Sunday Open Thread [10.30.11]
NCCo Executive Paul Clark recused himself from signing Stoltz rezoning ordinance into law, and thus the Barley Mill plan will become law without his signature. Smart, as I wonder if that conflict of interest was going to be a legal basis to challenge the plan.
I remember during late 2007 how excited Obama supporters were when the Des Moines Register’s Iowa poll showing Obama taking the lead for the first time, and the reason why they were excited is because some polls are better than others, especially when performed by local respected institutions. So now the Register has Cain leading Romney by 1 point, 23% to 22%. So I guess I have to take Cain seriously.
The question now is, should Romney concede Iowa to the Tea Party candidate, whether it is Cain or whomever. Because if he looks at this poll and is encouraged and decides to commit resources, I think he is making a fatal mistake. Romney’s ceiling seems to be in the low to mid 20’s. Those who are supporting Bachmann or Santorum or Gingrich are not going to move to Romney in the caucus. They will move to Cain. In the end, Romney could lose big in Iowa.
Social conservatives consider both Cain and Romney squishy on abortion, so I guess they are a wild card. I can’t see Romney opening up an attack on Cain’s pro-choice remarks, but one of the other candidates might.
Take Cain seriously? He is cutting back on campaigning and this is meant to be serious?
And I leave it to the reader to imagine just what the MSM (egged on by their GOP handlers) would have made of a Barack Obama cutting back on campaign appearances because he was tired.
And when the AP Factchecks GOP claims on transportation spending, you know these people are lying their asses off.
Anybody thinking about Ignite Wilmington? Proposals for speakers are due in on 2 November if you are…..
Brace to defend Social Security when you get to work tomorrow:
http://www.cepr.net/index.php/blogs/beat-the-press/washington-post-discards-all-journalistic-standards-in-attack-on-social-security
Speaking of Social Security, here’s a chance to hear Chris Coons talk about it next Friday.
http://www.delawarefirst.org/social-security-forum
Sign up now if you want seats; otherwise it will be livestreamed.
The panel appearing right before Coons includes Joanne Butler from CRI, Laurence Seidman from UD, and Eric Brucker from Widener discussing “Social Security Solvency.” Should be a lively discussion. I wonder to what extent there will be audience participation or questions.
The next panel includes Coons and Jo Anne Barnhart,a former Social Security Commissioner discussing “Fixing Social Security For The Future.”
Remember, Chris Coons recently told us:
and
I’ll be watching to see if Coons is supporting changes to benefit the 99% or the 1%.
At this moment next week, we’ll be taking our seats at The Pixies show! Sweet!
Big news in the presidential race just broke. Herman Cain was accused of sexual harassment by at least two former colleagues when he was the head of the National Restaurant Association. There was at least one settlement, too.
I guess the question now is whether this ends Cain’s presidential bid or whether his voters will rally around him.
Wayne Pollari, a great one:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/delawareonline/obituary.aspx?n=wayne-john-pollari&pid=154308543&fhid=7881
Everybody loved Wayne. He was funny, self-deprecating, and a very kind person. Not to mention very accomplished and highly respected in his chosen field.
I doubt that he got much enjoyment out of the bomb-throwing that has become politics in the 21st Century.
I KNOW he got quite a bit of enjoyment out of seeing the Democrats experience success in his Penny Hill stomping grounds after years of fighting the good fight and often getting stomped.
I was so sorry to read this morning of his passing. However, whenever I think of him, I know I’ll smile. As will the countless friends he made over his lifetime.
Cain used the Ali G defense. When asked if he had ever been accused of sexual harrasment he turned the tabels on the reporter anid asked, “Have you ever been accused of sexual harassment?”
Reality keeps overtaking parody.
Mr.Pollari was my roommate at the ’72 convention in Miami. I will always think of he and John Modica together. Two great educators, Democrats and Great Guys.He lived down the road from me in Oak Lane Manor when I was young and will be missed
Here is the Cain campaign response. Notice there is no explicit denial: