2012 U.S. Presidential Election

[Strike For The South]

To cheer you up I think I will find a cheerleaders costume. Then dress up in it and take a picture. And post it for your enjoyment.

As someone who has seen real pictures of you

Please keep all your clothes on and don't delve into cross-dressing

I will derive much more enjoyment from that.

[Hooahguy]

As someone who has seen real pictures of you

Please keep all your clothes on and don't delve into cross-dressing

I will derive much more enjoyment from that.

Admit it Strike, you know you want to.

[Major Robert Dump]

@Montmerencey you said "presented" haha. Thats exactly what POTUS did

@ACIN Don't you dare ever call me cynical again. I prefer "Negative Nancy"

[Montmorency]

I don't get it.

Montmerencey

Ha! because I'm merely one more so-and-so in the crowd. I'll use that as my tagline. Good one!

[Major Robert Dump]

When one "presents", one manueavers the sexual organs into a welcoming position. It's what your cat does when he throws his tail up and sticks his junk in your face. It's what Hony the Orangutan did to the Ecuadorian miners. It's what a prisoner in San Quinten does when Bubba gets back from a hard workout in the gym.

[Xiahou]

Nielsen says over 67 million tuned into the debates- the most since the Bush/Clinton/Perot debates in 1992. And that's not counting online viewers.

[Lemur]

Sure, gloat in the fact that I still haven't seen the debate, although 67 million of my best friends tuned in.

Actually, I'm in an interesting position; I've heard all of the post-debate analysis and spin, read the conventional wisdom, and generally accepted the herd's take on the first debate.

What I should do now is watch it and record my reactions, and see how at variance from the hive-mind I am.

Of course, all of that would require time and effort. Let's nap instead.

[Goofball]

Those same fact checking organizations are also throwing flags on Obama's statements. According to FactCheck.org, the score is Obama 5, Romney 4 on lies and exaggerations.

That depends on which fact checkers you believe, I guess. The first one I saw yesterday had Romney "ahead" of Obama 3 - 1 on lies.

[Major Robert Dump]

My fave is Gore blaming altitude/jet lag whatever.

The lefty pundits are considerably less hard on tghe president on day 2#

Still doesn't change the fact that he did not respond to several Romney direct attacks which happended to be valid questions.

Surely in the national security debate he willl have some tricks, as he has access to facts and info romney will not.

[Lemur]

[Obama] has access to facts and info romney will not.

Don't presidential candidates start to receive briefings once it's down to two? Or is that only in the post-November period if they win?

I could Google it, but that would take effort.

-edit-

I am so deliriously happy this guy is back, singing about gay sex in the White House.

[Sarmatian]

To cheer you up I think I will find a cheerleaders costume. Then dress up in it and take a picture. And post it for your enjoyment.

... and other people's nightmares.

Please, please, PLEASE, think of the children...

[Goofball]

25 best tweets of teh debate:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/04/tech/s...iref=obnetwork

My two faves:

'Obama better hope a Kicked A** is covered under Obamacare'

and

'Mitt: "I like coal" Poor people will find it in their stockings if I am President."'

[Kralizec]

I am so deliriously happy this guy is back, singing about gay sex in the White House.

Arrrrrr train

[Xiahou]

25 best tweets of teh debate:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/04/tech/s...iref=obnetwork

My two faves:

'Obama better hope a Kicked A** is covered under Obamacare'

and

'Mitt: "I like coal" Poor people will find it in their stockings if I am President."'

It's not on the list, but one I liked the night of the debate was...

"That wasn't a debate so much as Mitt Romney just took Obama for a cross country drive strapped to the roof of his car. "

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Don't presidential candidates start to receive briefings once it's down to two? Or is that only in the post-November period if they win?

I could Google it, but that would take effort.

-edit-

I am so deliriously happy this guy is back, singing about gay sex in the White House.

I googled. Apparently the two major candidates are offered briefings by the CIA after receiving their parties' nominations. The preface I read suggested, however, that very few of the candidates manage more than one "overiew" briefing prior to the general elections because of the tight schedule of a campaign.

[ICantSpellDawg]

Sure, gloat in the fact that I still haven't seen the debate, although 67 million of my best friends tuned in.

Actually, I'm in an interesting position; I've heard all of the post-debate analysis and spin, read the conventional wisdom, and generally accepted the herd's take on the first debate.

What I should do now is watch it and record my reactions, and see how at variance from the hive-mind I am.

Of course, all of that would require time and effort. Let's nap instead.

I thought Romney did alright, as he usually does in debate. I also though Obama did better than I expected, as he was usually poor in debate. I was surprised by the reactions to the debate, but can see how a win by an under-rated candidate when 62 million Americans are watching can change peoples opinion (most of whom were probably not actually paying attention before). I believe that Romney is a bright guy and has good ideas and the right outlook for Government in an executive position. It makes sense that other people might see that, too.

[Major Robert Dump]

I do not understand the stink being made by certain pundits on the right over Obama having attended the VP Debate Mods wedding some 20 years ago. I wonder what Dick Cheney and Antony Scalia think of this.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

I do not understand the stink being made by certain pundits on the right over Obama having attended the VP Debate Mods wedding some 20 years ago. I wonder what Dick Cheney and Antony Scalia think of this.

Tactics. Set up the "unfair moderation limited our guy's chances" explanation in advance. Never works as well as an excuse if you seem to be making it up afterwards. Moreover, you can still use it as an enhancer -- despite the moderator's obvious slant our guy still did well -- if Ryan does well. Pretty much a "no lose" gaming of the situation akin to both sides playing down their own candidate's debating abilities prior to a debate. Lower expectations enough and it all looks pretty good.

Plus, RW radio pundits love having a bash at the media

[ICantSpellDawg]

I have no idea how this debate is going to swing. Biden is an effective populist and Ryan is a bit wonky. I expect Ryan to be more competant than he is giving speeches, but still, you are talking to the American people - a horde of individuals who think sports are interesting and read "people" magazine. Don't bring up the CBO.

[Major Robert Dump]

I think Paul Ryan's homoerotic workout photo spread being released on National Coming Out Day is just absolutely epic.

I mean, you know what they say about men who wear their ballcap backwards... and what Lemur says about Republican closet cases.....

[a completely inoffensive name]

I am not going to lie, Biden is saying his fair share of bullshit, but his expressions make me lol.

[ICantSpellDawg]

I think that Biden is being effective. A bit unsettling to roam from hyena like hysterics, to irritated yelling, to solemn discussion, but the editorial press will eat it up.

[a completely inoffensive name]

Roles got flipped here. Biden was very aggressive, Ryan wasn't.

[ICantSpellDawg]

But Ryan wasn't seemingly dis-interested, he was alert. I'd say that Biden one this one, but his aggression went just beyond civil and Ryan's loss was one of experience. Intense composure is a valuable asset for a Presidential candidate, arguably less so for the VP.

[a completely inoffensive name]

But Ryan wasn't seemingly dis-interested, he was alert. I'd say that Biden one this one, but his aggression went just beyond civil and Ryan's loss was one of experience. Intense composure is a valuable asset for a Presidential candidate, arguably less so for the VP.

So he was alert but couldn't muster the strength to return aggression? His failure is no less than Obama's. You can't win the rhetorical battle if you can't fight back, whether you are wired like a mouse or in a coma. It all comes down to people sensing weakness, which is abhorrent to what you want in a high office.

[Xiahou]

I don't think this one was nearly as decisive as the last debate. If you are a Biden fan, you probably think he was great. Everyone else.... will probably think he's a jerk. He was smirking the entire time, make exasperated noises- basically everything they're told not to do. He also interrupted Ryan constantly, but that should play well among his fans.

I think most people will conclude that time spent watching this debate was pretty much a waste....

EDIT: This is one of the best early reactions I've read.

[ICantSpellDawg]

I don't think this one was nearly as decisive as the last debate. If you are a Biden fan, you probably think he was great. Everyone else.... will probably think he's a jerk. He was smirking the entire time, make exasperated noises- basically everything they're told not to do. He also interrupted Ryan constantly, but that should play well among his fans.

I think most people will conclude that time spent watching this debate was pretty much a waste....

I agree that this debate was a waste. Biden did exactly what Obama's critics on the left have been demanding that he do all week since Obama bombed. This one will be back into the partisan back and forth like we're used to. I agree with your statement, people who dislike him will lose respect for him, Democrats who thought he was too middleground will eat up the red meat. Ryan is much better than anyone I've seen on explaining policy to beltway pundits who actually pay attention, but I rarely see Biden effective in that venue. Equally, the venue of getting sportsfans and blue collar hammer-heads to listen to veiled political argument is Biden's show.

[a completely inoffensive name]

People who try to write off Biden as acting bizzare or as a jerk, are just as silly as people like me who tried to write off Obama's ineptitude with words like "coolness" and "composure".

Biden actively reached out to people through the camera, he addressed senior citizens a lot. He told them to refer to AARP, which I believe does support Obamacare if I remember correctly. It was warm, Biden did over do it in places, that's what happens when you need to correct for Obama's terrible performance.

I think this will probably halt the polls swinging towards Romney, it won't reverse it back in Obama's favor though. VP debate just isn't as important.

[Xiahou]

People who try to write off Biden as acting bizzare or as a jerk, are just as silly as people like me who tried to write off Obama's ineptitude with words like "coolness" and "composure".

From Politico:

Weekly Standard’s Mark Hemingway: “Joe Biden’s laughing through talking about Iran sanctions?”
Continue Reading

TIME’s Michael Scherer: “Not sure debate cameras have been light tested for Biden’s teeth. Best to watch with sunglasses.”

Washington Examiner’s Philip Klein: “Biden’s strategy seems to be to laugh at Ryan constantly. Will it work to infantalize Ryan, or backfire like Gore sighing?”

NBC’s David Gregory: “Biden’s smile is out of control.”

BuzzFeed’s Ben Smith: “So did Biden practice laughing at Ryan???”

ABC’s Rick Klein: “Biden on verge of breaking down in laughter when Ryan talks.”

Former Eric Cantor staffer Brad Dayspring: “Joe Biden needs to realize this isn’t a Senate Foreign Relations Hearing. His laughter and condescending attitude is a disaster.”

Radio host Neal Boortz: “Looking like Biden’s gameplan is to laugh his way through this.”

Townhall.com’s Guy Benson: “Will Biden laugh his ass off at the terrible economy, too?”

MSNBC’s S.E. Cupp: “Biden needs to laugh a little less through the Libya, Middle East, nuclear Iran segment.”

Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza: “Ok. I have decided. I find the Biden smile slightly unsettling.”

PBS’ Jeff Greenfield: “Biden has always had a smile that at times is really, really inappropriate.”

Washington Examiner’s Paul Bedard: “Can’t tell yet if Biden’s smirking, laughs, eye-rolling, head shaking, works for him or not against the oh-so-young looking eager Ryan.”

Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer: “Biden is at risk of having his laugh come across like Gore’s sighs. He should knock it off.”

The New York Times’ Ashley Parker: “Biden’s grin is Chesire Cat caliber.”

Republican strategist Ron Bonjean: “Biden laughing does not come off with the intended effect. It is actually hurting him. Looks very condescending.”

Movie critic Roger Ebert: “Joe! Stop smiling and laughing!”

Washington Times’ Emily Miller: “Biden laughing when he disagrees with Ryan is so annoying. Like a child in time out.”

Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin: “Biden’s laughing is losing the debate- obnoxious”

Comedy Central’s Indecision: “If this keeps up much longer, Joe Biden’s going to sprain his laugh muscles.”

There's a difference between being assertive and being an ass....

[ICantSpellDawg]

People who try to write off Biden as acting bizzare or as a jerk, are just as silly as people like me who tried to write off Obama's ineptitude with words like "coolness" and "composure".

Biden actively reached out to people through the camera, he addressed senior citizens a lot. He told them to refer to AARP, which I believe does support Obamacare if I remember correctly. It was warm, Biden did over do it in places, that's what happens when you need to correct for Obama's terrible performance.

I think this will probably halt the polls swinging towards Romney, it won't reverse it back in Obama's favor though. VP debate just isn't as important.

No, I agree with this for the most part, I think Biden won, just not by a landslide. I'm just saying that Obama's composure last time was contrasted with an alert candidate. Ryan's composure will be contrasted with an overly-flippant candidate. All personalities are not created equal. It's not as clear who will be the runaway favorite of viewers who are not used to seeing this stuff.