You'd really think their descent into foaming-at-the-mouth lunacy (I believe they call it "firing up the base") should have cost them more at the polls. The good news, such as it is, for American politics comes from the renowned (for when one nowning just isn't enough), Lindsey Graham; who noted that they're not generating enough "angry white guys". Demographics are what will force them to start moderating their positions; I think it's at a tipping point alredy, and my prediction is that it'll kick in properly once America gets out of this economic hole (and it will get out of this economic hole; financial crises are nothing new, after all).

Sullivan says that the Republicans just need to be out of power long enough and they'll be forced to be sane in order to win elections again.

Ten years ago, even five, I'd have bought that. I don't it reflects today's reality, where doubling down on the crazy seems to be paying off as often as not.

It seems clear to me that the average RNC-going Romney/Ryan Repub only embraces non-whites when they have become rich and powerful.

The predominant narrative with the GOP is that we fixed racism in the 60s and we fixed sexism in the 70s and homophobia isn't a real problem because gay people shouldn't exist anyway, therefore anyone who is still on food stamps is just lazy because HERE LOOK AT THIS RICH REPUBLICAN BLACK PERSON.

Ten years ago, even five, I'd have bought that. I don't it reflects today's reality, where doubling down on the crazy seems to be paying off as often as not.

Yeah, that seems to be happening. Which is why it'd be great if Obama gets re-elected.

But it would probably still take 8 or 12 years of the Republicans not having the presidency to make them sane again.

In Laura Land Obama wins re-election by a comfortable margin, the economy rebounds in the next few years, we get out of the ongoing wars, and Dems in by a landslide in 2016 taking control of both houses so real legislative changes can take place. A few SCOTUS replacements during those years = bonus. Hey, no one ever accused me of being a pessimist.

Worried about Kat and hope to hear she gets some much needed relief soon.

What else did he do as Mass. governor?

Started running for President with two years left in his term.

therefore anyone who is still on food stamps is just lazy because HERE LOOK AT THIS RICH REPUBLICAN BLACK PERSON.

And don't forget, Mitt Romney's father came here from Mexico! And he did OK.

In Laura Land Obama wins re-election by a comfortable margin, the economy rebounds in the next few years, we get out of the ongoing wars, and Dems in by a landslide in 2016 taking control of both houses so real legislative changes can take place. A few SCOTUS replacements during those years = bonus. Hey, no one ever accused me of being a pessimist.

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Laugh all we may about Clint Eastwood's unscripted speech at the RNC but the crowd loved him. That's all that matters. They were chanting Make My Day! at the end, encouraging him to say it, and laughing with glee. They didn't give a dang what he talked about, and they thought the Invisible Obama schtick was hilarious.

I have to stop thinking and go to work now.

Started running for President with two years left in his term.

He also shafted the municipalities; I remember Nutty talking about it at one point. Something about how he cut the state budget (fiscal conservatism, woo!) -- by cutting state support for a lot of local programs like schools and libraries and so forth, so the towns had to raise local taxes to cover the shortfall.

While health care in MA has improved under Romneycare (including a significant drop in the number of teenagers having abortions!), the fiscal situations for towns and municipalities suffered. And then he just cut and run, leaving the local governments holding the bag.

That's one reason why Massachusetts residents don't like him, or so I recall. But Nora and Frank could probably say more.