beginning of the end of republican and democratic party, and the start of serious voting for people, not parties.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  

FORMATTING HELP

  • Comment hidden. Undo