I'm sorry, GOP, but Americans won't vote for you based on a set of hazy ideals.

[Writer]

They are looking for real, tangible results that will WORK.

Don't produce a cute marketing package of chotzky campaign promises, spiral-bound with a slogan, or listed out like the 10 Commandments. Produce REAL, MEANINGFUL ideas.

We have gone beyond the culture politics that have dominated US politics since the 1960's. Well beyond. The material has replaced the ideal. Americans are truly suffering. What are your SOLUTIONS???

So don't run around with stupid slogans and vainglorious proclamations of a "better tomorrow" unless you can prove the feasibility of such claims.

Otherwise, you'll face PRESIDENT SMACKDOWN.

[Nye Bevan]

1. Sorry, but Ronald Reagan was a "hazy ideal".

What could be more hazy than "Morning in America"? And he won 49 states.

[Writer]

2. Kind of a different era of history, don't you think? n/t

[harkadog]

3. Not at all

[Writer]

4. Does the Cold War ring a bell? n/t

[harkadog]

15. The Cold War went from 1945 to 1990 or so.

A lot of Democratic and Republican presidents during that time. The Cold War did not elect Reagan. Economic instability of inflation, high interest rates and unemployment did. Ring a bell?

[Writer]

17. Morning in America was Reagan's reelection campaign in 1984, not 1980.

And the Cold War ended in 1989, at the fall of the Berlin Wall.

And the rebounding American economy did lend to Reagan's re-election.

And Baby Boomers were the prominent voting block, with the first entry of the youngest Gen X'ers.

And so much more that made the 1980's different from the 2010's.

It was a very different era than this one. In fact, we haven't seen an era like this since the 1930's. However, to simplify this by saying that "yeah, it's the same thing" as any previous era is simply ridiculous. While two eras of history can share some similar traits, by no means is it a good idea to try to say that one era is completely like another era.

[harkadog]

18. I didn't know someone made you the authority on when the Cold War ended.

Was there a document signed? What date was it signed? Many observers put the end of the Cold War at 91 or 92 when the Eastern European countries broke free and the Soviets officially dissolved. To say this is the same as the 1930s means you not only did not live in that time but you have never talked with people that did.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

22. Politics dont change

just the names and the faces.

[LeftyAndProud60]

5. Don't underestimate the stupidity of this nation. The Republicans haven't had a new idea since...

way before I was born. Apparently Tax Cuts will solve everything. Go figure.

[Writer]

6. I agree, but may I say one thing about stupid people...

every time I read or hear someone mention the stupid American electorate, it's always SOMEONE ELSE who has the capability of being stupid. Honestly, I think this goes beyond mere stupidity. I think this involves a person with a personal history that makes him or her more susceptible to hazy ideals.

[LeftyAndProud60]

8. R u calling me stupid? The last part is code for stupid or naive people being easily tricked. The

nation is filled w/ such people.

[Writer]

10. No, I'm not calling you stupid.

I have a different take on how people arrive at having these nonsensical belief systems, and I think it's more to do with their personal histories than with their mental faculties. Otherwise, we would all have the capability of being duped by the same information, because we are all humans.

[LeftyAndProud60]

11. It's a history of stupidity. Klansmen breed. Conservatives breed. Conservatives are insane IMO.

Think about it. How can you continue to talk about tax cuts? They continue to do the same things and expect different results. It's insanity.

[Writer]

12. So how would you explain realignment moments like Reagan Democrats? n/t

[LeftyAndProud60]

14. I once heard Obama say how much he admired the simplicity of the conservative beliefs. Who wouldn't

want less government. I would love not to pay taxes. I had to give the government a $13,000 check after I inherited some money. i was pissed. I'm still pissed. It's hard to just give money away, especially when u need it. So when Reagan or any other Republican talk about lower taxes and government staying out of your life, I can relate. But I see things in my community where I know government needs to intervene. I don't have health care. I understand the need for government to step in and do something about what's going on in this country regarding insurance companies. Greed is at an all time high even while so many people are suffering. I understand that people wanting re-election will be a lot more compassionate than some anonymous guy in a board room. I know that the only way to really bring down cost is for government to bring people together and together have the same influence as a company like Walmart so they can pool and have the same kind of health coverage as a huge company.


Conservatives do have the pulse of the people. This past year should be clear. Angry White people that don't like diversity are still a majority in a lot of places. More places than some of us realize. They know how to scare people who are easily scared. I'm tired of typing now. Basically I believe the Conservative ideals are so simple that it's easier for regular people to buy into their bullsh1t. Obama was suppose to be a great communicator and articulate the liberal philosophy. I think we underestimated how many people in this country wouldn't be open to hearing anything from a black guy named Barack Obama. Racism is a huge part of the problem now. And Racism is a form of stupidity. I'm rambling because I'm tired now, I hope some of this makes sense. I'm all over the place now.

[tledford]

20. It not only made sense, you nailed it. eom

[Arugula Latte]

21. I want more government services, not less. eom

[salguine]

7. And the Democrats have given the people SO much to be enthusiastic about.

[Clio the Leo]

9. lol @ President Smackdown. NT

[timeforpeace]

13. You're right. They'll vote for them as a protest against President Smackdown.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

16. Yes, 2008 proved that hazy ideals are a political non-starter

<sarcasm>

[Jakes Progress]

19. What "Americans" do you refer to.

The ones who helped put george in office --Twice?

The ones who show up chanting at Tea Parties?

The ones who only finally elected a thinker when the opponents were a crazy old guy and a witless hill billy?

Put enough ad money (which they will get in buckets thanks to the SC) and the republicans will sell hazy ideals to a walmart mentality country easily.

[PurityOfEssence]

23. You mean like "hope" and "change"?

No Americans would never get caught up in an emotional stampede like that.

[Cha]

24. Nah, they'd rather stay fucked up with more bushit.