One of the reasons many of us have a hard time envisioning Mitt Romney being the Republican nominee is this:
“Romney is not a conservative. He’s not, folks. You can argue with me all day long on that, but he isn’t. … This isn’t personal, not with what country faces and so forth. I like him very much. I’ve spent some social time with him. He’s a fine guy. He’s very nice gentleman. He is a gentleman. But he’s not a conservative,” – Rush Limbaugh.
How do you win the GOP nomination with Rush Limbaugh declaring you not to be a conservative? Unless Rush changes his mind, it won’t be Mitt. There is yet another Republican presidential debate tonight, the 5th since Labor Day. The action starts at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CNN.
First Read: “So what have learned from all of these debates? Rick Perry, who now has participated in more debates as a presidential candidate than as a Texas politician, isn’t a good debater… The 2012 field, unlike the 2008 one, doesn’t gang up on Mitt Romney, which has allowed him to stay on message… The debates have provided the candidates an opportunity to gain traction (where would Cain be today without them?)… Experience matters (Romney is so much better than he was in ’08)… And, overall, these debates have had a huge impact on the race, because GOP primary voters are paying attention. Deep down, that has to concern Team Romney somewhat. Yes, his debate performances have impressed the GOP establishment and news media. But they haven’t moved the needle with GOP voters — at least not yet.”
China owns America, right? Because China buys U.S. Treasury debt, right? You have heard that time again. Would it surprise you to learn that China only owns 8% of outstanding U.S. debt, while the largest owners are actually American individuals and institutions, which own collectively 69%. With respect to all U.S. Financial assets, not just our debt, China only holds 1% while U.S. Investors own 87%.