The 2012 Three Ring Circus AKA The US Presidential Election

[Terraveritas]

It really doesn't matter at all who wins the general election.

The promises made during the election are only made to get the votes. Meaningless drivel.

Neither of the two major party candidates, Obama or Romney are worthy of the post.

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
― H.L. Mencken

[Divair]

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1862749129001?bckey=AQ~~,AAABsa9scdk~,RokljA1VFdaJIzYKy89VGoV1YDwX27HO&bctid=1863398043001

This is amazing. The best political advert I've ever seen.

I LOVE the little girl.

I'm surprised they included that part.

[Khadgar]

It really doesn't matter at all who wins the general election.

The promises made during the election are only made to get the votes. Meaningless drivel.

Neither of the two major party candidates, Obama or Romney are worthy of the post.

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
― H.L. Mencken

If you're going to post ignorant bullshit, do everyone a favor and don't bother.

[New Chalcedon]

Disenfranchising democratic voters, blocking campaign contributions to Democrats while allowing them to Republicans, and so on. If Romney wants a single-party system why doesn't he simply come out and say so?

It's like boiling a frog. One small step at a time - and if the GOP and their assorted enablers/flunkies/hangers-on get their way, by 2020 what's left of the Democratic Party will be a hamstrung, barely-on-the-ballot, unable to fundraise or compete non-entity. Thus ensuring "conservative" dominance of the US for at least a generation - and, if they play their cards right, forever.

But if they come out now and say that their end goal is a one-party system, that will galvanise the few remaining effective Democrats, and that will mean that it won't be a nice, quiet, (mostly) bloodless takeover. It will instead be a coup d'etat (whether by military or by the judiciary), and those are both costly and risky.

[Death Metal]

It really doesn't matter at all who wins the general election.

The promises made during the election are only made to get the votes. Meaningless drivel.

Neither of the two major party candidates, Obama or Romney are worthy of the post.

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
― H.L. Mencken

Obama is the only one worthy of the post.

[Death Metal]

Disenfranchising democratic voters, blocking campaign contributions to Democrats while allowing them to Republicans, and so on. If Romney wants a single-party system why doesn't he simply come out and say so?

It's like boiling a frog. One small step at a time - and if the GOP and their assorted enablers/flunkies/hangers-on get their way, by 2020 what's left of the Democratic Party will be a hamstrung, barely-on-the-ballot, unable to fundraise or compete non-entity. Thus ensuring "conservative" dominance of the US for at least a generation - and, if they play their cards right, forever.

But if they come out now and say that their end goal is a one-party system, that will galvanise the few remaining effective Democrats, and that will mean that it won't be a nice, quiet, (mostly) bloodless takeover. It will instead be a coup d'etat (whether by military or by the judiciary), and those are both costly and risky.

But, again, they do say it all the time at CPAC.

[Wamitoria]

It really doesn't matter at all who wins the general election.

The promises made during the election are only made to get the votes. Meaningless drivel.

I strongly suggest that you wake the fuck up.

[Frisivisia]

It really doesn't matter at all who wins the general election.

The promises made during the election are only made to get the votes. Meaningless drivel.

Neither of the two major party candidates, Obama or Romney are worthy of the post.

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
― H.L. Mencken

I hate these hipster Ron Paul "libertarians" that are so prevalent on the internet.

[United Southernours]

I'm writing in Theodore Roosevelt/Hiram Johnson.

[New Chalcedon]

It's like boiling a frog. One small step at a time - and if the GOP and their assorted enablers/flunkies/hangers-on get their way, by 2020 what's left of the Democratic Party will be a hamstrung, barely-on-the-ballot, unable to fundraise or compete non-entity. Thus ensuring "conservative" dominance of the US for at least a generation - and, if they play their cards right, forever.

But if they come out now and say that their end goal is a one-party system, that will galvanise the few remaining effective Democrats, and that will mean that it won't be a nice, quiet, (mostly) bloodless takeover. It will instead be a coup d'etat (whether by military or by the judiciary), and those are both costly and risky.

But, again, they do say it all the time at CPAC.

And people generally dismiss CPAC as "not the GOP". I don't think you understand how few people realise the (vast) extent to which the previously-core functions of the GOP have, in essence, been outsourced to fringe bodies directly controlled by wealthy/religious elites.

If you ask 100 Americans whether the Republican Party is acitvely attempting to turn the USA into a de facto one party State (as it so manifestly is, to those who are watching the process), 90-95 will say "of course not!". Even if they disagree with the Republican Party's goals, its methods (that they know of), its principles, etc. etc. - the notion of a two-party participatory democracy is so firmly ingrained that they just can't conceive that one of the two parties may be attempting to actively destroy (as opposed to defeat in an election or a series of elections) the other.

[Terraveritas]

It really doesn't matter at all who wins the general election.

The promises made during the election are only made to get the votes. Meaningless drivel.

Neither of the two major party candidates, Obama or Romney are worthy of the post.

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
― H.L. Mencken

If you're going to post ignorant bullshit, do everyone a favor and don't bother.

Please explain exactly in words that you can understand, what exactly was ignorant about what I posted?

[Death Metal]

But, again, they do say it all the time at CPAC.

And people generally dismiss CPAC as "not the GOP". I don't think you understand how few people realise the (vast) extent to which the previously-core functions of the GOP have, in essence, been outsourced to fringe bodies directly controlled by wealthy/religious elites.

If you ask 100 Americans whether the Republican Party is acitvely attempting to turn the USA into a de facto one party State (as it so manifestly is, to those who are watching the process), 90-95 will say "of course not!". Even if they disagree with the Republican Party's goals, its methods (that they know of), its principles, etc. etc. - the notion of a two-party participatory democracy is so firmly ingrained that they just can't conceive that one of the two parties may be attempting to actively destroy (as opposed to defeat in an election or a series of elections) the other.

Just because nobody is paying attention to the GOP leaders saying it, doesn't mean they aren't saying it though.

[Enadail]

It really doesn't matter at all who wins the general election.

The promises made during the election are only made to get the votes. Meaningless drivel.

Neither of the two major party candidates, Obama or Romney are worthy of the post.

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
― H.L. Mencken

Under Obama, the DREAM Act nearly got passed, and I would have stopped being punished for something I didn't do. And he actually did get some action pushed through that'll give me some normalcy to my life even if not actually solving the problem. Ignoring EVERY OTHER DIFFERENCE¹ between them, that alone is enough for me to push for his reelection.


¹ Such as their stance on war, on healthcare, on medicare, on foreign policy, on business, on personal rights, etc.

[Death Metal]

If you're going to post ignorant bullshit, do everyone a favor and don't bother.

Please explain exactly in words that you can understand, what exactly was ignorant about what I posted?

Every damn thing.

[Frisivisia]

I'm writing in Theodore Roosevelt/Hiram Johnson.

If you're going to waste your vote, you have to find someone wittier to write in.

[Terraveritas]

It really doesn't matter at all who wins the general election.

The promises made during the election are only made to get the votes. Meaningless drivel.

Neither of the two major party candidates, Obama or Romney are worthy of the post.

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
― H.L. Mencken

I hate these hipster Ron Paul "libertarians" that are so prevalent on the internet.

Yes, I am a 49 year old hipster... NOT!

And by the way, I am a Gary Johnson supporter. Mr. Paul is a bit too long in the tooth for me at this point, but he is a good man.

Continue to support the two major party candidates as you please. Personally, I am not drinking the Kool-Aid, but feel free to fill up yourself.

[United Southernours]

I'm writing in Theodore Roosevelt/Hiram Johnson.

If you're going to waste your vote, you have to find someone wittier to write in.

I live in Connecticut. My vote is wasted no matter what.

And no, I'm voting for Teddy because he was one of the last good, successful Progressives.

[Khadgar]

If you're going to post ignorant bullshit, do everyone a favor and don't bother.

Please explain exactly in words that you can understand, what exactly was ignorant about what I posted?

Everything you said, including the quote, was ignorant. Displaying a lack of understand of politics in general, American politics in particular, and the parties of the United States in specific. You assert that the president doesn't matter, well we know that's bullshit. If it was true then there'd be no difference between America 2006, and America 1996, or if you prefer America 1986.

Now it's completely true that the President's power is limited by Congress, but historically the president has been called factually mind you, the most powerful man in the world. The reason for this is because until recent Republican party obstructionist assholism the president could bargain and barter and connive to steer the direction of the country. Your assertion that it doesn't matter is factually wrong and displays ignorance or deception. I was charitable and said ignorance.

[Terraveritas]

It really doesn't matter at all who wins the general election.

The promises made during the election are only made to get the votes. Meaningless drivel.

Neither of the two major party candidates, Obama or Romney are worthy of the post.

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
― H.L. Mencken

Under Obama, the DREAM Act nearly got passed, and I would have stopped being punished for something I didn't do. And he actually did get some action pushed through that'll give me some normalcy to my life even if not actually solving the problem. Ignoring EVERY OTHER DIFFERENCE¹ between them, that alone is enough for me to push for his reelection.


¹ Such as their stance on war, on healthcare, on medicare, on foreign policy, on business, on personal rights, etc.

And under a true Libertarian... you wouldn't need the DREAM act, because you would be welcomed with open arms from the get go...

Nearly passed isn't the same as passed, btw.

[Frisivisia]

I hate these hipster Ron Paul "libertarians" that are so prevalent on the internet.

Yes, I am a 49 year old hipster... NOT!

And by the way, I am a Gary Johnson supporter. Mr. Paul is a bit too long in the tooth for me at this point, but he is a good man.

Continue to support the two major party candidates as you please. Personally, I am not drinking the Kool-Aid, but feel free to fill up yourself.

Because we are equally screwed either way, I know, I've heard the story. You see, the problem is that we're not. We have one party that wants to stop global climate change, and one that denies the existance of climate change. I think as far as being screwed, we have a choice, if not on the presence of the being screwed-ness, the magnitude. You have to be mentally handicapped or a child to not understand the clear choice that is at stake.

[Death Metal]

It really doesn't matter at all who wins the general election.

The promises made during the election are only made to get the votes. Meaningless drivel.

Neither of the two major party candidates, Obama or Romney are worthy of the post.

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
― H.L. Mencken

Under Obama, the DREAM Act nearly got passed, and I would have stopped being punished for something I didn't do. And he actually did get some action pushed through that'll give me some normalcy to my life even if not actually solving the problem. Ignoring EVERY OTHER DIFFERENCE¹ between them, that alone is enough for me to push for his reelection.


¹ Such as their stance on war, on healthcare, on medicare, on foreign policy, on business, on personal rights, etc.

But you don't know about how (Insert as appropriate: Jill Stein/Gary Johnson/Ron Paul) is and how much better (Insert as appropriate: She/He/Borg) is even though (She/He/Borg) is actually (Too left to be taken seriously/Just another corporatist/A bigoted theocratic totalitarian)!

And Obama sucks because (NDAA/Killing "citizens"/Economy) even though (The NDAA actually limits powers the president already had in the Ron Paul-supported AUMF 2001/Al Alwaki was an admitted traitor and doesn't deserve to be protected as an American Citizen/Economy is improving).

Don't you see, you (insert condescending insult here)!

[Death Metal]

Mr. Paul is a bit too long in the tooth for me at this point, but he is a good man.

Being a racist theocrat who supports mercenary action and stripping the Constitution of all meaning is good now?

[Frisivisia]

Under Obama, the DREAM Act nearly got passed, and I would have stopped being punished for something I didn't do. And he actually did get some action pushed through that'll give me some normalcy to my life even if not actually solving the problem. Ignoring EVERY OTHER DIFFERENCE¹ between them, that alone is enough for me to push for his reelection.


¹ Such as their stance on war, on healthcare, on medicare, on foreign policy, on business, on personal rights, etc.

And under a true Libertarian... you wouldn't need the DREAM act, because you would be welcomed with open arms from the get go...

Nearly passed isn't the same as passed, btw.

It would have been passed, if not for the Republican party. Again, a choice.

[Khadgar]

Mr. Paul is a bit too long in the tooth for me at this point, but he is a good man.

Being a racist theocrat who supports mercenary action and stripping the Constitution of all meaning is good now?

If you're a wealthy white male Christian who lacks either compassion or foresight, yes.

[Terraveritas]

Please explain exactly in words that you can understand, what exactly was ignorant about what I posted?

Everything you said, including the quote, was ignorant. Displaying a lack of understand of politics in general, American politics in particular, and the parties of the United States in specific. You assert that the president doesn't matter, well we know that's bullshit. If it was true then there'd be no difference between America 2006, and America 1996, or if you prefer America 1986.

Now it's completely true that the President's power is limited by Congress, but historically the president has been called factually mind you, the most powerful man in the world. The reason for this is because until recent Republican party obstructionist assholism the president could bargain and barter and connive to steer the direction of the country. Your assertion that it doesn't matter is factually wrong and displays ignorance or deception. I was charitable and said ignorance.

Wow, you certainly use a lot of big words to say almost nothing...

I guess you have trouble differentiating between tongue and cheek remarks, and literal remarks?

Of course the office of POTUS is important, and it should be filled by someone who can, and will get things done that matter. My opinion is that Mr. Obama has failed, and Mr. Romney shouldn't be given the chance.

As for the quote, well I personally feel that it is spot on, and Mr. Mencken was a man of remarkable foresight.