Saturday, January 07, 2012

Debates? What Debates?

Trying to watch the GOP debates makes me think that I am losing the already tenuous hold on my sanity. Tonight's debate was no different. The first half, the candidates were asked their opinions on such burning issues as gay marriage (they're all agin it and for a constitutional amendment outlawing it) and overturning Roe v Wade (they're fer it). They were asked if they thought there should be a state laws against contraception. (yes, no, maybe, what was the question, again?).

We learned:
1. John Huntsman is against gay marriage, but for civil unions.

2. Newt thinks the country is rife with "Christian bigotry"; by this he means Christians are being persecuted. This, thanks to President Obama's war on religion.

3. Ron Paul thinks the Fourth Amendment protects an individual's right to privacy. The rest of the candidates aren't sure, except they disagree with Ron Paul, whatever he thinks.

4. Huntsman thinks we should get out of Afghanistan right now. The other candidates think we should expand the war to Iran, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and we should go back into Iraq.

5. Newt thinks the Middle East should not be a military problem.

6. Santorum wants to keep troops in the Middle East "until the U.S. is secure." He means, of course, until the U.S. has drained every drop of oil out of the sands.

7. Perry wants to send troops back into Iraq.

8. Ron Paul thinks there should never be a war unless it is declared by Congress.

9.At one point Huntsman answered in Chinese, which startled the other candidates as well as the questioners and the audience. What he said was, "You guys just don't understand the situation." It sure brought the discussion to a halt for a few minutes, though.

The audience never seemed to be particularly enthused about anything any of the candidates had to say. There was a smattering of applause here and there, but no cheers or standing ovations. There was a little laughter now and then, but no one seemed to impress them very much. Of course, I don't know if the people of New Hampshire are just naturally reticent, or what.

They barely touched on the job situation or the economy or infrastructure. And, I think I know why. These clowns don't have the first clue about solving real problems.

I think I'm going to swear off the debates, now, until they're down to, oh, three candidates, and then, if they don't talk about anything more substantive than they did tonight, I'm switching the channel to TVland, or something that is at least entertaining. The people asking the questions could get a little more serious, too.

Stay tuned.

13 comments:

Kay Dennison said...

I'm not totally thrilled with Obama but compared to the clown car that the GOP is promoting, he's a superstar.

To be perfectly candid, I'm liberal, old, and poor. Who else can I support?

I've already signed on to volunteer with the Democrats -- they're going to need us.

Margie's Musings said...

I agree with Kay. As I've said time and time again, the Republicans have NOBODY viable. They're all clowns.

Huntsman is the only one with a brain and he is known to take it out and play with it.

What's really scarey though is that the average voting citizen doesn't even study the issues. They just go "eeney meeney miney moe and put their X on moe.

Arkansas Patti said...

Oh please keep watching. Your reviews keep me from having to put in the time myself. The only good thing coming out of the debates is that Obama's approval ratings keep climbing as people see what the alternatives are.

Olga said...

I ditto AP.

I'd say NHers are reticent--it's why they had that stone face man on their quarter, even tho' his face fell off.

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Apathy has gripped the nation. You are so right ...... there is no choice being offered by either party.

Word Tosser said...

I agree with the choir... I jokingly (but not so much anymore) that I belong to the Cafertia Party, where we walk down the aisle and take one of these, and one of those from each party that we see fit to be in office.. well this year.. we of the Cafertia party are on a forced diet...because the pickings are slim to none.. Some one said that Barney wanted a bumper sticker..
"we aren't perfect, but they are NUTS"... wonder where one could get one of those.. lol

Meryl Baer said...

Started watching the debates this morning and soon turned off the TV. Has running for President become so expensive, difficult and invasive that the sane, intelligent ones just don't bother? Or is there something about the alignment of the moon and the stars and the sun and the earth that brings out the fringe elements in some years? But I agree Huntsman is the best of the lot.

Grayquill said...

I really don't know how you do it. I admire your ability to look into the abyss.

Betty said...

Everyone: I painstakingly replied to all of your comments and Blogger wiped them out. I just don't have the heart to write all that again. I'm really beginning to hate Blogger!

Big John said...

"These clowns don't have the first clue about solving real problems".
You hit the nail on the head Betty on both sides of the Atlantic.

Looking to the Stars said...

Loved the post! You have it right and yes they don't know anything about solving the real issues we have :)

Joy Des Jardins said...

You're better than I am Betty. I can't stomach watching those debates. They manage to skirt around the 'real' issues that we're all concerned about. To think that any one of them could actually be our next president is unbelieveably frightening. Although not perfect, Obama is still a heck of a lot better than any of these guys. Besides, I don't suspect we'll ever see perfect.

patty said...

why do I feel like I'm watching a reality show during these debates, one is a worse poser than the other one; there is no choice in either party.