Poll: Obamacare Hurts Obama

In a presidential election it is all about the swing states, and, if you are an incumbent, a record of accomplishment to run on.

Unfortunately for Obama, swing states don’t view his one big policy “accomplishment” favorably

The health care overhaul that President Obama intended to be the signature achievement of his first term instead has become a significant problem in his bid for a second one, uniting Republicans in opposition and eroding his standing among independents.

In a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll of the nation’s dozen top battleground states, a clear majority of registered voters call the bill’s passage “a bad thing” and support its repeal if a Republican wins the White House in November. Two years after he signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act— and as the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments about its constitutionality next month — the president has failed to convince most Americans that it was the right thing to do.

So, what does he run on? A failed stimulus? High unemployment? High gas prices? Seriously, this guy promised to fix the economy in three years, and he has made it worse. He can’t even run on ObamaCare. How does he run at all when he has to run from his own record?

Obama Needs a New Slogan

When you don’t have a record worth running on, apparently coming up with a new campaign slogan isn’t easy.

Advisers say a fresh slogan to replace the winning “Change we can believe in” mantra of 2008, is unlikely to appear before Obama knows who his Republican opponent will be and starts big campaign travel swings, likely in the spring or summer.

His campaign posters now say simply, “Obama 2012.”

But Obama’s surrogates have roadtested some slogans in recent months, including “Winning The Future,” which the White House used to promote its budget, and “Greater Together,” which the campaign has used to brand its youth outreach effort.

A new tagline will have to reflect a new reality.

Obama is no longer a Washington outsider, unemployment is falling but still high, and economic insecurity for many voters is a huge concern that a simple slogan cannot overcome.

Got any slogan suggestions?

Mid-Week Open Thread

Been a bit busy, sorry I haven’t had a chance to blog. Anyway, have at it. Posts to come soon.

Why Has Gasoline Consumption Declined So Much?

I’ll give you a hint, it’s not because of more fuel efficient cars. It’s an interesting analysis that all goes back to this chart:

It’s worth clicking to the story and reading the entire analysis, especially since it’s worth knowing what these numbers indicate.

Another Debate, Another Open Thread

Have at it folks.

Perry Drops Out, Endorses Newt

Exciting news today, as Rick Perry ends his campaign and throws his support behind Newt Gingrich.

From Perry’s remarks:

As I have contemplated the future of this campaign, I have come to the conclusion that there is no viable path to victory for my candidacy in 2012.

Therefore, today I am suspending my campaign and endorsing Newt Gingrich for president.

I believe Newt is a conservative visionary who can transform our country.

We have had our differences, which campaigns inevitably bring out. And Newt is not perfect, but who among us is?

The fact is, there is forgiveness for those who seek God and I believe in the power of redemption, for it is a central tenet of my own Christian faith.

And I have no question Newt Gingrich has the heart of a conservative reformer, the ability to rally and captivate the conservative movement and the courage to tell the Washington interests to take a hike if it’s what is best for the country.

Also, Rick Santorum was declared the official winner of the Iowa caucuses. The latter news will have a significantly smaller impact on the rest of the campaign.

Monday Night Open Thread

Hope you all had a good weekend. Discuss the latest news while I spend my time shoveling and stuff.

Open Thread: New Hampshire

Predictions? Thoughts? Have at it.

Open Thread: Iowa Caucuses

Thoughts? Predictions?

Do you even care?

Have at it!

The Brilliant Thomas Sowell endorses Newt

I have to say, I love Thomas Sowell’s writing. Ever since I read Basic Economics several years ago I’ve just been drawn to his economic and social writing. He has a way of explaining all sorts of complex subjects in a way that could make even the most close minded liberal understand.

Anyway, I was thrilled to see on Twitter moments ago that Sowell has endorsed Newt Gingrich for president.

In a world where we can make our choices only among the alternatives actually available, the question is whether Newt Gingrich is better than Barack Obama — and better than Mitt Romney.

Romney is a smooth talker, but what did he actually accomplish as governor of Massachusetts, compared with what Gingrich accomplished as speaker of the House? When you don’t accomplish much, you don’t ruffle many feathers. But is that what we want?

Can you name one important positive thing that Romney accomplished as governor of Massachusetts? Can anyone? Does a candidate who represents the bland leading the bland increase the chances of victory in November 2012? A lot of candidates like that have lost, from Thomas E. Dewey to John McCain.
Those who want to concentrate on the baggage in Newt Gingrich’s past, rather than on the nation’s future, should remember what Winston Churchill said: “If the past sits in judgment on the present, the future will be lost.” If that means a second term for Barack Obama, then it means we’ve lost, big time.

If any of you are still on the fence, do check out the whole thing.