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The presidential election is soon coming in 2012. Looking at the political landscape especially that of the GOP would reveal that there remains no serious contender against the sitting Democratic POTUS.

At this juncture, are you entertaining the big possibility for Obama to be handed another 4-year term?

I am intrigued.

Why does this feel so..well...scripted?

You're not one of those "Obama is the antichrist" people, are you?

I'm pretty ready for it. As you say, at this point he has no serious competition. That could change, of course, but as it stands, he's holding a much stronger hand.

Palin 2012!

Adammon said:

Palin 2012!

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If this happens I will move to Canada. I'm only 1/2 joking.

Dave said:

If this happens I will move to Canada. I'm only 1/2 joking.

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Bachmann/Palin 2012!

Adammon said:

Bachmann/Palin 2012!

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If this happens, I'm weeping for the nation and moving underground.

Krisken said:

If this happens, I'm weeping for the nation and moving underground.

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The current crop of GOP candidates seems way more polarizing this year than last.

Mitt Romney
Conservatives hate Romney for Romneycare, his persistant flip-flopping and the fact he's a Mormon.
Liberals don't really have many complaints about Romney, other than superficial nonsense about dogs on roofs. Also, flip-flopping.

Sarah Palin
Conservatives love Palin for her "Lame-stream media" bashing, her red meat proclamations to the conservative base and the fact she's hot. Despite the fact she wasn't much of a Conservative as Governor.
Liberals hate Palin in much the same way Conservatives hate Obama. Both sides figure that each represent the figurehead of a Cult of Personality who have failed upwards.

Donald Trump
Conservatives love Trump for his Obama bashing, and seem willing to ignore the fact Trump is more liberal than Clinton ever was.
Liberals hate Trump because he's a horrible businessman using a presidential run to garner publicity.

Herman Cain
Cain is a "true conservative"(tm), despite having no legislative record to prove that. Doesn't matter though, Conservatives love him because he's quick with soundbytes bashing Obama. He is a successful self-made businessman and he's black. "The first Black president" as some are trying to sell him - which is retarded beyond belief. Everyone knows Clinton was the first black president.
Liberals don't know who Herman Cain is.

Rick Perry
Conservatives have a love/hate relationship with the Governor of Texas. Apparently he's made a lot of good 'conservative' decisions, but a mandatory HPV vaccine for young girls in Texas and the Mexico corridor project mean he's an "ultra liberal in disguise".
Liberals look at Rick Perry as George Bush Jr the Second. GBII II?

Michelle Bachmann
Conservative: The conservative standard bearer.
Liberal: Psychotic, misinformed nutcase liar.

Bachmann has the best (as in worst) record on Politifact. It's fascinating how often she is wrong.

Krisken said:

Bachmann has the best (as in worst) record on Politifact. It's fascinating how often she is wrong.

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You mean Planned Parenthood doesn't have a drive-thru for abortions??

Tress said:

You mean Planned Parenthood doesn't have a drive-thru for abortions??

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That's the price you pay for reading The Onion in a non-ironic way.

Tress said:

You mean Planned Parenthood doesn't have a drive-thru for abortions??

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Drive-thru clean up would be the worst job ever here.

Im voting for Obama that's all I know for certain.

You want fries with that abortion?

At this point, it's entirely moot. When it comes to republicans vs democrats, it's like arguing about who gets to be pilot when the wings have already buckled. It's now just basically a contest of who can raise the most money to get elected to make sure money gets spent on the people who gave them money. America is sleepwalking through existence, caring more about which sportsball team is going to win the big trophy, or which celebutante got arrested on a drunken rampage, or who's eliminated next on The Amazing Asinine Dramatic Music Reality Show. The great experiment has failed. I've finally come to accept that, despite my own wish for liberty and responsibility, humanity at large is suitable for nothing more than to be the blind fodder workforce of a driven, focused despot. Most people are too stupid for self determination, and it is the responsibility of those few who are not to utilize those who are in the most effective way possible.

GasBandit said:

At this point, it's entirely moot. When it comes to republicans vs democrats, it's like arguing about who gets to be pilot when the wings have already buckled. It's now just basically a contest of who can raise the most money to get elected to make sure money gets spent on the people who gave them money. America is sleepwalking through existence, caring more about which sportsball team is going to win the big trophy, or which celebutante got arrested on a drunken rampage, or who's eliminated next on The Amazing Asinine Dramatic Music Reality Show. The great experiment has failed. I've finally come to accept that, despite my own wish for liberty and responsibility, humanity at large is suitable for nothing more than to be the blind fodder workforce of a driven, focused despot. Most people are too stupid for self determination, and it is the responsibility of those few who are not to utilize those who are in the most effective way possible.

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"finally come to accept that", you've been blathering about America's doomsday as far back as I can remember in the Image forums. You've been preaching that same message on and on, so unless the "finally" moment happened years ago, that's a lot of hidden denial you've been going through. You've been all but cheering for that outcome.

Regardless, Obama's reelection is basically assured at this point. There is no strong front runner from the Republicans and the only Republican candidates that appealed to moderates have already dropped out. Add into this the death of Osama bin Laden and your looking at an election that is unlikely to even be close.

makare said:

Im voting for Obama that's all I know for certain.

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I think this man is destined for another 4-year term unless GOP will find a widely acceptable candidate. Tea Party favorite Sarah Palin may not be the right candidate to go against Obama.

Sarah Palin isn't the right candidate to go against ANYONE. She's repellent to anyone outside of the Tea Party and her only government experience ended when she quit her job to make hundreds of thousands of dollars doing conventions and TV. That's the key point: She didn't wait till her term ended, she quit. No moderate is going to vote for someone who might quit.

My bet is on a Romney/Bachmann ticket. Which means I'll be voting Obama. Really, no current contenders could make me vote republican right now. Which is pretty sad.

I hope the Republicans aren't dumb enough to make the same mistake twice, RE: Sarah Palin, but politicians are dumb, as are people.

Here's a thought, I think the difference between Obama and Palin are minimal at best. Whatever they say on the campaign trail hits the hard reality of the oval office when they're sworn in. Mr. Hope and Chance chugged right along the same path Bush did, and Bush repeated the same rhetoric that Clinton laid out previously. Presidents run into layers of red tape and have to jump though congressional and legislative hurdles to get a lot of things done, regardless of what they want. So no matter how "crazy" you might think Palin is, even with a republican majority in the house and senate, it would be a long shot to say she'd get most of what she wanted passed. Even with the dems controlling the congressional branches, a lot of things didn't get done and, for some liberals, a lot of things got worse or not *enough* was done.

New boss, same as the old boss.

Bush had plenty of things passed with ease with a Republic Congress. Obama didn't with a Democrat majority not because it's hard no matter who's President, but because Democrats can't agree on anything, whereas Republicans will make concessions with each other and unite against problems. When Bush was in, there wasn't a large Tea Party following to divide the Republicans, but the Democrats have been divided since long before Obama.

But I dunno, I'd argue the overall picture between Bush and Obama isn't THAT different. We're still at war, we're going into other wars, we still rattle our sabers are places like Pakistan, and I don't feel more "loved" by the world since Obama got into office, so I dunno, maybe it's just me.

I think the primary difference between Obama and Palin is this:

Obama had actual legislative experience before he ran for the office and it was in a state/city infamous for corruption, back room deals, and underhanded tactics. He learned the realities of that world well and they have served him well in Office, where he has managed to do some things that are frankly unbelievable (whether you agree with them isn't the point). His victories may be small but they have at least been meaningful. He also didn't abandon his responsibilities to the people who elected him for that legislature except to take on an even great responsibility that the people of the country had selected him for.

Palin's first governmental position WAS as governor of her state and by all reckonings she didn't do a very good job of running it. She has no concept of compromise and panders to her base more fiercely than I have ever seen a presidential hopeful do so before. More to the point, she quit her position so she could make money pandering to the same people who voted for her. How can you trust a candidate that quit their last major political position to make money? Worse, how can you trust a candidate that has no intention of compromising with their political opponents? We endured 8 years of that already.

I'm disappointed that Trump decided not to run.

Sooooooooo my buck is on Pawlenty, former governor of Minnesota. Hey he balanced that state's budget 2 terms in a row.
Perhaps he's the man to get us out of the financial hellhole we're in now.

pgurney said:

I'm disappointed that Trump decided not to run.

Sooooooooo my buck is on Pawlenty, former governor of Minnesota. Hey he balanced that state's budget 2 terms in a row.
Perhaps he's the man to get us out of the financial hellhole we're in now.

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Peggy...Are you serious? You liked TRUMP? Trump. TRUMP?!?

heheh GOTCHA!

He was good for a laugh. What can I say. I don't think he would have ever seriously run.

pgurney said:

I'm disappointed that Trump decided not to run.

Sooooooooo my buck is on Pawlenty, former governor of Minnesota. Hey he balanced that state's budget 2 terms in a row.
Perhaps he's the man to get us out of the financial hellhole we're in now.

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Most states are required to have a balanced budget.

Krisken said:

Most states are required to have a balanced budget.

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But most don't.

Too bad he did it in a way that left us with a huge deficit the year after he left. I doubt Pawlenty has a strong enough personality to get it.

I want Clinton back.

Dave said:

I want Clinton back.

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escushion said:

"finally come to accept that", you've been blathering about America's doomsday as far back as I can remember in the Image forums. You've been preaching that same message on and on, so unless the "finally" moment happened years ago, that's a lot of hidden denial you've been going through. You've been all but cheering for that outcome.

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I've been WARNING about it, and at the same time preaching the importance of self reliance, self determination, liberty and responsibility. THAT'S the part I've "finally" accepted will never happen.

GAH!!!! NO! Not THAT Clinton! Geez.

GasBandit said:

I've been WARNING about it, and at the same time preaching the importance of self reliance, self determination, liberty and responsibility. THAT'S the part I've "finally" accepted will never happen.

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Poor Cassandra.

Krisken said:

Poor Cassandra.

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The story of Cassandra is one with which pretty much any level headed person can commiserate. Anyone who's ever said, "you know, I don't think poking that is such a good idea," or "you can't carry gasoline in a plastic cup!" I think we've all been there.

GasBandit said:

The story of Cassandra is one with which pretty much any level headed person can commiserate. Anyone who's ever said, "you know, I don't think poking that is such a good idea," or "you can't carry gasoline in a plastic cup!" I think we've all been there.

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Would you have preferred I say "Poor Chicken-Little"?

Krisken said:

Would you have preferred I say "Poor Chicken-Little"?

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I think you got it right the first time. Cassandra did predict accurately after all... the curse was just that nobody would believe her.

See? I was being kind to you. Though one might say I am being cruel by stoking your paranoid delusions.

I love Palin so much. Palin 2012.

http://gawker.com/5808271/

Obama's got nothing on her. Who knew that Paul Revere warned the British that they weren't going to be taking away our guns, ringing bells and riding on his horse. Palin did.

Sarah Palin said:

He who warned, uh, the British that they weren't going to be taking away our arms uh by ringing those bells and making sure as he's riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be secure and we were going to be free and we were going to be armed.

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Man, that is worse than my posts. Even the ones where I take 3 support calls, and get a cup of coffee while writing it.

Krisken said:

See? I was being kind to you. Though one might say I am being cruel by stoking your paranoid delusions.

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Yeah, that's the stuff. Right there... the good stuff papa needs... yeah, you give papa what he needs... Ok, ok what next... uh... we need to find the statists and uh... line them up against a wall and kick them! In the crotch! And then shoot them in the face! For America! Gimme!

I believe this is what you were looking for.

is it point and laugh at gas time again? I love that.

I believe in Gas when he says he's ready to live off the land.

I've seen Return of the Jedi.

Wait, if GB is Cassandra, which god did he refuse to bang who then cursed him with being unable to convince anyone of his prophecies?

Ganesh, obviously.

Gas?? Who's got gas?? I have Beano here if ya need it.

GasBandit said:

At this point, it's entirely moot. When it comes to republicans vs democrats, it's like arguing about who gets to be pilot when the wings have already buckled. It's now just basically a contest of who can raise the most money to get elected to make sure money gets spent on the people who gave them money. America is sleepwalking through existence, caring more about which sportsball team is going to win the big trophy, or which celebutante got arrested on a drunken rampage, or who's eliminated next on The Amazing Asinine Dramatic Music Reality Show. The great experiment has failed. I've finally come to accept that, despite my own wish for liberty and responsibility, humanity at large is suitable for nothing more than to be the blind fodder workforce of a driven, focused despot. Most people are too stupid for self determination, and it is the responsibility of those few who are not to utilize those who are in the most effective way possible.

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So why not use your second amendment rights and blow a hole through your head to dissociate yourself from the "pathetic" human race? Better yet, hope a plane live in Somalia where Libertarian based law rules the day...

I don't mean to be mean, but what a sad existence you lead if that's your encompassing mentality. Buddy, I kinda feel sorry for you.

Mathias said:

So why not use your second amendment rights and blow a hole through your head to dissociate yourself from the "pathetic" human race? Better yet, hope a plane live in Somalia where Libertarian based law rules the day...

I don't mean to be mean, but what a sad existence you lead if that's your encompassing mentality. Buddy, I kinda feel sorry for you.

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Just because I don't think the human race is geared toward liberty and self-reliance doesn't mean I still can't be. It's just I've had a change in perspective in what constitutes natural and expected from everybody else. I used to argue from a point of view that went "well, of course everybody would rather be self-reliant and responsible." Now, I don't so much any more.

GasBandit said:

"well, of course everybody would rather be self-reliant and responsible."

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That hasn't been true since the Microwave was invented. (ie, 70's flower power, etc)

Tragically, many misinterpreted the call to "tune in, turn on, and drop out":

"Turn on" meant go within to activate your neural and genetic equipment. Become sensitive to the many and various levels of consciousness and the specific triggers that engage them. Drugs were one way to accomplish this end. "Tune in" meant interact harmoniously with the world around you - externalize, materialize, express your new internal perspectives. "Drop out" suggested an active, selective, graceful process of detachment from involuntary or unconscious commitments. "Drop Out" meant self-reliance, a discovery of one's singularity, a commitment to mobility, choice, and change. Unhappily my explanations of this sequence of personal development were often misinterpreted to mean "Get stoned and abandon all constructive activity"

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Damn hippies!

Self- reliant? responsible? Y'all are living in the dark ages.

GasBandit said:

I've been WARNING about it, and at the same time preaching the importance of self reliance, self determination, liberty and responsibility. THAT'S the part I've "finally" accepted will never happen.

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Yeah, if people where actually capable of that kinda of stuff communism would actually be the best type of socio-political arrangement. And we'd all be blue and very tiny, and there would only be one female.

pgurney said:

Self- reliant? responsible? Y'all are living in the dark ages.

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People have not been self reliant since the invention of bread and beer. (i.e. the first cities.)

sixpackshaker said:

People have not been self reliant since the invention of bread and beer. (i.e. the first cities.)

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Dude, you got that all wrong... the first cities where build because all that bread and beer made people too lazy to just run around all day.

@Li3n said:

Yeah, if people where actually capable of that kinda of stuff communism would actually be the best type of socio-political arrangement. And we'd all be blue and very tiny, and there would only be one female.

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We'd be a gay Swedish stag party who locked themselves out during a dip in the lake in mid-January?

Old memories of a tourist trip gone awry, oh Finnish one?

SpecialKO said:

Old memories of a tourist trip gone awry, oh Finnish one?

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Or a tourist trip gone very very well!