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Ann brings the love as Romney wraps up nomination

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"Romney lies neck and neck with Obama in national polls..."

How could this possibly be? Who are the poll takers? Romney supporters?

"...10 weeks before an election that should be his ( Obama's ) for the taking"

Oh, he's going to take it all right.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Mitt Ryan?

Really?

Are these Republicans trying to throw the election intentionally??

Clearly, the answer is yes.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Serrano - "How could this possibly be?"

Exactly. With the economy still in a mess, Romney should be way out in front.

The fact he's still behind is hilarious and highlights how his message, campaign and party are failing him.

It probably doesn't help that he's got a bunch of neanderthal knuckle-dragging folks like Todd Akin on his side, or that the platform the GOP adopted yesterday is a slap in the face to every woman in the country in that it would take away their rights to their own bodies if it was ever - God forbid - adopted.

Clearly, Republican men are the reason Republican women, support the right to bear arms.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Romney might have a chance if he locked every GOP male who wants to take away the rights of American women to choose what they do with their own bodies in a cave and kept them there until the election was over.

Hey - they'd have to lock them all up! 

Romney too.

Seems like every time one of these backward old GOP men opens their mouths on the subject of women's rights it becomes a Democratic campaign ad.

Heh, the very existence of the GOP is a gift to president Barack HUSSEIN Obama and the Dems.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Does anyone else find it strange how the GOP and conservatives spend so much time talking about freedom while at the same so willingly pulling that very freedom (to choose abortion, birth control, etc.) from their own women?

Talk about bankrupt ideology. But it's part of their campaign platform.

If men were able to have babies, abortion and birth control would all be legal and paid for by 'big government.'

But because it's women who give birth, men are all over the issue trying to suppress their own women's rights and choices wherever possible.

Weird and very disturbing.

And Mitt Romney supports all of it.

Well he does now - there was of course a time when he was pro-choice, but that's another story..

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Ah, and so the desperation sets in, I hear the wheels and frustration grinding and why is that? Obama is NOT in a straight lead, but a "a tie" dead heat tie. Hope the Dems get the Right Guard out, they are seriously going to need it.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

I kinda liked Santorum's speech:

Under President Obama, the dream of freedom and opportunity has become a nightmare of dependency with almost half of America receiving some government benefit.

You see, government assistance is an evil that Obama is forcing on the nation. When you are struggling, when you are down and out, government assistance ROBS YOU OF YOUR FREEDOM*. To truly be free - you must be on your own.

*Please note that the reverse is true for cases of big business support.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

bass4funk: "Ah, and so the desperation sets in, I hear the wheels and frustration grinding and why is that?"

With Mitt guaranteeing he'll put in anti-gay and anti-abortion legislation you can watch the numbers slide. He wants to roll back the nation to the middle ages.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Watched Ann Romney's speech - wow, it was great.

Personality, passion, warmth, style and flair.

Everything Mitt doesn't have.

Why isn't Ann running for president?

Sadly, despite Ann's excellent speech, it does nothing to hide the impositions and repression the GOP wants to force on women, or their job-destroying policies focussed on shafting America's middle class to enrich the Elites.

I'm confidant there'll be enough sensible Americans who can see through the GOP's BS and who will show them the door on election day.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I guess the good thing for Paul Ryan is that when the Ryan/Romney ticket gets nuked off the U.S. electoral landscape this November, he'll be able to simply ask millionaire Mitt to pay off his campaign debts and then perhaps find a more creative way to crush women's rights in America

0 ( +3 / -3 )

In fact, Ann Romney's speech was so good, perhaps President Obama should offer her the Sec. State job in his second administration.... 

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Not really a surprise. I liked Gov Christie's speech a lot.

Could have done without the 'musical guests'.

The fact he's still behind is hilarious and highlights how his message, campaign and party are failing him.

Most of the time the encumbant has a steep advantage over his opponent during the re-election race simply by virtue of the fact that the President already has the campaign structure in place with the entire party pre-primmed for the election cycle. Even Bush managed to maintain a fairly good lead even as his favorability kept getting worse and worse.

Given how bitter the GOP's primary was, how generally unlikeable Romney is, and how many issues are dogging the party I'm actually surprised at how well Romney's doing. And the GOP hasn't even brought out the big campaign guns yet.

The 2012 election will truely be a race to the bottom. Whoever can manage to blunder the least in the next couple months will become, or remain, the most powerful man in the world.

All I can say for certain is that whoever wins, everybody loses.

When you are struggling, when you are down and out, government assistance ROBS YOU OF YOUR FREEDOM*.

No, but it does cultivate a culture of mediocrity like in city's where generations of people live off the public dole because it's more profitable for them to work the system than for them to actually work. My home city of Detroit is a prime example.

*Please note that the reverse is true for cases of big business support.

No, it's true. No business should ever be favored over another. No product should ever be given a subsidy. No person should ever feel entitled to any more than they can earn through their own efforts. I like to keep my views on this matter consistent.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

"...she sought to portray the Romneys as an everyday couple who shared hardships just like other Americans."

Pure fiction.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

@Sushi

Keep dreaming, Ann did an excellent Job, Romney's got more than a chance. If you think he wants to turn the clock around on gays, you are in the deep jar of kool-aid, there are more pressing things to worry about than gay marriage of immigration, those issue can be dealt with later, now it's ALL about the economy, nothing more, nothing less.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ann Romney will make a great American First Lady.

RR

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

This stomach-turning schmaltz makes me want to vomit. I'm sick and tired of hypocrites like the Romney's telling us, yes you poor people, that we fully understand your hardships and will make your lives better. Try talking about enormous and ever-widening wage gaps. Mention the fact that America's poor are amongst the worst educated and unhealthiest in the developed world or the appalling infant mortality rate. Try talking about Wall Street greed which destroyed the lives of millions. No, let's watch Texans in cowboy hats.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Ann Romney's speech, although very touching, didn't really make a good case to "normalize" or "humanize" Mitt Romney. I had a hard time believing her rags to riches story, given that we all know that Mitt was born into and brought up in a very priveledged environment. The only way I would even slightly believe this, is if she said that Mitt had all of his money tied up in Swiss accounts, and that the American accounts had very little to live off of. That would have been more credible than the "using the saw horses as a desk" story.

Secondly, did she make a good argument that Mitt would be the better president? Not really (IMO), all she really did was talk about what a great date he was and how he got her home safely after their first dance. Fantastic! Mitt Romney for prom king! What a swell guy! What about the details Ann? What about his 4 dressage horses, and the elevators for his cars? What about the 12 years of taxes he's trying to cast attention away from? What about Bain Capital and its funding of an organization that funded fetus disposals for arbortion clinics. What about the many jobs that were lost when he took over several companies just to shut them down or outsource them? and the list goes on and on. Convince me again how this makes him a normal human being instead of a corporate robot that he really is. Convince me again how this makes him a the better candidate.

Finally, what I took away from the first day of the RNC is that Chris Cristie probably would have made the better VP pick, despite mentioning Romney (by name) a grand total of seven times, and refered to himself a whopping 37 times through the course of his speech. He was able to rallyup the crowd pretty well whereas the others tend to give really boring speeches filled with Republican talking points and a really poor attempt at a battle cry "we did build this" which was entirely based on falsifaction and a misquote of Obama's speech....is that all you got? ...Really? I certainly hope that R/R does better, otherwise they are done.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

I'll be honest - I'm a little disappointed.

Mitt and Ann have a nice, wholesome romance story.

However, I expected more. I expected at least 4 days of the recently abbreviated RNC to discuss Mitt's views, for example why he was once pro-choice and now he's pro-life, as well as why he has done back flips and U-turns on every major issue except that closest to his heart: enriching The Elites.

Explaining all of Mitt's positions (and there have been many, in some cases he has had multiple positions on certain issues)  should be the key focus of the RNC so that conservatives can understand where their candidate stands....this week. 

5 ( +6 / -1 )

@Jim

This stomach-turning schmaltz makes me want to vomit. I'm sick and tired of hypocrites like the Romney's telling us, yes you poor people, that we fully understand your hardships and will make your lives better. Try talking about enormous and ever-widening wage gaps. Mention the fact that America's poor are amongst the worst educated and unhealthiest in the developed world or the appalling infant mortality rate. Try talking about Wall Street greed which destroyed the lives of millions. No, let's watch Texans in cowboy hats.

Now you know how millions of Americans feel when we hear Obama's I can feel you pain speeches too, or criticizing private businesses and success "you didn't build that." what does he understand about free market enterprise, oh, that's right, he never started his own business, how would he know. How about in his hometown of Chicago, the murder capitol of the US, why isn't Obama addressing the carnage of gangs slaughtering each other. As the President, he should make that a high priority, but of course he won't do that. Hypocrite!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@SushiSake3

That's an easy question to answer because it has been answered several times now. Mitt doesn't have any of his own positions. He takes the position of his highest doner. If you want to know Mitt's current position on any given issue, just google "Sheldon Adelson" and see whathis positions are. That will be effectively be Mitt's position because Sheldon Adelson is the biggest doner to his campagne. Mitt is Darth Vader and Sheldon Adelson is the Sith Lord.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

electing a guy to rule the biggest army in the world for four years based on a college love story. Sounds like the american way indeed ...

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Romeo - "Ann Romney will make a great American First Lady."

Perhaps in 2054.

Better not ask Mitt to deliver the dogs to the White House...

0 ( +2 / -2 )

If the GOP/TP were really serious about America, they would have cancelled this RNC back-slapping love fest months ago and devoted their time and money to improving the economy and creating jobs.

But......... no.

Yet again, the GOP/TP put themselves first and in a colorful display of pomp, proclaim to the American people: "Sit there, sit."

The GOP/TP are partying while Rome burns. Thank God there's only a little over 8 weeks before they get buried at the polls.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Haven't read about the speech, but really: what is there to say?

Does she have any inkling about everyday life in America? Does she understand what her husband's policies are? Were any policies elucidated in the speech?

Please, anyone who has seen the speech: are my hunches correct: No, no, and no?

A woman with multiple sclerosis who is fortunate enough to afford "equestrian therapy" should most likely avoid public comment.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Laguna, yes - no, no, and no.

She even sounded like Sarah Palin at times and similarly fored up the base.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@Laguna

She doesn't dive into any issues. Its mostly "Mitt is a swell guy and a great date. That's why you should trust him."...nothing of real substance...so yes, she is a false authority and a hail Mary pass appealing to mostly female voters.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Does she have any inkling about everyday life in America? Does she understand what her husband's policies are? Were any policies elucidated in the speech?

Please, anyone who has seen the speech: are my hunches correct: No, no, and no?

A woman with multiple sclerosis who is fortunate enough to afford "equestrian therapy" should most likely avoid public comment

How can you say that? Do you know the woman? Did you spend time on the campaign trail with her. Just because the woman has MS doesn't disqualify her from discourse. She is very bit qualified to speak out on the issues and of her husband. All the othe past candidates and their spouses have spoken out before on the issues. If The other woman can speak out, generate a lot of enthusiasim for the base, it's a great thing, more power to An

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

I think it was good that Ann Romney didn't touch on policy.  As Mirai said, Ann is a false authority, and talking policy probably would have blown the GOP's chances.

Oh wait, the GOP has already blown their chances. 

2 ( +3 / -1 )

A woman with multiple sclerosis who is fortunate enough to afford "equestrian therapy" should most likely avoid public comment.

Would that also apply to those that can't afford "equestrian therapy" and are able to take advantage of through through charitable donations? Should they also avoid public comment?

The Equestrian Therapy Program has been touching lives in our nine-county area for over 25 years. Our non-profit charitable corporation, established in 1982, is a Premier Center accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. Our Instructors receive specialized training and certification which enables them to provide our students with activities that exercise the spirit, as well as the mind and body.

The staff and volunteers at Fassett Farm embrace the concept that disabilities are challenged and new abilities are created. Visitors are always welcomed.

http://www.etpfarm.org/

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I think it's great that pretty much anything the GOP says or does cements community organizer/president Barack HUSSEIN Obama's grip on a second term.

In fact, the GOP's strategy of blowing this election and sitting it out till 2016 is becoming clearer by the day. (The Todd Akin 'slip' was yet another dead giveaway.)

I guess it's just a shame that there's still some conservative folks out there who - amazingly - think the GOP/TP is actually seriously trying to win this thing.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Bass - "She is very bit qualified to speak out on the issues and of her husband."

Similarly, any registered poster - including non-Americans - are "qualified to speak out on the issues" -  including U.S. politics - on Japan Today.

I think you forget that sometimes.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Sail, is "equestrian therapy" EliteSpeak for "riding a horse"? :-)

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The usual media spin makes it hard to know what to think. Rachel Maddow of MSNBC seemed to get it right when she viewed the coming election in terms of demographics. With 0% of the black vote and less than 1/4 of the Hispanic vote, Romney needs to win a huge majority of white voters to win, and even if he does, by 2016 minority voters' preferences will sway the election no matter who the white voters prefer. There was also a good column by Harold Meyerson in the Washington Post about how the Republican platform essentially embraces the issues and policies designed to win in the U.S. South. Meyerson didn't go so far as to say it, but I agree that the Republican party is regressing back to the Dixiecrat party of 1948, led by South Carolina's senator Strom Thurmond. Thurmond's supporters began abandoning the Democrats after Harry Truman integrated the US armed forces and Branch Rickey integrated major league baseball. All the talk about school prayer, abortion, balanced budget, etc. is just a smokescreen --- the South remains a bastion of hard-core reactionaries. I am in a good position to know, too, since I received my entire secondary education south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

What's most deceiving in this and most elections is the illusion of choice. On the issues, there's very little difference between the two.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

On the issues, there's very little difference between the two.

Aside from taxation and spending, and environmental, energy, labor and foreign policies, I would have to agree.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The difference between the two could fit within a thimble and have room to spare. http://lewrockwell.com/orig13/karger5.1.1.html

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Sail, is "equestrian therapy" EliteSpeak for "riding a horse"? :-)

Would you rather call it therapeutic riding? Or should the Veteran's Administration also be included in the class warfare angle to smear Ann Romney?

The Lexington VA Medical Center has partnered with Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) therapeutic riding center to offer Veterans an alternative rehabilitation program — therapy that focuses on the close bond between horse and rider.

“The main focus of the program is addressing Veterans who have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] and Traumatic Brain Injury [TBI],” said Dr. Cynthia Dunn, a psychologist at the Lexington VA Medical Center. “The Veterans will tend to withdraw socially and lend themselves to isolating activities which will generally lead to concerns for suicidality.”

http://www.va.gov/health/NewsFeatures/20110106a.asp

1 ( +2 / -1 )

There was also a good column by Harold Meyerson in the Washington Post about how the Republican platform essentially embraces the issues and policies designed to win in the U.S. South.

Like supporting Guys like Florida's Allen West and South Carolina's Tim Scott? Who then get elected to Congress?

Last week, two African-American Republicans were elected to Congress: Florida's Allen West and South Carolina's Tim Scott. The two men, both backed by the Tea Party, are the first African-American Republicans in the House since J.C. Watts of Oklahoma retired in 2003.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20022218-503544.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I am glad that people are getting to know Romney better. Results of his nomination run show that the more those get to know him, the less they like him.

There are undoubtedly those who support Romney because they like him and support his policies (as such). Others will vote for him as they dislike Obama. Still, there are many others who support Romney in polls now as an indication of dissatisfaction at current conditions, but who will vote for Obama when it comes down to ensuring their own futures.

Polls are in this election, I predict, quite misleading. What people say to pollsters now and how they will vote in November will be historically large. Romney has his work cut out: his "bump" has only brought him on par with Obama; he dare not detail his policies as they are abhorrent to the majority, but this reluctance will be pared away in the coming months; and those who claim support now for "the other guy" will gravitate back to their own interests, which lie with the Democrats, not the GOP.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

It never fails that the Dems are trying to build up much hope as possible, with an election as close as this, it can go with way. Obama is on the ropes, neck in neck, all Romney has to do is convince the American people that Obama's policies are detriment to our nation, we tried it his way and the only thing we got was nothing but mounting debt and a President that absolutely doesn't care. For some people, they might have a concern with Mitt's likability, but what is more important, likeability or a President with backbone and a history of success and one that won't punish small business and tax the pants off the people. The people are tired of the lies and tires of being hoodwinked by this administration.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

@Sushi

Similarly, any registered poster - including non-Americans - are "qualified to speak out on the issues" -  including U.S. politics - on Japan Today.

I think you forget that sometimes.

I never said or thought otherwise. Of course, non- Americans can speak out on the issues if they want, doesn't mean that all of them will get the full picture always.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

it can go with way

Yes: either way, it will go with way.

Obama is on the ropes, neck in neck...

Avoid mixing metaphors. The glove is not IN the other foot now, is it? Or were you trying to be cryptic?

...all Romney has to do is convince the American people that Obama's policies are detriment to our nation...

Now you're making some sense! - except that it is a doomed policy. People are not as stupid as you assume. Romney refuses to divulge what he would do, instead relying on a "trust me" approach. In effect, he is saying, "Obama's policies are inferior to mine, which I will not divulge to you, but they are, so trust me on this."

.... a President that absolutely doesn't care.... ...one that won't punish small business and tax the pants off the people.

It would be really cool if you could back that up, but you cannot. Hyperbole - Hey, why aren't you in Tampa?!

The people are tired of the lies and tires of being hoodwinked by this administration.

You have forgotten that the GOP-led House has the worse rating of any branch of government; lies and hoodwinking emanate from that dank place.

Good luck with YOUR hope. If you win - well, congratulations! Don't look to Romney for guidance; you've won the House! If you lose - well, Romney's doubled down with the Ryan ticket, and the GOP will be in the wilderness for a long, long time.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Romney is a fraud. He's ambitious, but has few ideals and little integrity. He'll say anything for a vote.

Batman and Robin's platform is to unshackle the overburdened 'job creators', who are scared silly by Obama's reversion to Reagan-era tax rates. I saw some of these cats this summer out on their yachts; they sure didn't look impoverished or worried to me.

That's the bird-brained policy part of Mitt. The other is the character side, as caricatured by Ann. I'd like to know how you'd trust a guy who organizes a posse to help him forcibly cut the hair off a kid Mitt deemed too faggy, and then claims to not remember? If he really forgot, then he's a coldhearted jerk, and if he's lying, well . . .

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Just watched her speech.

Pretty awesome, thought the best part was when she was directly connecting her speech to every woman in America.

I'm not sure if men really understand this, but I don't think there's a woman in America who really expects her life to be easy. In our own ways, we all know better!

And that's fine. We don't want easy. But these last few years have been harder than they needed to be. It's all the little things — that price at the pump you just can't believe, the grocery bills that just get bigger; all those things that used to be free, like school sports, are now one more bill to pay. It's all the little things that pile up to become big things. And the big things — the good jobs, the chance at college, that home you want to buy, just get harder. Everything has become harder.

We're too smart to know there aren't easy answers. But we're not dumb enough to accept that there aren't better answers.

http://www.npr.org/2012/08/28/160216442/transcript-ann-romneys-convention-speech

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Privileged idiot wife of privileged idiot husband. No right at all to speak to "America" as a whole. She knows nothing.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Last week, two African-American Republicans were elected to Congress: Florida's Allen West and South Carolina's Tim Scott. The two men, both backed by the Tea Party, are the first African-American Republicans in the House since J.C. Watts of Oklahoma retired in 2003.

Which tells us an awful lot about the Republicans' attitudes towards race. Nothing at all to be proud of.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

How can you say that? Do you know the woman? Did you spend time on the campaign trail with her. Just because the woman has MS doesn't disqualify her from discourse. She is very bit qualified to speak out on the issues and of her husband. All the othe past candidates and their spouses have spoken out before on the issues. If The other woman can speak out, generate a lot of enthusiasim for the base, it's a great thing, more power to An

Ann is at best, just a character witness in a defense trial. She is qualified to testify what Mitt's character is like and nothing else. And even so, her opinions on Mitt are going to be highly biased, hence making most of them irrelevant. If you want to know the real Mitt Romney, you have to asked the people he has worked with or went to school with to get an objective opinion, not his family.

Ann cannot speak about his business record at Bain or any other of his business ventures, because 1. it would be very incriminating 2. because unless she was an active member in the business, she would be a false authority. She would only be regurgitating what Mitt has told her, which could be nothing but lies.

we tried it his way and the only thing we got was nothing but mounting debt and a President that absolutely doesn't care.

Wrong again Bob! I've said it before, but I will repeat it just for you since you haven't figured it out yet. Since 2010, the John Boehner lead congress has pretty much filibustered or voted against every piece of legislation Obama and the dems have proposed. That is why they are now called the party of "no". It is one big conspiracy lead by the republican congress to make it look like Obama hasn't done anything so he doesn't get reelected, and unfortunately, they, along with the radical right winged media (you know which one) have successfully mislead the ignorant ditto heads into believing them.

Bills presented to congress by the dems that were filibustered:

Economic Stimulus package # of GOP house votes: 0 # of GOP senate votes: 2 Health Care reform # of GOP house votes: 0 # of GOP senate votes: 0 Wall Street Reform # of GOP house votes: 3 # of GOP senate votes: 3 Extended Unemployment Benefits # of GOP house votes: 31 # of GOP senate votes: 2 Small Business jobs act # of GOP house votes: 1 # of GOP senate votes: 0 Disclosure act (filibustered)

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Sail - [Ann Romney on American women] - "And that's fine. We don't want easy."

I watched her say this live.

Almost fell off my chair.

American women don't want their lives to be easier?

Any idea what planet Ann Romney lives on?

Obviously not our one.

It's quips like this that underline just how out of touch the Romney's are.

They're not 'common' like the majority are, the livelihoods of which Mitt is hellbent on destroying to benefit The Elites.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Which tells us an awful lot about the Republicans' attitudes towards race.

Oh, it's not that there are more black Democrats ? It's that the Republicans are racist? Blacks' choices of course have nothing to do with it...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Just watched her speech. Pretty awesome, thought the best part was when she was directly connecting her speech to every woman in America

You've got to be kidding me...You didn't really buy that nonsense did you. You REALLY think that Mitt's campaign staff is going to allow her to write her own speech? That is a professionally written, highly edited, highly vetted, scrutinized word for word plea to women voters. Most intelligent women will not buy it; too transparent and too fake...c'mon!!

I love you women!

Yeah...really genuine and heartfelt there /end sarcasm

3 ( +3 / -0 )

@Himajin

Oh, it's not that there are more black Democrats ? It's that the Republicans are racist? Blacks' choices of course have nothing to do with it...

The Republicans have well over three hundred elected members of Congress. The black percentage of the US is over 12%. Twelve per cent of three hundred is thirty-six. And the Republicans return their first candidates (two) since 1993. And that tells you nothing?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

why would any person of color, woman, gay, or lesbian join a party that actively promotes hatred towards them?

3 ( +4 / -1 )

And the Republicans return their first candidates (two) since 1993. And that tells you nothing?

Tells me Black Conservative Republicans can easily get elected to Congress in overwhelming white conservative districts and the pigment of ones skin doesn't matter a whit . Also you may want to google this Mia love person who also spoke at the Republican convention today. She's going to be number three Black conservative elected in November if the current polls in her overwhelming white conservative district holds up.

Ludmya "Mia" Bourdeau Love is the mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, and the Republican Party 2012 nominee in Utah's 4th congressional district. She will face six-term incumbent Democratic Representative Jim Matheson for the seat in November 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mia_Love

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I do not get it, twice the republicans run candidates that are so horrible that the black guy wins. Last time it was a landslide victory.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Does she have any inkling about everyday life in America? Does she understand what her husband's policies are? Were any policies elucidated in the speech?

Entered into a marriage that her parents didn't approve of, raised five children, battled cancer and multiple sclerosis, and was director of the inner city charity Best Friends as well as working for, and establishing, several other urban and veterans charity programs.

Also, given that she's been married to Mitt Romney for several decades and given speeches on his behalf before in regard to policy decisions while living in a state with an extreme minority of other Republicans and given the fact that she mentioned several of his administrative accomplishments during the speech I'd say she has a fairly well grounded understanding of his policies.

The works she refrenced were fairly standard. Mitt's budget, the revamps to Mass' schools, the Olympic revival, and the bipartisan works.

Mirai Hayashi, I'd like to understand how you go from this,

Ann is at best, just a character witness in a defense trial. She is qualified to testify what Mitt's character is like and nothing else.

to this

And even so, her opinions on Mitt are going to be highly biased, hence making most of them irrelevant. If you want to know the real Mitt Romney, you have to asked the people he has worked with or went to school with to get an objective opinion, not his family.

to this

She would only be regurgitating what Mitt has told her, which could be nothing but lies.

So basically what you're saying is that nobody is qualified to talk about Mitt Romney because either A) They don't really know him; or B) They know him but are clearly bias. Isn't the point of a character witness to, I don't know, have an opinion on that persons character? I don't think you can have an unbiased character witness. People either like you or they don't.

Your statements leave no room for satisfaction which seems to indicate that it is you who is being open to objectivity. I have stated before that I do not plan on voting for Romney but I'll play devils avdocate all day long. Because while I dislike many policies of many candidates you'll rarely find me spouting off personal insults directed at any candidate because I find it detracts from actual debate.

Privileged idiot wife of privileged idiot husband. No right at all to speak to "America" as a whole. She knows nothing.

So what you just said is that she's just a dumb woman that has no right to speak. See? I can twist words out of context too. Your move.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@sailwind

She's going to be number three Black conservative elected in November if the current polls in her overwhelming white conservative district holds up.

Wow! If she gets in, that'll take the number of black Republican congress members up to almost 9% of what it would be naturally, if people weren't racist. Wonderful!!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Tells me Black Conservative Republicans can easily get elected to Congress in overwhelming white conservative districts and the pigment of ones skin doesn't matter a whit .

All it says is that the GOP is desperate to pull in people of color to lose their image as the party of old white men.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@The Question

Entered into a marriage that her parents didn't approve of, raised five children, battled cancer and multiple sclerosis, and was director of the inner city charity Best Friends as well as working for, and establishing, several other urban and veterans charity programs.

1) "..a marriage that her parents didn't approve of,..." Implies nothing regarding intelligence or merit.

2) "...raised five children...." Respect, but my late, beloved grandmother did the same and she was politically mad.

3) "...battled cancer and multiple sclerosis...," Irrelevant. If anything it ought to have made her more compassionate in general towards people who suffer....But it hasn't, has it?

4) "... charity programmes." Last resort of right-wingers. A sad little attempt to make up for their spouses' attempts to destroy welfare.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

lucabrasi,

You stated that about 12 percent of America's population is African American. You are correct. What you didn't mention was in that twelve percent it breaks down further to 85 percent of African-Americans identify as Democrats or left-leaning, according to the American National Election Studies and Only 6 percent said they are Republicans. For the GOP to elect two conservative black republicans from such a small pool of potential Black conservatives to begin with that would run for congress in the first place is about right within the political affiliation demographics.

In other words race really doesn't factor at all, its the policies that count that determines the election in the districts folks run in. In Conservative districts, Conservatives tend to win, in the Liberal districts liberals tend to win. This is not rocket science.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

It's good that SushiSake3 can't vote in this election.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Why would you need to be persuasive, likable or convincing? All you need to do is make sure the other chap's type don't get to vote.

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/blogs/national-affairs/gop-war-on-voting-new-laws-could-block-five-million-from-polls-20111003

This flip-flopping automaton could very well get there. In which case, God help us all.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@Sailwind

For the GOP to elect two conservative black republicans from such a small pool of potential Black conservatives to begin with that would run for congress in the first place is about right within the political affiliation demographics.

No. Political parties aren't supposed to be run on racial lines. I'd suggest that if the GOP can't achieve a better rate than two black members of Congress in thirteen years, then they've got huge problems. There's a good reason why 85% of blacks identify as Democrat.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

"There's a good reason why 85% of blacks identify as a Democrat."

What would that be?

And what's the reason why 99% of black voters will vote for Obama again even with black unemployment over 16%?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

And what's the reason why 99% of black voters will vote for Obama again even with black unemployment over 16%?

and I repeat

why would any person of color, woman, gay, or lesbian join a party that actively promotes hatred towards them?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Serrano

I think you know the answers to both your questions very well. But you choose not to acknowledge them.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

. Political parties aren't supposed to be run on racial lines.

Agreed, and the election of Alan West and Tim Scott Conservatives who just happen to be African American were elected in overwhelmingly white districts as their representatives in Congress does show that it isn't along racial lines but only that they carry the same overall political views that the majority of their constituents hold also.

I'd suggest that if the GOP can't achieve a better rate than two black members of Congress in thirteen years, then they've got huge problems

I'd suggest that GOP hasn't been able to attract enough African Americans that would identify themselves as Conservatives over the past thirteen years to really field good potential candidates in local congressional races. Though that has been changing slowly as more African Americans realize that Democrat policies have really failed them and are more receptive to a Conservative viewpoint of less Government and more self-reliance than more Government and a continued dependency on the continued largesse of the nanny state.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Yes: either way, it will go with way.

Remember that.

Avoid mixing metaphors. The glove is not IN the other foot now, is it? Or were you trying to be cryptic?

Wasn't mixing metaphors, more or less being concise and calculated.

Now you're making some sense! - except that it is a doomed policy. People are not as stupid as you assume. Romney refuses to divulge what he would do, instead relying on a "trust me" approach. In effect, he is saying, "Obama's policies are inferior to mine, which I will not divulge to you, but they are, so trust me on this."

I always make sense and I never said, anyone was stupid. I respect everyone, but somehow, it seems that liberals don't want to respect other people's opinion and thus usually go into name calling people. You are hilarious, your guy did the same thing, yes, he finally hinted at where he stands on the capitalist, socialist fence. Obama said, the same thing, "trust me" and look where we are? You can honestly say, we are better off now then we were 4 years ago, individually as well as the country? Seriously?? Please, don't feed me that line? I don't trust most politicians ANY of them, but at least with Romney, we can get this car out of the ditch! That's all I care about at this point and time, everything else, take a backseat!

It would be really cool if you could back that up, but you cannot. Hyperbole - Hey, why aren't you in Tampa?!

Sure thing, buddy! Where should I start?

President Obama and congressional leadership repeatedly claim that Obamacare is good health reform policy for small businesses (companies with 50 or fewer workers), but this claim is not supported by the facts.[4] Instead, Obamacare will likely exacerbate many of the concerns of small businesses—particularly small business owners—in at least four ways.

Higher Health Care Costs

Ineffective Small Business Tax Credit

Higher Regulation Compliance Costs

Medicare Taxes on “Flow-Through” and Investment Income

Hope that's enough for you. As to why I'm not in Florida...hate the humidity.

You have forgotten that the GOP-led House has the worse rating of any branch of government; lies and hoodwinking emanate from that dank place.

Not so fast

http://thatsmycongress.com/house/

Regardless, why should the conservatives give Obama a blank check for everything, as long as I can keep my principles as a fiscally conservative and my popularity suffers because of it, so be it.

Good luck with YOUR hope. If you win - well, congratulations! Don't look to Romney for guidance; you've won the House! If you lose - well, Romney's doubled down with the Ryan ticket, and the GOP will be in the wilderness for a long, long time.

Well, the election could go either way, we'll just have to let the folks decide, sniping and bickering on both sides won't solve Americas crisis. Let's see what will happen in November.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

It's good that SushiSake3 can't vote in this election.

You said something that was always on my mind.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Also remember that the phrase Phrase 'Till the fat lady sings' has nothing to do with Opera.

But refers to Texas which can swing the outcome and thus the last results to come in.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I got it - Ann Romney's speech was so strongly focused on women because that is exactly the voter block that Mitt/GOP's backward, repressive 16th century, anti-women policies make the GOP so weak with.

Her speech was pure hollow politics.

But she did it so well.

Damn, I'm glad I didn't fall for it.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Serrano: "It's good that SushiSake3 can't vote in this election."

Bass - "You said something that was always on my mind."

Heh, I can smell the fear from here. :-)

The only reason you both say this is you know I'm generally right. 

My pleasure. :-)  

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

She delivered her side of the bargain, blending a targeted pitch to vital women voters with a personal narrative about Mitt that dwelt largely on their all-American love story, their wholesome family and his winning attitude.

Does she, or her speech writers, really think this is what women voters care about in this election? Their love story and his winning attitude? I find that insulting.

It has been 47 years since that tall, kind of charming young man brought me home from our first dance. Not every day since has been easy. But he still makes me laugh. And never once did I have a single reason to doubt that I was the luckiest woman in the world.

I'm glad they have a happy marriage, but that's no reason for me to vote for him.

(And, btw, I understand she has battled health issues, but so have millions of other Americans, and most of them without the monetary resources or access to health care she has.)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

All these speakers are giving speechs about themselves . They only toss Romney in at the end of the speech. After listening to Santorum and Christie you would have thought that they were the candidate. Niether really wants Romney to win, If Romney wins these guys wont get to run for President in 2016. They would have to run against a sitting Republican President, in the GOP that is never done.

These speechs wernt for Romney, No one really likes the guy. That's pretty obvious. These speechs were the start of the 2016 Presidential race by those who lost this one.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

bass4funkAug. 29, 2012 - 10:49PM JST

It's good that SushiSake3 can't vote in this election.

You said something that was always on my mind.

sushisake, I have provided the weblink listed below, so you can do this now. Hope this will help.

Absentee Voting Information for U.S. Citizens Abroad

Voting in 2012 is Easier than Ever Before

http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/overseas_voting/overseas_voting_4754.html

We do not want a president who needs help from his wife. Basically, GOP has no plan. Let's talke about these three issues.

1) Real issues

2) Stakes we are taking

3) Tell us why these issues are important to Americans.

We do not have to hear anything from Ann.

We need to hear what Mitt has to say who he is and what he believes. His "Trust Me" is not selling to American voters.. Many voters are afraid that Mitt /Ryan will take us back to "Archie Bunker", or maybe people like bass, sailwind, serrano and TheQuestion want to go that way. Their sisters may have to go to "Coat Hunger Abortion Clinics" and may end up being killed.

http://www.archiebunkerquotes.com/2.html

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I'm guessing that when American women who have an unplanned pregnancy or who want contraceptives and who find themselves being denied access to both thanks to backward, anti-women GOP policies, they'll be able to breathe a collective sigh of relief because Ann Romney told them her husband Mitt and her have an all-American love story, a wholesome family, and he has a winning attitude.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

lucabrasi,

The question asked was if Ann Romney had "any inkling about everyday life in America?", to which I answered that, through her life experience, she did.

1) "..a marriage that her parents didn't approve of,..." Implies nothing regarding intelligence or merit.

This point was to highlight the fact that the Romney's have had to deal with personal struggles that many Americans have to deal with. Going against the will of ones family for the sake of a loved one is an issue that people throught the country have to deal with on a daily basis.

2) "...raised five children...." Respect, but my late, beloved grandmother did the same and she was politically mad.

Again, on the point of being able to relate to, and address, other Americans.

3) "...battled cancer and multiple sclerosis...," Irrelevant. If anything it ought to have made her more compassionate in general towards people who suffer....But it hasn't, has it?

Again, battling a illness resonates with many people. The point of compassion is debateable. I have much more respect for someone who goes out and does charity work than for a politician that steals money to give to insurance companies that make donations to their campaign.

4) "... charity programmes." Last resort of right-wingers. A sad little attempt to make up for their spouses' attempts to destroy welfare.

I'd love to see welfare destroyed but nobody in either party has suggested anything of the sort.

My post was clearly oriented around justifying Ann Romney as a character witness for her husband.

However, if you were taking up my challenge in regard to deliberatly taking things out of context then kudos, you're doing an excellent job.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If Ann Romney is Mitt’s make-me-look-like-a-húmán-solution, his situation is worse than I thought. Obama 2012

0 ( +1 / -1 )

While Ann was delivering her speech at RNC (Trust me Convention), people in the South have been fighting in the "Isaac". This storm is moving in 4 miles /hr very slowly while Katrina moved in a speed of 12/hr.This storm is no different from Katrina that caused a huge damage. It is still pouring 20 inches of heavy rain/hr. The dam is broken now and flooded in 14 inches deep. Keep it mind that President Obama approved 14 billion to restore City of New Orleans, not Bush. This is a test how we can stop the flooding.

I applaud to President Obama's proactive action 2 days ago who revived FEMA to protect people of the South once again that has been killed by Bush. He also sent more National Guards to the South two days ago.

Thanks to President Obama for his help when we were fighting in the wildfire here in my city. Because of his quick action, we finally killed the fire after 2 deaths and 450 homes lost in fire. Without his help, we could not do anything to stop it.

Thank you President Obama, your quick action will be remembered on November 6th by everyone in my city.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

What on earth was the nut throwing at the black lady by two attendees of the conference all about?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@global

We do not want a president who needs help from his wife. Basically, GOP has no plan. Let's talke about these three issues.

1) Real issues

2) Stakes we are taking

3) Tell us why these issues are important to Americans.

We do not have to hear anything from Ann.

We need to hear what Mitt has to say who he is and what he believes. His "Trust Me" is not selling to American voters.. Many voters are afraid that Mitt /Ryan will take us back to "Archie Bunker", or maybe people like bass, sailwind, serrano and TheQuestion want to go that way. Their sisters may have to go to "Coat Hunger Abortion Clinics" and may end up being killed.

I think you meant, "coat hanger."

Anyway, you and Sushi really, really crack me up. You guys rag on Ann get on her for defining her husband and yet, I remember, oh, not so long ago, when Michelle Obama was doing the exact same thing, proudly speaking of her husband and their 2 daughters, all the time. Many of us didn't want to hear from her, we wanted to her from Barack. All of a sudden it's too much or annoying for you to hear from the opposition wife. But she can't and is not allowed to stand by her man and talk about who he is, she is not allowed to share her normally private life with the American people? You guys and liberals do the exact same thing, nothing wrong with it, but don't down the lady. My god, this is what I mean, you guys have some serious double-standard issues, but of course, Conservatives are not allowed do the same.

http://news.yahoo.com/michelle-obama-democrats-secret-weapon-164633011.html?_esi=1

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Mad

Don't know, but it was a cameraman and the two unruly people were immediately caught and thrown out.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What on earth was the nut throwing at the black lady by two attendees of the conference all about?

This is an isolated incident. but we should recognize this is an element of hate against Blacks still existed in the US. These two Republican delegates who threw a bag of penuts shouting ,"this is how we used to feed animal" against CNN Black filming crew member. This is a very un-American behavior I would like denounce.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Sushi

I'm guessing that when American women who have an unplanned pregnancy or who want contraceptives and who find themselves being denied access to both thanks to backward, anti-women GOP policies, they'll be able to breathe a collective sigh of relief because Ann Romney told them her husband Mitt and her have an all-American love story, a wholesome family, and he has a winning attitude.

So now you are certain that this conversation took place and you were there and are certain this is going to happen? Well, Sushi, I have been wrong about you all along, why should I even listen to Mitt or Ann? I should come to you as the real source of Ann Romney info.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Posters, please stop with all this "war on women" rhetoric. You all sound like a bunch of Chris Matthews clones. I haven't seen or heard of one crazed Republican (or Tea Party member) randomly shooting women on site. Stick to facts and stop the name calling -- which sounds more like jealousy, Talk about the almost 50% who pay no taxes and stop saying the rich need to pay their fair share. President Obama and the Democratic Party harp about tax fairness. Here’s my fairness question to you: What standard of fairness dictates that the top 10 percent of income earners pay 71 percent of the federal income tax burden while 47 percent of Americans pay absolutely nothing?

According to IRS 2007 data, the richest 1 percent of Americans earned 22 percent of national personal income but paid 40 percent of all personal income taxes. The top 5 percent earned 37 percent and paid 61 percent of personal income tax. The top 10 percent earned 48 percent and paid 71 percent of all personal income taxes. The bottom 50 percent earned 12 percent of personal income but paid just 3 percent of income tax revenues. The full enlightening article; http://www.humanevents.com/2012/08/29/williams-the-rich-dont-pay-enough/

Lets see how many negatives I can receive for pointing out reality...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

bass4funkAug. 30, 2012 - 06:39AM JST

Anyway, you and Sushi really, really crack me up. You guys rag on Ann get on her for defining her husband and yet, I remember, oh, not so long ago, when Michelle Obama was doing the exact same thing, proudly speaking of her husband and their 2 daughters, all the time. Many of us didn't want to hear from her, we wanted to her from Barack.

We know what Obama is fighting for. We do not have to hear anything from Michell Obama. She is not our president. I know who he is and what he is fighting for. Basically within GOP, the TP and the Republican do not agree with many issues. NO PLAN-no plan.

Folks who are with Obama, let's get back to work. We can move mountain and it will be done in solidarity.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

85% blacks identify as democrat? Hmm, I wonder why I went moderate... I didn't vote on Obama because he had "the same skin as me" idea. I voted for him because he was the better choice at the time. If the race were between Obama and Condaleeza Rice I would have gone for Rice instead. The elections are really bad matches these days.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Posters, please stop with all this "war on women" rhetoric. You all sound like a bunch of Chris Matthews clones. I haven't seen or heard of one crazed Republican (or Tea Party member) randomly shooting women on site. Stick to facts and stop the name calling

The war on woman factor is a very relevant issue in this election, and could decide who the next POTUS is. Republicans are currently or have proposed over 900 peices of anti-abortion legislation at a state, federal and local level. Some of this legislation propose initiatives to not only ban abortion (under any and all circumstances -including rape, incest, and danger to mother/fetus health), but it also introduces absurd legislation to instate "fetal personhood" and even "spermal personhood". This means that any and all controseptives will effectively be banned, and women will be OBLIGATED to carry any and all pregnancies to term regardless of the circumstances of the conception. If interpretted strictly to the letter, it could also mean that having sex without the intent to conceive, or even masturbating could be considered a crime.

Women make up roughly half of the population of the United States so it extremely important to make them aware of what republicans are trying to do in terms of limiting their rights to free speech and pro-choice, so that can make the right decision when voting in November. This is why I believe Ann Romney's speech is going to be ineffective for the intelligent women out there who have already caught onto the GOPs plans for them should they be elected into office this fall. She only appealed to the emotions of the ignorant and uneducated. I'd like to believe that women are smarter than that. Most women aren't born into priveledged environments where their multi-millionaire husbands take care of them and buy them dressage horses and Cadillacs, so that they don't have to work. Many women are independant thinkers, work hard, and want equal opportunities and the ability to make decisions about their own bodies. If republicans are put into office, ALL of these fundamental liberties are put on the chopping block, and we become no free-er than the people of Afghanistan.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Amazing how many ordinary people are drawn into defending the poor widdle wich people and their ill-earned/inherited dollars, in a country with one of the largest and still expanding wealth-poverty gaps in the world. It almost reads like they believe in the American Dream and expect themselves to be among the top 10/20/whaddeva percent this time next year at the latest.

It's like turkeys campaigning in favour of Christmas in hopes of being invited to the party, not realising their welcome will depend on what they bring to the table.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

What a conrast Mrs Romney, cancer survivor and MS victim, offers her country and the world. None of the anger or bitterness that consumes Michelle Obama.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

"We're not going to let our campaign be dictated by fact-checkers," -Mitt Romney campaign pollster Neil Newhouse. In other words, we will continue to spread more lies about President Obama to get our candidate elected.

It doesn't get any better than this!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

We do not want a president who needs help from his wife.

And this from the "empower women" brigade.

A smart husband knows the value of his wife's council, no matter what his occupation...

Amazing how many ordinary people are drawn into defending the poor widdle wich people and their ill-earned/inherited dollars, in a country with one of the largest and still expanding wealth-poverty gaps in the world.

They need no defending. The Romneys are ordinary people who have worked hard to become extraordinary, and in America, that is what people aspire to do, not begrudge and vilify success.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The Romneys are ordinary people who have worked hard to become extraordinary

Yes, as ordinary as all other Americans born to wealthy parents, given a private education, no need to work through college, wedding gift of a car, a house, parental connections.....Yup, just like Joe Schmo pulling himself out of the ghetto by his bootstraps one step at a time. Assuming Joe's parents can afford a pair of boots with bootstraps for young Joe.

A.Land.Of.Turkeys.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Yup, just like Joe Schmo pulling himself out of the ghetto by his bootstraps one step at a time.

You say that as if "Joe Schmo" was in shackles.

'You ever heard of Frank McCourt? Grew up in grinding poverty in Ireland, and went on to become a Pulitzer Prize winning author, and teacher in NYC.

Look at J.K. Rowling, another incredible success story, coming from poverty.

Being extraordinary and successful is not limited to, or based on, what you start with.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

You say that as if "Joe Schmo" was in shackles.

No, I say it as if some people think everyone starts from the same point on a level playing-field

You ever heard of Frank McCourt? Grew up in grinding poverty in Ireland, and went on to become a Pulitzer Prize winning author

Look at J.K. Rowling, another incredible success story, coming from poverty.

True, McCourt was born in America and returned there as an adult, but spent his formative years in Ireland: and for one McCourt there are millions of paddies born into grinding poverty who we never heard about because they never make it out. Meanwhile JK Rowling's incredible success story has nothing to do with the American Dream; she was born and raised in the UK, had a British university education and after her divorce was supported by the UK welfare system as a single mother.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

pamelot, you should know that just because some make it out doesn't mean ALL can make it out. A lot of them do say that it was just plain luck that helped them to stand out as well as some compassionate folks that were willing to help them at times. If there were a certain formula for making poor people into at least middle-income situation its still not found. The US is still having problems with folks just getting out of college and those who have mutliple degrees (bachelors even) still not able to make a living and getting stuck flipping burgers or mopping floors if they're even that lucky.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

No, I say it as if some people think everyone starts from the same point on a level playing-field

Since when does a "level playing field" guarantee success?

she was born and raised in the UK, had a British university education

On a level playing field?

J.K. Rowling made a success of herself. She didn't settle for the dole as her only hope for her future, she was an ordinary person, who became extraordinary, and relied on herself, to do it.

No, she is not American, but her actions are similar to many other American success stories...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Since when does a "level playing field" guarantee success?

It doesn't. But saying 'the man with all the advantages did it so everyone can do it' is assuming a level playing field that doesn't exist.

J.K. Rowling made a success of herself. She didn't settle for the dole as her only hope for her future, she was an ordinary person, who became extraordinary, and relied on herself, to do it.

You can say that because her books sold. If they hadn't sold, she would have been a single mother on the dole wasting her time scribbling in notebooks in coffee shops instead of getting off her bottom and looking for a job. As it was, she had a middle-class upbringing and a good education including a year spent studying overseas, had worked as a bilingual secretary, had a teaching qualification and at no point was in any danger of settling for the dole as 'her only hope for the future'. If her books had never sold, she had plenty of job opportunities, though granted they probably wouldn't have made her richer than the Queen.

her actions are similar to many other American success stories...

Name me one American 'success story' that came from scribbling in note books while being supported by the state.

Don't get me wrong, I think Rowling is a great writer with a wonderful talent, if only because she got millions of kids actually reading books with lots of words and no pictures. But she is far from typical - that's what makes her success story 'incredible'. Just because she did it, doesn't mean that everyone on welfare can become filthy rich just like that.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

But saying 'the man with all the advantages did it so everyone can do it' is assuming a level playing field that doesn't exist.

We have a fundamental difference of opinion, here.

But she is far from typical - that's what makes her success story 'incredible'. Just because she did it, doesn't mean that everyone on welfare can become filthy rich just like that.

Her success started with her inspiration to try.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Her success started with her inspiration to try.

Her success started out with her being already middle-class and well-educated, and supported by society. She was about as far from Joe Schmo trying to drag himself out of the ghetto as it is possible to get without being born gentry, and certainly didn't come 'from poverty' though she may have had a few lean times immediately after her divorce.

she is not American, but her actions are similar to many other American success stories...

So tell us a few of these American success stories, then. Not a middle-class British girl, and not a lad brought up in Ireland. Tell us about all the Joe Schmos (there are 'many' of them, right?) who made it from the ghetto/gutter to Easy Street.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Ann-"He Built It", built what? Romney said anything in his speech. What is he going to build for Americans? That's what I would like to know. Sorry Ann, you have tried but failed to convince Americans.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

We don't need to see the wives. It's just for the female voters to get warm fuzzy feelings (or the opposite) about the candidate. Who says the ability of a man to be President is influenced by hour his wife looks, dresses and gives speeches.

Not being sexist - I'm not interested in the husband/boyfriend of a female candidate either.

And I don't want the spouse influencing policy.

They say Churchill was a good wartime PM. I don't think "My wife and I tried to breakfast together, but we had to stop or our marriage would have been wrecked." would have made the women coo and gush, and say "I just feel he's likable and really treats his wife well. Yeah, he's got my vote".

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Tell us about all the Joe Schmos (there are 'many' of them, right?) who made it from the ghetto/gutter to Easy Street.

Ghetto and gutter in the same phrase?

"Easy Street"? Most who have worked to attain their success know that address doesn't exist.

But there are rewards for hard work...

To those who've invested in the study, time and work to advance in their chosen field; or own/run a business- they own their own homes, maybe a vacation home, they put their kids through college, and want to help secure the same or better opportunities for their futures... They make a nest-egg for their golden years...

This is the "Easy Street" that many Americans from one end of the country to the other, work for...

Some just demand it be given to them, to make it "fair".

Ann Romney raised 5 boys to be respectful, upstanding citizens. Money alone does not do this.

I've known children of affluent people who've floundered, with no direction, and went on to become dependent drug addicts.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Ann Romney raised 5 boys to be respectful, upstanding citizens. Money alone does not do this.

Sure helps though, doesn't it?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I've known children of affluent people who've floundered, with no direction, and went on to become dependent drug addicts.

Compared to how many children of impoverished people who've done the same? Or don't you move in those circles?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Compared to how many children of impoverished people who've done the same? Or don't you move in those circles?

I've traveled in many circles. I've seen enough to be inclined to believe that people who work hard, and believe in God, are less likely to have low self-worth, and are less susceptible to becoming downtrodden.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ghetto and gutter in the same phrase?

They're both hard to get out of without help.

To those who've invested in the study, time and work to advance in their chosen field; or own/run a business- they own their own homes, maybe a vacation home, they put their kids through college, and want to help secure the same or better opportunities for their futures... They make a nest-egg for their golden years...

I take it you don't know many Joe Schmos.....One of the problems with modern America, the huge gap between the haves and the have-nots.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I've seen enough to be inclined to believe that people who work hard, and believe in God, are less likely to have low self-worth, and are less susceptible to becoming downtrodden.

I wonder what kind of god Ann Romney believes in. I guess it's the god who says it's okay to own a horse and pay to fly it half-way round the world for an Olympic event while there are people going hungry, not only in the third world, but also in the States. Interesting....

0 ( +1 / -1 )

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