Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

2012 is not about Obama; it’s a Referendum on the American Idea
Human Events ^ | 12/27/2011 | Jason Mattera

Posted on 12/27/2011 10:01:50 PM PST by neverdem

Yes, Barack Obama brings added definition to the word disaster, as his presidency has overseen more people trapped below the poverty line than ever in modern history.

But is 2012 about defeating Obama only?

Paul Ryan doesn’t think so. The Wisconsin Republicans says that the eventual GOP nominee must make the 2012 election much broader in scope.

“[The election] is a referendum on the American idea, not on Barack Obama and his handling of the economy,” Ryan told HUMAN EVENTS. “It is, ‘Do you want to reclaim the founding principles that made us exceptional and great, an opportunity society with a circumscribed safety net? Or do you want the cradle-to-grave welfare state?’ ”

“It’s really a choice of two futures,” Ryan added. “We owe it to the country to let them choose what kind of country they want to be and what kind of people they want to be.”

Ryan says that if the Republican challenger makes the election about the conflicting vision for America, then upon victory there would be a clear mandate to plow forward with the kind of large, structural changes that are needed to keep us free and prosperous.

“We will be better stewards of the economy than he will be,” is an insufficient campaign platform, Ryan stressed. “This is the most important election in our lifetime, no matter what generation you come from.”

(Excerpt) Read more at humanevents.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; Editorial
KEYWORDS: 2012election; bho2012; obama
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-42 next last
There a video at the source: "Part 4 our interview with Paul Ryan."
1 posted on 12/27/2011 10:01:56 PM PST by neverdem
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: neverdem
Haven't seen any video's but based on the title (A very interesting statement), my vote is for ...

Truth or fantasy, it doesn't matter ..... Norman Rockwell.

Whether we want to admit it or not,

Wait a minute ... let me personify this ...

Whether he was right or left doesn't matter to me ... Rockwell captured enough of me in his paintings that I'd vote him Mr America if there was a contest "Who identifies America?"

2 posted on 12/27/2011 10:19:06 PM PST by knarf (I say things that are true ... I have no proof ... but they're true)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: neverdem

I’m sure the American Idea entails policing the world. Have at it!


3 posted on 12/27/2011 10:51:56 PM PST by Fester Chugabrew (let establishment heads explode)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: neverdem
‘Do you want to reclaim the founding principles that made us exceptional and great, an opportunity society with a circumscribed safety net? Or do you want the cradle-to-grave welfare state?’ It’s really a choice of two futures,” Ryan added.

No, only one of the choices has a future.

History has shown the other choice leads the the end of any future - for anyone.

4 posted on 12/28/2011 12:02:22 AM PST by Talisker (History will show the Illuminati won the ultimate Darwin Award.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: potlatch
http://domania.us/Oaccess/JOKER/DOLT.gif


FReeper Poll - 15% Hillary Clinton

5 posted on 12/28/2011 12:24:52 AM PST by devolve (- - - - - - - - - - - SHIP OF FOOLS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: neverdem

Mattera’s interview with Paul Ryan which includes the title quote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_QhBVtcVgA

Earlier parts of the same interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R1Mco-0Ulk&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeiMw2sy55w&feature=bf_next&list=UL6R1Mco-0Ulk&lf=mfu_in_order

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43xFlSUvCII&feature=bf_next&list=ULYeiMw2sy55w&lf=mfu_in_order


6 posted on 12/28/2011 12:48:28 AM PST by iowamark
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: neverdem
Yes, 2012 is as important as 1788 and 1860.

Our nation cannot withstand another Obama term, nor a placeholder Pubbie in the White House, and remain remotely true to its founding principles.

It is why I lean toward the arrogant SOB Newt Gingrich.

7 posted on 12/28/2011 2:35:11 AM PST by Jacquerie (No court will save us from ourselves.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: knarf
Rockwell captured enough of me in his paintings that I'd vote him Mr America if there was a contest "Who identifies America?"

Ever notice that Obama seems really to dislike everything that Rockwell exalted and celebrated? Ever notice that?

8 posted on 12/28/2011 4:15:30 AM PST by lentulusgracchus
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: lentulusgracchus
Because he is an alien ... never sat on his father's shoulders at a 4th of July parade ... never played pick-up baseball ... never coasted down a snowy hill on a shovel ... or an American Flyer ... never ...


He's just a freakin' ALIEN.

NO empirical evedence that he is American.

9 posted on 12/28/2011 4:36:25 AM PST by knarf (I say things that are true ... I have no proof ... but they're true)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: knarf

2012 is about survival.


10 posted on 12/28/2011 4:44:53 AM PST by GlockThe Vote (The Obama Adminstration: 2nd wave of attacks on America after 9/11)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: Jacquerie
Yes, 2012 is as important as 1788 and 1860. Our nation cannot withstand another Obama term, nor a placeholder Pubbie in the White House, and remain remotely true to its founding principles.
It is why I lean toward the arrogant SOB Newt Gingrich.

Your post struck a chord; and my reply here is not meant for you specifically, but for folks in general.

The upcoming election in November of next year will be about one topic...and one topic only - the economy. Specifically - jobs (or the lack thereof).

If there really were a majority of American (and legal) voters in this land who truly evaluated both the candidates and the general state of the country come election time, then the stain that currently ruins the "white" house would still be a do-nothing waste of a senator in IL.

No...truth be told, the vast majority of voting Americans (legal and illegal) will make up their minds a few days before the election is held, vote on the current emotional issue, and go home satisfied.

In '08, the single emotional issue that drove the voter was a visceral hatred of George Bush coupled with the image of mccain as "just another old white man".

In '12; it will be all about jobs and the economy. If the economy improves - even a little bit - then the stain will be with us all for another four years.

There isn't one single candidate on the right who has both the "star power" (needed to win elections) and the cogent arguement proving that this country is going down hard by the bow, to overcome an improving economy. Not one.

I fear, therefore, that the stain will win in a "cake walk"....particularly if the right nominates a ging-rich or romney.

The only possible candidate that could have made a difference; who could have (and has) made the cogent arguement; who has the "star power"; who's been through it all before and understand how it works - decided a few months ago to leave the political arena.

Perhaps the exodus was brought about because of this person's "insider knowledge" of exactly how things really do work. Who knows?

Summary: if - and as - the economy improves, the stain's chances for re-election go up logarithmically. And there's a whole year to go before voting time.

11 posted on 12/28/2011 4:55:03 AM PST by Logic n' Reason (N/A)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Logic n' Reason
What would you think if Conservatives (thru the Tea Party) won strong numbers in the House and Senate with Republicans owning majorities in both, and Obama remained President?

This could happen if Ron Paul runs third party.

Would the House and Senate turn the Country around and go after indictments on O's administration?

12 posted on 12/28/2011 5:26:24 AM PST by LoveUSA (God employs Man's strength; Satan exploits Man's weakness.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: Logic n' Reason

It appears you missed the point Ryan was making.

In 2012 we decide whether to continue to follow Europe into the abyss, or begin to turn around a once great republic that used to cherish freedom.


13 posted on 12/28/2011 5:40:20 AM PST by Jacquerie (No court will save us from ourselves.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: LoveUSA
What would you think if Conservatives (thru the Tea Party) won strong numbers in the House and Senate with Republicans owning majorities in both, and Obama remained President?
This could happen if Ron Paul runs third party.
Would the House and Senate turn the Country around and go after indictments on O's administration?

Very interesting questions!!

Any third party candidate coupled with an improving economy (regardless of how little the improvement actually is) will guarantee the stain another four years.

A rino House and Senate will certainly result in some major gridlock; but there are far far more rinos in both houses than there are true conservatives; there are far far more members of both houses bought and sold as opposed to true independent members.

So, tho it would somewhat dampen the move of the US toward the vilification and eventual destruction of "the rich", higher taxes, national healthcare, financial takeover by China, and a "B" credit rating on world markets, it would not stop the slide toward destruction of this country.

Picture a sledding hill. The stain's first four years were on the steep slope (say 25% down grade); the next four years the slope will be about 15%...but still down grade.

In and of themselves, the house and the senate cannot turn anything around. Remember: they are the very ones that put us in the position we're in now...despite their loud protestations to the contrary.

14 posted on 12/28/2011 5:46:06 AM PST by Logic n' Reason (N/A)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Jacquerie
In 2012 we decide whether to continue to follow Europe into the abyss, or begin to turn around a once great republic that used to cherish freedom.

I missed the point not at all!

To put it simply...is the point made with the millions of welfare recipients...the extended unemployment benefit recipients...the illegal alien voters....the inner city voters in all large cities....the ruined families living on the street or with relatives because their mortgage was foreclosed....the millions whose lives revolve around hollywood movies and oprah????????

You assume that the majority of American voters (legal ones, that is) are thinking, logical, evaluative people.

They are not.

Proof???

Look at what is in the white house now. Look at the effect the "freshmen" class of "conservatives" has made since the 2010 elections (none to see).

No, my FRiend, I didn't miss the point at all. And out of the 130 million voters in the '08 elecion, the less than 10 million of thinking, logical, evaluative, legal voters didn't either.

Unfortunately, 10 million voters ain't gonna cut it....not up against the 120+ million voters who decidely are not thinking, logical, evaluative and legal.

15 posted on 12/28/2011 5:55:48 AM PST by Logic n' Reason (N/A)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: Logic n' Reason
I agree with you.

The other side is the media, which will not allow a conservative to be successful nationally. Whether it's the comedies, movies and shows that teach, “Left-wing cool; Right-wing, square”, or the deep, detailed airing of every wart and hair on a Republican with no such investigation of their Chosen One, the media will ensure the sheep are led to the paddock of their choice.

With the inherent support they will give Obama over the next year, and the ignorant who will listen and swallow it up, combined with a “It's my turn” Republican nobody, Obama is going to be very hard to defeat.

The only way we can win is to suppress turnout of the lazy, politically naive, soccer mom's and gin up mass enthusiasm on the Right... It's all about turnout on Election Day. That's how Reagan beat Carter.

How the Hell can that happen with Gingrich, Romney, Paul, Bachman, Santorum or Huntsman?

Seriously, without Sarah Palin in the race, we cannot!

16 posted on 12/28/2011 6:33:59 AM PST by Alas Babylon!
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: neverdem
The paradigm for all political ads since I was a kid fifty years ago and probably before was to drill home a simple message to semi-ignorant, unsophisticated voters. Trying to educate the voter was a waste of time. Today, like yesterday, most political ads try to focus on simple ideas repeated relentlessly with the occasional nasty swipe at the opponent. Typical ad: Pubbie good, Democrat bad. Or vice versa. I understand trying to be short and sweet with a little optimism mixed in i.e. Reagan's "Morning in America" ads, but what's wrong with trying to educate the voter a tad? Just calling Obama a communist or a crook won't do it. Even though he is a communist and a crook.

The Pubbie who gets the nomination will have to design ads, and speeches, that educate the voter while inspiring him. In short, the Pubbie nominee should be able to sell free-market economics to the voter. A few well-deserved bombs tossed at Obama won't hurt, but I'd like to see smarter ads.

17 posted on 12/28/2011 7:54:39 AM PST by driftless2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: neverdem
The paradigm for all political ads since I was a kid fifty years ago and probably before was to drill home a simple message to semi-ignorant, unsophisticated voters. Trying to educate the voter was a waste of time. Today, like yesterday, most political ads try to focus on simple ideas repeated relentlessly with the occasional nasty swipe at the opponent. Typical ad: Pubbie good, Democrat bad. Or vice versa. I understand trying to be short and sweet with a little optimism mixed in i.e. Reagan's "Morning in America" ads, but what's wrong with trying to educate the voter a tad? Just calling Obama a communist or a crook won't do it. Even though he is a communist and a crook.

The Pubbie who gets the nomination will have to design ads, and speeches, that educate the voter while inspiring him. In short, the Pubbie nominee should be able to sell free-market economics to the voter. A few well-deserved bombs tossed at Obama won't hurt, but I'd like to see smarter ads.

18 posted on 12/28/2011 7:56:39 AM PST by driftless2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Alas Babylon!
You are very correct about the media...and the msm includes the ostensibly "right wing biased" fox.

As time moves inexorably toward Nov of '12, watch the message from the stain's camp!

1. "Your plight is the fault of the republicans (the rich, the right, the tea party, the conservatives), and your plight is worse than you believe."

2. "If you change horses in mid-stream, your benefits will surely stop."

3. "The right is filled with "the rich" (republicans) who get tax breaks and have moved your job overseas."

4. "The rich" (republicans) are evil, have all the money, while you have none."

5. "It is your right to have what the rich (republicans) have; and we'll help you take your share from them."

6. "You can't afford health care. The rich (republicans) can. We'll give you free health care and make the rich (republicans) pay for it."

Oh yes indeed.....the ignorant, the benefit receivers, the welfare receivers, the stupid, the illegals, the socialists, and the adorers, will all vote for the stain....out of stupidity or fear. It matters not.

And with the current crop of rino candidates, there is no way in hell we can stop it.

19 posted on 12/28/2011 9:55:42 AM PST by Logic n' Reason (N/A)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: driftless2
In short, the Pubbie nominee should be able to sell free-market economics to the voter. A few well-deserved bombs tossed at Obama won't hurt, but I'd like to see smarter ads.

I agree....but it won't happen....because it won't change anything.

Do we honestly think a half black half latino inner city "voter" is going to "buy" an arguement about "free market economics"???

Do we honestly think a young soccer mom with three kids who voted for the stain last time because "he is so dreeeeemmy" is going to change her mind because of an ad about "free market economics"??

Do we honestly think the father of four with an ill wife who is hanging on financially by a thread is going to change his mind and vote for "the rich" (rino, conservative, tea party, republican) who they believe will put a quick end to their government benefits because of an ad on "free market economics"???

How about the other blacks, inner city voters, illegals, under or unemployed, socialists/communists, and assorted free-loaders (moochers)....think they'll change their minds listening to some old white rich guy telling them about "free market economics"???

No! But a great thought...great message. And just like Limbaugh, the ads would preach to the choir and change no voter's mind at all.

Last election, the popular vote was (approximately) 69.5 million for the stain, and 59.9 million for the rino.

Given the current crop of rino candidates, the economy, and the very effective message from the stain's camp all about "the rich" and fear.... the 2012 turnout will be: 72.2 million for the stain, and 60.4 million for whatever rino winds up being the nominee.

20 posted on 12/28/2011 10:12:16 AM PST by Logic n' Reason (N/A)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-42 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson