Will former governor improve Democratic chances?
Will former Gov. Roy Barnes’ entry into the 2010 gubernatorial race materially change Democratic prospects?
Probably not. It will certainly complicate life for Georgia House Minority Leader DuBose Porter of Dublin and for former Georgia Adjutant General David Poythress. It makes it more important, too, for Atty. Gen. Thurbert Baker to establish quickly that he could be the next breakthrough black candidate to become an historic first. For all of them, the price to play just went up.
Barnes’ entry doesn’t change much for Republicans. The Democratic base is about 42-44 percent. Under the best of circumstances — an overwhelming turnout, especially by blacks who are the Democrats’ most loyal constituency — the Democratic candidate’s numbers hit the high 40s. It will take a really unusual candidate and campaign to win.
That’s probably not Barnes. Since he lost in 2002, the rural Georgians who voted Democratic have now voted three times for Republicans. It’ll be tough for him to get them back.
Democrats have three possibilities to win in 2010:
1. A major Republican scandal. A long-shot.
2. A black who can ignite minority voters with the enthusiasm that Barack Obama did without embracing his politics. Really tough. Probably impossible.
3. A white center-right candidate who can get through the Democratic primary without having to swing to the left. That depends on whether Atlanta liberals and members of the black caucus in the General Assembly cut him some slack. Not likely.
Back to the original question: Does Barnes’ entry materially improve Democratic chances? I don’t see how.
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204 comments Add your comment
Churchill's MOM
June 3rd, 2009
8:06 am
Your link from the home page is screwed up AGAIN
Get Real
June 3rd, 2009
8:16 am
Wooten, again you underestimate the dissatisfaction of moderates and republicans in this state. Your initial statement of whether Barnes will run for governor sets a precedent for the rest of your article: its all wrong. Sonny came into office stating he would reform education, and in his second term saying he would address transportation. He’s done neither. I don’t think the wingnuts will forget his dishonesty on the flag as well, and republican candidates may suffer. Barnes is obviously the more qualified candidate as he has a law degree, and a certain republican candidate has a diploma. Nice comparison, for democrats.
Baker won’t get many votes as the black clergy hasn’t forgotten Genarlow Wilson. I thought you were done writing these tall tales come June 1st Wooten. I could’ve written this in 5 minutes. They pay you for this? Wow.
catlady
June 3rd, 2009
8:34 am
Get real, I would agree with you except I think you underestimate the mindless dumb factor in
Georgia politics. If Jesus himself were on the ballot with a D beside His name, He would lose. Baa, baaa sheep!
findog
June 3rd, 2009
9:04 am
Dear Jim,
Roy’s campaign will just be: if I had been re-elected you would be able to get from Buford to Alpharetta in under 90-minutes in the morning, unqualified teachers would be doing something else, and we would have saved a million dollars spent on a second set of new flags.
In other words the GOP will be stuck with the former DNC’s record, and o by the way — the leading contender for the GOP is a former DNC too…
Redneck Convert
June 3rd, 2009
9:11 am
Well, I might could vote for Jesus with a D after his name if He come out against these Equal Rights laws and the Voting Rights Act. And promised He won’t never raise taxes. Have a good day everybody.
Aquagirl
June 3rd, 2009
9:33 am
Jim, you seem to be the only one unaware the past eight years have been a major Republican scandal.
Redneck voting Democrat? Where is my fainting couch?
Billy Bob
June 3rd, 2009
9:44 am
What’s Barnes going to do as governor? The only constituency that he might bring to his camp are those who vote on name recognition.
Ga Values
June 3rd, 2009
9:52 am
Billy Bob 9:44 am
Still waiting for your list of CONSERVATIVE Georgia Republicans, give you a hint BIG GOVERNMENT, BIG SPENDING, PRO AMNESTY Socialist link our 2 senators Saxby and Johnny are NOT CONSERVATIVES.
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 3rd, 2009
9:54 am
Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase are among the big
financial institutions that raised billions of dollars this week, in
hopes of bidding farewell to the federal bailout program.
The share offerings suggest that the nation’s bankers are getting a bit
of their swagger back. They also indicate that investors aren’t so
jittery about buying financial shares.
“Markets are providing an avenue for banks of all sizes and stripes to
raise money unless you are at death’s door,” Gary Townsend, co-founder
of Hill-Townsend Capital, told Reuters.
But many questions remain about how and when large banks can exit the
Troubled Asset Relief Program. Here’s one: How much more capital must
they raise to persuade the government to set them free? The answer,
according to one analyst, may be more than $50 billion.
The government has surprised several banks, according to Bloomberg
News, by demanding they raise specific amounts of new capital before
repaying taxpayer funds.
Lawrence Kaplan, a former attorney at the Office of Thrift Supervision
now at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, tells Bloomberg: “It’s an
exercise to make sure that no one is going to get criticized for
allowing these redemptions.”
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 3rd, 2009
9:55 am
General Motors plans to sell its Hummer brand to Sichuan Tengzhong
Heavy Industrial Machinery, a Chinese company, The New York Times
reported, citing an undisclosed source. G.M. executives also said
Tuesday there are 16 potential bidders for Saturn.
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 3rd, 2009
9:56 am
bidders for A.I.G.’s aircraft-leasing unit are asking for
bigger guarantees from the U.S. government, The New York Post said. In
Taiwan, A.I.G. has lowered its asking price for an insurance subsidiary
to between $1.8 and $2 billion, according to The Economic Daily.
Big Bucks GOP doing the Lords work
June 3rd, 2009
9:58 am
Wall Street should raise a glass to now-bankrupt General Motors, which
has paid out billions in underwriting fees as the No. 1 corporate
issuer of debt and equity since 1985
deegee
June 3rd, 2009
10:09 am
It’s incredible that there are people out there that still think that the Northern Arc was anything other than a developmental highway. I suspect that many of the concrete and asphalt guys that lobbied for the road as a crucial piece of infrastructure have gone out of business due to the economic downturn. McGinnis Ferry Road and Highway 20 are being widened between Forsyth County and Gwinnett County as they should be. I am so glad the the state did not spend billions on a highway just so that a few hundred cars could drive past miles of brand spanking new, totally vacant shopping centers every day.
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 3rd, 2009
10:15 am
Barrack Hussein Obama is a Muslim.
Barack Hussein Obama: US “one of the largest Muslim countries in the world”
It is important to note that “if you actually took the number of Muslim Americans, we’d be one of the largest Muslim countries in the world”.
So says President Barack Obama. Or I should say: Barack Hussein Obama.
That’s right: Barack Hussein Obama. Say it proud. Say it out loud. The middle moniker that dared not speak its name during the election campaign is now front and centre of the US president’s attempt to woo the Muslim world, the theme of his visits to Riyadh on Wednesday and Cairo on Thursday.
Petrified of the potential political fallout of being branded a Muslim, Candidate Obama – a practicing Christian – never used the name “Hussein” and its use was frowned upon as a forbidden code for the nutty accusation that he was some kind of Islamic Manchurian candidate.
No more. To say Barack Hussein Obama – BHO for short – now appears to be the height of political correctness.
As I argue in this analysis for the Telegraph dead tree edition, Obama is seeking to return to a Middle East policy based on realism – buttressed by the bona fides of his own multi-cultural (including Muslim) background.
In Strasbourg two months ago, the president tried out his full name. Days later in Ankara, he was introduced to the Turkish parliament by his full name.
As ABC’s Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller astutely outline here, the Obama administration is embracing the new president’s inner Muslim, as it were. Deputy national security adviser stated that Obama had “experienced Islam on three continents…growing up in Indonesia, having a Muslim father — obviously Muslim Americans [are] a key part of Illinois and Chicago”.
So that’s once, twice, three times a Muslim?
Just in case the Arab world hasn’t yet got this message of inbuilt tolerance, Mr Obama himself has gone a step further. In an interview with France’s Canal Plus released on Tuesday evening, he suggested that the United States might be a Muslim country.
Obama said he wanted to “create a better dialogue so that the Muslim world understands more effectively how the United States but also how the West thinks about many of these difficult issues like terrorism, like democracy, to discuss the framework for what’s happened in Iraq and Afghanistan and our outreach to Iran, and also how we view the prospects for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians”.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/toby_harnden/blog/2009/06/03/barack_hussein_obama_us_one_of_the_largest_muslim_countries_in_the_world
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 3rd, 2009
10:16 am
The Emergence of President Obama’s Muslim Roots
ABC News’ Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller report: The other day we heard a comment from a White House aide that never would have been uttered during the primaries or general election campaign.
During a conference call in preparation for President Obama’s trip to Cairo, Egypt, where he will address the Muslim world, deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications Denis McDonough said “the President himself experienced Islam on three continents before he was able to — or before he’s been able to visit, really, the heart of the Islamic world — you know, growing up in Indonesia, having a Muslim father — obviously Muslim Americans (are) a key part of Illinois and Chicago.”
Given widespread unease and prejudice against Muslims among Americans, especially in the wake of 9/11, the Obama campaign was perhaps understandably very sensitive during the primaries and general election to downplay the candidate’s Muslim roots.
The candidate was even offended when referred to by his initials “BHO,” because he considered the use of his middle name, “Hussein,” an attempt to frighten voters.
With insane rumors suggesting he was some sort of Muslim Manchurian candidate, then-Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and his campaign did everything they could to emphasize his Christianity and de-emphasize the fact that his father, Barack Obama Sr., was born Muslim.
The candidate’s comment at a Boca Raton, Florida, town hall meeting on May 22, 2008, was typical: “My father was basically agnostic, as far as I can tell, and I didn’t know him,” he said.
In September 2008, candidate Obama told a Pennsylvania crowd, “I know that I’m not your typical presidential candidate and I just want to be honest with you. I know that the temptation is to say, ‘You know what? The guy hasn’t been there that long in Washington. You know, he’s got a funny name. You know, we’re not sure about him.’ And that’s what the Republicans when they say this isn’t about issues, it’s about personalities, what they’re really saying is, ‘We’re going to try to scare people about Barack. So we’re going to say that, you know, maybe he’s got Muslim connections.’…Just making stuff up.”
Back then, the campaign’s “Fight the Smears” website addressed the candidate’s faith without mentioning his father’s religion:
“Barack Obama is a committed Christian. He was sworn into the Senate on his family Bible. He has regularly attended church with his wife and daughters for years. But shameful, shadowy attackers have been lying about Barack’s religion, claiming he is a Muslim instead of a committed Christian. When people fabricate stories about someone’s faith to denigrate them politically, that’s an attack on people of all faiths. Make sure everyone you know is aware of this deception.”
The website also provided quotes from the Boston Globe and Newsweek mentioning his father’s roots.
Since the election, however, with the threat of the rumors at least somewhat abated, the White House has been increasingly forthcoming about the president’s roots. Especially when reaching out to the
Muslim world.
In his April 6 address to the Turkish Parliament, President Obama referenced how many “Americans have Muslims in their families or have lived in a Muslim majority country. I know, because I am one of them.”
- Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller
Copyleft
June 3rd, 2009
10:28 am
My gosh, Maniac! If this is true, then President Obama will have to be impeached. After all, it’s ILLEGAL to be a Muslim in America.
Of course, this nonsense continues and only the extreme loonies of the very far right are still shouting about it. The Obamas are Christian… not that it matters. Christian, Muslim, Jew, or atheist, all are equally American. (In the REAL America, that is–not the deluded fantasyland the wingnuts live in.)
Soothsayer
June 3rd, 2009
10:34 am
“Just ask yourself.” (Apologies to Red Neckerson) (I’m dating myself here.) “Why would a guy with a fabulously successful law practice want to take a $127,000 a year job in government?” It’s simple: King Roy knows there’s WAY MORE money to be made “governoring” than practicing law.
It’s just too bad that that ole Northern Arc thing flopped. Especially after all those deevelopers had already bought up all that land along the right-of-way (and paying King Roy handsomely). After all, what’s the big deal? What was all the fuss about over a little ole interstate cutting through the middle of a few subdivisions and a little loss of land values?
King Roy and the Democrats chances? Not worth the effort. Keep practicing law Roy.
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 3rd, 2009
10:38 am
Copyleft, then you should call up ABC and the UK TIMES! Don’t get angry at me comrade.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
11:06 am
Personally, having a law degree (as Get real points out with Barnes) would give me a reason to NOT vote for a candidate. Lawyers find more ways to screw up the basics than any profession I have ever encountered.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
11:15 am
Jim…republicans are improving democratic chances. That simple.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
11:17 am
Sonny Perdoofuss can personally vouch for the validity of your last post soothsayer.
LOLO
June 3rd, 2009
11:20 am
GetReal, Nathan Deal has a law degree.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
11:21 am
Evil Republicans…remember that anything right of John Birch is a liberal to those morons. No worry though. They’re done. I hope they enjoy the payback that’s coming there way.
DannyX
June 3rd, 2009
11:24 am
The announcement yesterday that NCR will move to the metro Atlanta area really exemplifies how out of touch the Republicans have been the past 6 years. They have no problem investing the $60 million dollars it took to bribe NCR to relocate here them here. On the other side they have no problem ignoring the burdens it will put on our infrastructure. Investing in Atlanta is politically incorrect.
Republican lawmakers get re-elected by telling everyone back home how they really stuck it to metro Atlanta. Republican lawmakers go back home gloating about the money they are bringing with them.
Those in metro Atlanta need to realize SOON that it doesn’t matter if a politician has an R or a D after their name in this state, they have proven that they are interchangeable, it only matters which way the wind is blowing.
Its time to wise up and help elect someone that understands that neglecting metro Atlanta will no longer be tolerated. The cash cow needs to eat.
Roy Barnes for Governor!
Will
June 3rd, 2009
11:25 am
At least four of the six republican candidates do not believe we live in “ONE NATION, under God, INDIVISIBLE…”. I love the United States of America, served in the UNITED STATES Army and I would never vote for a seccessionist for governor.
We have a current governor because people voted against Roy Barnes. When you vote against someone rather than for someone, it usually does not work.
Although an affable enough gent, the two terms of Governor Perdue will be noted for the lack of even a blueprint of a viable transportation strategy, an almost continuous reduction in public school funding and a penchant for wearing funny hats and costumes in photo opportunities.
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 3rd, 2009
11:33 am
RetLTC, your guy has been in office for less than 6 months and here you go, foolishly, declaring the GOP dead. Just 4 years ago everyone assumed the the DNC was dead. The only payback coming Americas way is Obama Husseins socialist agenda to steal from people who work hard and give the money to lazy fat ghetto baby mamas.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
11:38 am
You know, when I was in the military, anyone who couldn’t get higher than a light Colonel (and they were called light for a reason) before serving their twenty was pretty much considered a drone and ultimately not worth promoting to real positions of responsibility.
Yet somehow, I think RetLTC is proud of his moniker . . .
Well, he sure proves he’s a drone for the left on these blogs.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
11:41 am
Che, the demographics will increasingly work against you. You guys rolled the dice when you decided to vilify Latinos and you will pay for that one for years to come. You’re done.
party pooper
June 3rd, 2009
11:42 am
evil republicans, you must make your fellow liberals on this blog very proud.
clyde
June 3rd, 2009
11:44 am
Georgia has gone far enough right that it won’t be coming back for Barnes.
Aquagirl
Correction. Redneck said he might could vote for JC[D].That’s about a 10% chance as I see it..
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
11:46 am
By the way Che. Had John McCain gotten the percentage of Latino votes that GWB got he would be pres today. You right wing bigots targeted them and you payed. And that is going to be the gift that keeps on giving. Congratulations.
JLK
June 3rd, 2009
11:48 am
RetLTC, you’re not gonna take that from this Dave R person, are you? I think he’s openly disrespecting our military because he wants you to kick his trembling little fanny, having been banned from the Iron Eagle for constant soliciting.
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 3rd, 2009
11:54 am
RetLTC, we targeted them? That’s funny since W put more Latino and Black people in high office than any other president in history. You idiot libs see everything in a color prism. I and many other conservatives see people as individuals. Moron.
By the way, we REAL AMERICANS want people to come here legally. Why? Because when you don’t you run the risk of some crazy jihadist showing up at detonating a nuke.
By the way, only a truly idiotic person would declare something living, dead. Just like you guys/gals like to pronounce living babies as nothing but a pile of non living goo.
fearless fosdick
June 3rd, 2009
11:57 am
Dave R….I guess then you were a general officer? to denigrate a patriot and a retired O-5…goes beyond the pale even for you!
Billy Bob
June 3rd, 2009
11:57 am
Ga Values
I would consider ANY Republican in this state as more CONVSERVATIVE than the typical Democrat. Would you care to enlighten us otherwise?
P.S. – Saxby’s son could be a doctor, trial lawyer, work for a pharmaceutical company, etc. and you’d still think Daddy was pandering for Jr.
Marti Hernandez Rojas
June 3rd, 2009
11:58 am
Che is a pile of non-living goo. There must be a ventriolquist nearby.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
12:00 pm
RetLTC’s analytical skills are just as dull as ever, spouting the Latino vote costing McCain a victory in 2008.
It might be relevant if we elected our President by popular vote, but we don’t. I’ve seen most of the analysis done on the 2008 election, and there is no data out there that shows that more than one state or two might have gone to McCain based on 2004 or 2000 Latino percentages for Bush. The Electoral vote was too much in favor for Hope & Change to have been altered by a couple of states.
Therefore, Retdrone’s comments about loss of Latino votes is, sadly, completely and totally wrong.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
12:05 pm
fosdick, when the shoe fits . . . wear it.
One thing we all recognized in the military was that there were people who put in their 20, and people who served their country. I saw more enlisted people who put in their 4 years and got out that worked harder and valued their service to their country more than any O-5 who put in his time just to get his twenty in. If you couldn’t make full-bird in twenty years, you just weren’t up to snuff.
Billy Bob
June 3rd, 2009
12:06 pm
Retard LC
When it is estimated that upwards of twenty percent of Mexico’s 105 MILLION population has illegally (and there’s the key, dufus) crossed into the country, then, friend most Americans have a problem. You who so ineloquently attempt to defend the Fourth Amendment against the Bush Administration. Hypocrite.
The real question is why do the Dems so want to allow illegal immigrants into the country other than to skew the political balance in their favor?
Your motivation is obvious, Retard, ’cause you’re a consistent HOMER for the Demotards.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
12:08 pm
And serving in the military does not automatically qualify you as being a patriot. Patrotism requires actions and beliefs that transcend employment in the military.
Pete Seguin
June 3rd, 2009
12:09 pm
Dave R
I have to agree, I’ve got two brothers who retired as Colonels although they stayed in for approximately 23 years each.
JLK
June 3rd, 2009
12:14 pm
Dave R, being an a–hole doesn’t make you a patriot either, but please tell us what qualifies YOU to judge the career of a man you never met? I have a close friend who’s a RetLTC after 30 years, having began as an enlisted grunt, constantly seeking to learn and do more, working his a– off and sacrificing his own needs for this country. I find your attitude offensive, and can only guess that your own “tour” wasn’t very long or productive. Sad.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
12:26 pm
Actually I was on the promotion list to full bull but took a position in the private sector when I hit 20. Dave R. I made light at 16 years. Also a West Point grad. By the way Dave R. compare your “illustrious career to mine. My guess is chairborne commando in your case. Or maybe chickenhawk is more appropriate.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
12:28 pm
And also Dave R. Being a right wing lunatic doesn’t qualify you as a patriot. Do you support your president Dave? If not you can’t possibly be a patriot.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
12:29 pm
Billy Bob you’re a classic moron.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
12:30 pm
Oh yeah Billy Bob…illegals don’t vote. Citizen Latinos got you and got you good with more to come. You’re a cretin.
Cindy
June 3rd, 2009
12:36 pm
Dave R. is one of those pseudo patriots that thinks listening to Rush is qualifies him as a patriot. What a POS you are Dave R.
DannyX
June 3rd, 2009
12:38 pm
Good God, you know this blog has reached a low point when someone has to demean another who has served his country proudly. Showing off your insecurities does not make you look good. If this is how you make a point you fail miserably. Pathetic.
Shut this blog down Mr Wooten, this is no way to go off into the sunset. You are so much better than this, and what was displayed yesterday.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
12:41 pm
See, here’s the problem with the lunatic left – that being the lifestyle of RetLTC.
First of all, I am not a member of the right wing, I am a Constitutionalist – something you aren’t equipped to debate. You can’t handle someone who doesn’t come from either pathetic side, but rather from logic and individual freedom.
Second, my oath was to preserve and defend THE CONSTITUTION, not the President.
A patriot would know that.
And I can compare my career and life to yours in one sentence:
“I was not, and will never be, a drone.”
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
12:48 pm
Dave R. you define “lunatic” left as anything left of the 20% crowd and that is why you’ll keep losing elections. Moderates have left the reservation Dave and until the right wing totally loses it’s voice in the republican party they’ll stay away.
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 3rd, 2009
12:48 pm
Marti Hernandez Rojas, nice, a new “mysterious” blogger who targets me. Also, you didn’t post any arguments or facts. Just mindless liberal drivel.
My assumption: You are a high school drop out living in your baby mamas trailer.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
12:52 pm
Was William Calley a patriot just because he served in the military? Or does he get dinged for My Lai? What about Lt. Col. Oliver North? Didn’t he violate his oath? How about the military at Abu Graib?
Serving does not automatically assign patriotic principles to anyone. I served with a few people who I would not consider patriotic.
Same goes for the President. Was Nixon worthy of presidential respect for Watergate? Clinton for lying under oath? GWB for the Patriot Act?
The “office” does not confer respect nor patriotism – the deeds do. Nor does automatically “supporting” the President confer patriotism to someone, especially when that President undermines the very document with nearly every action he takes that he swore to defend when he took his oath of office.
Titles don’t matter. Thoughts and deeds do.
clyde
June 3rd, 2009
12:52 pm
Your service record,Dave? You may have published it,but I missed it. Sorry.
I was a lowly Sgt.At the end of three.Got out to do other things.
Served under Kennedy.
Possibly best you lay off other soldiers.They don’t need your grief.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
12:53 pm
And see, RetLTC, you can’t even get past the whole “I’m not a Republican” thing.
That is why you aren’t equipped to debate me.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
12:54 pm
clyde, there is no such thing as a lowly Sgt.
Shame on you.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
12:55 pm
Dave R….to put it as politely as possible, my experience protecting and defending the constitution most likely goes way beyond yours. You’re all talk Dave R. And the more you talk the more obvious it becomes that your idea of what’s constitutionally correct is more in line with a fascist society than one that is free. As for being a drone…LMAO! You’re a ner do well Dave R. and unfortunately quite a few “drones” are out there defending your ner do well azz. In your case they are totally wasting their time. To think that one drop of “drone” blood is keeping you free to blog 24/7 is totally sickening. You disgust me maggot.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
12:57 pm
Dave R….legend in his own mind. What a waste of your father’s sperm you are.
Peter
June 3rd, 2009
12:58 pm
You are RIGHT Jim…… The governor getting Rich while the rest of Georgia suffers, his Fish farm, while cutting education all would be fodder for change, BUT HEY…….Not much education going on in this state !
Franklin Pierce
June 3rd, 2009
1:03 pm
Dave R. thinks he’s Sean Hannity. Can’t keep up, go to braying like a jackass. Right Dave? Heehaw you stupid girlyboy.
Peter
June 3rd, 2009
1:04 pm
The chaos created by REPUBLICAN’S………
Let’s see…..Gingrich backs off his remarks, and Cheney tells the truth for a change….Saddam and 911 NOT CONNECTED after all.
All Duhhhhhhhh……….. All baloney……… All Republican Nonsense !
Judy
June 3rd, 2009
1:05 pm
Dave R. should be dropped off in Afghanistan with these drones that are defending his right to be totally ignorant.
GaTech75
June 3rd, 2009
1:06 pm
Dave R. you are one stupid mofo.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
1:08 pm
Gee, RetLTC, yet for some reason, you couldn’t remember that little ditty about preserving and protecting the CONSTITUTION in your oath.
Try again. This time, try debate.
GaTech75
June 3rd, 2009
1:14 pm
Dave R. you haven’t debated squat. Your fascist interpretation of the constitution shows your ignorance and lack of education. You’re a poser Dave R.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
1:18 pm
AT EASE Pvt Dave! I’m sure you’re familiar with that one aren’t you snuffy. While you’re at it get down and give me 10.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
1:20 pm
Judy, nowhere will you ever read me post that I think the military are drones. There are far more truly patriotic people serving in uniform today, than there were in my day. They are an all-volunteer force in a time of war, and they do more in one day for the safety and security of this country than any liberal like RetLTC will do in a lifetime.
You might wish to try to bone up on your English skills. Or at least on your reading comprehension skills.
It is not the military that are drones. It is the far left and far right in this country who no longer think for themselves, but merely repeat the rantings of others. It is the left and right who denigrate the individual and the achievements he or she can accomplish, and those who try to take their social or economic freedoms away from them using the force of government.
Those are the drones, Judy. And RetLTC is one of many.
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
1:21 pm
BTW Dave R. I lived Duty, Honor, Country. You just talk it. And talk it badly. Come back after you get some more talking points from whatever lunatic fringe source you get get all that constitutional intellect you claim to have from.
Are you Turd Ferguson by the way?
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
1:23 pm
GaTech75, I’d actually disagree with you if I thought you could define fascist.
Aquagirl
June 3rd, 2009
1:25 pm
RetLTC, haven’t you learned nuts like Dave R. are supreme deciders of who is patriotic? Serving your country doesn’t count. Agreeing with their politics does. This is why these idiots think flapping their pie-hole trumps actual effort. See: Limbaugh, Rush.
Flim Shammed
June 3rd, 2009
1:26 pm
Good grief. That moron wingnut lib ABC “reporter” (a term used loosely) Brian Williams bows to His Emperor Obama. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLYtHHxTTmc . Interesting how Youtube has disabled all commenting on this video. Gee, I wonder why? We all know the vast majority of the media are DNC boot lickers and did their job to help get His Majesty elected (not ONE investigative story done on him by any of them – but they sure did a deep investigation on Plumber Joe!), but do we have to witness it? The Emperor already bows to Saudi Royalty, so where does that put America? The Chinese are laughing at us under this leadership too – especially the part where investing in America is safe (when even the Chinese can figure out that printing money and record spending are like a balloon stuck to a discharging CO2 tank.
But you have to remember that American morons who elected these morons don’t have anything much to say except to continue talking about Bush, Cheney, and Iraq. Just the other day one of them was still drooling about Katrina and Bush. I proudly showed him/her this story and it shut him/her up:
City’s new hurricane command center in disrepair
10:38 PM CDT on Monday, June 1, 2009
Scott Satchfield / Eyewitness News
ssatchfield @wwltv.com
NEW ORLEANS – When hurricanes threaten emergency operations centers, or EOC’s, across the state are the nerve centers for first responders and emergency managers. It’s where they come together to make key decisions for public safety.
That won’t be happening anytime soon inside the space that is designated to become New Orleans’ new emergency operations center.
Located on the ninth floor of City Hall, it’s mostly empty aside from some wires hanging from the ceiling and piles of broken concrete sitting on the floor.
It was supposed to be ready by Monday, the first day of hurricane season.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Yeah, that’s still Bush’s fault ya know). Now the rest of you foot stools can go back to bowing forward and the rest of us will continue bending over the other way for these band of goons running Washington.
GaTech75
June 3rd, 2009
1:26 pm
Dave R. come on back when you really have something. Why don’t you enlighten me and tell me your definition of fascist. If you can break that liplock you have on Dick Cheney’s butt that is. I know it’s hard for you to talk with your mouth full.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
1:27 pm
So RetLTC, make your case that you think you are preserving and protecting the U.S. Constitution when you support any of President Hope & Change’s agenda.
Then come back and tell be about Duty, Honor and Country.
Make the case without denigrating a single Republican. Stay focused on the CURRENT President and his policies, and tell us how you think he is preserving and protecting the Constitution you swore to defend.
Marti Hernandez Rojas
June 3rd, 2009
1:29 pm
Che, my post was a simple, declarative put down of you. Nothing more. That you can label it liberal, instead of conservative or purple just illustrates your lifeless gooiness.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
1:30 pm
GaTeh75, they don’t teach too much at that university about reading comprehension, do they?
You are not equipped to handle a debate with someone who does not conform to the failed right/left arguments. Come back when you find the definition of fascist. Or individual rights. Or freedom. Or liberty.
Jackie
June 3rd, 2009
1:37 pm
@RealLTC
Salute you and your service to the Constitution.
These keyboard warriors that seem to have all this knowledge about world affairs and what should be done to continue their hold on power is astounding.
The seem to obfuscate, conflate and extrapolate each argument they attempt to present. Their argument is not cogent or coherent and one looks at the supporting evidence they present and ask WHAT?????
Dave R indicates he was in the military for a number of years and his experience and insight is more profound than others. I would ask him to present his “evidence.”
My military experience taught me there are those that do and those that speak about it. What category does Dave R fall into?
Donnie B.
June 3rd, 2009
1:43 pm
I GOT IT!!!! Dave R. is that POS Lou Dobbs!! Mr. Independent!!! LMAO! Dave R you are so lame!
baptistpreecher
June 3rd, 2009
1:48 pm
The candidate who can clean up this d*mn traffic, get rid of the backwoods Sunday liquor law, fix the pot hole riddled streets in downtown Atlanta (millions dollar condos/flats on 5 cent roads) and get rid of the nickel & dime you car birthday tax gets my vote.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
1:50 pm
Jackie, my category is clearly under those who do; as in, those who practice liberty and freedom in our daily lives. As in those who will never vote to allow the Government to take from individuals that which they earned. As in those who will never allow another person to support me if they are an unwilling participant in that support. As in those who study the Founding Fathers and the words they wrote, and understand the reasons why they wrote what they did. As in those who have never taken a dime of government money I did not earn through employment by them. As in those who have never applied for, nor received government assistance in the way of loans, unemployment benefits, welfare or any other payments that required the legalized theft from others.
I have fought this fight my entire life, both inside and outside of government.
Is that clear enough for you, Jackie?
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
1:51 pm
Now, when are you libs going to come up with a REAL argument worthy of debate?
RetLTC
June 3rd, 2009
1:56 pm
Dave R. My sense of honor includes not wishing our president, YOURS and mine, failure. Would that not be unpatriotic Dave? My political beliefs are also not ideologically driven as are yours. Just for the record, I voted for John McCain because of my admiration for his service to this country and the sacrifices he made. He is a man of honor. Unfortunately, unpatriotic folks like you place their ideology above the welfare of this nation as a whole. Where some of us truly live by the credo, DUTY…HONOR…COUNTRY, others like you Dave R. live by one that is more along the lines of “my way or the highway”.
Sam
June 3rd, 2009
1:59 pm
STFU Dave R. If all you can do is elude to debate while making absolutely no cognizant point, just go away.
Copyleft
June 3rd, 2009
2:02 pm
Worship of Rand-style “individualism” as the epitome of everything good is inherently un-American, Dave R.
It also reflects a profound lack of comprehension of our Constitution, which is chock-full of homages to the common good, public service, balancing of powers, and so forth… all of it a source of horror to “individualists.”
Do you REALLY want to keep playing the “I understand the Constitution and you don’t” game? Because you’ll lose–badly.
Che was a homicidal maniac
June 3rd, 2009
2:07 pm
Marti Hernandez Rojas, nope. I see you as a moronic lib who can’t decipher between fantasy and reality.
Copyleft needs to get a job and move out of her moms trailer.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
2:07 pm
That is where you become a drone, RetLTC. If the President is determined to destroy the very fabric with which this nation was created, and wishes to trample on every aspect of the document you swore to defend, why would you wish him success?
If the United States survives as a country, but one that no longer is governed by the document that created it’s very foundation, is that a country you wish to support and defend? My country, right or wrong, RetLTC?
I’ve seen nothing, repeat, nothing in any of your posts except to attack conservatives and Republicans for past misdeeds, yet you remain largely silent on the abuses of the past 70 years of liberalism and the past 100 days of the dismantling of the U.S. Constitution.
Why is that, RetLTC?
My challenge to you is still in effect: Make your case that you think you are preserving and protecting the U.S. Constitution when you support any of President Hope & Change’s agenda.
Then come back and tell be about Duty, Honor and Country.
Make the case without denigrating a single Republican. Stay focused on the CURRENT President and his policies, and tell us how you think he is preserving and protecting the Constitution you swore to defend.
See if you can do that. Then come back and call me unpatriotic. You don’t even know the definition of the word.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
2:10 pm
Copylefty, trust me on this one; you are the LAST person on this earth to school anyone on the Constitution. Especially since you’ve lost every debate you’ve ever had with me, and anyone else on that subject.
alohagator
June 3rd, 2009
2:13 pm
So Roy Barnes wants back in the governor’s chair. I can still remember the signs saying, “Boot Barnes” because he wanted to change the state flag. If I recall correctly Sonny Perdue won in an upset that year.
I’ve met Roy Barnes several times while performing my job. In fact I spent a lot of time at Mable House Barnes Amphitheater. That venue is a multi-million dollar waste of taxpayer money. It barely gets used and when it is used there’s hardly anybody there because the shows that play at that venue STINK! Former Gov. Barnes wanted his own little “Chastain” in his neighborhood and gosh darnit… He got it. The citizens of Georgia and Cobb County got screwed!
Does any of this sound familiar? Bridge to nowhere… Airports that only have one or two flights a day… Atlanta Airport cronyism.
I have no faith whatsoever in any politician — Democrat or Republican. They are all crooks!
I wish Clark Howard would run for governor.
Copyleft
June 3rd, 2009
2:28 pm
Dave R: Claims are easy to make; as I recall it, you were exposed and humiliated with basic logic in every Constitutional debate you tried to participate in on Bookman’s blog.
I realize that, in your ignorance, you can never ADMIT how thoroughly you were trounced and humiliated by your betters… but the truth remains the truth. You know zip about the Constitution, but a whole lot about your personal dream of what you WISH it was.
Jackie
June 3rd, 2009
2:29 pm
@Dave R
Your fight to inform relative to the Constitution is admirable. However, your knowledge and understanding of the living document may not be as profound as you portend.
You, sir, are building a straw man argument to bolster your case. You choose to frame the debate from the perspective that what everyone is speaking of is all wrong as you have all the answers to all the questions.
You purport to being a Constitutional scholar, yet, you present no proof of what you believe and how you arrive at said conclusion. Demonizing someone else to put forth your claim of inherent superiority relative to Constitutional knowledge is not an argument without supporting evidence.
Clear enough for you?
Copyleft
June 3rd, 2009
2:33 pm
Why don’t you try backing up some of YOUR claims, Dave? Easy examples:
If the President is determined to destroy the very fabric with which this nation was created, and wishes to trample on every aspect of the document you swore to defend, why would you wish him success?
This argument–if we can dignify it with the term–consists of mind-reading. You have NO basis for claiming that Obama is “determined to destroy and trample on” the Constitution, other than the fact that you disagree with him.
If the United States survives as a country, but one that no longer is governed by the document that created it’s very foundation, is that a country you wish to support and defend?
Another failed example–pure subjective opinion, masquerading as a statement of “fact,” with zero evidence to support it. In other words, it’s the way you always argue, Dave–by claiming your personal opinions are The Truth, and anyone who disagrees with you must be ignorant.
This is the very weakest type of argument, and it reflects a serious level of either ignorance of the facts, or awareness of that lack and a feeble attempt to disguise it.
You remain largely silent on the abuses of the past 70 years of liberalism and the past 100 days of the dismantling of the U.S. Constitution.
For example…? And remember, just because YOU disagree with something doesn’t mean the Constitution has been dismantled.
C’mon, Dave… I know you’re getting sick of always being called out on these little rants of yours, but you’ve got to learn: if you make false claims based on zero evidence, it’s gonna keep happening. Over and over.
So put up or shut up, willya? Come on–point to some facts, JUST ONCE, to support your claims.
Saul Good
June 3rd, 2009
2:33 pm
It’s quite simple… the failure of both Sonny and the rethugs in charge here in this state will lead to their demise. It may not happen this time around… yet it’s clear…not ONE thing GOOD has happened with “total” rethug control of this state. We’re out of money, crime is up, taxes are just the same (gee…i remember the promise of them going DOWN…not just for business…because we’re ALL still waiting for that “trickle down theory” with the tax breaks you gave them to work… Education is worse as well.
Goodbye Rethugs! So nice to see you fail. You are the “perfect example” for the rest of the states in showing how republican leadership does NOT grow the economy…
The “talibangelical” leadership is doomed. Your “values” you brought into office (and those that voted more AGAINST gay marriage then for our state) FAILED!
Every single person running on the rethug ticket is just another one who will try to run as if it was still the Bush/Cheney years of fear and hate. Too late.
Welcome sign at GA borders: WELCOME TO GEORGIA… STIL LAST IN EDGMUCATION AND DARN PRUOD OF IT!
Steven Daedalus
June 3rd, 2009
2:53 pm
DaveR is exactly the same as when he/she was posting as that broad. He/she never says a thing, just some boring werbiage. Sort of reminds me of listening to Reagan, after which you would always say, what did that dumba– just say.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
2:56 pm
Jackie, the basic precepts of the Constitution is NOT a living document. The only way it changes is through the amendment process. Freedom is still freedom, and liberty is still liberty.
Copylefty, you are sooooo easy to debunk. The problem is you never, ever show anything to disprove what I say. You disagree with what I say, but that is not disproving it.
Taking over banks – Unconstitutional.
Taking over private businesses – Unconstitutional.
Determining who should be the CEO of a private business – Unconstitutional.
Determining what a member of a private business should earn – Unconstitutional.
Government provided health care – Unconstitutional.
How is this so? Because of Section 8 of the United States Constitution, which provides for all the LIMITATIONS that Congress has, and the 10th amendment which says “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
For those of you libs out there who went to government schools, the Constitution was designed to LIMIT the role of government, not define it. If a role is not expressly articulated in the Constitution to one of the branches of government, it DOES NOT EXIST. The 10th amendment then takes precedence. So when copylefty provides the same, tired argument that the Founders never heard of television or airplanes or other modern achievements that would negate certain rules, he’s just wrong. When copylefty says that because they didn’t think of doing something back then, therefore they didn’t expressly forbid providing it, he is flat-out wrong, because he never, ever considers that the Constitution is supposed to LIMIT government, not empower it.
Of course, copylefty will disagree with that assessment, and then claim victory, but he will be reading into that document that which does not exist. And unlike N.J. over on Bookman’s blog, I understand that there is insufficient space to school you libs in the intent of the Founding Fathers through their writings. You’ll just have to do that yourselves.
Jackie
June 3rd, 2009
3:03 pm
@Dave R
You are COMPLETELY wrong!!!!!
The Constitution was written in a manner that is left to interpretation during current times.
The Founding Fathers realized they did not have insight to all future inventions and events, therefore, many items were left to ambiguity.
Why do you think the government is a three-legged stool? Remember, the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches have co-equal power?
Jackie
June 3rd, 2009
3:09 pm
@Dave R
I forgot to ask you about your claim as never accepting anything from the government.
You indicate that you are military vet; did you get a VA loan or use your VA benefits for ANY REASON?
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
3:18 pm
No, Jackie, I never did. You have a problem with that?
And you remain ignorant of the Constitution and the intent of the Founding Fathers. You look for ambiguity where none exists, because you need ambiguity to forward your liberal policies that would have been expressly forbidden by the Founding Fathers if they ever thought that this country would ever end up as screwed up as it is now.
The Constitution, was, is and always will be a LIMITING document, not a DEFINING document
Tell me Jackie, when did you read and/or study the Federalist Papers?
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
3:23 pm
And please Jackie, follow up on these comments:
“The Constitution was written in a manner that is left to interpretation during current times.”
and:
“The Founding Fathers realized they did not have insight to all future inventions and events, therefore, many items were left to ambiguity.”
I’d certainly love to see a quote from Jefferson, Madison, or John Jay regarding the conclusions you make about the Constitution. Where did you find them?
getalife
June 3rd, 2009
3:26 pm
Will Jim have to shut down this lunatic blog again?
Probably, conservatism is a mental disorder and cons need mental help.
Copyleft
June 3rd, 2009
3:29 pm
Hey, some specifics! Congratulations! Now, I’ll explain where you got things wrong:
Business regulation IS constitutional (14th Amendment). Price and wage controls, at both the state AND federal levels, are too.
“Price control, like any other form of regulation, is unconstitutional only if arbitrary, discriminatory, or demonstrably irrelevant to the policy the legislature is free to adopt, and hence an unnecessary and unwarranted interference with individual liberty.”
–Nebbia v New York–
Taking over banks and private businesses = unconstitutional.
POSSIBLY true, although moot since it hasn’t happened. Unless you want to count corporate bankruptcy proceedings, in which case it’s entirely constitutional for the government to ajudicate, appoint a trustee to distribute the assets, etc.
http://supreme.justia.com/constitution/article-1/37-bankruptcy.html
Regulation of businesses and banks, however, is entirely constitutional. (This dating back at least to the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913, based mainly on a quibble over “coining” vs. “printing” money.)
“The Constitution does not guarantee the unrestricted privilege to engage in a business or to conduct it as one pleases. Certain kinds of business may be prohibited; and the right to conduct a business, or to pursue a calling, may be conditioned.”
Determining who should be the CEO of a private business = unconstitutional.
I’m pretty sure anybody is allowed to have an opinion on who should be a CEO–oh, wait, you mean making it a condition of spending public funds on a corporate bailout!
No, you’re out of luck there; when offering a bailout loan, the government is entering into a business contract… and they can set any terms and conditions they like on such a contract, as long as they don’t discriminate against any protected class of citizen. (Making loans and bailouts, of course, is constitutionally covered by the commerce clause and the “necessary and proper” clause–Article I, Section 8, clauses 3 and 18.)
National healthcare = unconstitutional
Afraid not, but it is debatable as to whether it’s a needless extension of the well-established “general welfare and uniformity” clause (Article I, Section 8, clause 1), partnered again with the 14th Amendment’s “equal protection” clause.
Class dismissed! Now, go do your homework.
Dave R
June 3rd, 2009
3:31 pm
getalife, you simply repeat that same line over and over, yet never, ever provide any fruitful debate.
And as I’ve pointed out to you time and time again, I’m not a conservative – I’m a Constitutionalist. You’re not equipped to debate that. In fact, you’re not equipped to debate anyone, but certainly not someone who doesn’t fit into your right/left, liberal/conservative cookie cutter.
Jackie
June 3rd, 2009
3:31 pm
@Dave R
One of the favorites for the so-called conservatives in the Second Amendment.
Please tell me what it means?