Post-Obama - A Different 2012 (Gameplay)

[terp40hitch]

Michele Bachmann's Iowa GOTV Plan

With the closeness of the Iowa Caucus race and the Bachmann campaign sensing momentum they believe Iowa is up for play. In the final weeks of the campaign, the Bachmann campaign had put more resources into Iowa and building up their grassroots. To sperate Bachmann from the rest of the field, she has the crucial endorsements from the last few months particularly Rep. Steve King, Rep. Tom Latham and Senator Chuck Grassley. Bachmann's surrogates are particularly important for the last Iowa rally which was meant to tout her conservative, grassroots, and working-class campaign and it was meant to bring major media attention to the campaign in the final day of the Iowa campaign.

Over the past few months, the Bachmann campaign was building up a grassroots base and Bachmann and her campaign staff hopes to surge in the final campaign stretch. Bachmann hopes to bring out Tea-Party voters, evangelicals, and conservative women. In the final weeks, Bachmann hopes to bring the caucus goers out in more conservative counties like Sioux, Lion, Freemont, and Cass. Bachmann will hope to bring these Iowans out by her conservative message especially her Pro-Life views which became important in the final month of the campaign after the SBA list endorsed her and after abortion was heavily debated at the last Iowa debate.

The Bachmann campaign believes if they bring out the types of voters and bring out caucus-goers in the conservative county they believe they can come from behind and even come close to winning or even be able to win Iowa.

The Iowa GOTV plan for Bachmann is cut into four section of Iowa each lead by high-profile Iowa endorsors except for one. The North-Western Part of Iowa will be led by Rep. Steve King, The South-Western Part of Iowa will be led by Rep. Tom Latham, The North-Eastern Part of Iowa will be led by Senator Chuck Grassley and the South-Eastern Part of Iowa will be led by Rep. Kristi Noem.

[Jaguar4life]

Carolla campaigns on Right to Work In Nevada

Well I support right to work I think it’s it will help out Labor Unions and Unions in general.  Look I feel your pain also coming from a poor family.  I’ve talked to these people in Nevada and Iowa where I campaigning on reforming NAFTA and so called free trade.  I would love to see as President voluntary unions that are not restricted from big business telling them what to do.  I would love to see those people and their groups be freely to do whatever they want and prevent them from monopolies created by the government in the first place. And as President I will stop government controlled monopolies from getting into those unions and creating disasters.

As President I will put working families first over corporations!!

Now as for more on Right to Work here’s why I think it’s is good for our country.

The idea that Working Americans should be forced pay dues to a labor unions is just well plain Un Amercian. This act will remove from these provisions which gives union officials the power to corral workers and their money under union monopoly control. As President I will not add any restrictions to any existing law. Rather I will remove from labor law those provisions which give union officials control over Amercian workers who must either comply with the union bosses demands or else they will be fired.

So that is why I think Right to work is good for Amercian union and labor unions.

[Grassroots]

Rudy Giuliani response to Fmr. Governor Huckabee on pro-life record.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Boobs]

Michelle's Debate Answers

Once again, it's my pleasure to be here in Iowa City, at the prestigious University of Iowa, and to share the stage with Mr. Vice President, Senator Feingold, Governor Bredesen, and our two newcomers, Senator Bayh and Governor Dean. I wish you the best of luck, and welcome you to the debate. I hope we can all build up our party to be stronger than ever before to make sure Republicans don't win the White House come November.


To make an economy that works for all Americans, we first have to put all Americans to work. And that's the first step of my plan to move towards a more equitable society. I'm the only candidate in this election who's got a solid plan to get the millions of unemployed Americans off their feet and into a good-paying job. Every day that Americans are unemployed, they fall behind on their potential and only worsen income inequality in our country. Putting Americans back to work through a jobs program will mean that families can stop dipping into their savings account to pay their bills and instead resume growing it.

Of course, while a jobs program will bring relief to families in the short term, we also need to set a plan for the future. In order to reduce income inequality, we need to tackle the problem in multiple ways.

First, we need to guarantee a right to healthcare. Right now, when American families sit at the dinner table to evaluate their budgets, time and time again the biggest expense is healthcare. The working and middle class spend a greater portion of their income on healthcare today than at any moment in our country's history – and it's no wonder why income inequality is skyrocketing. That's why it's vital that we expand Medicare coverage to all Americans. We'd be joining every other industrialized nation in providing universal healthcare to our citizens, and it's about time we join the club. By providing quality healthcare to American families, they can spend their incomes on other things – investing in higher education, putting more money in their savings, buying a new car – things that will genuinely improve the quality of their lives.

Second, we make sure that all Americans pay their fair share of their taxes. We all know that our honest, hardworking middle class families pay their taxes. But the upper class, you know what they think? They think you're foolish for not using various tricks to hide their money, to avoid and evade paying your fair share. They've been doing so for decades – and have accumulated vast amounts of wealth. I don't think it's fair that the most privileged people in our country continue to get away with these practices, and so it's time to end that. We need to establish a estate tax on estates worth more than $3 million, we need to put economic and diplomatic pressure on tax havens overseas, and we need to cut many loopholes in our tax system that exist solely to help the wealthy, such as the carried interest provision. Our tax system should not be a burden on our working and middle class. Every American ought to pay their fair share, no matter how wealthy they are.

Third, we're going to make a contract with America's businesses. In exchange for a lowering of the corporate tax, they're going to have to abide by certain conditions. A major condition is that they ensure that the difference in salary between the highest-paid employee and the median-paid employee is no more than 50 times greater. If IRS and SEC find that the company is non-compliant, the corporate tax will snap back to its original rate for that company. In the long run, we're going to see that incomes for workers are going to rise, as companies are going to want to save money, and would gladly pay their employees more than risk having a higher tax rate imposed on them.


On the topic of gay rights, I know that this is an important issue for millions of Americans, and for Barack and me, it really comes down to the values of fairness and equality we want to pass down to our girls. These are basic values that kids learn at a very young age and that we encourage them to apply in all areas of their lives. And in a country where we teach our children that everyone is equal under the law, discriminating against same-sex couples just isn't right. It's as simple as that.

I met a woman while campaigning in Winterset, in Madison County, right here in Iowa. Her name was Edie, and she's been retired for a few years now – she worked as a clerk at the county courthouse – and she told me that it's was the ten year anniversary of the passing of her partner, Frannie. And she told me that she misses Frannie every day, that she was the love of her life. And I asked Edie what she missed most about Frannie. And Edie, she teared up a little bit, but she told me, it wasn't the physical aspect of their relationship, obviously, but the incredible bond she had with another human being in life, her dear Frannie. And it really got me thinking. I know I couldn't live without the bond I have with Barack. And I knew that Edie and Frannie had a bond that was as strong as that one, and it seems almost cruel to deny them, or anyone, to have that bond with another person. And I know that we have to stand up for the rights of everyone.

And so, I know the only policy that I could ever support in good conscious is a constitutional amendment to guarantee that no state can discriminate against same-sex couples in granting marriage licenses or in the adoption process. In addition, we must pass bills to protect LGBT individuals in the workplace and in housing – so that no can be forced out of a job or a home because of whom they love.

I'd like to take a moment to address what Governor Bredesen said. I don't agree with him on simply letting the individual states decide – because it's almost guaranteed that LGBT individuals in some more conservative states will never see an opportunity to get married, and will continue to be discriminated against by their state governments – much like the Governor's own state, Tennessee, where he himself voted to amend the Constitution to ban gay marriage. Much like during the Civil Rights Era with the rights of black Americans, we can't trust all states to not discriminate against LGBT Americans either. A constitutional amendment is the only way to guarantee that no American is ever discriminated for whom they love.


Like I've stated before, I propose we lower the corporate tax rate to a more competitive level, to 17%. But we're not going to lower the rate without conditions, and in addition to the salary provision, we're going to cut a lot of loopholes in the corporate tax code.

In order to prevent the tax cut from becoming a gift to the wealthy, we're also going to add a top tier for the tax bracket - a 45% tax on all income above $1 million. With CEOs and executives being paid hundreds of times the income of their workers, it's obvious an unfair, inequitable system. Thus, the well-off should pay more in taxes, since they benefit most from the work of others, and they ought to be giving back more.

And I'd like to talk more about my plan for the salary provision. I believe we'll see an increase in real wages once we adopt such a system. Economists have long studied and found that worker productivity in the United States has rose exponentially since the 1970s, but real wages have remained basically stagnant during the same period. That's because more and more of the profits have gone towards paying people at the very top – which is why we see CEO earning hundreds of millions of dollars a year. By forcing companies to strike a balance between salaries, we'll see that companies will end up paying workers more and more, or at least lowering CEO compensation, leading them to spend more money in research and development, expansion, or to hire more workers, which will only help our economy by increasing the number of job opportunities.


I'm proud of my plan for America, and it has been based on the Four Freedoms of one of our greatest President, Franklin Roosevelt. Freedom of worship and freedom of speech are obvious to see, with the strong multicultural fabric of our great country and the freedom of everyone to state their opinions being two of the greatest strength of our country. Freedom from fear, from the fears of terrorism and war, from the fears of unwarranted violations of privacy, and from having your family's future wiped out by healthcare problems. Freedom from want, a guarantee of a high standard of living, of a future where all your kids can get a college education and a good paying job, of a life that is fulfilling and worth living. And I want to add a fifth freedom: freedom to love. A freedom to love who you love, without risk of discrimination, or hate, or fear of consequences. Every American deserves these five freedoms, and under a Michelle Obama presidency, we will see these freedoms, and more, fulfilled to the highest extent. I'm asking for your vote because I want you to join me in making our country the best it can ever be. Thank you, Iowa City!

[ASPN]

Joe Biden Schedule for December

Dec 1-7th:

*Rally in Des Moines, Iowa.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

*Barnstorming in Des Moines metropolitan area.

*Rally with Tom Harken in Davenport, Iowa

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Dec 8th-15th:

*Fundraising in Carson City, Nevada

*Rally in Boulder City, Nevada

You must be logged in to read this quote.

*Barnstorming in Clark County, Nevada

Dec 16th-22nd

*Rally in Tallahassee, Florida

You must be logged in to read this quote.

*Barnstorming in South Florida.

*Appear on Face the Nation.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Dec. 22nd-29th:

*Barnstorm in the Tampa Bay area.

*Rally in Orlando

*Head home to Celebrate Christmas with family.

*Barnstorming in Quad Cities area in Iowa.

Dec. 30th-2nd:

*Barnstorming in Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area

*Barnstorming in Dickinson County, Iowa

*Rally in Des Moines, Iowa

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[terp40hitch]

Press Realese From The Susan B. Anthony List Regarding The Presidential Campaign

The SBA has seen many amazing Pro-Life candidates running for president this year but none as inspiring and devoted as congresswomen Michele Bachmann. Bachmann has made a career in Washington fighting for unborn fetus so every living thing could have a chance at the right to life which is protected under the constitution which congresswomen Bachmann stated at the last debate. When Bachmann is elected president she is going to fight for Pro-Life legislation and she will defund planned parenthood who has been given taxpayers dollars to perform abortions. Before Bachmann can fight for Pro-Life legislation from the White House she needs to win the primary and then the general election and that is why the Susan B. Anthony proudly endorses congresswomen Michele Bachmann so we can help support her fight for the presidency.

After endorsing Bachmann, the SBA will send out fundraising emails to all their member in support of Michele Bachmann and they will help grow Bachmann's grassroots organizations in both Iowa and Florida. On the ground in Iowa, the SBA will hand out literature, phone-banking and do door to door. On caucus night, members of the SBA will help drive voters to their polling locations and they will give speeches in support of Bachmann to persuade last-minute undecided voters.

[ASPN]

Biden debate answers

Opening statements:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Question 1: Recently, the Occupy Wall Street movement has been pushing for ways to help equalize the playing field between the ultrarich and the middle class and poor, what policies do you offer that would help make the Economy work for all Americans?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Question 2: For years there has been a question of what marriage should be defined as, and whether homosexuals should have specific rights. Where do you stand on the issue of marriage, and how would you try and address the issue as President?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Question 3: As you all know, America's corporate/business tax rates is relatively higher compared to the rest of the world, and Republicans say we must lower it in order to keep American Business competitive with the rest of the World. What changes would you make to the Corporate/Business tax rates, while also avoiding giving the rich a massive tax break?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Closing statement:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Bredesen Debate response to Michelle Obama

"Mrs Obama, if I may interrupt. Bringing up something that happened half a decade ago wouldn't hurt my candidacy, especially when considering that I would've had no real choice as the state has had it's legislature controlled by Republicans since 2005. A second thing, I know the south and they are very much against forcing people to do something that they don't want to do. Do you not see a problem by forcing someone to do something they don't want to do? Mrs. Obama, that is against Freedom of Speech, a founding pillar of our nation. By forcing people to do something they want to do is what a dictator may do and by beginning to clamp down of Free Speech, a lot of people in the south will get angry.

Do I support Homosexual Rights? Yes, yes I do but I prefer the ideas of Booker T. Washington over the ideas of W.E.B. Dubois any day. You may say it's different because they were fighting for African American civil rights but I ask you if Homosexual Rights is not a civil rights issue itself. When it came to Washington, he knew that people would be angry about immediate changed and so he preached slow integration into society, which will be my people for Homosexual Rights. I will not bring immediate change like W.E.B Dubois had wanted simply because I know how angered the south and the Republicans, as well as Conservatives who want no Government intervention in State affairs at all, will be.

Finally, you left out what I said earlier, Mrs. Obama. I said I will sign an executive order that allows states who don't allow homosexual marriage to be punished with a decrease of the federal paycheck to those states. This is to be a gentle nudge to bring them in the right direction but I will not completely force them. I want Homosexual rights across this nation just as much as the next person but forcing the states to bow down to the Federal Government isn't the way."

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Bredesen Campaign Schedule

December 1st-December 15th

- Campaign in South Carolina on States' Rights, Anti-Establishmentism, Lower Taxes, and attack Biden,  Feingold, and Bayh on them being Washington insiders as well as bring up many of Biden's scandals from the past while also slamming Michelle Obama on her Political experience while touting his own record in the state, like how Tenncare was able to be fixed after it was out of control from Sundquist's Governorship as well as bring up the fact that Tennessee had a state surplus and is still thriving because of the policies he put in place.

December 16th-23rd

- Campaign in Florida on States' Rights, Anti-Establishmentism, Lower Taxes, and Free Trade while attacking Biden and Michelle on their political experience (or lack thereof for Michelle Obama) while touting his own record as Governor of Tennessee

December 24th-25th

- Fly to Nashville, Tennessee and invite former Governor Dean, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Biden, Former Senator Feingold, and Former Senator Bayh for Christmas to show the Nation that while they disagree, they are still Americans and celebrate the holidays of America together.

December 26th-January 2nd

- Hold a Walk across Iowa by touting Conservative rhetoric like States' Rights and lower tax rates while also promoting Agricultural and Immigration reform before Attacking Feingold and Biden on Washington insiderness. Also meet with voters across the state and tell them things he plans to do to help each of them

- Host a Fundraiser in Iowa on January 2nd in Des Moines

January 3rd

- Hold Rally on Moderatism in New Hampshire

- Watch the Iowa Caucus coverage on CNN in Manchester, New Hampshire.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Bredesen Surrogate Schedule

Blanche Lincoln

Campaign in Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas on Bredesen's Record as well as conservatism while attacking Obama on her lack of Foreign policy experience

Karl Dean

Campaign across Tennessee by promoting Bredesen, who is still quite popular in Tennessee, and his record as Governor

Amy Klobuchar

Campaign in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota while attack Former Senator Feingold on his attacks on Conservatives and touting Bredesen's ability to work with both sides.

Kirsten Gillibrand

Campaign in New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York for Bredesen and tout his ability to get the job done.

Joe Donnelly

Campaign in Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio for Bredesen by touting his record as Governor and plans to help America prosper while also attacking Obama on not having the experience needed to run the country.

Al Gore

Campaign in Iowa, Tennessee, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida on Bredesen's ideas and attack Obama on her lack of experience in Washington stating that as Vice President, he knew how to deal with congress due to being a senator before hand while Obama will not.

[terp40hitch]

Bachmann's Debate Response to Huckabee and Giuliana

Governor Huckabee and Mayor Giuliana, I would also like to speak on this topic. Mr. Giuliana, I watched you four years ago on a debate stage just like this proclaiming you were pro-choice. Nothing has changed in your views but you do want to do better in the primaries than four years ago. I will never change my views and morals just because the wind blew in the opposite direction, That is what the Washington establishment does to get elected. I am not the Washington establishment, I will always be 100% pro-life.

Mr. Giuliana is pro-choice, if you want a pro-choice nominee then choose him but a pro-choice Republican nominee won't win in November. America wants and needs a conservative as the nominee as the Republican party because they want real change. I am a proud Pro-Life conservative and I can win in November so we can put America back on a conservative path for the future

[GoTfan]

Feingold 2012 Schedule

December 1-14: These two weeks were spent criss-crossing Iowa, visiting as many voters as possible. Feingold would continue to delver speeches hammering home his theme of standing up for the working and middle classes of the country, as well as holding several youth meetings where he met with college-age voters to discuss their concerns.

December 15-21: This week was spent in New England, and he attended rallies with Senator Bernie Sanders and Professor Elizabeth Warren, a candidate for the US Senate in Massachusetts. It is hoped that these two endorsers can help him further lock down the progressive and activist wings of the party and carve out the base that will carry him to the nomination.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

December 22-23: Feingold spent these days doing various interviews with different local radio networks, answering the concerns of voters who were unable to meet face-to-face with him at campaign events, and also touted the backing of progressive leaders from across the country.

December 24-31: Feingold spent Christmas and New Years' with his family in Wisconsin

[GoTfan]

Feingold debate answers

Question 1: Recently, the Occupy Wall Street movement has been pushing for ways to help equalize the playing field between the ultrarich and the middle class and poor, what policies do you offer that would help make the Economy work for all Americans?


Well, what I have that Senators Biden and Bayh don't is a record of vocal support for progressive economics. Occupy Wall Street has many, many good points. Progressives like myself have been sounding the alarm bells about something like this happening one day if we continued down the path of deregulation. We were either laughed at or ignored. We told you this would happen, and you ignored us.

Obviously, we need to reinstate the Glass-Steagall Act; that's a given. I voted against the repeal at the time, as did Senator Boxer; and now, in light of the crash of 2008, we were proven right. Its reinstatement is paramount in bringing the banks under control. We need to raise our minimum wage to 12 dollars, but we also need to tie it with inflation, so that it rises along with inflation. People cannot survive on 7.25 an hour; that's just inept. FInally, we need to raise taxes on the wealthiest citizens in this country. I'm not advocating for an increase back to the levels under Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Kennedy, but to sustainable levels so that we can raise taxes on the rich and cut them for the middle and working classes.

Question 2: For years there has been a question of what marriage should be defined as, and whether homosexuals should have specific rights. Where do you stand on the issue of marriage, and how would you try and address the issue as President?

This is a non-issue as far as I'm concerned. I fully support the right of anyone to marry who they love. How is it our business to start sticking our noses into what people do with their personal lives? The right of a homosexual couple to marry is as basic as the other points I have pushed, and res assured, I will support any effort to legalise same-sex marriage in all 50 states by the time I am finished in office!

Question 3: As you all know, America's corporate/business tax rates is relatively higher compared to the rest of the world, and Republicans say we must lower it in order to keep American Business competitive with the rest of the World. What changes would you make to the Corporate/Business tax rates, while also avoiding giving the rich a massive tax break?

If I might just correct you there, we have one of the highest nominal corporate tax rates in the world. No company ever pays the nominal rate though; the amount of loopholes in it is just obscene, and then whatever money they can't find loopholes for, they go and hide in the Cayman Islands and other tax havens.

First, I would introduce legislation to tackle these loopholes and tax havens, introducing harsh penalties for companies that participate in these very immoral practices. I would ensure that companies are paying the nominal rate by introducing legislation that would make public their tax returns. The resulting public outcry would likely shame most companies into paying their share.

Finally, if you want a pro-business persepctive from me, you'll get it too. Businesses who give their workers protections, pay good wages, empower unions, adhere to regulations, pursue transparency and pay the full corporate tax will build good relations with the oublic. People are going to want and come to work for you if you look after people. That's just good PR.

Closing statement.

I have been a fighter for progressive values my entire life, and I have refused to compromise my principles for the sake of power or political expediency. I am running because America needs pricipled progressivism in the White House in the tradtion of Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy and Johnson. Let's bring back the era of the New Deal and end the smoke and mirrors around Washington together. Thank you.

[Jaguar4life]

Carolla schedule
Early December-Carolla campaigns with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Cailforina and Nevada on trade, getting lobbying money out of Politics and right to work.

Mid December-He appears on the talk show Conan and talks about plan to tackle Wall Street.

Late December:Campaigns with Ron Paul on balencing the budget and auditing the federal reserve in Cailforina and the border of Cailforina and Nevada.
He also talks about his Gold Standard plan and how it would bring healthy competition to the dollar and how it will totally help with the debt situation.

After that Carolla turns back home to LA and spends time with Family for Christmas and makes a social media video.

[_]

December 8th, 2011:  Michael Bloomberg giving a speech at Soldier Field in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.



Hello Ladies and Gentlemen of Chicago!!  Today, I want to address an issue I'm sure all of you heard on the news.  Yesterday, your Governor Rob Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in Prison for conspiring to sell President Obama's Senate Seat.  This probably helped open your eyes to the fact that there is a great amount of corruption in Government, regardless of Party, even today.  That is why I'm making a promise to you all right now.  As you all know, The Bloomberg campaign is completely self-funded, that way we can avoid being bought out like other Politicians can be.  In addition to this, I promise that under a Bloomberg administration, we will have a screening process for EVERY appointee, specifically focusing on any donations they may have received from corporations or donors, making sure our administration is full of those who will work for The People, not for their donors. 

Thank you all for your time, and remember, I promise to always be a voice for you, not a mouthpiece for the Kochs, George Soros, or other rich donors.  Thank you all, God Bless all of you, God Bless The Great State of Illinois, and The United States of America!

[Boobs]

Michelle Responds to the Governor's Comments

Let's see if I understand you, Governor Bredesen. You chose not to support fundamental rights for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters because it would not be politically viable. That's not what a leader does. A leader does not give up on his or her principles simply because they're not popular, or that Republicans control the legislature, or for any reason, really. That's certainly not the kind of leader Americans need in 2012, and I can guarantee you that giving up on your principles, giving up the good fight, has serious negative consequences on the most vulnerable people in our society. Do you think that Reverend King should have stood down in his march for civil rights simply because it was not a politically viable strategy in the Jim Crow-era South? Should abolitionists in the 19th century have abandoned their goals of an America without the absolutely disgusting practice of slavery simply because pro-slavery forces in Congress had far more political power? Obviously not, and it's not right that you think it's fine to brush off your decision to throw aside the rights of LGBT individuals because it was not politically viable to do while you were Governor.

And let's not give the excuse of the South "not liking being told what to do." No one likes to be told what to do, first of all, but no one has the right to discriminate against a fellow citizen simply because of who they love. That's not "free speech," Governor, that's bigotry. And I cannot fathom why you think promoting equality for LGBT people is acting "like a dictator." That's ridiculous – I'm proposing using a legal method, a constitutional amendment, to ensure that our LGBT compatriots are no longer forced to be second-class citizens. In addition, Governor, a lot of Southerners did not like being told what to do and were very angry at the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, the decision in Brown v. Board, and countless other vital legislation that finally ended the oppression of Jim Crow. You're implying that we should have never passed those monumental laws because it would have been forcing the South to change its ways.

Finally, Governor, I would prefer to not be lectured on the African-American leaders of the civil rights movement by someone who has never experienced the kind of discrimination that black Americans have for centuries. My ancestors were slaves in the Carolinas. My grandfather, Fraser, was born in South Carolina at the height of Jim Crow. The stories of discrimination and hatred that he had told me shake me to my very core – and I still see racism and discrimination occurring today. LGBT Americans also experience a similar form of bigotry – violence, verbal abuse, discrimination – and I cannot believe someone would be able to tell, to their face, that their rights to be treated as an equal American can wait. That their rights are secondary to the attitudes and desires of those in power. I know I would not be able to say that to my grandfather's face.

Governor, I'm thoroughly unconvinced by your justifications, and I believe millions of Americans, gay and straight, black and white, share my opinion. When it comes to fundamental rights, the right to be treated as an equal in the eyes of the law, any action except immediate action is too late.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Michelle Responds to the Governor's Comments

Let's see if I understand you, Governor Bredesen. You chose not to support fundamental rights for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters because it would not be politically viable. That's not what a leader does. A leader does not give up on his or her principles simply because they're not popular, or that Republicans control the legislature, or for any reason, really. That's certainly not the kind of leader Americans need in 2012, and I can guarantee you that giving up on your principles, giving up the good fight, has serious negative consequences on the most vulnerable people in our society. Do you think that Reverend King should have stood down in his march for civil rights simply because it was not a politically viable strategy in the Jim Crow-era South? Should abolitionists in the 19th century have abandoned their goals of an America without the absolutely disgusting practice of slavery simply because pro-slavery forces in Congress had far more political power? Obviously not, and it's not right that you think it's fine to brush off your decision to throw aside the rights of LGBT individuals because it was not politically viable to do while you were Governor.

And let's not give the excuse of the South "not liking being told what to do." No one likes to be told what to do, first of all, but no one has the right to discriminate against a fellow citizen simply because of who they love. That's not "free speech," Governor, that's bigotry. And I cannot fathom why you think promoting equality for LGBT people is acting "like a dictator." That's ridiculous – I'm proposing using a legal method, a constitutional amendment, to ensure that our LGBT compatriots are no longer forced to be second-class citizens. In addition, Governor, a lot of Southerners did not like being told what to do and were very angry at the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, the decision in Brown v. Board, and countless other vital legislation that finally ended the oppression of Jim Crow. You're implying that we should have never passed those monumental laws because it would have been forcing the South to change its ways.

Finally, Governor, I would prefer to not be lectured on the African-American leaders of the civil rights movement by someone who has never experienced the kind of discrimination that black Americans have for centuries. My ancestors were slaves in the Carolinas. My grandfather, Fraser, was born in South Carolina at the height of Jim Crow. The stories of discrimination and hatred that he had told me shake me to my very core – and I still see racism and discrimination occurring today. LGBT Americans also experience a similar form of bigotry – violence, verbal abuse, discrimination – and I cannot believe someone would be able to tell, to their face, that their rights to be treated as an equal American can wait. That their rights are secondary to the attitudes and desires of those in power. I know I would not be able to say that to my grandfather's face.

Governor, I'm thoroughly unconvinced by your justifications, and I believe millions of Americans, gay and straight, black and white, share my opinion. When it comes to fundamental rights, the right to be treated as an equal in the eyes of the law, any action except immediate action is too late.

Mrs. Obama, have you talked with Southern Conservatives? Have you talked with the ordinary citizen? Have you talked with extremists? Implementing a forced National Government implementation of Homosexual rights will not improve things. You talk about Brown v Board so I'll bring up the 1964 Civil Rights Act. After that happened, there are still Hate Crimes and racism all across the South against African Americans. We also saw the South double down and there is a reason why there are problems rooting back to 1964. The simple fact about this is that we could see a rise in Hate groups against Homosexuals in the South or in any part of the country. When I talk about Booker's ideals, I talk about slow integration, get people used to the idea, and then pass it. If you want to have a Nationwide Act on legalizing, do it but I do think there will be major consequences. Homophobes will exist and after such a thing, they will be convinced that the Government will want to get involved in their own personal life. The sad thing is, many people, while disagreeing with the Homophobic rhetoric, will agree that the Government is getting too involved in the rights of states. The Founding Fathers created the Government and the Constitution for two things: To Protect the people and to make sure the Law is followed. That is it. Another thing I want to ask you, if you do this, do you think the Westborough Baptist Church will just disintegrate and vanish? This is a general question that I want to know, Mrs. Obama.

Also, I want to say this: No, Mrs. Obama, I wasn't lecturing on African American Civil Rights Leaders. If I sounded as such, I do apologize, Mrs. Obama. I was simply bringing up the ideas of a prominent leader in Civil Rights history and since this is a Civil Rights Issue, I do believe I have the right to bring them up.

In the end, I prefer slow change and have people get used to things and when the majority of citizens in every state says Yes, I will pass it the second I hear every state agrees. I will just institute a medium law as a compromise to make everyone happy. Homosexual Marriage will be legal and Homosexual voting rights will be secured and defended. Anything beyond that, however, is for the states to decide, not the government.

I hope I have made this clear to everyone tonight and Mrs. Obama, If I have sounded condescending to you, I do apologize but I wanted to say my piece and then be allowed to respond afterwards. Thank you.

[_]

December 9th, 2011:  Michael Bloomberg giving a speech at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta,
Fulton County, Georgia



Hello Ladies and Gentlemen of Atlanta!  Today I'm here to talk about something that I'm sure you all saw in the news.  Recently, the US National Debt exceeded our Gross Domestic Product, that means that everything we produce in one year isn't worth as much as what we owe anymore.  Now, how'd we get here?  Through the fault of not just President Bush, not just President Obama, but through the fault of both political parties.  They failed to compromise on taxes and spending, instead they decided to balloon the deficit through the cutting of taxes and increasing spending, just kicking the problem of the deficit and the debt down the road for future administrations to solve.  Our politicians of both parties have been too afraid to compromise on the budget and the tax system, and in doing that they're just going to make this problem even worse, and pushing it onto our Children.  As President, I will not tolerate increasing the deficit any longer, instead I'll be willing to raise taxes on the Rich, get rid of corporate tax loopholes, and cut into Government spending, and I'll work together with both parties and force them to compromise on a budget that will help finally begin to solve the deficit so we can begin to pay off our debt.

Thank you all for your time, and I promise that I will be a truly fiscally responsible President, and I promise not to kick this problem down the road any longer.  Thank you all, God Bless all of you, God Bless The Great State of Georgia, and God Bless The United States of America!

[Boobs]

Mrs. Obama, have you talked with Southern Conservatives? Have you talked with the ordinary citizen? Have you talked with extremists? Implementing a forced National Government implementation of Homosexual rights will not improve things. You talk about Brown v Board so I'll bring up the 1964 Civil Rights Act. After that happened, there are still Hate Crimes and racism all across the South against African Americans. We also saw the South double down and there is a reason why there are problems rooting back to 1964. The simple fact about this is that we could see a rise in Hate groups against Homosexuals in the South or in any part of the country. When I talk about Booker's ideals, I talk about slow integration, get people used to the idea, and then pass it. If you want to have a Nationwide Act on legalizing, do it but I do think there will be major consequences. Homophobes will exist and after such a thing, they will be convinced that the Government will want to get involved in their own personal life. The sad thing is, many people, while disagreeing with the Homophobic rhetoric, will agree that the Government is getting too involved in the rights of states. The Founding Fathers created the Government and the Constitution for two things: To Protect the people and to make sure the Law is followed. That is it. Another thing I want to ask you, if you do this, do you think the Westborough Baptist Church will just disintegrate and vanish? This is a general question that I want to know, Mrs. Obama.

Also, I want to say this: No, Mrs. Obama, I wasn't lecturing on African American Civil Rights Leaders. If I sounded as such, I do apologize, Mrs. Obama. I was simply bringing up the ideas of a prominent leader in Civil Rights history and since this is a Civil Rights Issue, I do believe I have the right to bring them up.

In the end, I prefer slow change and have people get used to things and when the majority of citizens in every state says Yes, I will pass it the second I hear every state agrees. I will just institute a medium law as a compromise to make everyone happy. Homosexual Marriage will be legal and Homosexual voting rights will be secured and defended. Anything beyond that, however, is for the states to decide, not the government.

I hope I have made this clear to everyone tonight and Mrs. Obama, If I have sounded condescending to you, I do apologize but I wanted to say my piece and then be allowed to respond afterwards. Thank you.

Governor, as leader we have to do the right thing, regardless of the backlash. These homophobes exist today and they will exist tomorrow. What is important is that through the passage of an amendment, like I proposed, to guarantee equality in marriage and adoption, and the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, we can actually protect our vulnerable LGBT brothers and sisters. Without such immediate action, we will continue to be complicit in every act of violence, discrimination, and hatred against them.

Some people will always disagree with what the government does, but we don't let them stop us from doing the right thing and promoting equality. And let's not conflate this with "states' rights" – no state has the right to discriminate and enforce oppression against its own citizens.

You bring up the racist backlash in the South against the Brown v. Board decision, but let's take a step back and see what happened. Yes, a lot of people were angry at the decision, but it wasn't as if it made more people racist or in support of Jim Crow. It only made the people who were wanting to discriminate and oppress their fellow citizens angry. We must never bow down to those people.

We also saw that the government could finally step and protect black students desegregating their schools – such as the Little Rock Nine. When backlash from the local and state government prevented them from attending school, the federal government could finally step in, as President Eisenhower did, and guarantee that these students could go to school.

If the leaders of the 50s and 60s followed your advice and advocate for slow progress, who knows where we'd be today. Perhaps it would have been so slow that some schools would remain segregated to this day. Perhaps we would see Jim Crow continue to be enforced simply out of fear of angering Southern conservatives. Perhaps black people would continue to be denied the right to vote, or to use the same drinking fountain, bathroom, or lunch counter as white people.

When it comes to fundamental rights, the rights of equality, slow progress only ends up hurting the vulnerable most. Besides, the best way to change hearts and minds occurs after a law is passed, not before.

[_]

December 18th, 2011:  Michael Bloomberg giving a speech in Provo, Utah County, Utah.



Hello Ladies and Gentlemen of Provo!  Today I'm going to talk about the Issue of Iran.  Recently, Iran captured a US Reconnaissance Drone, and is now refusing to return it to the United States.  I believe this is a clear act of aggression against the United States, and that we need to respond.  However I don't believe the US should make any rash military actions, such as a bombing mission, this doesn't warrant starting a war.  I believe The United States should coordinate with our allies and issue sanctions against Iran in order to get them to recognize that taking US Property has consequences.  Now, Iran is definitely a threat against the United States with their attempted Nuclear Program, and we have to get them to recognize that the we will not tolerate aggression against our Nation any longer.   

Thank you all for your time, God Bless all of you, God Bless the Great State of Utah, and God Bless The United States of America, The Greatest Nation in the World!

[GoTfan]

Michelle Responds to the Governor's Comments

Let's see if I understand you, Governor Bredesen. You chose not to support fundamental rights for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters because it would not be politically viable. That's not what a leader does. A leader does not give up on his or her principles simply because they're not popular, or that Republicans control the legislature, or for any reason, really. That's certainly not the kind of leader Americans need in 2012, and I can guarantee you that giving up on your principles, giving up the good fight, has serious negative consequences on the most vulnerable people in our society. Do you think that Reverend King should have stood down in his march for civil rights simply because it was not a politically viable strategy in the Jim Crow-era South? Should abolitionists in the 19th century have abandoned their goals of an America without the absolutely disgusting practice of slavery simply because pro-slavery forces in Congress had far more political power? Obviously not, and it's not right that you think it's fine to brush off your decision to throw aside the rights of LGBT individuals because it was not politically viable to do while you were Governor.

And let's not give the excuse of the South "not liking being told what to do." No one likes to be told what to do, first of all, but no one has the right to discriminate against a fellow citizen simply because of who they love. That's not "free speech," Governor, that's bigotry. And I cannot fathom why you think promoting equality for LGBT people is acting "like a dictator." That's ridiculous – I'm proposing using a legal method, a constitutional amendment, to ensure that our LGBT compatriots are no longer forced to be second-class citizens. In addition, Governor, a lot of Southerners did not like being told what to do and were very angry at the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, the decision in Brown v. Board, and countless other vital legislation that finally ended the oppression of Jim Crow. You're implying that we should have never passed those monumental laws because it would have been forcing the South to change its ways.

Finally, Governor, I would prefer to not be lectured on the African-American leaders of the civil rights movement by someone who has never experienced the kind of discrimination that black Americans have for centuries. My ancestors were slaves in the Carolinas. My grandfather, Fraser, was born in South Carolina at the height of Jim Crow. The stories of discrimination and hatred that he had told me shake me to my very core – and I still see racism and discrimination occurring today. LGBT Americans also experience a similar form of bigotry – violence, verbal abuse, discrimination – and I cannot believe someone would be able to tell, to their face, that their rights to be treated as an equal American can wait. That their rights are secondary to the attitudes and desires of those in power. I know I would not be able to say that to my grandfather's face.

Governor, I'm thoroughly unconvinced by your justifications, and I believe millions of Americans, gay and straight, black and white, share my opinion. When it comes to fundamental rights, the right to be treated as an equal in the eyes of the law, any action except immediate action is too late.

Mrs. Obama, have you talked with Southern Conservatives? Have you talked with the ordinary citizen? Have you talked with extremists? Implementing a forced National Government implementation of Homosexual rights will not improve things. You talk about Brown v Board so I'll bring up the 1964 Civil Rights Act. After that happened, there are still Hate Crimes and racism all across the South against African Americans. We also saw the South double down and there is a reason why there are problems rooting back to 1964. The simple fact about this is that we could see a rise in Hate groups against Homosexuals in the South or in any part of the country. When I talk about Booker's ideals, I talk about slow integration, get people used to the idea, and then pass it. If you want to have a Nationwide Act on legalizing, do it but I do think there will be major consequences. Homophobes will exist and after such a thing, they will be convinced that the Government will want to get involved in their own personal life. The sad thing is, many people, while disagreeing with the Homophobic rhetoric, will agree that the Government is getting too involved in the rights of states. The Founding Fathers created the Government and the Constitution for two things: To Protect the people and to make sure the Law is followed. That is it. Another thing I want to ask you, if you do this, do you think the Westborough Baptist Church will just disintegrate and vanish? This is a general question that I want to know, Mrs. Obama.

Also, I want to say this: No, Mrs. Obama, I wasn't lecturing on African American Civil Rights Leaders. If I sounded as such, I do apologize, Mrs. Obama. I was simply bringing up the ideas of a prominent leader in Civil Rights history and since this is a Civil Rights Issue, I do believe I have the right to bring them up.

In the end, I prefer slow change and have people get used to things and when the majority of citizens in every state says Yes, I will pass it the second I hear every state agrees. I will just institute a medium law as a compromise to make everyone happy. Homosexual Marriage will be legal and Homosexual voting rights will be secured and defended. Anything beyond that, however, is for the states to decide, not the government.

I hope I have made this clear to everyone tonight and Mrs. Obama, If I have sounded condescending to you, I do apologize but I wanted to say my piece and then be allowed to respond afterwards. Thank you.

If I might jump in here, Governor, are you saying that the Civil Rights Act did nothing for the minority population in this country?

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Michelle Responds to the Governor's Comments

Let's see if I understand you, Governor Bredesen. You chose not to support fundamental rights for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters because it would not be politically viable. That's not what a leader does. A leader does not give up on his or her principles simply because they're not popular, or that Republicans control the legislature, or for any reason, really. That's certainly not the kind of leader Americans need in 2012, and I can guarantee you that giving up on your principles, giving up the good fight, has serious negative consequences on the most vulnerable people in our society. Do you think that Reverend King should have stood down in his march for civil rights simply because it was not a politically viable strategy in the Jim Crow-era South? Should abolitionists in the 19th century have abandoned their goals of an America without the absolutely disgusting practice of slavery simply because pro-slavery forces in Congress had far more political power? Obviously not, and it's not right that you think it's fine to brush off your decision to throw aside the rights of LGBT individuals because it was not politically viable to do while you were Governor.

And let's not give the excuse of the South "not liking being told what to do." No one likes to be told what to do, first of all, but no one has the right to discriminate against a fellow citizen simply because of who they love. That's not "free speech," Governor, that's bigotry. And I cannot fathom why you think promoting equality for LGBT people is acting "like a dictator." That's ridiculous – I'm proposing using a legal method, a constitutional amendment, to ensure that our LGBT compatriots are no longer forced to be second-class citizens. In addition, Governor, a lot of Southerners did not like being told what to do and were very angry at the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, the decision in Brown v. Board, and countless other vital legislation that finally ended the oppression of Jim Crow. You're implying that we should have never passed those monumental laws because it would have been forcing the South to change its ways.

Finally, Governor, I would prefer to not be lectured on the African-American leaders of the civil rights movement by someone who has never experienced the kind of discrimination that black Americans have for centuries. My ancestors were slaves in the Carolinas. My grandfather, Fraser, was born in South Carolina at the height of Jim Crow. The stories of discrimination and hatred that he had told me shake me to my very core – and I still see racism and discrimination occurring today. LGBT Americans also experience a similar form of bigotry – violence, verbal abuse, discrimination – and I cannot believe someone would be able to tell, to their face, that their rights to be treated as an equal American can wait. That their rights are secondary to the attitudes and desires of those in power. I know I would not be able to say that to my grandfather's face.

Governor, I'm thoroughly unconvinced by your justifications, and I believe millions of Americans, gay and straight, black and white, share my opinion. When it comes to fundamental rights, the right to be treated as an equal in the eyes of the law, any action except immediate action is too late.

Mrs. Obama, have you talked with Southern Conservatives? Have you talked with the ordinary citizen? Have you talked with extremists? Implementing a forced National Government implementation of Homosexual rights will not improve things. You talk about Brown v Board so I'll bring up the 1964 Civil Rights Act. After that happened, there are still Hate Crimes and racism all across the South against African Americans. We also saw the South double down and there is a reason why there are problems rooting back to 1964. The simple fact about this is that we could see a rise in Hate groups against Homosexuals in the South or in any part of the country. When I talk about Booker's ideals, I talk about slow integration, get people used to the idea, and then pass it. If you want to have a Nationwide Act on legalizing, do it but I do think there will be major consequences. Homophobes will exist and after such a thing, they will be convinced that the Government will want to get involved in their own personal life. The sad thing is, many people, while disagreeing with the Homophobic rhetoric, will agree that the Government is getting too involved in the rights of states. The Founding Fathers created the Government and the Constitution for two things: To Protect the people and to make sure the Law is followed. That is it. Another thing I want to ask you, if you do this, do you think the Westborough Baptist Church will just disintegrate and vanish? This is a general question that I want to know, Mrs. Obama.

Also, I want to say this: No, Mrs. Obama, I wasn't lecturing on African American Civil Rights Leaders. If I sounded as such, I do apologize, Mrs. Obama. I was simply bringing up the ideas of a prominent leader in Civil Rights history and since this is a Civil Rights Issue, I do believe I have the right to bring them up.

In the end, I prefer slow change and have people get used to things and when the majority of citizens in every state says Yes, I will pass it the second I hear every state agrees. I will just institute a medium law as a compromise to make everyone happy. Homosexual Marriage will be legal and Homosexual voting rights will be secured and defended. Anything beyond that, however, is for the states to decide, not the government.

I hope I have made this clear to everyone tonight and Mrs. Obama, If I have sounded condescending to you, I do apologize but I wanted to say my piece and then be allowed to respond afterwards. Thank you.

If I might jump in here, Governor, are you saying that the Civil Rights Act did nothing for the minority population in this country?

No, I am not, Senator. Don't worry. I'm stating that there are still some left over anger at the government for intervening in state affairs.

[GoTfan]

Michelle Responds to the Governor's Comments

Let's see if I understand you, Governor Bredesen. You chose not to support fundamental rights for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters because it would not be politically viable. That's not what a leader does. A leader does not give up on his or her principles simply because they're not popular, or that Republicans control the legislature, or for any reason, really. That's certainly not the kind of leader Americans need in 2012, and I can guarantee you that giving up on your principles, giving up the good fight, has serious negative consequences on the most vulnerable people in our society. Do you think that Reverend King should have stood down in his march for civil rights simply because it was not a politically viable strategy in the Jim Crow-era South? Should abolitionists in the 19th century have abandoned their goals of an America without the absolutely disgusting practice of slavery simply because pro-slavery forces in Congress had far more political power? Obviously not, and it's not right that you think it's fine to brush off your decision to throw aside the rights of LGBT individuals because it was not politically viable to do while you were Governor.

And let's not give the excuse of the South "not liking being told what to do." No one likes to be told what to do, first of all, but no one has the right to discriminate against a fellow citizen simply because of who they love. That's not "free speech," Governor, that's bigotry. And I cannot fathom why you think promoting equality for LGBT people is acting "like a dictator." That's ridiculous – I'm proposing using a legal method, a constitutional amendment, to ensure that our LGBT compatriots are no longer forced to be second-class citizens. In addition, Governor, a lot of Southerners did not like being told what to do and were very angry at the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, the decision in Brown v. Board, and countless other vital legislation that finally ended the oppression of Jim Crow. You're implying that we should have never passed those monumental laws because it would have been forcing the South to change its ways.

Finally, Governor, I would prefer to not be lectured on the African-American leaders of the civil rights movement by someone who has never experienced the kind of discrimination that black Americans have for centuries. My ancestors were slaves in the Carolinas. My grandfather, Fraser, was born in South Carolina at the height of Jim Crow. The stories of discrimination and hatred that he had told me shake me to my very core – and I still see racism and discrimination occurring today. LGBT Americans also experience a similar form of bigotry – violence, verbal abuse, discrimination – and I cannot believe someone would be able to tell, to their face, that their rights to be treated as an equal American can wait. That their rights are secondary to the attitudes and desires of those in power. I know I would not be able to say that to my grandfather's face.

Governor, I'm thoroughly unconvinced by your justifications, and I believe millions of Americans, gay and straight, black and white, share my opinion. When it comes to fundamental rights, the right to be treated as an equal in the eyes of the law, any action except immediate action is too late.

Mrs. Obama, have you talked with Southern Conservatives? Have you talked with the ordinary citizen? Have you talked with extremists? Implementing a forced National Government implementation of Homosexual rights will not improve things. You talk about Brown v Board so I'll bring up the 1964 Civil Rights Act. After that happened, there are still Hate Crimes and racism all across the South against African Americans. We also saw the South double down and there is a reason why there are problems rooting back to 1964. The simple fact about this is that we could see a rise in Hate groups against Homosexuals in the South or in any part of the country. When I talk about Booker's ideals, I talk about slow integration, get people used to the idea, and then pass it. If you want to have a Nationwide Act on legalizing, do it but I do think there will be major consequences. Homophobes will exist and after such a thing, they will be convinced that the Government will want to get involved in their own personal life. The sad thing is, many people, while disagreeing with the Homophobic rhetoric, will agree that the Government is getting too involved in the rights of states. The Founding Fathers created the Government and the Constitution for two things: To Protect the people and to make sure the Law is followed. That is it. Another thing I want to ask you, if you do this, do you think the Westborough Baptist Church will just disintegrate and vanish? This is a general question that I want to know, Mrs. Obama.

Also, I want to say this: No, Mrs. Obama, I wasn't lecturing on African American Civil Rights Leaders. If I sounded as such, I do apologize, Mrs. Obama. I was simply bringing up the ideas of a prominent leader in Civil Rights history and since this is a Civil Rights Issue, I do believe I have the right to bring them up.

In the end, I prefer slow change and have people get used to things and when the majority of citizens in every state says Yes, I will pass it the second I hear every state agrees. I will just institute a medium law as a compromise to make everyone happy. Homosexual Marriage will be legal and Homosexual voting rights will be secured and defended. Anything beyond that, however, is for the states to decide, not the government.

I hope I have made this clear to everyone tonight and Mrs. Obama, If I have sounded condescending to you, I do apologize but I wanted to say my piece and then be allowed to respond afterwards. Thank you.

If I might jump in here, Governor, are you saying that the Civil Rights Act did nothing for the minority population in this country?

No, I am not, Senator. Don't worry. I'm stating that there are still some left over anger at the government for intervening in state affairs.

Okay, let me tell you why a strong central government is necessary, Governor. At the end of the Revolutionary War, the states refused to pay any federal taxes under the Articles of Confederation, which meant the soldiers who fought for the nation's freedom couldn't be paid. The simple fact is that a weak central government holds little to no power, and without a strong federal government, then the nation would quite literally be bankrupt. We wouldn't be able to pay federal employees and the states would be nations into themselves.

If you want to pursue the line about states' rights,  that's fine. Just understand why the argument makes little sense.

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Michelle Responds to the Governor's Comments

Let's see if I understand you, Governor Bredesen. You chose not to support fundamental rights for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters because it would not be politically viable. That's not what a leader does. A leader does not give up on his or her principles simply because they're not popular, or that Republicans control the legislature, or for any reason, really. That's certainly not the kind of leader Americans need in 2012, and I can guarantee you that giving up on your principles, giving up the good fight, has serious negative consequences on the most vulnerable people in our society. Do you think that Reverend King should have stood down in his march for civil rights simply because it was not a politically viable strategy in the Jim Crow-era South? Should abolitionists in the 19th century have abandoned their goals of an America without the absolutely disgusting practice of slavery simply because pro-slavery forces in Congress had far more political power? Obviously not, and it's not right that you think it's fine to brush off your decision to throw aside the rights of LGBT individuals because it was not politically viable to do while you were Governor.

And let's not give the excuse of the South "not liking being told what to do." No one likes to be told what to do, first of all, but no one has the right to discriminate against a fellow citizen simply because of who they love. That's not "free speech," Governor, that's bigotry. And I cannot fathom why you think promoting equality for LGBT people is acting "like a dictator." That's ridiculous – I'm proposing using a legal method, a constitutional amendment, to ensure that our LGBT compatriots are no longer forced to be second-class citizens. In addition, Governor, a lot of Southerners did not like being told what to do and were very angry at the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, the decision in Brown v. Board, and countless other vital legislation that finally ended the oppression of Jim Crow. You're implying that we should have never passed those monumental laws because it would have been forcing the South to change its ways.

Finally, Governor, I would prefer to not be lectured on the African-American leaders of the civil rights movement by someone who has never experienced the kind of discrimination that black Americans have for centuries. My ancestors were slaves in the Carolinas. My grandfather, Fraser, was born in South Carolina at the height of Jim Crow. The stories of discrimination and hatred that he had told me shake me to my very core – and I still see racism and discrimination occurring today. LGBT Americans also experience a similar form of bigotry – violence, verbal abuse, discrimination – and I cannot believe someone would be able to tell, to their face, that their rights to be treated as an equal American can wait. That their rights are secondary to the attitudes and desires of those in power. I know I would not be able to say that to my grandfather's face.

Governor, I'm thoroughly unconvinced by your justifications, and I believe millions of Americans, gay and straight, black and white, share my opinion. When it comes to fundamental rights, the right to be treated as an equal in the eyes of the law, any action except immediate action is too late.

Mrs. Obama, have you talked with Southern Conservatives? Have you talked with the ordinary citizen? Have you talked with extremists? Implementing a forced National Government implementation of Homosexual rights will not improve things. You talk about Brown v Board so I'll bring up the 1964 Civil Rights Act. After that happened, there are still Hate Crimes and racism all across the South against African Americans. We also saw the South double down and there is a reason why there are problems rooting back to 1964. The simple fact about this is that we could see a rise in Hate groups against Homosexuals in the South or in any part of the country. When I talk about Booker's ideals, I talk about slow integration, get people used to the idea, and then pass it. If you want to have a Nationwide Act on legalizing, do it but I do think there will be major consequences. Homophobes will exist and after such a thing, they will be convinced that the Government will want to get involved in their own personal life. The sad thing is, many people, while disagreeing with the Homophobic rhetoric, will agree that the Government is getting too involved in the rights of states. The Founding Fathers created the Government and the Constitution for two things: To Protect the people and to make sure the Law is followed. That is it. Another thing I want to ask you, if you do this, do you think the Westborough Baptist Church will just disintegrate and vanish? This is a general question that I want to know, Mrs. Obama.

Also, I want to say this: No, Mrs. Obama, I wasn't lecturing on African American Civil Rights Leaders. If I sounded as such, I do apologize, Mrs. Obama. I was simply bringing up the ideas of a prominent leader in Civil Rights history and since this is a Civil Rights Issue, I do believe I have the right to bring them up.

In the end, I prefer slow change and have people get used to things and when the majority of citizens in every state says Yes, I will pass it the second I hear every state agrees. I will just institute a medium law as a compromise to make everyone happy. Homosexual Marriage will be legal and Homosexual voting rights will be secured and defended. Anything beyond that, however, is for the states to decide, not the government.

I hope I have made this clear to everyone tonight and Mrs. Obama, If I have sounded condescending to you, I do apologize but I wanted to say my piece and then be allowed to respond afterwards. Thank you.

If I might jump in here, Governor, are you saying that the Civil Rights Act did nothing for the minority population in this country?

No, I am not, Senator. Don't worry. I'm stating that there are still some left over anger at the government for intervening in state affairs.

Okay, let me tell you why a strong central government is necessary, Governor. At the end of the Revolutionary War, the states refused to pay any federal taxes under the Articles of Confederation, which meant the soldiers who fought for the nation's freedom couldn't be paid. The simple fact is that a weak central government holds little to no power, and without a strong federal government, then the nation would quite literally be bankrupt. We wouldn't be able to pay federal employees and the states would be nations into themselves.

If you want to pursue the line about states' rights,  that's fine. Just understand why the argument makes little sense.

Senator, I don't disagree that we need the federal government for taxation but I think you need to know something. That was then, this is now. The America now is different from America then. Each state has its own culture, own laws, own beliefs, own feelings, and own ideas. Californians are not the same as Texans. Georgians are not the same as Tennesseans. New Yorkers are not the same as Pennsylvanians. By implenting a federal government that controls everything, we run the risk of a dictatorship appearing soon. If you think it can't happen, ask Iraq, where Saddam Hussein was democratically elected and he began to strengthen the federal government. Ask the Kurds what that was like. In Germany, Adolf Hitler was democratically elected and he strengthened Germany's Federal Government. We all know the result of that. Even in the Western Hemisphere, there were Dictatorships of those democratically elected and they centralized the government, taking away the individual Rights of the citizens.

You can say that it won't happen here as we have the Constitution but the thing is the Constitution was to have as little a Centralized government as possible. Also, every country that I mentioned had a constitution of its own but the dictatorships still Happened.

A completely centralized government is not needed nor necessary. It's up to the citizens and the government to uphold this. Also, if we begin to set a precedent of Centralizing the Government, who is to say that one day we get a overly charismatic person as President and he repeals the Constitution or amends it in his own way and begin a Presidential dictatorship that no one can argue against due to the fact that the Government controls everything.

[Grassroots]

Rudy Giuliani 2012 Campaign Schedule: December 1st - January 2nd, 2012

December 1st-4th:

-Campaigning in New Hampshire with Mitt Romney

-Campaigning in Maine

-Fundraiser in Boston MA

December 5th-7th:

Campaign bus tour throughout Iowa

3 Rallies and 5 Town Halls throughout Iowa

December 8th-11th:

Campaigning in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina with Newt Gingrich

Campaigning in Mississippi with David Vitter

December 12th-15th:

Campaign break

December 16th-20th:

Fundraising event in Colorado Springs, CO

Bus tour in Iowa

December 21st-26th:

Bus tour through New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

4 Rallies (some featuring George Pataki), 7 Town halls, and 4 individual policy speeches.

December 27th-January 1st:

Door to door campaigning in central Iowa.

Fundraisers and 5 Town Halls in the western part of Iowa.

Travel to Nevada

Door to door campaigning in the suburbs of Las Vegas.

Newt Gingrich: "Everything Rudy Giuliani has done and accomplished in his life has prepared him for the presidency."
Jacksonville FL

Statement of endorsement from the Des Moines Register:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Giuliani Campaign Strategy and Planning:

-Emphasize Giuliani's experience and qualifications as opposed to other, more inexperienced candidates.

-Show Giuliani as the strongest candidate in the general election by showing how he can compete with democrats in typically blue states, such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Oregon.

-Attack Huckabee on his serious inconsistencies on illegal immigration and his unsubstantiated tax policy proposals.

-Emphasize issues relating to the economy, Rudy's strongest point.

-Increase use of well known surrogates on the campaign trail in key states.