Town Hall Debate - My Take

The much anticipated second presidential debate - with much talk about how the President will be more aggressive - did not disappoint in that regard. It was a pretty intense debate. Here's what I thought of each of the candidates:

President Obama: He clearly came out ready to fight. He was more aggressive and showed that he wants the job, but he didn't give many specifics about how he plans to manage the country for the next four years. He took the jabs his followers wanted: Planned Parenthood, Big Bird, 47%, Mitt's wealth, etc. But it takes far more than attacking your opponent to run a country - you have to actually be able to DO it - and I still don't think he made a case for that. Case in point: one participant's question (paraphrasing), "I voted for you in 2008 but I'm disappointed. Why should I vote for you again?" was met with an attack on Mitt Romney. Obama cannot state clearly what he wants to do other than give people a "fair shake, a fair shot," which I am sick of hearing, by the way. 

Governor Romney: I thought his performance was similarly steady to the last debate. What we continue to see is the real Mitt. After his previous debate performance, people exclaimed, "Wow! Mitt did the best I've seen!" but in reality they just hadn't seen all of Mitt before. He is always clear, concise, knowledgeable about his OWN plan and can make a good case for it. I was disappointed he asked Obama direct questions, which opens a door I don't think he should open. I also wished he would have SLAMMED the President on Libya after he deliberately lied about calling it a terrorist attack the day following the tragedy. I felt like it was a missed opportunity. In all, Romney was able to highlight the President's failed promises and shift the focus to Obama's record, not his rhetoric.

Candy Crowley: Yes, the moderator gets her own review because she became a clear-sided participant in this debate. First, the questions, which were obviously very left-leaning. I'm wondering why the question about George W. Bush was brought up. I feel bad for GWB because he hasn't been in office for four years and yet the poor guy is dragged into this presidential debate as if he is a big player. It completely panders to the Left and their argument that somehow Obama's failings are tainted by what Bush did. And I'm sorry, FOUR years. OBAMA has had FOUR years. The question on equal pay for women was an obvious answer to the Left's claim of a Republican "War on Women", and as a woman myself I'm a little ticked the Left doesn't think I care and can understand the economy, taxes, jobs and energy. Give women a little credit. And the AK47 question....what was that?!?! And lastly, Candy gets a big "X" because she swooped in to save the President on the Libya question, almost "fact-checking" for him, and she was wrong. Everyone can go back and see the President did NOT call the Benghazi attack an act of "terror" for over two weeks. She was citing something he said on a more high-level and gave Obama a pass. And I was mad.

Who won?

I think each side will claim they won. I don't think anyone will be on quite the "high" that came as a result of Romney's clear domination last debate. Romney's performance was great as before, but because the President did a better job than last time, the results seem pretty even. But each candidate catered to their base, which will please their followers. What's yet to be seen is if the President's outright lies will come back to haunt him, because he was wrong on his licenses and permits for drilling and completely lied about Libya.

What did you think?? 

VP Debate - My take

My expectations were high for this debate. Ryan had a lot to live up to after the Romney-dominated debate last week, and Biden, clearly with more experience, had the burden to win over what was lost last week. Honestly, upon the conclusion of the VP debate I didn't feel much. I wasn't super excited or on a "high" as was the case last week. Romney's clear win last week made life a little better and the world seemed brighter. 

With that being said, here is my take:

VP Joe Biden:

On substance I thought Biden did well verbalizing specifics and giving a clear view of the Obama/Biden plan going forward. He was clear and authoritative...at times I felt like he was shouting at Martha, but nonetheless I felt he seemed prepared and knowledgeable. I was disappointed in his Libya answers...that whole thing is so scandalous. I'm sure the left will be happy he hammered the 47% issue...although I thought Ryan was pretty good at "defending" it. But aside from Biden's content, his body language really irked me. His smugness, laughing, snide remarks, and constant disrespect of his opponent was distracting and rude. He came off arrogant and childish. At times I just thought, "You are a big jerk with the whitest veneers I've ever seen." He constantly called Paul Ryan "my friend", which is hardly a term of endearment when it comes from Biden. Whatever he won on content, I felt he lost in his treatment of his debate partner.

Congressman Paul Ryan:

Personally, I have to say I really like Ryan. He is so polished and polite and really seemed comfortable talking through issues. Even with Martha Raddatz giving what I considered Biden a bit of "help", Ryan held his own. And while he didn't blow it out of the park, he gave specifics that mattered. I especially liked his answer on abortion (although I'm not sure I like it taking center stage in a Presidential/VP debate). I think he was able to hold the ground Mitt gained last week. He didn't back down. I'm happy with the things he said on Libya, and thought he was clear to bring it back to Obama/Biden's record and slamming this administration for their poor foreign policy. His closing statement seemed to target the right issues whereas Biden's seemed a bit disjointed.

The winner?

I think I'm calling this a tie. Maybe the liberals will call this a win, but I don't know how you win over people with the body language Biden had last night. His total disrespect of Ryan just doesn't seem like a way to win people to your ticket. 

Only a few days to wait before the next Presidential debate. I'm sure Obama is going to come out swinging on the 47% issue...but Mitt is going to slam this administration on Libya. How can you not? The Libya scandal is so indicative of what I despise about this administration: lack of transparency, all-out lies from the President, and a ton of "passing the buck". A U.S. Ambassador was killed...let's not forget about that. See you Tuesday!

Debate #1 - My take

Debate season means the Presidential race is coming to a close, and with how the numbers are looking right now, it's a tight race, which makes the debates all the more important...and exciting! I LOVE the debates!!

Here is my take:

President Obama - Does anyone else get distracted by how LONG it takes for him to actually say something? There is so much talking, pausing, and mumbling I almost forget where he's going. But that personal distraction aside, I thought he put forth a pretty good view of his plan. If Obama is re-elected, he will double down on his current policies for the next four years. We will have more of the same. He didn't say he would handle anything differently, nor should the American people expect something grand and new. I'm not saying that's not good...I'm just saying it's not what I want personally. 

Governor Romney - I thought other than Romney continually starting his talking points with a numbered list "First off...second...etc.", because sometimes that's distracting to me...again a personal thing, I really thought he clearly shared how things will be DIFFERENT. He believes our country needs change. For me and many other Americans, that's where I sit. I do not like the direction this country has gone for the last four years. I believe the budget and economic situation requires desperate attention and change. I particularly liked Romney's nod to specifics in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. I believe my government should live and breathe according to these documents. 

***

Call me biased, but I truly thought Romney was the clear winner here. He didn't come off as a bully, but he was strong. He commanded leadership, his head was up the whole time, he was respectful, concise and clear. He made the case for a chance at the Presidency. Obama promised more of the same and with growing entitlements, no plans for reform, unemployment continually on the rise, our budget crisis and spending binge, I just don't think our great nation can survive what he's selling. 

What did you think??

P.S. Is anyone else sooo excited for the Biden - Ryan debate?? I think I'm more excited for that than the next Presidential debate. I have such anticipation for the awesomeness that Biden will spew. He gives me so much comic relief...and he will be on stage SOLO! 

This is NOT Democracy

A major story today. Our President is literally out there altering the landscape of this country, bypassing the legislative process, and making executive orders that affect you and me and this great nation. 

Today, our President and Secretary Janet Napolitano announced a "temporary stop-gap measure...and degree of relief" to over 800,000 illegals. The Department of Homeland Security is no longer allowed to deport young illegals. Instead, these people will be granted work authorizations, which can be renewed indefinitely. Call it what you will, but this is our President giving a free pass to illegals in exchange for their vote.

The President says it's the "right thing to do." Says who? That's not what I learned in school about how the legislative process works. If it's the right thing to do, the legislature will debate the issue, vote and THEN the President can sign his name in approval. 

No one likes political gridlock. It's frustrating when agreement cannot be achieved. But at the same time, political gridlock is a product of a divided country. And our President, rather than help our legislature unite under compromise, refuses to accept the gridlock and believes it gives him some sort of "right" to act alone. It is his excuse to step in and help a group of illegals. I wish he would step in and help our struggling economy and sky-rocketing debt. I wish he would step in to help ME and the regular, every day citizens of this country who sit in fear at the current state of this great nation. 

See the video of President's Speech here and make your own call: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/06/15/obama-administration-to-offer-immunity-to-younger-immigrants/  - SIDENOTE: I am disgusted at the way Obama belittles and talks to the reporter that is trying to ask him a question (see video). Yes, the reporter interrupts him, but there is a better way to handle it. I wish he would show some class, but every time I see this rudeness it's more evidence to me that behind his charm and smile, Obama's probably not a very nice guy. This is NOT how a leader operates.

Walker Recall Election: A Boost for Conservatives

For those following the Wisconsin recall, the result is a resounding success to conservatives across the nation. It renews a sense of hope that is so often dashed by the mainstream media. Do you know what happened in Wisconsin??  Two years into his term as Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker was making big changes, taking on the labor unions, which have strapped their state economy (not unlike my home state of Washington). Do you remember hearing how the state democrat legislatures fled to Illinois to avoid votes on cutting pensions and requiring unions to contribute a very moderate (and totally reasonable) amount to their benefits? (Sidenote: I think they should have all been fired. How many people who face tough choices at work can choose to just avoid it altogether and NOT show up, yet are still employed after they decide to return? It's completely ridiculous and shameful.) Walker stood up despite the critics and forced real change in his home state, he created results, his opponents (hello Big Labor) came back and forced a recall, which out of the THREE recalls ever to occur in our history, he was the first to remain in his seat.  

For a great summary article from The Heritage Foundation, click HERE.

I've highlighted a few great points below:

"...Reformers who come armed with the strength of their convictions can carry the day - even against the mobs, labor unions, Hollywood, the media, academia and everything else the left throws up these days. All reformers need to do is lead." 

"It was a historic recall election that focused nationwide attention on what has become an existential threat to state governments - the problem of public-sector employee pensions and benefits running states into the red. Walker unabashedly confronted the threat without straddling a fence or tiptoeing around Big Labor's Maginot Line.

"One of Governor Walker's reforms included giving government workers the option to choose whether they wanted to pay union dues. When given the option, tens of thousands of members chose to leave the union. And according to exit polls, a third of union households backed Walker.

"Since Walker took office, the state unemployment rate has fallen from 7.7 percent to 6.8 percent - well below the nation average of 8.2 percent. And last year, Wisconsin employers actually created 23,000 jobs.

"Walker's victory will send shockwaves across the county...[He] stood for reforms that curbed spending and got the state's budget under control - without raising taxes. Despite facing a recall election, Walker was ultimately rewarded for a job well done.

This amps me up for the elections this fall. Think twice about what you hear in the media, it is most likely tweaked to the max. All we were hearing was Walker was in trouble, and yet he won by a wide margin. To my conservative friends, don't think you are so far in the minority...most people out there care about the same things you do. We must come together to elect officials who will bring about REAL CHANGE this fall. Without change, the next four years may prove to be disastrous and bring our nation to the brink of failure. Stand up like Walker! Keep your chin up and your voice heard. Don't be discouraged, Walker just gave us a great boost.

Source: The Heritage Foundation, 06.06.12 http://blog.heritage.org/2012/06/06/morning-bell-a-historic-win-for-reform-in-wisconsin/

I Will NOT Be Belittled!

My life is in chaos right now, but this has torn a fire through me and I want all of my readers (hi mom and my sisters!) to know how the left continues to belittle and degrade women and their cries for "Women's Rights" are hypocritical and hostile. The left constantly talks about how Conservatives hate women, how we want to withhold birth control rights or tie up their sexual adventures...blah blah blah. But THIS!!! From a woman who is a major adviser to President Obama...and notice how little press there is about it all...

Hilary Rosen on CNN last night had this to say about Ann Romney:

“With respect to economic issues, I think, actually, Mitt Romney is right, that ultimately women care more about the economic well-being of their family, and the like. But he doesn’t connect on that issue either. What you have is Mitt Romney running around the country saying my wife tells me what women really care about are economic issues. When I listen to my wife that’s what I’m hearing. Guess what, his wife has actually never worked a day in her life. She’s never really dealt with the economic issues that — a majority of issues that women are facing in terms of how do we feed our kids, how do we send to them to school, and how we worry about their future.”

It's insane. If I was Ann Romney I might just walk up to Hilary Rosen and slap her in the face. Okay, I probably wouldn't do that, but I may ask her to pay a visit to a house like mine and see for herself what the day in the life of a stay-at-home mom looks like. It's a pretty crazy day. And it's the hardest work out there. It's a life of meeting other people's needs. It's a life spent taking full responsibility for every part of a child's life....EVEN the economic needs. Don't tell a stay-at-home mom she doesn't understand basic economics, because she is usually the one managing the budget, doing the grocery shopping, paying the babysitters (on the oft chance she gets to get out!). It's not easy...even if you are not poor. Some days it's downright terrible. But for moms that choose to stay home, it's in no way a second-rate option to working. For most moms it's a sacred and rewarding and vital role. 

EVEN if you don't like Mitt, how can you say this about his wife?! My goodness, the woman has battled cancer, MS, and raised five boys. Maybe I need to repeat that: RAISED.FIVE.BOYS. Are you insane! This woman probably wanted to send all of those boys to boarding school at one time or another, because I'm pretty sure boys do that to their moms every now and again. Boys are tough. They are rough and tumble and my life with three little girls differs drastically from anything Ann experienced!

So, in the name of feminism (which has such a terrible connotation these days), this is me expressing my complete and utter disgust that a WOMAN belittle the choice of another woman to stay at home and take full responsibility for raising her children. It's just downright disrespectful. If you are a woman, no matter working or not, this should disgust you. Liberals like to tell you they look out for the "little people", but in reality, they are constantly looking down at anyone that chooses something different from them. Don't be fooled by the antics of the left. They want to berate you until you agree with them, or have you tear apart your neighbor because they make different choices in their life. 

Ann Romney deserves a pat on the back for raising responsible, community-involved boys who have values and morals and contribute to society.

I'm just mad today. Don't try and cross me on this one!

Reese's Thoughts on Contraception

"I'm sorry the civility police now have an opening to demonize the entire right based on one radio comment - because it's the progressive left in this country that has viciously and systematically slimed female conservatives for their beliefs."

 - Michelle Malkin

With all that is going wrong in the country today (which I could come up with a pretty long and solid list), it seems access to contraceptives is the current hot topic. This topic has now morphed into women's health rights and "conservatives hate women". I am so fed up that I have resurrected this conservative blog to rant share my thoughts.

Here is what I WANT to say to the world:

• How much and how often you have sex is a social issue. Do not involve the government. Keep it behind closed doors where it belongs. 
• The natural consequences of sex is pregnancy and STDs (unless you and your partner have practiced abstinence prior to your relationship). If you don't want to get pregnant or have STDs you should use birth control.
• Life is filled with choices about what/how to spend your money. If you have LOTS of sex it would seem appropriate you would spend some of your income on birth control. But this is an individual choice. I will not tell you how to spend your money. 
• But just like I won't tell you how to spend your money, don't cry out that the government must somehow use taxpayer dollars to protect you from the natural consequences of your actions. 
• Churches should be able to live and lead their congregations as they choose. The government has absolutely NO right forcing churches to provide a service that goes against their religious beliefs. If you are upset the Catholic church is not providing birth control, I would suggest you are probably not a devout Catholic and your religious desires could be fulfilled elsewhere by another church. You should also not attend a Catholic university like Georgetown. 
• Mandating insurance companies to provide birth control at no cost is not feasible. Most insurance benefits require some out-of-pocket expense (co-pays, coinsurance, deductibles, premiums, etc.). It is not unreasonable for insurance companies to charge fees for birth control. This does not violate women's rights, it's merely economics and how a business operates. 
• Those who are speaking out against this ridiculous government mandate are not attacking women. They are defending personal and religious rights and demanding the government step back from this overreach. 
• Any woman who is speaking out for the misogynistic behavior of the "right" and certain talk-radio hosts, are hypocritical because where are they when conservative women are attacked?  Michelle Malkin has documented some of her hate mail here. Why haven't you come out against her attackers? 
• Yes, I'm sorry Rush (who I love dearly) used a bad term to describe a person who testified in congress about her personal life. But if you choose to testify before Congress you open yourself up to public scrutiny and yes, sometimes it's hurtful. People in the public sector are susceptible to criticism and I believe it's part of the business. Certainly the likes of Laura Ingraham, Ann Coulter and Michelle Malkin would have thrown in the towel long ago if they couldn't stand up tall despite the hate. 

I'm not telling you what to DO, but I will not protect you from the natural consequences of your choice. Don't expect the government to protect you and demand companies provide a service to you for free. Be smart about your social choices and if YOU deem something important, go out and make the sacrifice to get it.