Looking For Reasons Why The GOP Lost?

Here's a few.

Representative Paul Ryan:

Representative Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin on Monday blamed Democratic turnout in “urban areas” for the loss by the Republican presidential ticket last week, saying he was surprised that he and Mitt Romney did not do better in the nation’s big cities.

And don't you think "urban areas" is code for something? And if so, what?

He goes on:

In the interview with the television station, Mr. Ryan said he did not think that the nation’s voters had rejected his long-standing ideas for how to restructure the nation’s budget and cut spending.

“I don’t think we lost it on those budget issues, especially on Medicare — we clearly didn’t lose it on those issues,” he said.

So he thinks they won on ideas - and they'd have won if only those pesky voters in those pesky "urban areas" didn't vote the way he wanted them to!

And here's why they thought so - here's Governor Mitt Romney:

Mitt Romney said Wednesday that his loss to President Obama was due in large part to his rival's strategy of giving "gifts" during his first term to three groups that were pivotal in the results of last week's election: African Americans, Latinos and young voters.

"The Obama campaign was following the old playbook of giving a lot of stuff to groups that they hoped they could get to vote for them and be motivated to go out to the polls, specifically the African American community, the Hispanic community and young people," Romney told hundreds of donors during a telephone town hall Wednesday. "In each case they were very generous in what they gave to those groups."

And then there's this guy from Maine:

Outgoing Maine Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster plans to investigate claims that “dozens of black people” who were unfamiliar to municipal officials voted Nov. 6 in rural Maine towns.

Dozens.

Given that Obama won Maine by about 107,000 votes, I am thinking that "dozens" of votes were not going to change the results in either direction (unless we're talking 9000 dozen) - even if it was true.  But considering the source, it probably isn't.

Tells you alot about the groupthink over at the GOP.

Karl Rove in Pittsburgh Today

Karl "The Architect" Rove on The Colbert Report

George W. Bush's favorite turd blossom, Karl Rove, will be in Pittsburgh today at the DUG East Convention. The theme of the convention is "Unleashing the Utica, Monetizing the Marcellus." Rove is being advertised as the "Special Luncheon Speaker." The description of his speech is as follows:

A Post-Election Luncheon with Karl Rove

In an encore appearance at DUG East, the former deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to President George W. Bush shares his view of the ballot results and their implications for better U.S. government policy.

Hmm..."shares his view of the ballot results and their implications for better U.S. government policy." Think that was written before the election? And before his utter embarrassment on FOX News on election night? Well, it was. You'd think someone would want to update that a bit.

Or maybe Karl will continue to thumb his nose at reality...

Also, for you fracktivists out there, there is a planned protest tomorrow at this convention. Via Facebook:

Protest Michael Krancer at Frackers' Convention

Public Event · By Marcellus Protest
Thursday 11:00am

Info: info@marcellusprotest.org 

In honor of its two year anniversary, Marcellus Protest is organizing a spur of the moment, DIY protest at the 'Developing Un-natural Gas' [DUG} convention. This year's convention features PA DEP's Michael Krancer, who speaks at 11:15 on Nov. 15.

Well, we've got a few things to tell the frackers too. Bring your own signs. ...

STUDENTS: "Say NO To Campus Drilling! Join us on November 15 at 11:00am outside the David Lawrence Convention Center to protest the natural gas industry's plan to frack and install related infrastructure on private and state university lands in Pennsylvania. We will be joined by Marcellus Protest Coalition, the grassroots organizers who successfully banned drilling through Pittsburgh City Council.

Afterward, we will visit newly re-elected Senator Bob Casey Jr's field office and deliver our message to his staff.

You may recall that PA's DEP is under fire over their water test reports:

Testimony by a high-ranking state Department of Environmental Protection official reveals the agency may have intentionally left out part of the results of water testing in relation to Marcellus shale drilling.

According to a press release from the office of state Rep. Jesse White, D-47, Cecil Township, the sworn testimony of DEP Bureau of Laboratories Technical Director Taru Upadhyay revealed the DEP used a computer code system that intentionally left out a portion of test results for residents who were concerned their water had been contaminated by nearby drilling.

“This is beyond outrageous,” White said. “Anyone who relied on the DEP for the truth about whether their water has been impacted by drilling activities has apparently been intentionally deprived of critical health and safety information by their own government.”

A Tale of Two Elections

As with everything in our Two Americas, your voting experience varied radically depending on how much money you have.

In an African American neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio, the scene was long lines and long waits as extended hours early voting only really extended to the white, Republican suburbs:


Meanwhile, voters in Bel Air, California were met with free valet parking, lattes and finger food in the luxe version of democracy:

USA! USA! USA!

Win

Congratulations, Mr. President!

YES!

Vote like your lady parts depend on it!

He'd sell us off for parts

Just a reminder:

Progressive Endorsements!

Keystone Progress here

Planned Parenthood here

NARAL here

Marcellus at the Polls (anti fracking) here


And, file this under "It must run in the family" from my nephew, Will:

Alternative Candidates for Congress: Senate here

Alternative Candidates for Congress: House here and here

Endorsements? We Got Your Endorsements, Right Here!

The Post-Gazette:

In Washington

For Senate: Democrat Bob Casey

For The House -

• 12th District: Democrat Mark Critz
• 14th District: Democrat Mike Doyle
• 18th District: Republican Tim Murphy 

In Harrisburg

For State Senate - 

• 37th District. Democrat Matt Smith

For The State House -

• 16th District: Democrat Robert Matzie
• 20th District: Democrat Adam Ravenstahl
• 22nd District: Democrat Erin Molchany
• 25th District: Democrat Joseph Markosek
• 30th District: Democrat David Tusick
• 32nd District: Democrat Anthony DeLuca
• 33rd District: Democrat Frank Dermody
• 39th District: Democrat David Levdansky
• 44th District: Democrat Mark Scappe
• 45th District: Democrat Nick Kotik

For other statewide offices -

• Pa. Attorney General:  Republican David Freed
• Pa. Auditor General:  Republican John Maher 
• Pa. Treasurer Democrat Rob McCord

And for President:  Democrat Barack Obama And The Tribune-Review:

In Washington

For The White House -

• For president: Republican Mitt Romney

For The Senate - 

• Pa.: Democrat Bob Casey Jr.
• Ohio: Republican Josh Mandel
• W.Va.: Republican John Raese

For The House (PA) - 

• 3rd Congressional District: Republican Mike Kelly 
• 9th Congressional District: Republican Bill Shuster
• 12th Congressional District: Either Republican Keith Rothfus or Democrat Mark Critz 
• 14th Congressional District: Republican Hans Lessmann 
• 18th Congressional District: No endorsement 

For The House (OH) - 

• 6th Congressional District: Republican Bill Johnson • For U.S. House

For The House (W. VA) - 

• 1st Congressional District: Republican David McKinley

For other statewide offices - 

• Attorney general: Republican David Freed 
• Auditor general: Republican John Maher 
• Treasurer: Republican Diana Irey-Vaughan

There you have it.

For Undecided Voters of the Caucasian Variety

 

Reminder: G.O.T.V. Kick-off Rally Today!

Watch the Steelers, have a bite and a brew, and pick up election day materials -- what could be better?

WHAT: EUGENE DEPASQUALE FOR PA AUDITOR GENERAL - STEELERS PARTY & RALLY
WHEN: Sunday, November 4th, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
WHERE: James Street Gastropub (former James Street Tavern), 422 Foreland Street, Northside

http://www.eugene4pa.com

Romney Vs. Sandy

Happy Halloween! Now help get out the damn vote!

 You know what's at stake! There's lots of ways to help in this last week. If you don't, something very scary could happen! To volunteer, you can go to http://www.barackobama.com and One Pittsburgh will also set you up to help. Here are some great events that you can attend leading up to the election:

 

WHAT: UNITED STEELWORKERS' STEEL BLITZ FOR BARACK
WHEN: Friday, November 2nd, 11:00 AM
WHERE: USW Headquarters, 60 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

 

WHAT: ED GAINEY FOR OBAMA PRE-ELECTION RALLY WITH FRIENDS
WHEN: Friday, November 2nd, 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
WHERE: Kingsley Center, 6435 Frankstown Avenue (at the corner of East Liberty Boulevard and Frankstown Avenue)
For questions or directions, contact Leeretta or Lori at 412-945-0024. Facebook event page here.

WHAT: PEDUTO FOR OBAMA GET OUT THE VOTE CANVASS
WHEN: Saturday, November 3rd, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
WHERE: Meet at the home of Natalie Greene, 4425 McCaslin Street, Greenfield
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact: info@billpeduto.com 

WHAT: JOHN MCINTIRE DANGEROUSLY LIVE COMEDY SHOW
WHEN: Saturday, November 3rd, 10:30 PM
WHERE: Cabaret Theater, 655 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA (Downtown)
RSVP on Facebook (or just show up)
 

WHAT: EUGENE DEPASQUALE FOR PA AUDITOR GENERAL - STEELERS PARTY& RALLY
WHEN: Sunday, November 4th, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
WHERE: James Street Gastropub (former James Street Tavern), 422 Foreland Street, Northside
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact: info@billpeduto.com 

 

Vote for Obama and you're going to HELLLLLLLLLLL!

Aside from all the many churches flouting the law by telling you how to vote, Franklin Graham (Billy's son) wants you to know that a vote for Obama could leave the nation open to the wrath of God.

And, there's this TV ad playing in seven states -- including PA -- that states that a vote for Obama, empowers him "to attack the church and murder babies" (with helpful, gruesome pictures of course)! Local Pittsburgh stations have responded to complaints by saying that they have to air the ads because Randall Terry was a presidential candidate (of course, for the sole purpose of being allowed to air graphic anti-abortion ads). It airs when children are home before school and during the dinner hour.

I'll be on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA with Johnna Pro tomorrow

I'll be on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA with Johnna Pro tomorrow, Saturday, October 27 in the 6:00 PM hour.

You can also live stream it on their website, by clicking on the "Listen Live" button on top of the right sidebar.

We will, of course, be talking about the upcoming election, but also about issues like this and this:

(Via Daily Kos)

 Should be interesting!

See Bruce Springsteen for Free in Pittsburgh on Saturday!

Courtesy of President Barack Obama:

 

RSVP @ https://ofa.bo/brucepa

 

And, then there's this from a desperate Valerie Caras, PA GOP Spokesperson:

“Pennsylvanians will attend Bruce Springsteen’s concert, listen to his great music and then head to the polls and vote for Mitt Romney,” said Caras. “Mitt Romney is going to do very well in Pittsburgh and all of southwestern Pennsylvania.”

Keep telling yourself that, Ms. Caras.

Horses and Bayonets

Highlights of Mitt Romney from tonight's debate

Video Highlight:

Broadcast News _ Sweating The News by hulu

Still photo:

Some of the best moments from last night's presidential debate

The Joke:


The Fact Check:


The Close:

"Binders full of women" comment not just creepy -- it's another lie!

Mitt Romney's remarks that he made a concerted effort to find qualified women for his cabinet as governor and how he went to women's groups for help and that's how he ended up with "binders full of women" is another big, fat lie. From The Phoenix:

What actually happened was that in 2002 -- prior to the election, not even knowing yet whether it would be a Republican or Democratic administration -- a bipartisan group of women in Massachusetts formed MassGAP to address the problem of few women in senior leadership positions in state government. There were more than 40 organizations involved with the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus (also bipartisan) as the lead sponsor.

They did the research and put together the binder full of women qualified for all the different cabinet positions, agency heads, and authorities and commissions. They presented this binder to Governor Romney when he was elected.

I have written about this before, in various contexts; tonight I've checked with several people directly involved in the MassGAP effort who confirm that this history as I've just presented it is correct -- and that Romney's claim tonight, that he asked for such a study, is false.

Also, as yet, he has refused to say he's for equal pay for women. At this point, one would need to assume that he doesn't say it because he's not for it. (But, he is of course in favor of flex time because it allows the ladies to go home early to make dinner.)