This was a memorable convention, but for the wrong reasons. All week the media was teased about a mystery speaker. But the mystery was not the speaker but the speech. Michael Moore said it best in today's Daily Beast. "Speaking to Invisible Obama last night, in a performance that seemed to
have been written by Timothy Leary and performed by Cheech & Chong, Clint Eastwood
was able to drive home to tens of millions of viewers the central
message of this year's Republican National Convention: "We Are
Delusional and Detached from Reality. Vote for Us!"
Fittingly, this bumped an excellent biographical video of Romney out of prime time. Over the three days Romney seemed more a party crasher than a party leader. Never in the modern history of staged conventions has a nominee's name been so infrequently invoked. Marco Rubio, charged with introducing Romney, did not let that task interfere with his opening speech of the 2016 presidential campaign. In this he was merely following the precedent of the speeches by Chris Christie and Rick Santorum.
With the help of speech writers, speech coaches, ample rehearsal time and two teleprompters, Governor Romney gave, what is universally acclaimed, as the best speech of his life. Sadly, it was still the least memorable speech ever given by a nominee. But the bar was low. Whereas the president had to prove he was born in America, Mitt merely had to prove he was born. His sometimes touching stories about his parents, his sons and his wife, did enough to dispel the internet rumor that he is an automaton financed, and built, by the Koch brothers. That is just as well, since they might have asked for their money back.
The speech had another distinction. Never in the history of the republic, during a time when our armed services are engaged in a conflict, has a major party nominee failed to mention the war or thank the troops who are in harm's way.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Republican Circus
The side shows at the convention were scarier than at most circuses. Two conventioneers threw peanuts at a black CNN cameraman saying, "this is how we feed animals." The crowd listened intently as New Mexico Governor Susan Martinez spoke of helping her family security business, as an 18 year old, by guarding a church parking lot during a bingo game. But they rose to their feet when she told them that her father wanted her to have protection, so he gave her a Smith and Wesson 38 magnum. Finally, Senator McCain advocated delaying the withdrawal of troups from Afghanistan and taking a role in the Syrian conflict.
Ryan's performance in the center ring was a crowd pleaser. There was no "communication breakdown" for the Led Zeppelin fan. He had a calm, optimistic delivery. Unlike his running mate, he can even be funny. The speech was well crafted, at one point almost poetic, "grasping at the
moment that has already passed, like a ship trying to sail on yesterday's wind." The discussion of his mother was a more effective appeal to women than the more blatant approach by Ann Romney.
But if the devil is in the details than the Congressman is not on "the stairway to heaven. " The GM plant that Ryan eulogizes was set to close before Obama took office, too late to be helped by the GM bailout that Romney opposed. Obama's plan extends the life of the Medicare Trust by 8 years. These are but a few of the misstatements. More importantly, for all his talk of hard choices, Ryan did not describe any of them. Everyone generically likes reduced government spending and lower taxes. But the actual cuts in government spending hurt the middle class and the working poor, while tax cuts favor the rich. Deregulation helps some companies but often at the expense of the public. If it sounds like George Bush, all I can say is "the song remains the same."
Ryan's performance in the center ring was a crowd pleaser. There was no "communication breakdown" for the Led Zeppelin fan. He had a calm, optimistic delivery. Unlike his running mate, he can even be funny. The speech was well crafted, at one point almost poetic, "grasping at the
moment that has already passed, like a ship trying to sail on yesterday's wind." The discussion of his mother was a more effective appeal to women than the more blatant approach by Ann Romney.
But if the devil is in the details than the Congressman is not on "the stairway to heaven. " The GM plant that Ryan eulogizes was set to close before Obama took office, too late to be helped by the GM bailout that Romney opposed. Obama's plan extends the life of the Medicare Trust by 8 years. These are but a few of the misstatements. More importantly, for all his talk of hard choices, Ryan did not describe any of them. Everyone generically likes reduced government spending and lower taxes. But the actual cuts in government spending hurt the middle class and the working poor, while tax cuts favor the rich. Deregulation helps some companies but often at the expense of the public. If it sounds like George Bush, all I can say is "the song remains the same."
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Republican Version of the Wizard of Oz
Tuesday night at the convention was an odd interpretation of the Wizard of Oz. Chris Christie tried to give Mitt courage while Ann Romney proclaimed that her husband had a heart. Yet we were left with the strange feeling that there was a huckster behind the curtain. Every effort was made to hide the yellow(gold) brick road leading to the (Bain) Capital. Fortunately we all acknowledge that Mitt has a brain, so we were spared a third speech.
Christie's topic of political courage, mainly his own, does little to help Romney. No examples were given of Romney's political courage. Nor is this surprising. When Romney draws a line in the sand he makes sure it is close enough to the water to be wiped out with the tide. Christie's speech like Santorum's earlier, was the opening volley in the 2016 nomination fight if Romney is defeated. In fact with the exception of Ann Romney's speech, Mitt was scarcely mentioned. He has the numbers, but he does not embody the heart and soul of this convention.
Heart was his wife's department. She gave a good speech. But the media gushing, let alone Erin Burnett's tear, was a bit much. Each 4 years we seem shocked that with coaching and rehearsal a candidate, or his spouse, can read a speech, prepared by professional writers, from a teleprompter. So we are not seeing Ann's heart, but rather, the campaign staff's goals. The speech confirms concern over the gender gap. Half of it was directed straight to women. That seemed patronizing, but I am not the intended target. It may have scored.
The rest of the speech was to undercut Romney's negatives. Ann mentioned three times that he makes her laugh. We had a common man anecdote with a basement apartment and makeshift furniture. But the speech should have had far more personal stories. Finally we are told we can trust him. From the speech we know that focus groups consider Romney a humorless, untrustworthy rich guy that does not understand their problems.
One line near the end of the speech is perplexing. "He will take us to a better place, just as he took me home safely from that dance." After the election I hope he clicks his heels and takes her safely to any one of their homes, so long as it is not 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Christie's topic of political courage, mainly his own, does little to help Romney. No examples were given of Romney's political courage. Nor is this surprising. When Romney draws a line in the sand he makes sure it is close enough to the water to be wiped out with the tide. Christie's speech like Santorum's earlier, was the opening volley in the 2016 nomination fight if Romney is defeated. In fact with the exception of Ann Romney's speech, Mitt was scarcely mentioned. He has the numbers, but he does not embody the heart and soul of this convention.
Heart was his wife's department. She gave a good speech. But the media gushing, let alone Erin Burnett's tear, was a bit much. Each 4 years we seem shocked that with coaching and rehearsal a candidate, or his spouse, can read a speech, prepared by professional writers, from a teleprompter. So we are not seeing Ann's heart, but rather, the campaign staff's goals. The speech confirms concern over the gender gap. Half of it was directed straight to women. That seemed patronizing, but I am not the intended target. It may have scored.
The rest of the speech was to undercut Romney's negatives. Ann mentioned three times that he makes her laugh. We had a common man anecdote with a basement apartment and makeshift furniture. But the speech should have had far more personal stories. Finally we are told we can trust him. From the speech we know that focus groups consider Romney a humorless, untrustworthy rich guy that does not understand their problems.
One line near the end of the speech is perplexing. "He will take us to a better place, just as he took me home safely from that dance." After the election I hope he clicks his heels and takes her safely to any one of their homes, so long as it is not 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Vancouver Photos
Friday, August 24, 2012
Jukes and Clubs
I will be celebrating my birthday in Vancouver, and will be off the grid. Upon my return I should have some restaurant reviews to intersperse with musings about the Republican Convention. For now let me post some juke joint pictures from a 2009 birthday trip.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Romney's Pathway to Heaven
Why did Romney pick Ryan? The positives are obvious. He is a fixed, and seemingly serious, picture which cannot be erased on an etch-a-sketch. This adds gravitas to the ticket, particularly on the issue of deficit reduction. He is loved by the base in an election that may hinge more on turnout than convincing an ever dwindling number of undecided voters. He puts Wisconsin in play.
But the negatives are equally obvious. The Ryan budget is something that the President can, and will run against. The election becomes less of a referendum on the President, and more of a choice between two tickets. The desired message of jobs and the economy becomes diluted by discussions of Medicare vouchers. Ryan's social values are another dangerous diversion, which has become obvious, with the Akin detour.
The answer lies with Romney since, if media sources are to be believed, he made the decision himself, over the initial opposition of his staff. The answer is what I call the pathway to heaven. We all want to think well of ourselves. In doing that we tend to over value those things we are good at, and under value qualities we lack. An analytical person might think more highly of people who are logical than those who are intuitive.
Romney is a number cruncher, and highly values that skill in Ryan. The Mormon church is central to Romney. He could not pick another Mormon, but Ryan also strongly values his church. But the key is that behind the often arrogant sneer, and the fake laugh, Romney is, and always has been, a very handsome man. Not surprisingly, all of his spokes people, both men and women, are quite attractive. He over values good looks, so Ryan's six pack abs were the clincher. With hopefully outdated thinking, Romney believes that his deficit with women will be reduced by Ryan's appearance and that younger voters will identify with his youthful vigor.
But the negatives are equally obvious. The Ryan budget is something that the President can, and will run against. The election becomes less of a referendum on the President, and more of a choice between two tickets. The desired message of jobs and the economy becomes diluted by discussions of Medicare vouchers. Ryan's social values are another dangerous diversion, which has become obvious, with the Akin detour.
The answer lies with Romney since, if media sources are to be believed, he made the decision himself, over the initial opposition of his staff. The answer is what I call the pathway to heaven. We all want to think well of ourselves. In doing that we tend to over value those things we are good at, and under value qualities we lack. An analytical person might think more highly of people who are logical than those who are intuitive.
Romney is a number cruncher, and highly values that skill in Ryan. The Mormon church is central to Romney. He could not pick another Mormon, but Ryan also strongly values his church. But the key is that behind the often arrogant sneer, and the fake laugh, Romney is, and always has been, a very handsome man. Not surprisingly, all of his spokes people, both men and women, are quite attractive. He over values good looks, so Ryan's six pack abs were the clincher. With hopefully outdated thinking, Romney believes that his deficit with women will be reduced by Ryan's appearance and that younger voters will identify with his youthful vigor.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Isaac Could Be Stern
Tropical Storm Isaac could make landfall as a hurricane during the Republican Convention. This sour note is not the only discord for Romney and the convention. Romney may wish he had a solo, instead of a duet backed by the Republican chorus.
The libretto for the past two Republican Conventions supported a Constitutional amendment outlawing abortions even in the case of rape or incest. A repeat performance at this convention would have drawn scant media attention but, enter Akin stage right. The spotlight on this issue detracts and distracts from Romney's economic theme.
Having Ryan playing base reinforces the problem. Ryan has co-sponsored legislation with Akin which distinguished forcible rape from other forms of rape. He also joined Akin on the proposed "Sanctity of Life Act" which defines personhood as beginning at the time of conception. Would women be jailed for using IUDs?
Hopefully, woman and independents will not buy this ticket.
The libretto for the past two Republican Conventions supported a Constitutional amendment outlawing abortions even in the case of rape or incest. A repeat performance at this convention would have drawn scant media attention but, enter Akin stage right. The spotlight on this issue detracts and distracts from Romney's economic theme.
Having Ryan playing base reinforces the problem. Ryan has co-sponsored legislation with Akin which distinguished forcible rape from other forms of rape. He also joined Akin on the proposed "Sanctity of Life Act" which defines personhood as beginning at the time of conception. Would women be jailed for using IUDs?
Hopefully, woman and independents will not buy this ticket.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Akin Plunges Head First into Gender Gap
The deadliest gaffe is when a candidate inadvertently tells the
truth. Such is the case with Todd Akin's claim that "legitimate" rape
victims do not get pregnant. Romney, and all other Republicans in close
races, live in mortal fear of the gender gap. This explains the rapid
fire denouncement of the remark by so many key Republicans, and the
defunding of Akin by the Republican National Committee and American
Crossroads.
No doubt some social conservative groups will make up some of the funding, but Akin is in trouble. Since Missouri had become an increasingly red state, some now consider the race competitive instead of leaning strongly Republican. Soon they will acknowledge the race is taking on a blue tint. Republican criticism of Akin helps the critics but hurts the party. The inevitable McCaskill ads featuring these denouncements will be decisive.
The road to Republican control of the Senate, has always gone through Missouri. This road block will add at least 2 years to that journey.
No doubt some social conservative groups will make up some of the funding, but Akin is in trouble. Since Missouri had become an increasingly red state, some now consider the race competitive instead of leaning strongly Republican. Soon they will acknowledge the race is taking on a blue tint. Republican criticism of Akin helps the critics but hurts the party. The inevitable McCaskill ads featuring these denouncements will be decisive.
The road to Republican control of the Senate, has always gone through Missouri. This road block will add at least 2 years to that journey.
Brunch at the Culver Hotel
After a disastrous groupon brunch deal at Maximillian's, I was a bit wary to try a Living Social brunch deal at the Culver Hotel. I am so happy I over came my misgivings. First and foremost, the room is gorgeous (for pictures see my blog at http:\\phoodphotospolitics.blogspot.com). The hotel, which has been in continuous operation since 1924, completed renovations a year ago.
The service was good, and the food above average, and fairly priced. The Kobe burger with cheese fries was $14, and the crab cake eggs benedict was $13. At the eggs, omelettes and waffles bar, the entrees were $10. Drinks of course can pad the bill. Bloody Marys and mimosas are $10 and coffee and tea are $3.50. All in all quite reasonable prices for the area even without the LS discount. As an added plus, there was an excellent pianist.
The service was good, and the food above average, and fairly priced. The Kobe burger with cheese fries was $14, and the crab cake eggs benedict was $13. At the eggs, omelettes and waffles bar, the entrees were $10. Drinks of course can pad the bill. Bloody Marys and mimosas are $10 and coffee and tea are $3.50. All in all quite reasonable prices for the area even without the LS discount. As an added plus, there was an excellent pianist.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Oasis
(Egypt, 2011)
Saturday, August 18, 2012
R/R Plan to Bankrupt Medicare
Paraphrasing Shakespeare, Romney and Ryan come to bury medicare, not to save it. Under the current iteration of their plan the system will go bankrupt in less than 4 years.
The Obama plan reduces future spending by 716 billion dollars, which helps finance Obamacare, and extends medicare solvency by eight years. The original Ryan plan had the same future spending reductions, but they financed his proposed tax cuts. Even with the 716 billion the budget did not come into balance until 2040. Without that amount Ryan is unable to say when, or if, the budget will balance. The original plan also increased pharmacy expenses to seniors by reopening the so-called doughnut hole.
The crucial element of the Ryan plan was a voucher system. For those presently under 55, Medicare was to consist of a fixed dollar amount per month to buy private insurance. If insurance cost more than that amount, a near certainty, the senior would pay the difference. Ryan's hope was that competition would force down premium costs. Having worked more than 30 years as a benefits attorney I have some experience with efforts to reduce health premiums. It is like pushing on a balloon, you move air around but you do not reduce it. Further, either seniors would be denied coverage for preexisting conditions or the plan would require insurers to cover all, which would increase costs. By shifting part of the cost to seniors, a voucher system would reduce medicare expenditures.
Asking future seniors to pay thousands of dollars is not popular. Eliminating the future reductions in spending sounds good. Unfortunately, it is a prescription that kills the patient. Without the cuts, the medicare trust fund will die in 4 years. The new twist will shorten the life span. Romney now proposes to give future seniors a choice between the existing system and vouchers. This would result in adverse selection. The healthiest and wealthiest, who use medicare the least, will take the money. The poorest and sickest, will stay with the program. The net cost will increase.
The only saving grace is that Romney policies are like Irish weather, if you don't like them wait an hour.
The Obama plan reduces future spending by 716 billion dollars, which helps finance Obamacare, and extends medicare solvency by eight years. The original Ryan plan had the same future spending reductions, but they financed his proposed tax cuts. Even with the 716 billion the budget did not come into balance until 2040. Without that amount Ryan is unable to say when, or if, the budget will balance. The original plan also increased pharmacy expenses to seniors by reopening the so-called doughnut hole.
The crucial element of the Ryan plan was a voucher system. For those presently under 55, Medicare was to consist of a fixed dollar amount per month to buy private insurance. If insurance cost more than that amount, a near certainty, the senior would pay the difference. Ryan's hope was that competition would force down premium costs. Having worked more than 30 years as a benefits attorney I have some experience with efforts to reduce health premiums. It is like pushing on a balloon, you move air around but you do not reduce it. Further, either seniors would be denied coverage for preexisting conditions or the plan would require insurers to cover all, which would increase costs. By shifting part of the cost to seniors, a voucher system would reduce medicare expenditures.
Asking future seniors to pay thousands of dollars is not popular. Eliminating the future reductions in spending sounds good. Unfortunately, it is a prescription that kills the patient. Without the cuts, the medicare trust fund will die in 4 years. The new twist will shorten the life span. Romney now proposes to give future seniors a choice between the existing system and vouchers. This would result in adverse selection. The healthiest and wealthiest, who use medicare the least, will take the money. The poorest and sickest, will stay with the program. The net cost will increase.
The only saving grace is that Romney policies are like Irish weather, if you don't like them wait an hour.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Romney Staff Tells the Truth
The Romney staff is well paid. They live by the slogan, "loose lips reduce tips." So I was skeptical when it leaked out that Ryan was picked over staff opposition. Was Romney actually being bold or was his staff preemptively protecting their reputations in case Ryan hurt the ticket? Maybe focus groups had shown the methodical Romney needed to appear bold, so a false story was planted with media.
But the leaks have been proven true by events. In four days Romney has taken 4 positions on the Ryan budget and its approach to Medicare. Not the well oiled machine you would expect if the staff was on board early.
In politics timing can be everything. The Ryan announcement was beautiful and clever. Virginia is a battleground state, the ship was named after Ryan's home state, Wisconsin. But it was 9 a.m. Eastern Time on a Saturday. Half of America was asleep, and the rest, were either on vacation, or watching the Olympics. Nor could the event be primed for the evening news. There is no evening news on Saturday. On short notice it was probably the best time slot they good get.
Perhaps Romney should stick to mendacity. The truth ill suits him.
But the leaks have been proven true by events. In four days Romney has taken 4 positions on the Ryan budget and its approach to Medicare. Not the well oiled machine you would expect if the staff was on board early.
In politics timing can be everything. The Ryan announcement was beautiful and clever. Virginia is a battleground state, the ship was named after Ryan's home state, Wisconsin. But it was 9 a.m. Eastern Time on a Saturday. Half of America was asleep, and the rest, were either on vacation, or watching the Olympics. Nor could the event be primed for the evening news. There is no evening news on Saturday. On short notice it was probably the best time slot they good get.
Perhaps Romney should stick to mendacity. The truth ill suits him.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Love Story
Famously, when a woman reportedly asked House Speaker John Boehner,
"Can you make me love Mitt Romney?" he said, "No... the American people
probably aren't going to fall in love with Mitt Romney." Many, if not most, politicians seek love and adulation. No doubt, this was a driving force for President Clinton.
I suspect that Romney views the voting public with disdain. It is not that he is unworthy of their love, but rather their love has no worth. He cynically tells them what they want to hear, and believes the public is too slow to notice his rapid shifts of position.
His strategy in every election has been to drive up his opponents negatives rather than push up his own positives. Most campaigns, like the president's, seek to do both. This is the only explanation for his focused attack on a third party ad that had never run on TV. As a result the ad which implied Bain's closing of a plant lead to a women's death, has had over 500,000 hits and has been shown repeatedly on news and political shows. He and his surrogates claim it is beneath the office of the president.
Will it work? With a 2 to 1 spending edge over the past 45 days there is some movement in the polls. Is hate more powerful than love?
From http:\\phoodphotospolitics.blogspot.com
I suspect that Romney views the voting public with disdain. It is not that he is unworthy of their love, but rather their love has no worth. He cynically tells them what they want to hear, and believes the public is too slow to notice his rapid shifts of position.
His strategy in every election has been to drive up his opponents negatives rather than push up his own positives. Most campaigns, like the president's, seek to do both. This is the only explanation for his focused attack on a third party ad that had never run on TV. As a result the ad which implied Bain's closing of a plant lead to a women's death, has had over 500,000 hits and has been shown repeatedly on news and political shows. He and his surrogates claim it is beneath the office of the president.
Will it work? With a 2 to 1 spending edge over the past 45 days there is some movement in the polls. Is hate more powerful than love?
From http:\\phoodphotospolitics.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Pot Party
Chef Kevin Meehan, according to his website, "spent the past decade refining his craft working tireless hours in America's elite restaurants, being mentored by renowned chefs in the kitchens of Mirabelle, L’Orangerie, Bastide, and Patina to name a few. Leading the kitchen at Café Pinot for the past several years was a great opportunity for Kevin, garnering him exposure and top honors on Food Network's “Extreme Chef” and winning him the “Best French Food 2011” accolade in the Downtown News."
He is now preparing dinners for private parties, either at your house, or sometimes, at his. Above is the menu I had the privilege of enjoying at his home. The meal was consistently superb. The dessert was the best panna cotta that I have ever tasted. The mellon soups was wonderfully refreshing and surprisingly multifaceted. My favorite dish was the Corn Angnolotti, complex yet perfectly balanced. Kudos to Alexis of "Eastside Foodies" for arranging the meal.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Romney Wimps Out Again
On Sixty Minutes Romney said he is not running on the (fairly specific) Ryan budget, but rather on his own nebulous plan. Picking Ryan, but distancing from his ideas, is like Bain Capital buying Burger King, but dropping the Whopper. Soon we will all be saying where is the beef.
Picking a 42 year old white man is not bold, the boldness is Ryan's budget. Burger King has become Wimpy Burger. The only whopper is the misleading Romney budget. For more thoughts see http:\\phoodphotospolitics.blogspot.com.
Picking a 42 year old white man is not bold, the boldness is Ryan's budget. Burger King has become Wimpy Burger. The only whopper is the misleading Romney budget. For more thoughts see http:\\phoodphotospolitics.blogspot.com.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
The Tea Party's Turn at Bat
When the highest paid staff in history has its candidate singing "America the Beautiful," it is hard to argue they are running an issues campaign. Had the Republican electorate but known, they would have nominated a better baritone. Enter Ryan, stage right. His budget is the tea party manifesto, game on.
Pundits are already proclaiming Ryan heir apparent. Of course if Romney wins, Ryan's future will depend on the success of the Romney presidency. A close loss should stand Ryan in good stead, but a blow out could change the GOP.
The dream of swinging for the fences only ends when you have a turn at bat. For the right, Dole and McCain struck out because neither was a true conservative. Romney fit that game plan until he picked Ryan. If the tea party agenda pops out, the GOP might move back towards the center, and Ryan might be benched. I wonder if Romney knows the words to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
Pundits are already proclaiming Ryan heir apparent. Of course if Romney wins, Ryan's future will depend on the success of the Romney presidency. A close loss should stand Ryan in good stead, but a blow out could change the GOP.
The dream of swinging for the fences only ends when you have a turn at bat. For the right, Dole and McCain struck out because neither was a true conservative. Romney fit that game plan until he picked Ryan. If the tea party agenda pops out, the GOP might move back towards the center, and Ryan might be benched. I wonder if Romney knows the words to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Ryan Pick: A Sign of Weakness
Paul Ryan may be an excellent selection. He is bright, articulate and energetic. He appeals to conservatives, including the tea party, but has won by large margins in a swing district. So he may be able to appeal to some independents, particularly on the issue of the deficit. Wisconsin may be in play. But much of the importance of the selection is what it tells us about Romney and the state of his campaign.
Integrity dictates selecting a VP who would be ready on day one. Ryan has neither the business experience that Romney extols, nor the foreign policy experience the country craves. Perhaps Ryan can see Canada from his porch.
Boldness is often a sign of weakness. McCain would never have picked Palin if his campaign was going well. Ryan generates enthusiasm with the base. With the distaste so many conservatives have for the President, this should be superfluous. It is not. More importantly, the selection belies the central tenet of the Romney campaign.
For the Romney team this was to be a referendum on a failed presidency. Selecting Ryan is an acknowledgement that the Obama campaign has succeeded in making this a choice election. Romney wanted the campaign to be only about jobs and the economy. Ryan forces a doubling down on the Ryan budget, with Medicare restructuring and other potentially divisive issues.
Yet the talking point sent to key Republicans is classic Romney. “Gov. Romney applauds Paul Ryan for going in the right direction with his budget, and as president he will be putting together his own plan for cutting the deficit and putting the budget on a path to balance." As always he wants to have it both ways.
With the recent conservative drumbeat, in selecting Ryan, Romney appears to be dancing to someone else's rhythm. He may yet have to pay the piper. Ryan is more popular with the base than Romney, and has eyes on being lead singer. He may not follow the Romney playlist. Still anything is better than another Romney rendition of "America the Beautiful."
Integrity dictates selecting a VP who would be ready on day one. Ryan has neither the business experience that Romney extols, nor the foreign policy experience the country craves. Perhaps Ryan can see Canada from his porch.
Boldness is often a sign of weakness. McCain would never have picked Palin if his campaign was going well. Ryan generates enthusiasm with the base. With the distaste so many conservatives have for the President, this should be superfluous. It is not. More importantly, the selection belies the central tenet of the Romney campaign.
For the Romney team this was to be a referendum on a failed presidency. Selecting Ryan is an acknowledgement that the Obama campaign has succeeded in making this a choice election. Romney wanted the campaign to be only about jobs and the economy. Ryan forces a doubling down on the Ryan budget, with Medicare restructuring and other potentially divisive issues.
Yet the talking point sent to key Republicans is classic Romney. “Gov. Romney applauds Paul Ryan for going in the right direction with his budget, and as president he will be putting together his own plan for cutting the deficit and putting the budget on a path to balance." As always he wants to have it both ways.
With the recent conservative drumbeat, in selecting Ryan, Romney appears to be dancing to someone else's rhythm. He may yet have to pay the piper. Ryan is more popular with the base than Romney, and has eyes on being lead singer. He may not follow the Romney playlist. Still anything is better than another Romney rendition of "America the Beautiful."
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Romney's Convention Speech Will Exceed Media Expectations
Every four years the press breathlessly ponders whether a party's nominee, particularly a candidate not known as a spell binding speaker, will deliver a good speech. Amazingly each nominee succeeds.
The best speech writers are given ample time to craft a speech that the candidate is able to rehearse. Yet we are amazed that individuals seeking the presidency, are able to read a teleprompter for 30 minutes.
Notwithstanding the usual borrowed eloquence, Romney's portrayal of himself is important. Although the press will proclaim that he hit it out of the park, if he allows the President to continue to define him, Romney will be watching the rest of the game from the sidelines.
The best speech writers are given ample time to craft a speech that the candidate is able to rehearse. Yet we are amazed that individuals seeking the presidency, are able to read a teleprompter for 30 minutes.
Notwithstanding the usual borrowed eloquence, Romney's portrayal of himself is important. Although the press will proclaim that he hit it out of the park, if he allows the President to continue to define him, Romney will be watching the rest of the game from the sidelines.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Petraeus Platter
Governor Romney appears desperate to win a news cycle, and to deflect inquires about his tax returns. He tried this gambit before, leaking information to Drudge about the VP prospects of Condeleezza Rice (See "The Rice Bowl" and "Mitt Wimps Out"). Today's Drudge Report is no different.
General Petraeus is not going to run. The disloyalty inherent in running against a President he is serving as director of the CIA, is not in his nature. The risk to his reputation and legacy is too great.
The Drudge Report is not always accurate, but it serves as a barometer of the desperation of the Romney campaign. The current forecast is dark and gloomy.
General Petraeus is not going to run. The disloyalty inherent in running against a President he is serving as director of the CIA, is not in his nature. The risk to his reputation and legacy is too great.
The Drudge Report is not always accurate, but it serves as a barometer of the desperation of the Romney campaign. The current forecast is dark and gloomy.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Perspective
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Can Obama Save his Marriage?
No there is no rift between the President and the First Lady. The President's first campaign was filled with the excitement, and hope, of a courtship. His term in office, like a marriage, is more meaningful, but lacks the magic of a courtship. A marriage takes work. Obama is sparing no effort to save his union with the American people.
Timing is everything. Some argue that front ending efforts will leave Obama with too few resources to go the distance. An excellent analysis can be found at: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/05/us/politics/record-spending-by-obamas-camp-shrinks-coffers.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all . But Obama is wise to nip any flirtation with Romney in the bud. As a suitor, Romney has failed to discuss his background or his plans for the future. Obama has filled in the blanks.
There are two presidential campaign seasons--before and after the Olympics. Negative advertising is incompatible with the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Obama won the first season. But equally important, he has laid the foundation to win the second. With the magic gone, he understands the need to use resources to develop an unprecedented, and admittedly expensive, organization to grind out every vote.
Romney, as he has in every campaign, intends, instead, to rely on omnipresent negative advertising in the fall. Negative advertising is good for rallying the base, but unlikely to change opinions about someone as well known as the president. Will the dislike of Obama on the right, be enough to woo the casual voter? If not, the marriage will last another four years.
Timing is everything. Some argue that front ending efforts will leave Obama with too few resources to go the distance. An excellent analysis can be found at: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/05/us/politics/record-spending-by-obamas-camp-shrinks-coffers.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all . But Obama is wise to nip any flirtation with Romney in the bud. As a suitor, Romney has failed to discuss his background or his plans for the future. Obama has filled in the blanks.
There are two presidential campaign seasons--before and after the Olympics. Negative advertising is incompatible with the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Obama won the first season. But equally important, he has laid the foundation to win the second. With the magic gone, he understands the need to use resources to develop an unprecedented, and admittedly expensive, organization to grind out every vote.
Romney, as he has in every campaign, intends, instead, to rely on omnipresent negative advertising in the fall. Negative advertising is good for rallying the base, but unlikely to change opinions about someone as well known as the president. Will the dislike of Obama on the right, be enough to woo the casual voter? If not, the marriage will last another four years.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Need to Know
The Romney campaign has extensively vetted prospective vice presidential nominees. Reams of financial information, including tax returns, have been requested and received. Before selecting a running mate he needs to know any potential problems. Apparently, he sees no contradiction in denying the American public the same information before we vote for a president. Are there improprieties in his tax returns? We need to know. Until we do, we need to say no to his candidacy.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Is the Romney Campaign a Joke?
Romney reminds me of a joke told by a dear Unitarian friend. "What do you get if you cross a Unitarian with a Seventh Day Adventist? Someone who goes door to door with nothing to say." Romney and friends will spend over a billion dollars to knock on our electronic doors to deliver tasteless attacks and bland platitudes.
His domestic menu is empty calories, reheated basic GOP puffery filled with voodoo economics. His international tidbits have been standard fare for late night monologues. His whine list is long, but poorly chosen. Romney offerings lack conviction. He serves up whatever is trendy and expedient.
His resume is incomplete. There is little mention of his term as Governor or, of his piece de resistance, Romneycare. There are doubts about when, and under what circumstances, his tenure ended at Bain Capital. Nor is his financial information filled in. His advise, based on his Olympic experience, nearly caused an international incident.
Non-work experience is similarly sketchy. There is nary a murmur about Mormonism, nor mention of his experiences as a pet owner.
Do not give your blind trust to a candidate who hides the details of his own blind trust.
His domestic menu is empty calories, reheated basic GOP puffery filled with voodoo economics. His international tidbits have been standard fare for late night monologues. His whine list is long, but poorly chosen. Romney offerings lack conviction. He serves up whatever is trendy and expedient.
His resume is incomplete. There is little mention of his term as Governor or, of his piece de resistance, Romneycare. There are doubts about when, and under what circumstances, his tenure ended at Bain Capital. Nor is his financial information filled in. His advise, based on his Olympic experience, nearly caused an international incident.
Non-work experience is similarly sketchy. There is nary a murmur about Mormonism, nor mention of his experiences as a pet owner.
Do not give your blind trust to a candidate who hides the details of his own blind trust.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Pre-selling the Presidency
Presidents often reward campaign contributors. The coin of the realm comes in different denominations, from invitations to inauguration balls and state dinners all the way up to minor appointments. But most candidates have had the decency not to have pre-election auctions.
Mitt Romney has shown an unprecedented level of corruption before even officially becoming the nominee. Sheldon Adelson accompanied him to Israel. Being investigated for violation of the federal corrupt practices act, should have prevented Adelson from getting an aisle seat on Romney 1. Far more troubling is Adelson's opposition to the official American position of a two state solution. Most experts believe that is the only option for peace in the Middle East. Mitt's, odd and bellicose, comments in Israel are perhaps the first installment of Adelson's reward for contributing tens of millions to the campaign. American policy should not be for sale, not even, on the installment plan.
From http:\\phoodphotospolitics.blogspot.com
Mitt Romney has shown an unprecedented level of corruption before even officially becoming the nominee. Sheldon Adelson accompanied him to Israel. Being investigated for violation of the federal corrupt practices act, should have prevented Adelson from getting an aisle seat on Romney 1. Far more troubling is Adelson's opposition to the official American position of a two state solution. Most experts believe that is the only option for peace in the Middle East. Mitt's, odd and bellicose, comments in Israel are perhaps the first installment of Adelson's reward for contributing tens of millions to the campaign. American policy should not be for sale, not even, on the installment plan.
From http:\\phoodphotospolitics.blogspot.com
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